There is More...

Just by chance upon speaking to the owners Luke and his wife Laina of Tamarind Cafe, a vegeterian cafe that I dined at pretty much everyday I was told about an Orphanage which is located about 80km from the city of Hanoi that they visit and help out on a regular basis as it receives no state funding and struggles to receive donations as it is out in the sticks. The Orphanage I was told houses approximately 150-200 children ranging from new born babies to teenagers up to 18 years olds with mental and physical disabilities. Over the last couple of weeks I got to know Luke and Laina very well and trusting my instincts believe them to be good trustworthy people.

It is soon Tet here in Vietnam which is the celebration of the Lunar New Year which is also a time when those financially able give to the less fortunate then them and as such Luke and Laina were due to pay a visit to the Orphanage that they had spoken with me about so I asked if I could go along to see for myself the good work that the Orphanage carried out.

We loaded the car up with boxes of biscuits, sweets, rice, cooking oil, toys, cleaning products and off we went.

When we got to the orphanage the grounds were very quiet, as it was cold and raining all the children were inside. We were shown around, introduced to the children and were able to give them the small things that we had taken for them, which were gratefully received...





I cannot stress enough what a humbling experience it was to be able to give to the chilren such small things that brought them such joy. On the one hand I had a warm positive feeling that I was able to bring a small moment of happiness to these children but on the other hand there was/is a part of me that is angry and if I am honest feels guilty for the inequalty of lifestyle between me and them, why do they have barely little to speak of and yet still be more than satisfied with what little I could take for them? It just feels wrong. More upsetting then thinking about what they dont have by way of material items is the love and care that they don't get something we are so very fortunate to be surrounded by whether it be from our parents, partners, family and friends. It is therefore understandable why the minute these children see you and receive a smile from you that they come running just wanting a little bit of your affection and time.



The little boy in the orange top that I am holding in the picture above came running at me, by-passing the trailer of treats and just wanted a hug.

The visit became even more emotionally difficult when we visited the babies and toddlers who all have disabilities. They lay in their cots talking amongst themselves and playing with the odd toy they held but as soon as we walked into the room all attention was turned to us and their little arms were reaching out just to be held and carried...






Once we had visited the children I spoke with the director of the Orphanage to find out a little more about the place and ascertain whether we would be able to help them out in some way. He told me that the washing machine had broken and given the number of children they looked after they ideally they needed two working machines particularly given the childrens disabilities their clothes are constantly soiled which meant they got through a great deal of washing. They also needed a television as this stimulates the children and when the weather is cold and they cannot play outside it keeps them entertained. Unbelieveable a television for us is the norm and yet here it is a luxury.

I left the orphanage with a mixed bag of emotions which admittedly I quickly put aside as we got into the car because I had a challenege on my hands. I needed to work out what we could get for the Orphanage with such little time left in Hanoi given my flight the next day. With Luke and Laina happy to help we stopped at the electric store and got prices for the items the Orphange needed and worked out that thanks to your generosity and kindness we we were able to buy...

...Two of these
















...and one of these.

These items will be delivered to the Orphanage today and will make life that tiny bit easier for them thanks to you.

I would also like to thank Luke and Laina for helping me to be able to do some good where it is greatly needed.