Gecko’s at the dinner table…

My girls sporting their new clothes. The younger girls had to have short sleeved shirts as there were no more long sleeve ones in they’re size (long sleeves to protect from the sun- though we all might think it’s crazy, they can’t afford sunscreen to cover there skin, and white skin is seen as beautiful over here)

The children have two sets of clothing, they rotate them each day whilst the other is getting washed. (And we all need something new to wear each time we go out…)Some of their shoes I’m unsure how they walk in cause they’re holding on by a thread. The idea of a uniform has been a fantasy of Borin’s for a few years now, and something that will separate them less from the fortunate few who can afford to attend school. Whilst they only for 3-4 hours of English a day, a uniform for them 1. Makes it all the more proper and real as well as 2. Gives them another set of clothes to play in (and hopefully take better care of). So yesterday Borin and I went down to the tailor here, and chose out 17 school shirts, 9 skirts and 8 trousers for each and every kid at the orphanage to have their very own uniform (and maybe one day if they are lucky enough to be sponsored to go to school, they’ll already be set). Borin was the happiest I’ve ever seen her, and one of the girls that came along kept hugging me and saying thank you, you’re so good ‘Cher’. The kids were filled with so much glee when they each received there packages. We popped them straight on!

For those that don’t know, my family each year, give up a portion of money at Christmas to buy gifts for villages and communities that need it most, we’ve bought, wells, animals etc. in the past but one of my aunties had a great idea in using this money to fund my orphanage as I was thinking of getting some sponsorship from family and friends. So these uniforms in fact are the result of my very generous family, and 1/3rd of their sponsorship. The rest of the gifts are coming throughout the week! So a huge thank you to everyone who contributed, here is how happy you’ve all made someone/s!

And the reason I always come home the dusty feet (and for some reason no other volunteers feet are ever are dirty as mine)

I saw this quote today and (as many could vouch) it is way too appropriate and true.

Rothana and Sok Vy are very cleaver when it comes to building and constructing. They will resume old bottles, and balloons and make instruments. They can tie incredible knots and they constructed this swing for themselves to play on. Pictured is Rothana.

LyDa took my camera today (she is one of the older girls and very smart, switched on and always answering everyone’s questions). These are sections of the orange around the sides and back that I’ve never seen before, I think the picture with a lot of plants if behind their kitchen and the other is down the side where they dry their clothes.

Skipping and practising the alphabet at the same time.