Thursday, August 7, 2014

Gertrude's Orphanage - Day 1

Visiting Gertrude’s began with Junior, a special young adult who greeted us at the gate.  Suddenly we were witnessing as Junior play fought with our Tap Tap driver, Maxim.  Obviously this was a ritual between them displaying the warmth and caring environment inside.  Several children waited to take our hands.  Gertrude’s began in 1993 and has evolved into caring for 48 children, approximately half with special needs.  We caught a glimpse of instruction with some of the children, their eyes glued to the teacher, hardly acknowledging our presence. 

The “classroom” later transformed into the cafeteria.  We were able to be there for lunch, offering our services to help feed those unable to feed themselves.  Our team of 14 was kept busy as staff appeared to each of us with a bowl of what looked like polenta, spinach, and gravy.  Staff directed us to a child anxiously awaiting their lunch.  Thankfully staff gave us some direction.  We later marveled at how readily the children ate every morsel.  Other children helped us clear bowls and clean up children. Just as we settled in to hold the children we were told it was nap time. Our time went quickly in this well run welcoming home, with cheerful staff who somehow manage typically without the 14 of us.  I think we each felt our visit with these children of God came to a fast close.  What no playground time?  Children readily took our hands, some in our arms, and Junior was there again as it was time to say farewell.  What a blessed gift of time to share. 

Sandy






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