Free Essay

Visiting the Orphanage

In:

Submitted By mrtweetybird
Words 618
Pages 3
I really don't know how to accurately describe the despair and emptiness and gripping desperation we saw and experienced that Tuesday afternoon in a small orphanage in Kinshasa. I feel the tears beginning to surface as I type and think back to that day.

As we drove through the dirt streets covered in garbage and waste and inhaled the fumes of diesel and charcoal and thick smog in the air, I strived to take a mental image of the scenes as we drove past {I so badly wanted to take a photo but knew it was illegal, so my mental images would be all I had to carry home with me}. I attempted to force to memory the image of the little boy running through the dirt with his handmade stick car being pulled by a tattered twine rope. I observed the women balancing heavy buckets on their heads while they carried young children on their backs. I tried to absorb the sights and sounds and smells and commit them to memory.

As we inched closer to the orphanage, her orphanage, I knew that we were passing the streets where our daughter spent her first months on this earth. My heart ached as I gazed out the window of our van. I had to remind myself to breathe, as I sat in disbelief watching this world, her world, pass by. It was truly unlike anything I had seen or experienced before. Knowing that our precious girl had lived here in this place left me numb.

Our arrival at the orphanage was met with shrieks of joy and sweet, quiet voices whispering "Thank you!" in an effort to express gratitude in our own language. I tried to look into each set of eyes as they came up for hugs. I wanted to just hold them all tightly and tell them they are dearly loved by our Father in Heaven. I wished I could sweep them away from this place and show them that the world outside of those gates can be bright and vibrant and beautiful.

Their eyes each told a story. A story of loss and despair. Each set of eyes reflected a haunted little soul beneath. I will never, ever forget these children. They are etched in my heart always. The way they eagerly reached out to touch our arms and legs, craving affection. The gratitude they felt for small things that I would normally take for granted. A soft mattress to sleep on at night, a cold drink, a small toy. Small, simple things.

The children performed a few songs for us and then we passed out snacks and some toys. We also distributed rosaries donated by Dave's parent's church. The kids were so excited to have something of their own.

These children. They are living in conditions that are literally worse than anything we would allow animals to live in here in the US. Yet, they are so sweet and kind. They look out for one another. The older kids take care of the younger ones. They laugh and smile. A flicker of hope still shines.

We also learned more details about S's past. It was harder to hear than I thought it would be. I hadn't realized it, but I had subconsciously fabricated a story in my mind of what she had been through. When I heard the truth, well, I just wasn't as prepared as I thought I was. Books and lectures and stories from other parents can't prepare you for that information. It was a hard, hard day.

We left feeling heavy, exhausted and incredibly sad. Dave and I spent the drive home holding hands in silence as the tears fell.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Journal

...Give reasons for choosing charity of choice The purpose we chose Rumah Kebajikan Anak Yatim Al-Khairiyah as our charity of choice is because this organization is an orphanage that is located on the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur, where we want to focus on a down town orphanage and contribute our good deeds to them as well. This orphanage is built with wooden pallets and the area is not as spacious compare to the uptown orphan homes. We want to make sure every child from Rumah Kebajikan Anak Yatim Al-Khairiyah is able to feel our care and love that people like us do give them our attention. Another reason why we chose this orphanage is because these children have no one, they are the most vulnerable and most importantly they are the future. For what we have done during the past few weeks for this CSR Project, we are glad that we were able to raise enough funds from the chocolate selling to donate to the orphanage, we want to give them what they deserve, even though the profits we raised were not much but at least we are able to provide them food and necessities, a way to bring hope to the orphans. Execution of the CSR project In our CSR Project we have conducted an online chocolate selling that collaborated with the Koperasi Usahawan Ikhtiar Dermawan (KL) Berhad which consist of SME entrepreneurs, Silarasa Food a manufacturer and supplier of high quality HALAL chocolates, established in 2004 to execute this goodwill project. This SME Corporation that links us to the Malaysian...

Words: 515 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Tim Tebow Persuasive Essay

...Tebow is also very devoted to sharing his beliefs that he has to influence others. He participates in giving efforts to evangelism especially in the Philippines. Tebow said his motivation is, “My parents instilled in me the importance of God’s Word, the salvation we have in his Son Jesus, and the responsibility we have to give back to others.” He stays dedicated to this going all around the world speaking at churches, prisoners, and anyone who may need help. He also has spread his encouragement through books. He is the author to Shaken, Through My Eyes, and This is the Day. He has done so to spread the gospel, inspire people, and share good morals. However, his dedication goes far beyond the books. He is always visiting fans with special needs, helping out at orphanages, and doing whatever he can do to make any community a brighter...

