What would it be like to have 28 kids?
I don't know but we can ask Rithy. (pronounced Rutie)
Rithy began this orphanage in 2006 called the Cambodian Hope Association. With 28 kids living with him here on the property, it is an honor to work along side him this month.
Rithy, an orphan himself, has managed to get this orphanage up and running from nothing. He and his wife work tirelessly day and night to take care of the children and provide for their needs and the needs of the orphanage.
They have no idea where their next meals will come from, they live completely by faith and the generosity of others. They have one monthly donation of $200 from a local church and that's it!!!
Our team arrived 5 days ago and ever since the first moment I set foot at this orphanage I have absolutely fallen in love. Listening to Rithy welcome us and share his story leading to where they are today. Two of the children were left under trees with nothing but a small note attached. One baby girl Deborah is disabled and we give her love constantly. She is so precious.
Who could abandon these precious children?
Thank God for Rithy and his passion for helping these kids. They have no parents, no mom to come home to and share about their day at school. No father to guide them. Just Rithy and one another. They come home to their 27 brothers and sisters and that's how it is. One big amazing loving family.
The kids are so well behaved and caring and kind and loving…. each day I leave is heartbreaking. Each one just dying to know when I'm going to come back. They all want to hold your hand everywhere you go.
The other day we asked if we could stay for lunch and Rithy's eyes lit up SO brightly. No volunteers or missionaries have ever actually stayed for lunch, let alone sit with the kids. We would love to.
We sat down on the ground with our bowls of rice and veggies just like we were part of the familiy. The smiles were from ear to ear. The kids just couldn't believe it. They were literally beside themselves that we were sitting with them. It is truly hard to describe how happy this great big family was in this moment!!!
With 3 computers they pile up 3 to a chair to learn English. Wearing headphones that look giant on their tiny heads.
They are just thirsty to learn English, we take out pens and paper and learn English any chance we get…
I get so excited every day I get the chance to see these amazing kids and it breaks my heart every time I have to leave. I love asking them about their dreams. I love seeing them dream right in front of me like it's the first time anyone has ever asked them that question.
I love how they pull on my hair every time they see me. They find it fascinating.
I'll be teaching and a little one will just nestle up to my leg and pull on my leg hair for 10 minutes!
Hilarious!!!
There is little naked Paul who is the cutest baby ever, that for some reason NEVER wears pants… then again… naked babies are pretty much the norm around Thailand and Cambodia in my experiences.
I love you ALL!!!
More to come soon!!!
