Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My 2nd Home in Embu!


As of October 1st, I have found a 2nd home in Embu, the Child Welfare Society. I have spent every free moment there where I have been peed on, thrown up on, bit, hugged, slobbered on, but ultimately loved by the most precious children you've ever met! This Child Welfare Society is a Catholic orphanage run by Italian nuns. A vol recommended that I visit it just to see if I can volunteer there occasionally, and so far its been the best recommendation yet. I spend my time with the toddlers (4 years-old and younger) feeding them and playing with them during and after lunch. I occasionally help out in the kitchen. Its a wonderfully run orphanage since they also have a salon and dress making school for the older children to train in a skill. The children are so happy there and its the most amazing family I've seen yet. The older kids care for the younger ones and the sisters and other workers there are just absolute outpourings of love, joy, and patience for these kids. It is a beautiful example of communal living. These kids and the staff are each other's sisters, brothers, mothers, friend...everything! And you can see the kids really love each other and are truly happy! The first day I went, I got to be with the older kids (around 7 year olds) for lunch and watched the kids serve each other and pray before they eat. I almost cried as I was watched them and served them food. I surely hope Heaven will be full of this- each of us serving one another with the most sincere and genuine love!
I have taken almost 500 pictures since I've been there and am making a small "movie" with the pics I've taken (will post when done). I've gotten to really know each of the toddlers I work with and they each have VERY distinct personalities (which you will see in the movie I'm working on). I am particularly smitten by one boy, Francis, who is by far the BIGGEST "Mama's boy" I've ever met. He clings to me (and almost any familiar female adult). He wraps his tiny arms around my legs, and for the rest of day I walk with a new appendage on my leg. If you are upset with him for any reason, he bursts in to tears terrified that he's disappointed you. But his eyes are the most innocent, "puppy dog" eyes you will ever see. I have seriously considered adopting him (but maybe I should get married first before adopting :)). I have included a movie clip of these kiddos as they pray before the meal. Warning: this could make you a little teary-eyed. I have taken more photos and videos that are posted here.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

More videos please!!!

Unknown said...

E! this is awesome! I'm so happy you have found a place to just pour out your love on the community around you. I have no doubts that they will pour into you 2X over. Thats such a awesome opportunity to impact those children. YEA for you!

Marjo said...

I was there, in this orphanage in october 2008 !!!!
I know all these children, and also Francis...
Why we didn't mmet????