Namaste from Child Haven’s Children’s Home for formerly destitute children in Kathmandu, Nepal. Bonniema and I arrive here just in time for persimmon season. Picked soft and tender from the tree their flavor is a sugary blend of mango and date. Picked and eaten while still firm, a mouth puckering mélange of green crab-apple and baking soda overcomes the palate. Sweet or sour, the pendulous orbs hanging in clusters from bowing branches are resplendent. Of course, magnificent as well are the children at the Home. Shortly after our arrival I find Binam and Bishal, ages 7 and 8, making spinning toys out of string and flattened bottle caps with 2 holes pierced through their centers. They flatten the caps with a stone and use a nail to make the holes. Meanwhile, Don, a volunteer/intern from British Columbia, who is spending three months at the Home, has made hoola-hoops with some of the kids. Inspired by those made by Karen Baldwin of Peace Love Hoops in East Hardwick, Vermont, who kindly gave us some construction tips, they are made from plastic PVC pipe, connectors, and tape. They provide hours of entertainment and rollicking exercise. We are introduced to one of the new little girls at the Home, especially thrilled to be keeping the hoop afloat on her hips. Her mother is in prison and father recently died. With a bright and ready smile, she fits right in. Other kids perfect their soccer moves in the play-yard while still others read the soccer news in the local paper. There happens to be no school today making it a lovely time to arrive. In addition to Don, two other Canadian volunteer interns, Monique and Mari, are helping out at the Home. They chop vegetables in the kitchen, assist with homework, and distribute lots of hugs and affirmations. Monique spends time holding and caring for Sushant, the infant son of Meena, one of the children’s care-givers. Mari tutors ten-year-old Amrita, helping with English vocabulary practice. The interns get to know many of the children well. It’s always interesting and insightful to hear their stories and observations. Mari tells us how mature some of them are becoming. In particular she relates how she went on a picnic with the children, and cautioned one of the older girls about getting her clothes dirty while playing with the little ones. “O don’t worry” the girl replied, “a little dust on your clothes is no problem at all, but if you get dust on your heart, that’s a real problem”. This girl, Mari, Monique and Don seem to have all found ways to keep their hearts dust free. This holiday season, and every season, may you find yours as well. childhaven.ca
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:52:06 +0000
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