DAY #30: TOY
I am still in the process of identifying the dynamic between the kids at the orphanage. Some seem to fight like brothers and sisters. Some of the older girls try to act more motherly to the younger boys and girls- complete with corporal punishment! It is all I can do to keep the peace sometimes. I don’t pretend to know about the lives of these kids or the circumstances that brought them to this spot at this time. But, every time I show up, a bunch of kids come running to great me and be part of my visit. This is a photo of Ivan. He has come to every visit I have had with them, although he is mostly reserved, and tends to get close enough to be part of the group, but stays far enough so as not to incur the wrath of some of the girls who treat him like a younger brother- and not always in such a nice way. I have taken a liking to many of the kids, each for different reasons. Last time I went, I gave Ivan my camera and told him to take as many pictures as he wanted. He really seemed to enjoy the time with the machine- at one point turning it on himself to shoot a self-portrait. I loved his creativity.
Just before the holiday of New Year’s, which here is celebrated like Christmas in the U.S., the library asked for some community donations of clothes and toys to be given to the orphanage. Then, Lenara, Ira, and I delivered them. We had the kids play games and compete for toys. The big winner of the day was Ivan. He was hanging on to his prizes like someone was going to take them (which, sadly, was a distinct possibility). But, while he had them in his clutches, I wanted to document this moment of a boy who probably does not know when his next lucky day would come along.
Just before the holiday of New Year’s, which here is celebrated like Christmas in the U.S., the library asked for some community donations of clothes and toys to be given to the orphanage. Then, Lenara, Ira, and I delivered them. We had the kids play games and compete for toys. The big winner of the day was Ivan. He was hanging on to his prizes like someone was going to take them (which, sadly, was a distinct possibility). But, while he had them in his clutches, I wanted to document this moment of a boy who probably does not know when his next lucky day would come along.
When I read a post on the orphanage it brings back a few memories of when I was still in Korea. I remember an American expat woman who would come and visit and sometimes take one of us for the day to spoil. I was chosen for an Easter weekend and had the time of my life. You have no idea what your visits mean to them. I'm sure many of them live for your visits and it certainly sounds like Ivan is one of them. You are doing a very good thing, you should be proud.
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