Nothing you do for a child is ever wasted...

I'm going to tell you about the wonderful little people who are a big part of my life at the moment.

Some of their names have been changed for this post, and I won't be able to show many pictures due to the adoption process and the confidentiality of each child in the future, but they are so full of love and joy I wanted to share a few stories with you.

At the moment we have 5 orphans here at the base in Cavite; ages ranging between 3 weeks old and 14 months old. They are beautiful;  full of energy and so mischievous; they will climb everything that can be climbed, grab hold of everything that looks fun to grab-including my hair and glasses (this is a very fun game!), and run around like waddling penguins all day long without tiring.  Running after toddlers in 30 degree heat is hard work!! Hearing a child laugh is one of the most beautiful and infectious things one can ever experience-it's so genuine and free; I love being a part of it. Knowing the stories behind why they are here with us makes it somehow more special and rewarding; it's very fulfilling knowing that you can give love, happiness and security to a child who without being here would have no one.

These are some of the children in the Children's home. They are all captivated by the new DVD TV they have in one of the rooms! Some of these children are also orphans who have been here since they were very young and are awaiting adoption. Some of the children are here because of neglect and malnourishment at home. Hearing the stories of some of the children is really heart braking, but seeing them now-healthy and strong makes me proud to be a part of such a great organization. 


When I'm not working in the maternity clinic I work in the Children's Home, particularly giving 1-to-1 support to 2 boys ages 6 and 3. Both have different disabilities and have difficulty in walking and speaking, so during our one to one time we have fun exercising and playing games and singing 123/ABC songs! Robert (the 6 year old) is coming along well...words are beginning to form and his unique way of communicating is improving. Best and cutest thing I've taught him to do so far is to 'high 5'! Every time we laugh together, he now expects a high 5, so that's what he gets! Last week we concentrated on animals- now he can mimic a lion, monkey and elephant...all the other animals we tried just sounded like the lion! But he's getting there!
This is my war wound. Robert didn't want me to leave him one evening, so he thought the best way to get me to stay was to dig his teeth into my arm and not let go!!! He's a clever boy...and he has a strong jaw!

Jay, the 3 year old boy has not shown progress in his speech yet, so this week I'm trying a different approach. Instead of wanting him to say words, for example please and thank you, I'm trying to teach him the words using sign language. Maybe he will find it easier to express himself that way. We will wait and see.
I have so many funny stories to tell about the kids here, but it's too difficult on a blog so you'll just have to wait!
We learn, we play, we laugh, we cwtch...indeed nothing you do for a child is ever wasted.