A Sad but Joyful Day

Today was our third and last day at the Sitta Nest Orphanage. We've become friends with many of the kids and we are going to miss them a ton. I found myself wanting to take pictures, primarily of the kids I've gotten to know.

Some of the team members have decided to sponsor a kid from the orphanage. I hadn't really felt called to do that until today. As I was taking pictures, I kept on wanting to capture a nice shot of a beautiful girl who seemed outgoing enough to be in the front, dancing and singing, but was kind of shy when she looked at me. Let's call her Sarah. Sarah is 7 years old. I was hanging out with Sarah, showing her pictures of my family and asking her questions, when I noticed I had been ignoring the kid to my right. I turned around and the boy was happy to be acknowledged. Let's call him James. James is 9 years old. He is a boy I played games with yesterday. I actually gave him a bracelet. He has a very soft voice and doesn't speak English very well but he asked if I would be his sponsor. I should have known what to do but I didn't. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to ask him questions but he didn't understand. I asked him to stay there and left to find out more about him.

I learned his father died in a car accident.  His mom left the family long time ago.  Now James lives partially with an aunt and partially at the orphanage. I went to the office where they have pictures of kids who need sponsors to learn more. There I saw his picture. I knew he has a sister and was happy to find out his sister has a sponsor. As I kept asking about other kids I came across a picture of Sarah. I already loved Sarah and was filled with sadness when I learned she didn't have a sponsor. I learned she comes from a broken family with abusive parents who didn't care for her. She has a better life at the orphanage. I knew I needed to sponsor her too.

The staff called the two kids. When James heard that I was going to be his sponsor he dropped on his knees and bowed his head in gratitude. I picked him up and told him he didn't need to do that and I hugged him. I had pictures with me of my wife and two daughters. I showed them to Sarah and James. They loved the pictures. I gave two pictures to Sarah and two to James. When James realized I was giving the pictures to him he dropped to the ground again to say thank you. I hugged him.

I asked the kids to go play while I signed the paperwork. I couldn't stop crying. When I came out of the office people were asking me if I was okay but some already knew what was happening. James and Sarah were showing everyone the two pictures I had given them, showing off their new family. I wanted to spend more time with them but it was time to go. I already miss them. I wish I could stay here longer and show them love. The good news is the team has prepared a pool party for the kids, tomorrow. We'll meet at the hotel where we are staying. It's going to be crazy but I can't wait to hug James and Sarah.