We finally made it to the orphanage yesterday after an inspiring pep talk by our program director, Edward. The volunteer house is brand new, but no electricity or running water.
After school we went over the meet the children and it was the warmest welcome you can imagine. They are as poor as church mice, pretty dirty, but happy, affectionate, and unbelievably friendly. There are about 60 children ranging from 2-18, most are in the 6-10 year old range. They have so many needs at the orphanage (more on that later), but it is also amazing how they get by on almost nothing.
We met with Mama Jane, the founder of the orphanage. She is a wise and experienced person and one to learn from.
Our volunteer mates are all 20 somethings--some just out of college, taking some time off, some are travelers with months of time in all sorts of places. Our new group came from Mexico City, London, Wisconsin, and of course, us! The volunteers already there gave us a warm welcome. They are busy and have accomplished so much in their time there-2 weeks to 3 months.
I can already tell the time is going to go by too quickly. No one else is here for such a short time, but as Edward, our very wise program director told Julie and I directly---one week can be enough to change your life. I think that will be the case!
That sounds incredible guys. I'm so proud of you both, especially you Julie. Sounds like you're both getting a dose of the Mother Turesa feel which is so awesome! I'm really jealous. Keep posting because I love reading these blogs. Be safe and go kick some humanitarian style ass! - Spencer
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to your update Julie and Denise. No big news on north 23rd Rd. You aren't missing a thing other than it cracked through 45 degrees and some snow is melting. Take care xo Kim
ReplyDeleteI am glad you both went to Ghana and that the experience is meaningful. Amelia and I had only a small dose of it in Vietnam at the orphanage in Hanoi. Nadia is here now, and we were taking about ways to get a garden in the Vietnam orphanage. It is hard to let go once you are in a place and see all the need that can be helped by the smallest little changes.
ReplyDeleteIt is 50 degrees in Arlington and it feels like spring. Ginny says hello along with the whole Ward family. Glad you two are feeling healthy again. We really enjoy reading your posts!
Do hope you are feeling better, take your Malaria pills, and be careful what you eat and drink as intestinal parasites are not fun. I am really enjoying the blogs, makes feel guilty about living the easy life in Fl. Love you all, JuJu
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