Bulgaria Ski discussion board

On 3 March, Carole and I went with Amanda to the orphanage and spent most of the day with the children. As a brief background, many of you already know I only joined the team at Carole and Amanda’s request to help with the administration side, recording donations etc and managing the website. I thought I had a good idea of what it entailed and why I was doing it. At first glance the site of the orphanage was so depressing it made your heart sink and wonder whether we could ever do enough to help these children or to improve the conditions that they were living in. But as we went inside the impending gloom and dreariness fell away as the children descended on us. I was not prepared for the welcome that we got – wide open smiles and the feeling of love from the children made you feel so humble. No matter what their age – from the youngest to the oldest – there was a feeling of overwhelming joy and pleasure to see us.

Amanda & Jasmine explained to the children who we were and what we were trying to do for them. Within minutes they had us all dancing to the music cds that had been given to them and we were all laughing and enjoying ourselves. They showed us all their new clothes and their school bags. They then took hold of our hands and couldn’t wait to show us the newly decorated bedrooms with new beds. They were also proud to show us their new clothes. and the pictures on the walls show how important the stationery items are to them.

But the one thing that really sticks in my mind was the caring of one of the young lads called Jesus. When we returned to the main common room after lunch I went to stand over by the windows to take photos and watch the children dancing again. Jesus gently took my shoulders and moved me along. He could see I was confused at his action but he pointed out that I was standing by a window which had broken glass in it and he was anxious that I might hurt myself. That single act brought the biggest lump to my throat in a long time and the thought it will remain with me for many years.

So now I can honestly say that we, and by this I mean everyone and anyone who has made a donation large or small, have helped to make such a significant difference in the lives of these children and I sincerely hope we can continue to do so. Thank you everyone and hear's to getting the heating replaced before next winter. I am currently in Bulgaria but will update all the photos of the children and the orphanage as soon as I can but, in the meantime, the small image at the beginning of this article shows one of the bedrooms which has been painted and has new beds. (see small image alongside article on website) .

Andie

The one thing that makes me smile is that every day different children take me to one of the newly decorated room and show me they have a light that works and they are all amazed that it clicks on and off, the light switch is like a new toy and they all enjoy a turn of switching it on and off. The things we take for granted, i will never take a light switch for granted again. I tell the children not to keep clicking it, they reply: but we don't know if it is working if we don't click it. These children smile at the little things and they are full of love, energy and enthusiasm. The children had a great day with Carole and Andie, but i have to say i still think i was the best dancer in the room