My first Christmas In an orphanage

Had been to many orphanage but this is the first time I really spent Christmas day with them. As early as six am me and my friends assembled for a van trip But it turns out many of our fellow volunteer bring their car so we hitchhiked going and coming.

Normally it's a route people dread because of regular traffic but miraculously we arrive in 20min what usually would take us 2 to 3 hours. The place was in the outskirt so it means narrow road but it was relaxing one as we passed by some scenic spots

Arriving at the area we found out another group earlier had their charity work. So while waiting on that group to wrap up I was able to take pictures of children playing and enjoying their gifts.

The gifts were categorized into two -
personalized gifts according to children's wish list and gifts for the orphanage use. I was so happy to see so many people donated it was truelly inspiring. I gave gifts for the orphanage and for the kids to use this new Year. Can you guess? For the orphanage twelve dozens of clothes hangers and twelve dozens of clothes pin while for the kids "torotot" or horn to blow in the 2018.I am grateful that the world is still full of selfless people who donated electric fans, clothes, medicine for the kids.

We serve them breakfast. It was during this time I get to know the children more and the stories behind their stay in the orphanage.Some were left on the facility gate as newborn while others are left because their parents cant care for them anymore yet from time to time they go he to theirs parents while few others are under the witness protection program. I have talked to someone who has been there for seven years now. I can't imagine how this orphans would fare had people stop supporting such cause.

In the picture below is Jewel the youngest she's being cared by everyone she had her any first here in the orphanage she just is one year old and a reside t here since birth. At start she was aloof but later she warmed up enough for me to get good pictures

I think when you grew here you'd develop that interpersonal skills and hopefully compassion for orphans. Looking at how she's cared for by a non blood relative make me feel embarrassed of the sibling rivalry I had withy brothers growing up.

Seeing how happy they are with their gifts brings nostalgia of my childhood where we are struggle with sleep because of the excitement of wants in the stocking .I am away yet the cherished memories of my Christmas as a child I carry with and events like this makes me miss home more.

I am grateful that I am able to share God's love through this children and with these bunch of people.I know somehow I pay forwards all the love I received this year

Indeed the sage was right in saying imagibe what world it would have been if we knew how to love others as ourselves

Fellow Steemians may you continue building on those life experiences that makes you uniquely you and may in those experiences include your service to others. Merry Christmas. Xoxox

Till next post,
Ayn