Nepal 2019
Day 10_Thursday
Sylvia Lau + Hui Hui
All Things Bright and Beautiful
We woke up at around 4:30am, way before the sunrise, so we could be gather with the kids at 5am. After our gathering, before breakfast, we had the opportunity to listen to Pastor and his wife’s sharing and testimony (with many thanks to JooHee’s help in interpreting) of the orphanage throughout the years - from nothing to what it is today. The journey they took were not short of trials and tribulations, even till today with present persecution, yet they remained faithful. Through them, the Garden of Eden has been built right there, in Nepal.
It’s evident that the love of Christ they receive overflows to the children. They know each of them individually, and there are 200 children altogether at the time, but more and plentiful in the years that they have served and built the orphanage! In loving response, these children call them Dad and Mum. We also learned that they get up at 5am to gather every day of the week! From our arrival, to playing with the children, and seeing how much joy they all have, it really felt like it was heaven on earth. I was touched by Pastor and his wife’s humility and servant heartedness in all that they have done.
After their sharing, they blessed us with a wonderful delicious breakfast. After breakfast, I went back to my room to have a power nap for 15 minutes (as Hui Hui calls it), as I wasn’t used to getting up so early, especially since we had a day full of activities planned.
Shortly after breakfast, at around 8am, we ran a short medical clinic for the children. Henna, Brenda and Joo Hee were running it, while the rest of us were outside playing with the children as they waited for their turn. The medical camp quickly turned to playtime, as there were only a few kids that needed to see the doctor. I was so happy. Everyone had lots of fun! We played games like Zip Zap Boing (a game taught by Joe). Most of the kids could speak some English, but what bonded us together was just through playing with them and teaching them fun games.
Next on the schedule was to join the younger kids in the hall. When we entered, they were all sitting down in neat rows eagerly awaiting for us. The team led them in some exercises and stretches to warm them up. Brenda gave a health talk to the younger kids, teaching them basic hygiene with the help of a translator, and also educating the teachers on what to look out for in spotting rashes etc. Following that, Lily taught the children a couple of fun action songs. The children thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to sing it repeatedly. I (Sylvia) was exhausted after all the physical exercise but the children remained so energetic!
Joohee then led the group in arts and crafts, to make a candle out of coloured paper and mount it on a peg. We split the children into groups, and each one of us sat with a group, to help them out with it. It was such a sight to see both boys and girls getting creative and enjoying themselves. They started clipping the candles on their hair. I felt there was something prophetic about wearing the candle on their heads - our prayer for them is that they may they be light of the World.
It was my (Hui Hui) first experience, having to lead 200 children in stretching and dancing (perhaps this is a start to many more of such in the future). I seemed to be getting better at playing games!
Once they were done with the crafts, we split the boys and girls up. Yang, Joe and David took the boys outside for outdoor activities (it was so hot and humid outside), while the girls were left to make gospel bracelets with coloured beads. Each coloured bead had a special meaning behind them. At the end of all these activities, it was time for lunch. The children took each of us by the hand and led us back to the guest house for a delicious lunch.
There was a talent show in the evening that showcased how creative and talented these children are! Maybe their talents were learnt directly from the best Teacher who love them so much!
Before they left for their dorms, we had the privilege to hug all 200 kids good night. It was a fantastic way to show love to them, and be loved by them. You need to try it for yourself to truly know how heartwarming it feels!
“You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon. Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.”
Song of Songs 4:15-16 NIV