Words: 739 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Legos

...Fish, known for sexually assaulting and/or cannibalizing four victims, suspected of three more victims, died on January 16, 1936 by electric chair. Other aliases include: The Gray Man, the Werewolf of Wysteria, The Brooklyn Vampire, and The Boogey Man. Subject was born as Hamilton Howard Fish in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 1870. Most of childhood was spent in an orphanage. Subject’s family had a history of mental illness: a brother was confined in the state mental hospital, and his sister had a mental affliction. Three other close relatives suffered from severe mental illnesses and his mother was believed to suffer frequent aural and/or visual hallucinations. Subject’s mother was incapable to take care of her child, therefore causing for the subject to be sent to an orphanage. Subject was prone to being beaten, whilst naked, in front of other boys. He eventually came to enjoy physical pain and the beatings would often cause erections, for which the other orphans teased him. In 1882, at age 12, he began a relationship with a telegraph boy. The child introduced Fish to drinking urine and eating feces. Fish began visiting public baths where he could watch other boys undress. The biological perspective could possibly explain subject’s motives, due to subject’s family being prone to darkness. Social cognitive perspective doesn’t explain characters motives, as subject has no problems against humanity. Behavioral perspective can barely be applied, as subject is rewarded by...

Words: 430 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Raw Raw

...humanitarian out of his own inspiration allows me to see what a truly compassionate human being he is. I recognize the will to help others in myself as well as in the author of the novel. Of course, his work led him all the way to Darfur and his mission was to provide clean water for those who needed it most, but to an extent, I have also always felt the urge to help others. Coming from a Hispanic family and being able to go back to my parents’ country of origin has allowed me to view poverty in its most raw form. Growing up, I have always been aware that I am “lucky” and “blessed” as my parents say, to live in the United States and that I have never had to suffer through starvation or dehydration as many have. Since I had the opportunity of visiting my family in the Dominican Republic from a very early age, I was also able to create consciousness of the real problems faced by my fellow Dominicans. My mom had always taught me that donating was a great way to help others. And I could always recall my dad telling me stories about how if a beggar came to my grandmother’s door asking for clothes she would always give up the best she had because not only did she feel sympathy for these poor souls, she also felt that they needed to be respected. I agree with my grandmother because when one donates something it should be of high quality, something that one would wear without a problem, not the most broken and useless item of clothing one can find. My roots in charitable actions came from the...

Words: 792 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Gcele

...mediators between our government and high school students. That day was a culmination of months of hard work. My schoolmates and I had travelled to several high schools across the country, soliciting signatures, signatures which would ensure that the tradition of student advocacy doesn’t die with our generation. This act of advocacy, through being a council member on the National Secondary Students’ council in Jamaica, was just one of the ways in which I’ve been impressed to effect change. Throughout my high school career and in the process of pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was involved in several service organizations. The need was always present as I lived in a developing country where the unemployment rate borders 40%. In visiting orphanages regularly as well as infirmaries and shelters, there was one predominant fact in all my visits. There was a need for not just social interaction, but efficient representation. I believe, at the core of civilization, must lie that innate desire to help. Sometimes we forget that the essence of humanity lies in us being, humane. As a first semester Biomedical Engineering student I plan to be a catalyst of change by using my skills in the fields of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering in the field of health sciences. In this field my emphasis will be to improve the quality and efficiency of medical equipment and the quality and affordability of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. The Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experience...

Words: 303 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Art of Persistence

...and flared nostrils like a true savage. Five against one, bulky girls with tattoo sleeves all crowded April, pounded and kicked her until she was choking on her own blood, wounds gushed out pain, anger, humiliation. The police officers aggressively pried and tackled the girls off April. Sadly enough this was the least amount of torment she had felt in years. April was finally released that very same day, 18th of September. Stepping out into the sun, feeling the heat, sending a satisfying shiver down your spine, that should feel liberating but all she could feel was remorse and the scorching sun burning her skin. And there she was, the devil herself, Mrs. Hornburg, of all the people in West Virginia she had to be the head of Greenwood orphanage. She gave a coy smirk as she saw April coming down, her dark brown hair blowing in the wind, tall and slim silhouette, copious amounts of freckles sitting on her rosy cheeks, green, almond-shaped eyes and pink plump lips surrounded by bruises and cuts. “Now you stay out of trouble ,alright? I don’t want to see you here again.” the hefty police officer said sternly. “Of course officer, thank you and I will definitely make sure of it.” Mrs. Hornburg replied in a sweet tone but...

