Hoi An Orphanage.

Whilst in Hoi An we wanted to go to the local orphanage to bring gifts and to show the girls another lesson in life and how hard it can be. It was suggested that we bring fruit so off to market we went. I decided to convince a shop keeper that the $20-US we wanted to spend on the fruit would go a lot further if a local bought, as I was sure a western face would not have the same buying power. She agreed and came back with bags and bags of fresh fruit. So laden were the bags, the four of us couldn’t walk and carry the fruit the kilometre or so to the orphanage so we bargained a ride on two cyclos to take us there.

The orphanage was a large government looking building not dissimilar to an old, concrete school. We were shown around by one of the staff. Mostly the children we saw were physically disabled or mentally handicapped, deserted by their impoverish families that would have no chance looking after them. There was one little boy sitting on the steps outside, he was about 4 years old I would guess and he was saying “Hello” in English. His eyes were shallow and I realized he was blind. When I answered “Hello” back, he stood up and held up his arms. Well that was it, I had a companion in my arms for the rest of our time there along with others I scooped up, as did Lee and Charlotte.

The thing I will remember was the 7 beds in this run down, stifling room with no matresses but a grass mat with 13 children in them from infants to 10 year olds getting care from 3 dedicated helpers but they really didn’t have much in the way of resources.

We got the impression that this facility housed about 60 children but most were at school at the time we visited. A good reality check for all of us as there are 3 such places in this small town alone.

Paul