For our last visit of the 2008-09 school year with Mr. Todd and the community service group, we did something special. We went on an hour trip to Hmawbii on the 16th of May, with both high school and middle school students. This was the first time that middle school students went on this annual trip that has been going for three years now!
The two orphanages in Hmawbii which we have adopted and visited each year are called “A Kid’s Life” and “Olive Garden”. ‘A kid’s life’ is a quite poor orphanage which grows roses and fruit such as pineapples, bananas, and guavas. This orphanage is a good example of one that works toward sustainability. They sell the things they grow in the market and use the money to provide food for everyone living at the orphanage.
When we first went there three years ago, it was breaking down and really poor but it was really surprising to see how far this orphanage has grown since our last visit. There are 22 orphans and as one of the orphans told us, it feels like living together in a big family there. They really love music and have great musicians there! We all were a big, happy family and they sang songs to us and we sang songs to them, so it was a good time for all of us. After some songs together, we got into groups and played soccer on their football field which was very enjoyable too. Looking at their smiles they got when they got their presents was very special to us and we were very happy that we have made them happy, even if it was just a day.
Another orphanage we visited was the “Olive Garden”. Like “Kid’s Life”, this orphanage was also very poor when we first visited it but now, they just built a new building and the orphans there were pretty happy too. These orphans were very appreciative and their cheers when we brought in the presents for them were very heartwarming for us. They composed us some songs and we sang them some songs too and we were a big family again. Although they are orphans, we treat them like we treat each other and showed them that we care for them too. “Just like the boat we gave you all, you will get on that boat and row to the other side like a big family until you reach the other side” stated Mr.Todd.
As the last visit with Mr.Todd and our community service club, we all would like to thank Mr.Todd for all he has done for us and our country. We hope Mr.Todd and Ms.Meghan will come back one day, to see the smiles on those little orphans and we all wish you the best in Thailand!
By. Yuri
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