While traveling in Cambodia we were presented with a great opportunity to have an entirely different Christmas. Instead of unwrapping presents and gathering around a festive dinner table we spent the day with kids at the Little Angels Orphanage & Khmer Art Center near Siem Reap. Our awesome friends and fellow world travelers David Hatfield and Angelina Sereno were planning to visit the orphanage and spend some time with the kids. We decided to join forces and on Christmas morning we left our hotel on two tuk-tuks loaded with food, toys and school supplies for the children.
There are about 80 orphaned kids ages 2 to 20 gathered under the wings of Little Angels Orphanage. These children live in destitute conditions with wooden bunk beds covered with a thin wicker mat, take cold showers and many didn’t even own a pair of shoes until they were recently donated to the orphanage. Children eat very simple meals, share warn used books and own very few toys and clothes. These kids don’t have the support system most of us do and their future is uncertain.
Nevertheless, they were all smiles and games when we brought toys and invited them to play together. As the kids were chasing a ball or filling balloons with water and bouncing them on a tile floor we suddenly felt like kids ourselves. Growing up in Ukraine Alex and I both enjoyed the same simple games outside, away from TV and computer screens and there was something nostalgic about that afternoon.
It was exciting to watch kids’ faces light up with enthusiasm as we played and spent time in the classroom. Our teaching skills were put to the test when we took turns by the blackboard for a short lesson in English and math. We were in for a big surprise as most kids knew lots of English words and could count well. They all had little workbooks and were taking notes of our slightly chaotic but well-intended lessons.
I must give credit to the orphanage organizers and supporters such as Peter Phoeng, as they are faced with a challenge to care for so many kids and it was obvious that they also manage to provide basic education to their little residents.
The Little Angels Orphanage greatly depends on donations, but also has a creative way to make some money and teach children a variety of skills. Older kids are given pieces of dry leather and they carve out absolutely amazing patterns, that make great souvenirs for tourists. Some children draw the patterns, others add finishing touches to framed pieces or stitch beads to leather bracelets and Christmas ornaments.
We’ve met so many smart and talented children at the orphanage and I could not help but wonder what these kids could become if they were given a chance? How different their lives would be if someone cared enough to help?
Every year for as long as I can remember Christmas was filled with shopping, shopping and yet more shopping. I know it’s hard to resist those festive ads and shimmering displays creeping up on us right after Halloween, but don’t we spend a little too much time and money buying stuff for people who already have plenty of it? I have a feeling that our friends and family would still love us even if we didn’t spend a small fortune on them every December.
So, this year we are starting a new tradition – setting some of our income aside to sponsor a few orphaned kids every year. Making a positive impact on someone’s life will undoubtedly fill me with Christmas spirit like nothing else.
You can DONATE to Little Angels Orphanage & Khmer Arts Center via Gofundme.com.
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