Day 7: Volunteering at the Orphanage

After working on a farm I brought out my jump rope and played with the kids who instantly fell in love.

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Out of respect to the privacy of the kids I won't be posting any photos from the orphanage.

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I woke up at the guest home and walked next door to the orphanage for breakfast. We had bread, jelly, potatoes, and tea. Afterwards we washed our dishes at the washing station. I then played with some of the kids and walked them to school.

I learned we play with the kids in the morning and the evening and do work while they are at school. Today we walked a few blocks to their local farm where they have a cow, Callie, and crops to help feed the kids and sell for money. The other half of the group went to help on the other farm 30 minutes away.

We started by cutting all of the weeds in this corner which were about waist high. We brought them to feed the cow. We then picked the rest on our hands and knees. Next we used a hoe to turn the soil. I actually enjoyed hoeing even though my hands got covered in blisters. Next we brought poop from Callie to fertilize the soil. We used our hands to spread out the poop and although it was pretty gross at first we got used to it quickly.

Once we finished with the field and it was ready to be planted, it was time for lunch so we went and took much needed showers. It gets very hot during the day so we typically work before lunch and then not again until in the evening.

After a lunch of Dal Bhat and potatoes we had about two hours to sleep before the kids came home. The rest was much needed because although playing with the kids is a lot of fun, it wears you out very quickly.

We helped them with any homework they had and then we walked to a local park to play soccer. I also broke out my jump rope and skipped with some of the kids. They absolutely loved it and I had to solve a few fights over whose turn it was to use my rope.

We jumped and kicked a ball around in the park until dinner was ready. We had more Dal Bhat and potatoes. Afterwards we washed the dishes and played with the kids until it was their bed time.

The group decided to go out for green tea ice cream which we passed by the other day and one of my leaders, Robin, wanted pizza. When we got to the restaurant and ordered the ice cream they said they didn't sell it, even though it was on a sign and the menu. I was disappointed, but instead enjoyed some custard. Then we found a place that sold pizza for Robin.

After a long and very fun day farming and playing with the kids, I was very happy to see my bed.