Words: 3531 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Summary

...submarine sinking and terrorist attacks. For that reason, I wanted to keep this blog as apolitical as possible, and as focused on the ordinary lives of ordinary people as I could make it. I wanted to know how Russians were really living -- not just how their politicians and oligarchs were faring.” This came straight from one of the posts in the blogs paper. His overall mission was to find and see what life in Russian really was like years later. Russia was really suffering in poverty after my great-great-grandfather passed away. His family all wanted to have a fresh start, so moving to America sounded like a good idea. After living in America for a couple of years, my grandfather wanted to go back and visit Russia for the last time. While visiting, he has created a blog that explains how life changed to the better after poverty. Overall, he has visited 12 cities, all materially improved. The scientists at Lake Baikal were enjoying increased funding for research, and traveling abroad more often. The Jewish community of Birobidzhan had a brand new synagogue and rabbi. Former sales...

Words: 420 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Figurative Language In Frank Beddor's The Looking Glass Wars

...not just be top in military and industry, but also treat everyone in your kingdom with respect. Alice also pictured as observant. She is pictured as that when the author uses the quote, “‘You see so much more when you walk-a little curiosity shop or a snatch of garden where you wouldn’t think it possible to have a garden, choked as it is by city things. In a carriage, you hurry past these treasures without noticing them.’” (Beddor 97) This quote shows that Alice is creative because she takes time to look at her surroundings, instead of rushing by and quickly going on her way like most people. This trait makes Alice stand out, along with the fact that she cares. Alyss is caring because when visiting the orphanage, “Alice laughed, held four conversations simultaneously… On a tour of the orphanage, a train of children following at their heels, one young boy refused to let go of Alice’s left thumb.” (Beddor 97) When Alyss first arrives back in Wonderland, she is disoriented and unsure on her powers. She manages to conjure a muzzle, but this unknown contraption is surely not enough to stop Redd. As the story goes on, Alyss becomes selfless, radiant, and powerful thanks to events that happened within and beyond the Looking Glass Maze. Within the Looking Glass Maze, Alyss sees the Alyssians up on trial by Redd, about to be murdered. As Alyss saw this she thought, “They fought on her behalf of White Imagination for thirteen years without Alyss. If, by sacrificing herself, she could secure...

Words: 1066 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Document

...will have to go through the next stage to assess them at a much more direct approach. Objective To have a clear picture on the mind and physicality of every individual as well as their personal lives to prevent further danger from happening to them. Target audience The Government will be the top target audience as they are the only ones with the power to lift this campaign up and help prevent suicides from happening. Events One on one talks ( with people who have attempted suicide and regretted it and has moved on to be successful now ) ( with famous individuals ) Charity ( Helping out other charity organizations where a feeling of realization would materialize within an individual’s mind) ( Helping out the old folks or visiting the orphanage would be a major eye opener for individuals who struggle as this takes their minds off things as well...

Words: 412 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

...A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Staged in pre-Taliban Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns is the story of two women and the tales of their intertwined lives. It shows how few rights they had before the Taliban came in to power and how they were stripped from them under Taliban control. Hosseini shows many examples of how these women were abused and seen as 2nd class citizens. I decided to read this book for the required assignment due to many different reasons. One of reasons I selected this book are the current conflicts going on right now in that area of the world. Another reason was that I wanted to learn a little more about that culture. I also got a positive review about the book from my cousin who read the book in his free time and loaned me the book to read. The main reason I read the book was to see how women in Afghanistan are treated before and during the Taliban control. I knew from what I had previously learned in your class on how greatly discriminated Muslim women are treated. I also knew how strict the Muslim religion is, but I wanted to read about it, even if it was fictional. My cousin had told me about the two women in the novel before but never told me specifics on how the girls were treated. I just had to read for myself to find out. A Thousand Splendid Suns was written by Khaled Hosseini, an American writer and physician who originally came from Afghanistan. This is his second book, he first wrote The Kite Runner which was a U.S...

Words: 1779 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Babe Ruth

...George Herman "Babe" Ruth, Jr. (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948), was an American baseball outfielder and pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1914 to 1935. Nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", he began his career as a stellar left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth established many MLB batting (and some pitching) records, including career home runs (714), slugging percentage (.690), runs batted in (RBIs) (2,213), bases on balls (2,062), and on-base plus slugging (OPS) (1.164), some of which have been broken.[1] He was one of the first five inductees into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. At age seven, Ruth was sent to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys, a reformatory where he learned life lessons and baseball skills from Brother Matthias Boutlier, the school's disciplinarian and a capable baseball player. In 1914, Ruth was signed to play minor-league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles. Soon sold to the Red Sox, by 1916 he had built a reputation as an outstanding pitcher who sometimes hit long home runs, a feat unusual for any player in the pre-1920 dead-ball era. Although Ruth twice won 20 games in a season as a pitcher and was a member of three World Series championship teams with Boston, he wanted to play every day and was allowed to convert to an outfielder. He responded by breaking the MLB single-season home run record in...

