Uncategorized « Childrensvoices

This May’s visit to the Aroma’s Homes was quite pleasant. The rains had abated somewhat, but it was still cool enough to be comfortable.

The children were still at school so we spent some time talking with the caretakers. The new buildings were coming up slowly. Concrete blocks had been laid for the walls, and beams were set in place for a slab that was to be the roof.

The children were thrilled to see us, and literally charged down the road towards us. They had plenty of stories to tell about their new toys and about each other.

The girls were in good health and doing quite well at school too. They hadn’t lost their penchant for teasing each other either.

The boys looked slightly thin and seemed to be going through a growth spurt, but it was practically impossible to keep them in one place. If they were not at school, they were playing never ending games of cricket in the hot sun.

The new toys were still being passed around and shared amongst themselves and they all seemed quite satisfied!

The much anticipated gifts arrived late in March, and with the help of PASA’s directors, it was cleared through customs and transported to the Aroma to be distributed to a very excited group of children. Needless to say, the Aroma children were ecstatic to receive their gifts which consisted of a colourful variety of soft toys, remote controlled cars, shoes, and sports equipment. The children had never seen such wonderful things in their entire lives and were so enthralled by their gifts that it seemed to be a second Christmas for them! The children were immensely grateful to receive such lovely presents,and their joy was visible in their every action. The grins alone were ample proof that the gift exchange program was a resounding success.

Here is a first person account of the delivery of the gifts:

we were very nervous during the entire journey to the north western province which was some 130 km to the orphanage through security check points but luckily none of them stopped us and asked us to unwrap all the gifts.

i wished you were all here just to witness the happy faces of them kids, it cannot be described, but we managed to capture some of it on video. oh how their faces shone!…..

It was the most beautiful sight one will ever witness. i did not unwrap a single gift at office. this, i thought i’d do in the presence of all the kids, caretakers and pastor.

when i stepped down, it was like i was surrounded by big and small butterflies — kisses, hugs and more kisses.looking at the happy faces of each and every child, filled our hearts with joy and moments of peace – - kids who were withdrawn, opened up and even touched my hand….

we had loads of fun and games, loud laughter, smiley faces — faces that could not stop smiling, but the memory of the funniest words of a little girl, will always bring a smile to my face. she said, in sinhalese, “sister, i got a frog, now tell me, how can i sleep with a frog?”. the boys were overjoyed with their remote control toys… there was one boy who helped the others figure out how to make it work. i myself was surprised to see some of these toys. the boys had the time of their lives, making the remote-controlled toys dance in the sand… what a sight!

we conducted a small singing program too and taught them the chorus, “there is peace like a river”, and “i am happy today”. Two other child volunteers, played the guitar for them – - these kids are fast learners. they love to learn these little choruses…

they send their love and THANK YOUs to all the kids in Swampscott’s the organizers. they prayed for all of you by name – - they wanted me to say this to you, “tell the brothers and all the kids and all those who helped this happen that we love them more than they love us.