I visited the orphanage today at Ulene (You-lay-nee). It's the same one I went to last year and it was a joy to visit again. It's a heartbreaking visit, really, and so very difficult to explain with words. As you walk in there is an inner courtyard and the toddlers "hang out" there. It is fly infested and most kids just sit on the ground or walk around. There are very few, old toys. They beg to be held, vie for your attention, and hang on your legs. They are jealous of each other for one getting held and as many cling on to you as possible. I helped feed the babies...they sit 3 in a row and get fed from the same bowl and spoon at the same time. It's quite a sight. I helped feed the toddlers. I then went outside and played soccer with some older boys.
It's really hard to tell you exactly what it is like. The smells are awful and the children so sick with runny noses and dirty faces. Yet it is a nice orphanage and the children are loved. They just don't get much attention for the few people that work there. I was surprised that I recognized an infant from last year - Angelina - who is now a "toddler". She is a very needy little girl.
The thing that is the saddest is that 95% or more of the children at the orphanage have AIDS. They are sickly and are in so want of love. To be held is the most wonderful thing to them. In one sense I wish they had more toys, but looking at it, I don't think that's what they want. They just want to be held and loved.
Please keep these children in your prayers. I wish I could have taken pictures but cameras are not allowed. (Somehow Stacy last year was able to get permission! You go, Stacy!)
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