When I heard we were going to an orphanage the picture I got in my mind was a building with lots of children living inside. I guess I watched the movie Annie quite a few times while growing up. The scenes outside our bus window as we drove there were my first indicator that the place we were heading might not look how I imagined. No, orphanages in informal settlements (i.e.- slums) are not two-story buildings with all the necessaties to take care of a large group of children.
We met several of the young girls who lived there who immediately wanted to show us the room where they slept. After entering I saw why. Someone donated paint and their rooms were colorful, bright and cheery with prayers and other positive messages on the walls. They were so proud of their rooms and I felt just as grateful that they were able to make the room "their own."
Many of the children living there became orphans when parents died of HIV/AIDS, alcoholism or anther illness. However, some have a parent who is still alive but just too ill to care for them. Instead of being left on the streets they were brought to live here. Currently, only nine of them attended school since that is all they had funds to send.
After touring around, Jodi led a yoga class for 9-13 year-olds (with some younger ones sneaking in as well). They seemed to really enjoy it and at the end Jodi asked everyone to share one word with the group. Hearing the words; love, thankful, happy, and joy among others brought tears to my eyes. As with most of this trip, we came hoping to give something to the children and they gave us far more in return.
Wall Paintings in the Bedroom
The Poultry Project- chickens were donated as a way to provide eggs to eat.
After a great need for food they started their own garden
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