Paper Plates and Stream Swimming

Hi! :)


Yesterday the road was still wet so we couldn't work, instead we set up an activity day for the kids. There were four stations: sports/activities, music, art, and yoga and the kids would rotate between each one. I was running the art station with Gabrielle and Alli. There is something about art that is so incredibly powerful. The kids were making animal masks out of paper plates as well as crowns to wear. From the second the kids walked into the art room to the second they left, they were incredibly focused and putting all of their efforts towards their work. I have never seen these kids so quiet and concentrated. After each kid was done their mask they would hold it up for a picture and then go show their friends, they were so incredibly proud of what they accomplished. It is so neat to see how easy it is to make somebody happy. Ever heard that commercial about restoring people's faith in humanity- even if it is just by holding the door for someone, that is how I feel right now. Yesterday we just supplied them with the supplies and the kids took it where they wanted it to go, and they did it with all of their heart. It was amazing to see how easy it is to make somebody else happy. Whether it is sitting down and cutting out ears for a paper plate lion or just giving a hug when you greet someone, it is so easy and so worth it. If we have the ability to make somebody else happy, why shouldn't we take it? Why not make life a little better for someone else? You would probably want the same in return. Doing the art with the children was amazing and incredibly moving. They all worked together and were so polite and respectful. There is something about this orphanage that really demonstrates a strong sense of community- and I am so envious. The siblings take care of one another, the older ones helping with their younger sibling's hair and food, and every single staff is incredibly patient and well respected. Their natural instincts to take care and love one another is amazing. The amount of things we can learn from these kids is amazing.

Yesterday afternoon we took a boat ride to Laos which is just across the river from where we are. When we got to the other side we went shopping in a little market that sold everything from Chanel bags to cobra whiskey! After the boat ride was when the fun really began... we finally got to take the kids swimming!!

We arrived at the water and following our van were two small trucks with approximately 60 kids piling off the back! As we walked down to the water a kid would grab each of your hands and start running with you. We started walking in the water, which pretty much resembled a swamp, and were pretty grossed out. After a while we just gave it our all- if the kids can do it so can we! And oh boy was it tons of fun!! We splashed and swamp and played games all afternoon. The kids would cling on to you and jump on to your bag expecting you to carry them upstream- it was hilarious! I started off swimming with two little sisters and noticed throughout the entire time we were there, the older sister constantly checked up on the younger one and was always ready to assist her if need be. The older sister is probably around the age of 10-15 and already has motherly instincts. She is so incredible and shows so much love towards her sister. When we got into the truck to go back to the hotel she brushed her sisters hair and wrapped her in a sweater as she placed her head on lap. It was the cutest and most heartwarming thing I have ever seen. Swimming was by far my favourite experience with the kids, they were so full of life and energy and, in my opinion anyway, it really allows the kids to just be kids and not think about anything else but that very moment of splashing around in a river! I love it.

Why is it that every time you start to get attached you have to go? We are saying our goodbyes soon so stay tuned!


Love you :)


Bianca