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This morning we woke up early and wished Jess a Happy Birthday. She opened the all her cards and a present from all of us - a green necklace which, unfortunately, she couldn't wear today as we were going to Welcome Home Orphanage, and we didn't want any children to break it!
We walked to the orphanage and arrived at 9.00, although we were supposed to arrive at 8.45 (looks like we are adjusting to Ugandan time). The orphanage were also on Ugandan time and we waited in reception for over an hour... At around 10, we were at last directed as to what we were supposed to do. Jess and Steph went to help with the babies, average age about one and a half. Fiona and Imogen went to help with the youngest children, one and below. It was very exhausting as all the children were vying for attention and were very excitable, but nonetheless it was a joy to look after them and we enjoyed ourselves a lot!
At lunch, we chatted to Mandy, the lady who runs the orphanage, and she told us about some of the projects they do with older people with serious illnesses. She talked to us in detail about the futures of the children at the orphanage; whether they go back to their village, are adopted abroad, or move on to a local orphanage for older children.
After helping with the laundry, we met some of the toddlers who were aged between 4 and 6. We accompanied them to the field over the road, at which point they were already calling us all 'Mummy' which we all found very endearing! We played various games with the children, teaching them hoola hooping and football or letting them mess up our hair... We spent 2 hours with them on the field, and by the end we had become quite attached! As we crossed the road back to the orphanage, we saw the teachers pull up outside and realised it was time to go. We were really sad and made a quiet exit.
We went back to the hotel to freshen up for a big night on the town, then headed to Flavours, after making a quick stop off at the tailors for our party outfits . We had a great night playing cards and chatting, and Fidah's son Richard joined us. Jess opened her presents from her Mum, one of which was a cake! We stuck birthday candles into the cake (they didn't have any holders) and sang Happy Birthday, which was very tuneful thanks to Mrs Wimblett's singing. We had comfortable taxi ride home, which reminded us how exhausted we were after such a fun-filled day!
Jess, Imogen, Fiona and Steph
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Vince that 1 special day you have all brought joy and excitement to everyone in the Orphanage: "We accompanied them to the field over the road, at which point they were already calling us all "Mummy" Well done again. Another great day, Happy Birthday Jess
Chantal Happy belated Birthday Jess! Thanks for the blog - the orphanage sounds like it was great fun if a little heart wrenching!