Sometimes it is hard for me to understand why these children are at the orphanage, because they could not be more happy. Everyday I am here and I look at Ken 11, and Kym 9, (sisters) who both run up to me everyday hug me, tell me they love me, and thank me with the most beautiful smiles. I really cannot help myself to think why they would be here and be so happy without any family. Having been away from my family for almost close to two weeks has been hard enough. For this reason, I asked Ritchie some of these kids stories...starting with Ken and Kym. Sisters who were street kids, who have traveled everywhere around Phom Pehn looking for money, food, clothing, etc. The authorities found them and when Ritchie took them in, they did not want to be at the orphanage, so they began escaping late at night. They wanted to be on the streets. This however was not and option for Ritchie. He would not give up. Eventually, he finally got Ken and Kym to stay in the orphanage with the other children in early 2009. Yes!! Now I understand why they enjoy living here. It is because they are surrounded by their "new" family which is built up of love. Every child has a different story. I may not know every story yet, but the one thing I do know is each story has a very happy ending!
Today every kid at the orphanage had a little bit more energy than normal. We started our day with a trip to the Lucky Super Market. I compare this to a City Market because it is air conditioned, smells delcious, and its just amazing! Here we got 50 donuts and soy milks for all the kids. Talk about sugar rush! The kids all sat in a circle and we passed them out. They will all sit there until everybody present at the orphanage gets their donut and milk, and until we say our prayer. Today they asked Mrs. Gutmann to lead the prayer which was very nice. They ate, we laughed and we all went on with our busy day!
I consider Jack Skidi and I the ultimate frisbee team because we played in a circle with some of the kids today and it was so fun and nice. Hot though, very hot! Jack looked like he had taken a full on shower and I was not as bad but pretty bad. I can not wait for shower tonight. Here I come shower!!! In the middle of our games I try to get shade and when I do I probably have ten kids on me or surrounding me at once. Books wanting to be read, hugs wanted from everyone, and new games wanting to be started. The sugar rush throughout all of them made everything a little bit more tiring, but all good.
Everyday keeps on getting better and better! Whether I learn something about myself, about the children, or about life each day I am learning something that will never be replaced. Thanks Mom, Dad, and Zach for all your support back home. You are the best family I could ever ask more. I miss you so much!
Love
Anna
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