Orphanage Delivery and Visit

Taken from my journal – 05 November 2012

Today was pretty amazing.  We finally got the chance to pack up all the donated clothes items and roll out to the orphanage.  We were a little delayed getting out of the gate, but that was nothing compared to the TRAFFIC to get there.  What should be a 15 minute drive took over 30.  The hectic traffic a frantic weave of cars honking, I kept tight to the truck in front of me in an attempt to keep cars from inserting themselves into our little convoy.  My “wing-man” an Air Force Major kept eyes on the right and let me know of any issues.

The variety of people on the street ranged from women in Hijabs, burqa’s, and ages.  Many towing children or elderly charges along.  The number of males higher in number, younger men in their early to late twenties dominated yet some remain age indeterminate due to the beards on their while their sun crinkled eyes would lead you to think them older.

The new Vogue!

So with our “New York Cab ride” complete we finally arrived at the orphanage.  The female Soldiers gathered to dawn our head scarves.  A requirement for the female Soldiers was to confirm to modesty standards.  And no – my Western female voice did not roar in protest.  We had fun with it, enjoying the colorful scarves and having one of the girls help out with ensuring we had them on correctly.


First we would meet with the classes and handout toys and candy.  The first room we were in was a combo class and sleep room.  Bunk beds line the wall and the boys sat on the floor with their notebooks.  A few little men aligned themselves with me.  Eyes locked on the trucks and toys I held.  They were very proud to recite their English phrase of “Thank You” as they reached out their small hands.  Both bold and shy in the gesture.

We were surprised to have another class brought into the entry room but thankfully had enough toys left, there were a few little girls, they were much more reserved in reaching out for a toy.  With quiet eyes they watched us, only reaching out when offered something.  Shy smiles quickly hidden as they ducked their heads.

We continued our mission by unloading the trucks and carrying the boxes to a room so they could sort the clothes to hand them out.  The teachers of the school coming out to talk to us, one woman I had met earlier and spoke too was able to work as a translator:

“Can you still vote in our country since you are here?”  Translated to me was their concern that we would not be able to vote in the election if we were not in the USA.  We assured them we had.  They were very pleased and interested in how that happens.

Mugs of tea were distributed and thanks said, a pause in the work gave us a chance to “gaggle” with the ladies.  Some were caregivers, some teachers, the one I spoke with was hired to help with the computers.  She had gone to another country for her degree, and was now back home to help her community.

Me, one of the teachers, and my new computer tech friend.

All to quickly we were mounting up to return to base.  I’m hoping for future visits.  But we really hope to see less of a line up and hand out. Maybe even an activity, Soccer, Hop Scotch, Jump Rope??  Though you do have to watch for sticky fingers as Velcro patches were a favorite and the all to familiar rip sound of hook & latch release was quickly followed by a giggle.  I did manage to keep my patch, but my pen in my sleeve now has a new owner.

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