Emily on Orphanages, Tuesday night, 7/23

We visited two orphanages today, Fikelele Children's Center and Heaven's Nest Recreational Center. Neither one was what I expected, in a good way. My image of orphanages was similar to the movie Annie, though worse since we're in Africa.

Fikelele turned out to be a ratio of about 16 children for 2 or 3 caregivers, in a relatively clean and put together place. The children were much more receptive than I thought they would be. I imagined them being shy and afraid, but they were open and playful almost immediately.

Soon after we walked in, one of the boys got up and ran over to me and threw his arms around my legs. Other children started getting up and walking over as well, some crawling all over us, some introducing themselves (in Xhosa) and a few being very shy. One of the girls clung to me, and when I would try to put her down or play with her in such a way that made her think I was going to put her down, she'd grab harder and start crying. The leader got her to get down and play a few times, but each time she'd run right back over and ask to be picked up again.

When we left, it was really hard, since many children began to cry. I also had to struggle with the idea that we would leave and continue on with our trip, and then continue on with our lives once we get home, while they will stay there with limited love, support, and resources, and have a future with few opportunities that would likely turn out like so many of the ones we've seen, with tiny shacks in often dangerous areas. It makes our lives seem extravagent in comparison.

The second orphanage, Heaven's Nest, was much nicer. There were 3 caregivers for about 9 children, in a well organized, clean, relatively spacious place. The children were well cared for, with individual attention for each of them. We were shocked at how well behaved they were. They ate quietly and neatly, and waited for permission to get up from the table to come play with us. Hanging out with them was a lot of fun, and personally, less emotionally difficult. While we've heard a lot about orphanages and how many orphan children there are, it didn't completely click for me until I saw and met them. This experience was hard for me to handle, but stretched me in a positive way.

After the orphanages, we had some time to ourselves. We came home for lunch, and then went out to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. It put in perspective how far away we are when we saw signs with distances for many major cities, and New York was 12 000 km away.

Afterwards, we came back to the cabins for some chill time and to get ready for the barbeque with many youth leaders from the diocese. It was really nice to have some time to relax and unwind, since it feels like we've been going nonstop since we arrived. I'm excited for the rest of the week, and especially for next week when we'll be able to spend more time with the youth in Masiphumelele.

(Received for posting 23 July 2008)