They were exceptionally affectionate and wouldn't let go of us. It was difficult moving anywhere with 6 girls hanging onto you! One girl gave me her bracelet that she wanted me to have and I was particularly amazed at this gesture, because they have nothing and it was probably her only piece of jewelery! I was very grateful but I couldn't accept it and tried to give it back to her. For the next half an hour she ran away from me whenever I saw her and hid from me, because she didn't want me to give it to her back! I left it on the table when I left so hopefully she will find it.
We took a lot of photos of the girls and then let them use the camera. Normally, it is a big mistake taking a photo of a lesson because if the girls see then they refuse to give the camera back, taking pictures of themselves and when I eventually do get the camera back they do not cooperate for the rest of the lesson, saying "camera, camera, please miss".
Many of the girls cryed when we left because they didn't want us to leave and kept asking when will we visit again and if I will write them letters. They tried to delay us leaving as much as possible by giving us tea, sandwiches, making us write notes to them, and more photos! They were hugging us tightly while crying and not letting us go. It was great to think we have made such an impact on their lives but it upsets me knowing that they will be crying over us and when we are gone there will nobody else going to visit them everyday and playing and singing and making them happy.
I hope that the children hold fond memories of me and I hope I have motivated them to work hard, especially with their English, as it is very important for these orphans when they leave to know English so they can find a job. I am planning on keeping contact with them, by writing letters, which should further improve their English and hopefully by staying in contact they will feel less abandoned.
No comments:
Post a Comment