Yesterday we learned how hard it is to run an orphanage that is as organized as the orphanage in Jinan. We worked from 8:30 until 5:30 with only a short lunch. We fed babies (imagine how difficult to feed two at one time...you have to be quick!). We changed diapers, we chased babies who wanted to escape their play rooms, and we played until we could play no more. We returned home late yesterday wondering how we were going to manage another day like that. We have so much respect for the nannies and the staff at the orphanage who do this on a daily basis!
Today was a little more relaxed. We took time to step back and remember what it is like to be a child.
Special Project:
We have been scheming all week about our special project. We are faced with the task of taking 17 children who range in age from 4-15 out of the orphanage. We decided to do a "Birthyear Party." On Saturday, we will be treating the children to McDonalds Happy Meals and a huge party to celebrate their birthyear (we wanted to include everybody!). Our task today was to get toys, candy and party favors for the goodie bags. Where in Jinan do you go to do that? Wal-Mart of course! It is true, we found a huge Wal-Mart right in the middle of Jinan. After two hours with the children this morning we snuck out for a shopping trip with the children in mind. See more about this in Saturday's posting. We spent our entire lunch break (and maybe a little more) preparing for this party.
Bubbles and Troubles:
It seems so often we forget about the simple things that children enjoy. We get caught up in fancy electronics, the latest hot toys that all the kids have, and we forget about the simple things in life that bring a smile to a child's face. This afternoon we got to act like kids again! Our groups split into two. One group was to go outside with about 10 children and the other group would remain inside with 10 children. The inside group was a special group-all of the children were deaf or mute. As a group, we had brought a few things for the children to play with...today we broke out the presents and played! The group inside started with crafts. They had foam sheets with stickers, coffee filters to make flowers, washable markers, and coloring books. The children started off by doing a mural on the orphanage wall-nice touch but we were thankful the markers were washable. A team of children led by our volunteer Janet decided to take every sticker and foam piece and throw them onto the floor (see the pics!). The point here is that craft time was so much fun...the kids loved it as did the volunteers. But, in addition, they were allowed to make a mess. They wrote on walls, threw stuff all over the floor and had a great time doing it. Cleanup only required a mop and bucket!
Meanwhile outside...
The group outside showed children bubbles for the first time. The children were amazed. Some of them were afraid at first, but quickly saw how fun it was to chase the bubbles and pop them! Some of them were able to blow bubbles while others had a great time chasing them around. The children laughed out loud at this new found form of entertainment.
We ended the day fairly early as we still have a lot of planning to do for the party and we leave early tomorrow for the foster center which is about 40 minutes outside of Jinan.
See you tomorrow!
contributed by Erin
1 comment:
Oh my gosh your kiddies are so cute! Looks like you all are having a great time!
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