Today, was the last day I got to spend with the beyond amazing children from Children's Hope Association Orphanage. Ugh! We began our day by going straight to the orphanage! When we arrived, the children were once again nothing but excited to see us, however they were a little bit more clingy than normal and they all knew (even the younger ones) that today was our last day here. Despite this, the Cambodia Crew wanted to make our last day at the orphanage an exciting one for the always energetic kids at the orphanage!! We played with them all morning and gave them the last of our donated items. Toys, arts and crafts, medical supplies, and the Kind Design t-shirts from Jack Skidis sponsor. Thanks Kind Design, the boys absolutely loved them!
We once again left at our lunch time and went back to the Tattoo Guesthouse to eat lunch. From the morning we were alll pretty tired, but the hip music allowed me to stay awake. But, the hard benches allow Jack to fall asleep. Ha! After lunch we went to the Lucky Supermarket one last time. This time we bought all party supplies, sugar, and more sugar!!! We also went to the Russian Market one last time, buying only party supplies. Games, party hats, and more party hats. Ha! As a group we decided to put the party hats on in the tuk-tuk so we had them on when we arrived. We already stick out like sore thumbs here, but with our tuk-tuk packed to the rim and Jack and I having to ride on the back with our party hats on, I don't think the looks could have gottten any odder. When we arrived the kids thought we were pretty hysterical, so we immediately handed their hats out and their smiles were from ear to ear! Some of us continued to play while the others plated the 22 pizzas we ordered and poured the Coke into their cups with ice. The children sit in the kitchen, in a circle and wait patiently for their food. Then, when we all passed out their food, every kid will make sure to bow and tell you thank you. So sweet!
After, we let it get dark outside so we could dance and play more games. This was so much fun. The kids were running around with their hats, balloons, ice cream, and extra candy. As were we by the way! We played for a while, but as it got a little bit darker and a little bit later into the night, we knew it was time to start saying our final goodbyes. Ughhhhh! This was absolutely horrible. Even though I grew attached to all the kids, there were a few of them who were my own secret favorites. So, I saved those hugs and words for last.When I eventually made it to those children who were my secret favorites, I couldn't keep it together. I hugged them, told them I loved them, I will miss them, I will be back soon, and everything is going to be ok. In the meantime, I had tears coming down my face. My friends around the room looked exactly the same. As I said before, I grew very attached to a little, shy boy named David. When I came to him to say goodbye, the tears were already flowing. I got down on my knees and he came to me and held on to give me a hug. He knew I was crying, but when he had his arms around me and he put his face into my shoulder and started to ball his little adorable eyes out, I could not take it anymore. I could see it in his eyes that he was absolutely crushed. As was I. After, I finally had the guts to to say my last goodbyes to the children. Then I got in the tuk-tuk with the rest of my amazing group of friends. I waved down the street, and yelled I love you back to them for the last time on this trip. I will no doubt be thinking about these children everyday until I am back here again.
When we turned the corner, I took a little breather and let myself cry out all my frustration that I have over the situation these kids are in, the sadness that I have because I am leaving them, and the happiness I have because of what I have accomplished on this journey and what I have received from it. This trip has alllowed me to grow so much as a person. Actually in ways I never thought I could ever grow. I learned important life lessons in many situations while working here everyday. Also, I gained more of an appreciation for the family, friends, and things I have. This trip has forever changed the way I look at life and me as a whole! I know this was not the last time though, because I will be back, just like I promised each kid!
Thank you so much Daddy, Mommy, and Zach for supporting me throughout this whole journey and especially my entire life. I could not be here in Cambodia doing the things I am doing without you Mom and Dad. You raised me to be who I am, and I couldn't love you and thank you enough. I love you so much! Dad the ultimate studier in the world, my sportsman, and most of all my giver of advice. I need you everyday for something and you are always there. Mom, my personal chef and chauffer, the greatest researcher/planner/organizer ever, and the person who will always make me laugh. You are the best and I know you are always right there if I need anything. Zach, the greatest lacrosse goalie I know, smart and a strong man, who will always be dorky and hilarious. You are leading a great path for me through high school Zach. I love you all!!
Lisa-Marie Howell. I could not thank you and Children's Global Alliance enough for this amazing experience. You are one incredible woman, who everyone should want to be like. On this journey you were everything a girl could want. A shoulder to cry on, a joker, a teacher, and most of all, a lover to all the kids. I admire you so much and cannot wait to share another experience like this one with you again!! I love you!
I cannot wait to share this journey with all of you when I get back! Hopefully seeing how amazing my journey was and what I was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time with your help, will encourage all of you readers to go on a journey like this one! Thanks again for all your support of the Children's Hope Association Orphanage and myself. It couldn't have been accomplished without the help from each of you! This is only the beginning.........
Love always.
Anna
No comments:
Post a Comment