Mother Teresa’s Orphanage, Amritsar - Apr 2008
Being away from home, for 5 days, in a foreign land is always a no good feeling. We tend to miss the comfort things that we have like food, our comfortable bed, air-con and importantly family. This trip to Amritsar, however has been very different. Very rewarding indeed and it gave me time to reflect on the things that I always take for granted which is family.
When I met Christine, there was this special aura about her. I knew it was different. When she approached me asking if I was keen to go to the Mother Teresa's Orphanage, my heart did not stop a beat and I said 'Yes'. It was not about giving back to society, it was more of a personal issue close to my heart. I always believed that in whatever I do, I should not expect anything in return. I do things out of my heart and willingness.
I was ecstatic when she managed to rope in one more of my colleague cause an extra hand is always a helping hand. We met for lunch, and straight after that, we headed down to the local grocery shop to get essential items for the children. We got them toothbrush, toothpaste, and some sinful indulgence like chocolate and chips which any children will sure to like. We were told that there are about 26 children staying at the home. We then packed these items, 9 of them, into individual 'gift bag'.
During the journey in the car I was feeling a bit reserved, cause I am not sure how the condition of these children will be. Will they be scrawny? Will they be like the street kids? A lot of questions were running in my head. There is the language barrier as well. I told myself, I shall take it as it is and take it all in my stride.
When we arrived at the home, many curious on lookers were looking at us. We were greeted by their warmth smile that is so genuine. The children were studying in the hallway when we came and their faces shows it all how they were feeling. There were smiles and excitement all over them. The sister gave us a tour of the home. After that, I really felt like Father Santa as I distributed the gift bag to them as it was greeted with overwhelming thank you from them. Each of them waited excitedly for their turn. To my surprise, they were able to converse in simple English.
There were some smaller children as well, which we were not prepared for. They were as young as 3 months left abandoned. The gift bag definitely does not suit them. Christine had a planned, and gave the sister cash (which donated by Mr Arun Kumar) instead to get the milk supplies for these small toddlers.
I spend a whole good one hour with these children. Playing soccer, catching and taking their photos. There were no TV in the home, so in a way, me, Rizal and Christine was their entertainment for the day. It was so nice to see them feeling so happy and that is how children should feel. No worries in life, just playing. I did not ask the sister any of the children history, cause I am there not to interrogate on the children background, but just to put on a smile on their faces. It must have been hard growing up without parents, but it sure will make them a stronger and more determined individual in the near future. There weren’t any issues with language barrier, cause playing with these kids, you can straight away grasp what they are saying by their body language.
There were so many happy memories there with the kids and no words can actually say how I really feel. I shall let you see the pictures, as they speak a thousand words.
Text by Azym Haysen
Happy Angels would like to thank the following donors for their kind contributions.
Mdm Lau Chai Lee
Mr Azym Haysen
Captain Ling Keng Joo
Mr Arun Kumar
