Every day their hugs get a little tighter and they last a little longer. The shyer children have realized that I will, in fact, be back tomorrow. They begin to let you in a little more each day. I know that when I hug them it is sometimes the only hug they get all day and maybe all week. I will never let go first. When I leave the orphanage every afternoon I am completely exhausted emotionally and physically. I have been giving everything I have to these kids, simply because they need it.....all of it. Today a little boy cried when we left and chased our tuk tuk all the way down the street. I don't think I have ever felt anything quite like that. I spend my time either laughing hysterically at their antics or fighting back tears when one of the little or newer kids cries for their Mother...it levels me. It's just not fair.  I am so drawn to helping children because it's never their fault, it's their circumstance. I think of how different my own life would be if I had grown up with this circumstance. It doesn't matter what country you are from or what your ethnicity is. Kids deserve to be kids and to be loved and cherished. It's that simple.

Big day of giving. We were able to buy some much needed items today because of your donations. We bought a roof for the pig pen which the children have already cleaned out and two of the pigs are coming next week! The pen should also be completed by early next week.  The kids are going to freak out, so expect a few thousand pictures of that. We also were able to buy a large wok, large rice pot, cabinet for the dishes, clothes for 12 of the boys, spatulas, spoons, bowls, plastic chairs and garbage cans. 20 children were also taken to the dentist, lots of sore mouths today and missing teeth. Everyone was finally able to eat a meal together because of the chairs, bowls and spoons. WOW, I know. I was seriously thrilled/shocked/floored when I woke up after posting the list and saw all of your generosity. It's indescribable to be able to make such an impact on so many lives every single day. The children were dancing around with the chairs and balancing trash can lids on their heads. The wok and rice pot were immediately put to use, they were ecstatic. The biggest laugh of the day was when I individually handed the boys their new outfits and told them to stash them in their bags until after they had a shower in the afternoon. It was around 9:00 am. One after one they came back with their new outfits on and wet bodies and hair, new clothes stuck to them. They all had immediately showered thinking that is what I meant and wanted those clean clothes on, I died.

I also bought a calendar this morning, for one very special reason. We decided that everyone deserves a Birthday. None of the kids have any idea when their Birthday is....not the month, day and some don't even know the year (something I often forget myself). So, we decided they could each pick out their own Birthday. Now, if they were smart, they would have picked sometime in the next three weeks, while I was still here. ; ) It was about so much more than that to them. They took a lot of time to pick their dates and discussed it intensely amongst themselves. They would then carefully write their name next to the date and make sure that I saw when it was. They were so happy and I think it gave them a little piece of their own identity amongst such a large group of kids. It's easy to get lost.  The calendar was $1 put the process was priceless. I put my sunglasses on and cried.

Today was so great and so emotional. It hits me in waves when I think about the day I am going to have to leave these faces. I am so grateful for being able to give to these children every day. My heart, my soul, my wallet...whatever. For the first time in a long time... I am all in.

Yes, I just put my sunglasses on again. I love you.
LM