When we finally rolled onto the narrow dirt road I knew we were close to the the orphanage. We didn’t know what to expect but all seven of us were so excited. As we got closer to the entrance we heard kids screaming and laughing and calling out to us. I was instantly overwhelmed (in the best way) and almost started crying. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. I can still hear their enthusiastic little chants and screams. I couldn’t tell which group was more excited, the seven Americans or all the Cambodian children.
Eventually, our van, that we had been in for 4 hours, stopped moving and parked. I just couldn’t stop smiling and basically ran out of the mini bus. I was immediately attacked by giggling children. They all wanted to see my face and touch my hands and feel my hair. A couple of the older girls asked me what my name was, and what my favorite colors, animals and foods were. It was late and the sun had already gone down; I knew us travelers were exhausted but the kids gave us energy. I immediately knew I loved these little humans and that they were going to change my life.
There are 20 kids that permanently live here at the New Hope orphanage. Although, that number always seems to change as we attract neighbor kids, cousins and other family members. I’m totally okay with it:) We will be teaching english classes twice a day with some of the children here. As well as, manual labor projects, church services and prayer walks. It’s so awesome to see how eager all the kids are to learn new things. Even when we are supposed to be alone there always seems to be a small child poking their head around the corner, wanting to join in.
I now know all the kid’s names and ages. They know my name as well, but it normally sounds like, “Cake” or “Kase”. But that’s okay! I don’t mind at all. Even though we don’t speak the same language, we get to talk, laugh and play games together. We always have the best time.
I love all the excitement that lives here in Kampong Thom, Cambodia. The village people are all so kind to us foreigners and always stop to stare, smile or take pictures.
I am so thankful for this incredible adventure God has sent me on. I can’t wait to see what the next couple weeks will be like here. It’s only been a couple days but I know all these kids at the orphanage will impact me and my heart more than I could ever dream about impacting them.
