Diary index
Diary
2008-06-23 - Little miracles and helping hands in the Orphanage – and farewell
“Time flies” is an old saying and, indeed, that is so true thinking of past five months I have spent here, and it is somehow confusing to think that there is only one more month left. Although it took for a while to get used to this very different way of living, luckily to know the children in the Orphanage needed only one instant, as they were ready to welcome a stranger with open arms and engaging smiles. The most meaningful and joyful moments to me have been just to be with the children, play and talk and hold them in my arms. And it has been great that children have been calling me “grandma”!
2008-05-28 - Sunshine, clouds and a memorable trip
In the end of February I came to CPCDO orphanage Love House to work as a volunteer. My intention was to give my own contribution for the children of Cambodia and also learn many things about the new culture. I arrived in Phnom Penh just after Liisa and Ville-Veikko left and together with Oili and Camilla we have continued working in Love House.
2008-05-15 - Pitkänen family's feelings on the eve of departure
21st February 2008
It’s time for goodbyes. Since the last time writing here, the children have been through both chickenpox- and head lice epidemic. The first mentioned went through quite easily, but the second one is tougher case. And we will see if it’ll be gone at all. So many kids, so many possibilities for the lice to be spread around again…
2008-05-15 - Starting at the new orphanage
We arrived here in Phnom Penh as volunteer workers in the end of November. We arrived together with our two years old son and with the news that we were expecting a second child. Our task was, as the first volunteers, to start up the cooperation between Children of Cambodia and the new orphanage, called Love House.
2008-02-24 - Magic of Christmas
Christmas day. It is still early morning when children are smartly dressed and guided to mattresses and other cushions. Also those children, who usually have to stay in their rooms, are allowed to join this kind of big happenings. Atmosphere is boisterous and full of expectancy. Christmas is celebrated enjoying the program and staying together. There are trays full of different sorts of goodies, fruits and cakes. Children are blowing out the candles on cake. For lunch time there are some tables brought to the front yard. Around them the whole personnel and visitors can enjoy together the meal. Celebration will continue in the afternoon after lunch time and rest. Local music is rushing out of speakers and is calling the personnel and some of older children to dance. Only few of the smallest children are any more at present during the afternoon. They seem to wonder and even to worry the noisy celebration. Later there is karaoke and no lack of artists. The idea is to celebrate to the late evening.