Sometime in the last month, we went to an orphanage for two days in a row – whilst there we spent the vast, VAST majority of our time raking (or scraping, as Noah, our contact's 6 year old nephew would say) leaves from the large playground area of the orphanage. We spent about seven hours in total raking and about one hour playing with the kids. Was I disappointed? Um, if you know me at all, then you know that I was absolutely disappointed by the lack of time spent with the kiddies. But, after actually spending the hour with them, it was phenomenal and pretty dang sad! They were so. stinking. adorable. When we got there, we sang some songs, played with a parachute (I love those things!) and brought out some musical instruments.
parachute!!
While we were playing with the instruments, I approached some of the smaller kiddies who were sitting on the laps of the helpers, keeping to themselves and, as I usually do, I proceeded to tickle them. After tickling them, and others around them, they all started to get off the couches and interact more. And, oh my goodness. Their giggles?! Absolutely worth seven hours of raking.
As they were leaving us, some of them started crying – which broke my heart and made it expand at the same time. Before they left, one of them, a cute little girl, ran to me and gave me a hug. And I just wanted to take her home with me.
baby girl that ran and gave me a hug!
The faces I make…. I tell ya!
Little baby children just do something to me. I don't know how to put it into words, but I just love the kiddies! I so enjoy being around them, playing with them, entertaining them, facilitating learning opportunities, and just being silly with them. Being around kids is definitely my niche – I find it easy, enjoyable, fun and relaxing.
sadly Jenn doesn't have the same touch with the kiddies as I do… 😉
