Every month the orphanage has a big party to wish the children who have birthday's that month, congratulations. This month's party was held on Friday night and the three American families were the guests of honor.
It was the first time for some of them to come to the childen's house as the baby house is à seperate house not near the children's house.
There were about 50 kids and their caregivers in attendance. All the kids that have a November birthday we're out in the hall and were announced as they came in the room. They were so proud and every kid was dressed in their best clothes. There were 13 kids who celebrated their birthday's and they ranged in ages from 4 to about 16 or 17. We got to say a couple of words of congratulations and then the director spoke. The director of the orphanage is a phenomenal woman. She came to the US in 1995 with a peace Corp volunteer and is the most Americanized person we have met.
Jamal, the director, was asked to teach at the University but chose instead to run this children's house. The kids think of her as their mother and she hugs and kisses everyone of them. She really is amazing and it is sad to know that not all houses are like hers. Lauren, the peace corps volunteer we met, was in a small village and the orphanage there was so bad that kids ran away constantly.
After the kids sat down, Jamal gave a speach about how all of the kids are welcome in this home and that they should not run away so fast. Of course, we got this through translation and learned later on that some of the kids run away at 16 to find their families. She tries to tell them that they may want to stay until they are older and are settled before they search for their parents. She knows these parents are the ones who have left them in the orphanage and is trying to discourage them from more pain.
After the birthday song, the show began. Guess who got up and sang? Alena! She was just like a popstar! Alena and Valeria both sang. Then the power went out! Yep totally out and it never came back on! We ended up leaving the orphanage and went to a birthday party for our interpretor Zhanara. Joe will tell you the rest of the story. Kareoke and all!
Love,
Joe Kelly, Jonathan, Jameson, and Alena
1 comment:
Sounds like Alena will fit right into the family with the singing! How has everything worked out that you brought her? I know it is Monday am there right now so let us know ASAP when your court date is. We are all anxious for you to come home. Dogs are doing great. Pips still wants to come home with me! Rocky doesnt care as long as someone is playing with him. He runs circles around Ashley in the yard when she takes him out! We decorated for christmas today and the weather has been gorgous, around 70 all weekend. I am sure it will not last. I love that you are keeping us all updated, keep it up! Talk to you soon
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