Dancing with joy, a few of the girls twirl scarves at the orphanage in Cambodia where Twyla Ayton spent time as a volunteer last year.photos submitted
From bclocalnews.com
February 06, 2009
Cambodia again. I could hardly believe that I was being given the chance to go back to my beloved orphanage in Cambodia.
In March 2007, a team of six (assembled from the Okanagan, through an organization in Kelowna) had the chance to visit Cambodia on a short excursion from Thailand called a Vision Trip. During that trip, we “stumbled” upon an orphanage in a village named Kampong Thom. The visit wasn’t part of our original plan, but the three-hour visit would change our lives and, inevitably, the lives of these 20 children.
An article was written last year about our adventures to Cambodia. I was amazed at how the community responded. Santa’s Anonymous gave donations of everything from clothing, shoes, and toys to craft items. Unbeknownst to them, they donated the exact amount of new dolls for the little girls that were there, and two cars for each boy. The community was so generous that I was able to share items with a few different orphanages and village kids. There were 125 stuffed animals alone, not to mention the other toys, clothing, and school supplies. Biggest thanks ever to all who gave.
Last March, a team of seven and myself had the sheer pleasure of returning to the same orphanage/church bursting with the generous donations from this community. Upon our return, we found that the money that was sent ahead of us had been used to pour cement around the well, build room partitions for the pastor and his wife and for the girls and boys, new toilet facilities were constructed, and doors were made that were needed to finish the building.
We stayed right at the orphanage for five nights. Sleep seemed to be a commodity as we had to battle the loud speakers blaring with deafening sounds from chanting Buddhist monks throughout the night, barking dogs, and roosters sounding off not knowing what time it was. Ear plugs were a gift from God.
During the day, our team helped build clothing lines, tables for the children to do their studies on, a pump for the well, assembled beds, and helped build a new kitchen. The ladies and I would share stories, play games and work on crafts with the children who weren’t at school. One day we rode bikes with them to school. It was interesting to see the differences between Cambodian and Canadian school systems.
Each night, their favourite pastime was to read the Bible and sing. We would then present them with a different gift each night. They were so appreciative of everything, but they could hardly believe their eyes when they were each presented with their own brand-new toy. It was like Christmas coming to Cambodia that evening.
When it came time to leave our little friends, a lot of tears were shed from both sides and our hearts were broken. I know staying with them in their own environment was an experience that would be ingrained on our hearts forever. I am grateful for every moment.
We also got a chance to visit another little village that is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient. A man who has been working with the pastor in that village, teaching him fish and produce farming, has agreed that he would help our little orphanage/church as well. So instead of constantly filtering money into them, our goal is to see to it that they become self-sufficient in the long run.
As a result of the article written last year, I was able to share my story with students at Ellison elementary school. They did a fundraiser that raised $501. It bought the children beds, and also helped purchase a cement table with benches, and bikes for the kids to ride to and from school, so they wouldn’t have to walk so far in the heat. They also sent school supplies and made bracelets for each of the kids. This just goes to show that no matter your age, you can make a difference.
I have returned to Ellison to share with them what their money has done for the children. They again have decided to do a fundraiser to raise money for books and vitamin supplements for the children. Their challenge to other schools would be to share love in the community first and then globally. Amazing how a little love from one side of the world can spread to the other. It definitely goes to show that there are no boundaries to love.
The team will return this month for a follow-up visit to Cambodia as well as working in a slum in Bangladesh. Donations of pencils, erasers, sharpeners, beads, stickers, skipping ropes, toothbrushes, stuffed animals, and any lightweight item would be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Community Baptist Church. If you'd like more information, I will be hosting a fundraiser luncheon and slide show today at noon at Community Baptist Church in Vernon.
February 06, 2009
Cambodia again. I could hardly believe that I was being given the chance to go back to my beloved orphanage in Cambodia.
In March 2007, a team of six (assembled from the Okanagan, through an organization in Kelowna) had the chance to visit Cambodia on a short excursion from Thailand called a Vision Trip. During that trip, we “stumbled” upon an orphanage in a village named Kampong Thom. The visit wasn’t part of our original plan, but the three-hour visit would change our lives and, inevitably, the lives of these 20 children.
An article was written last year about our adventures to Cambodia. I was amazed at how the community responded. Santa’s Anonymous gave donations of everything from clothing, shoes, and toys to craft items. Unbeknownst to them, they donated the exact amount of new dolls for the little girls that were there, and two cars for each boy. The community was so generous that I was able to share items with a few different orphanages and village kids. There were 125 stuffed animals alone, not to mention the other toys, clothing, and school supplies. Biggest thanks ever to all who gave.
Last March, a team of seven and myself had the sheer pleasure of returning to the same orphanage/church bursting with the generous donations from this community. Upon our return, we found that the money that was sent ahead of us had been used to pour cement around the well, build room partitions for the pastor and his wife and for the girls and boys, new toilet facilities were constructed, and doors were made that were needed to finish the building.
We stayed right at the orphanage for five nights. Sleep seemed to be a commodity as we had to battle the loud speakers blaring with deafening sounds from chanting Buddhist monks throughout the night, barking dogs, and roosters sounding off not knowing what time it was. Ear plugs were a gift from God.
During the day, our team helped build clothing lines, tables for the children to do their studies on, a pump for the well, assembled beds, and helped build a new kitchen. The ladies and I would share stories, play games and work on crafts with the children who weren’t at school. One day we rode bikes with them to school. It was interesting to see the differences between Cambodian and Canadian school systems.
Each night, their favourite pastime was to read the Bible and sing. We would then present them with a different gift each night. They were so appreciative of everything, but they could hardly believe their eyes when they were each presented with their own brand-new toy. It was like Christmas coming to Cambodia that evening.
When it came time to leave our little friends, a lot of tears were shed from both sides and our hearts were broken. I know staying with them in their own environment was an experience that would be ingrained on our hearts forever. I am grateful for every moment.
We also got a chance to visit another little village that is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient. A man who has been working with the pastor in that village, teaching him fish and produce farming, has agreed that he would help our little orphanage/church as well. So instead of constantly filtering money into them, our goal is to see to it that they become self-sufficient in the long run.
As a result of the article written last year, I was able to share my story with students at Ellison elementary school. They did a fundraiser that raised $501. It bought the children beds, and also helped purchase a cement table with benches, and bikes for the kids to ride to and from school, so they wouldn’t have to walk so far in the heat. They also sent school supplies and made bracelets for each of the kids. This just goes to show that no matter your age, you can make a difference.
I have returned to Ellison to share with them what their money has done for the children. They again have decided to do a fundraiser to raise money for books and vitamin supplements for the children. Their challenge to other schools would be to share love in the community first and then globally. Amazing how a little love from one side of the world can spread to the other. It definitely goes to show that there are no boundaries to love.
The team will return this month for a follow-up visit to Cambodia as well as working in a slum in Bangladesh. Donations of pencils, erasers, sharpeners, beads, stickers, skipping ropes, toothbrushes, stuffed animals, and any lightweight item would be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Community Baptist Church. If you'd like more information, I will be hosting a fundraiser luncheon and slide show today at noon at Community Baptist Church in Vernon.
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