Words: 546 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Reference Letters for Scholarhsip

...Name: Institution: Course: Date: Reference Letter Enclosed, please accept this as a formal letter of reference in support of the above-mentioned candidate. I have known him for the last ten years during her high school going. I can truthfully and confidently state that he is a worthy candidate that you will be proud to have as an image of your ideal scholarship. He is a very dedicated student who cares much about learning on any given subject. As the head of Project Administration (USAID), during the time he volunteered to work with our organization which aims at helping the needy people in the society, our organization working in an environment which is manifested with jiggers, he took an active role in doing a research work on how the menace could be controlled. Thus, he organized for a community outreach program dubbed “Kick Jiggers out”. The targeted audience were students and pupils in different schools who could not afford to achieve their dreams because of jigger manifestation. Having passion for community work, his ability went beyond deplorable measures. He had the ability to communicate fluently with people from different backgrounds. These necessitated his work well and everywhere he went for a mission the outcome was amazing. His participation in community development enabled him to embrace cultural diversity and interact with people of all walks without discrimination. He has showed analytical aptitude, intelligent, motivation and preserving nature...

Words: 717 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Rise of Contractor

...who seemed to be the eldest among all.”Are you one of us?”. “You are a disgrace to Agres bloodline”.He raised his right arm and on his hand a ball of flame was formed. Suddenly water was thrown on the boy. “Stop it. That’s enough”, the owner of this voice was a beautiful girl. She stood in front of the boy protecting him with her body.“How dare you pick on someone who is weak?”.The boy had lost his conscious. “Are you alright? “asked the girl who was applying bandages to the boy. “Ouch...” the boy cried in agony, but deep inside he was happy that he was saved. “Ummm. My n. nn….name is Aron Agres”, he murmured. The girl laughed at the sight of Aron blushing hard. “Asuna”, that’s my name. “What is this place?” Aron asked. “It’s an orphanage where I stay. My parents died in an accident shortly after giving me birth. I am living here since then” Aron after...

Words: 1421 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Mock Behavioral

...Mock Behavioral Research Paper On Hamilton Howard “Albert” Fish AJS/584 Professor Steven Hoenig 3-14-2016 Serial killers is a person that kill three or more people in a short amount of time. He or she murder one after another in a similar way with an inactive period between each murder. The motivation for murdering an adult or child is based on psychological gratification. The serial killer is normally an adult white male in his late twenties, who has killed four or more individuals in separate incident with an inactive period between. It is impossible to tell just by looking at a person who will become a serial killer, the traits of some criminals or serial killers appear to be similar most of the time. The types of behaviors includes violence in the home, sexual assaults, molestation, alcohol and drug abuse, lying, animal cruelty, and a history of bedwetting. The types of serial killers are as follow. Thrill seekers are individuals that are smarter then law enforcement and think of it as a game, enjoy the media, attention seeker, police pursuit, and avoiding authorities. They send messages and keep record of the murders. Mission oriented serial killers an individual that think or claim they are doing society a favor by killing people like prostitutes. Power and Control serial killer are individual that get a kick out of or enjoy the victim’s terror, suffering, and screaming. The chareristics of a serial killer are often subject to debate. As stated in an earlier...

Words: 1723 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

A Walk to Remember

...crowd”. He was very popular with his peers in high school, but feels there is something missing in his life. Landon did not care about attending classes or even graduating. He was the handsome jock, although insecure and vulnerable. He was full of anger and hate for his father, who left his mother and himself when he was young. Jamie is a serious and conservative girl who knew right from wrong and what she wants out of life, setting goals for herself. Landon and his friends consider her a nerd. Jamie portrays a bible hugging, science fiction bookworm who wears the same sweater every day. What others feel about her does not matter. One unique thing about Jamie, she is incredibly friendly to everyone. She enjoys helping elders, visiting orphanages, tutor unfortunate children and many community services. Her attitude towards life is positive even knowing she does not have much time left to live. Jamie is the daughter of the church minister and not able to pull herself away from her Bible studies. She clings to her faith in a damaging way. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and her father raised her by himself. He was very protective of Jamie,...

Words: 1118 - Pages: 5