Today, we ventured to the Thien Phuoc Orphanage in District 12, and had the opportunity to meet and play with the disabled children there. Following that was an adventure to the famed Cu Chi Tunnels. The students were very eager to share their reflections:
• Matt S: At the orphanage, I discovered a different way of living that I was not used to. I enjoyed watching the children smile as we interacted with them.
• James: It was a different type of connection and one that I had never had before. The way the kids’ faces lit up as we walked up to them was something that I will cherish forever. This experience made me think about how fortunate we are to be living the way we are in the place we do. It was an amazing feeling to be able to give to them.
• Shayla: Having the opportunity to interact with the children at this orphanage was a moving experience. Even though we couldn’t necessarily communicate verbally with the children, there was nevertheless a connection that allowed us to understand each other. The best feeling was when they would look up at you and give a little toothy grin. That’s something I’ll take back with me and remember always.
• Ade: The orphanage was an experience that changed the way that I view the world. The children were incredible and I loved holding them and caring for them. I will cherish these memories forever.
• Kate: The orphanage was a very different experience to what I was expecting. I enjoyed playing and looking after the children very much. They live a very different way to what we do and it made me aware of and grateful for my own privilege. The contrast of our past lives did not affect our interactions. Instead, it enhanced them as we were able to learn from each other.
• Chelsea: Visiting the orphanage today was a truly rewarding experience. It did not matter that the children spoke minimal English; we were still able to understand each other and connect with them in a way I was not expecting. It has showed me how fortunate I am and it has also made me feel especially grateful for everything.
• Jasmine: The orphanage was an unforgettable activity that I was fortunate enough to be a part of. It made me reflect that these children, although physically disabled, were themselves more open to love and happiness than those with greater privileges.
• Allana: Today was nothing that I ever expected. With the children, we were surrounded by love. Time disappeared and we were able to forget everything; we cherished this most rewarding time with the wonderful souls at the orphanage.
• Francesco: The orphanage was a place of contrasts. It was a place of learning and, most importantly, a place filled with love. It is impossible for me to accurately describe the entirety of my experience there. Instead, I will simply describe one moment with a child that changed everything. I did not his name or age. I feed him and played with him, and a bond developed. He signaled his affection through a warm hug.
• Veronica: At first, I was really excited. I did not find walking in and seeing the kids to be confronting, as I might have expected. At first, I drew with a few of the kids at a table, which was really nice. Next, the time came to feed them, and I was assigned a different child. I did find it confronting but enlightening. In the end, I think it was a really great experience for us all to have.
• Jade: Going to the orphanage was an incredible experience. All the kids were happy and full of joy and this made me smile. No matter how hard their life is, they still seemed to make the most of everything. These young kids loving their life despite hard conditions. This made me realise that what truly makes a difference in a human life is having some there that loves you, takes care of you and simply spends time with you. Their smiles brightened up my day.
• Ethan: The orphanage was a confronting experience. Seeing how those children had to live with their disabilities taught me how lucky I am and to have the opportunities that I have. I enjoyed feeding them, playing with them and just keeping company. I’ve come away from this a changed person and have learned that you don’t need material things to have fun and be happy.
• Amelie: Visiting the orphanage was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Meeting the children was a bit challenging at first; however, when I saw them smile or laugh for the first time, it warmed my heart. Seeing how happy some people can be, I think that I won’t take things for granted as much in the future.
• Chloe: Having never been to an orphanage before, my experience today was extremely moving. Seeing the kids make the most of the little they had and finding happiness in simple things helped me to realise how privileged I am. The moments that I shared with the children will be ones I will remember forever. I will continually think back to in moments where I take my privilege for granted.
• Matt T: The orphanage was a life-changing experience. I had the chance and honour to greet and make conversation with the kids. Although some of children were hesitant at first, by the end of the day a palpable connection was made.
• Hugo: My experience at the orphanage today inspired curiosity and gave me a new perspective on life. The children were beautiful and admirable. It was a privilege to meet them. Through conversation and playful interactions, I started to understand the courage, strength and will that these kids have. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the orphanage today, which although confronting, was tremendous fun.
• Anika: When first arriving at the orphanage, I was originally overwhelmed and found seeing all of the children with disabilities was quite confronting. However, after a short time I was able to communicate with the younger children. This made me realise that I am very privileged and increased my gratitude for who and where I am. Overall, the orphanage was an astounding experience.
• Lola: When I first arrived at the orphanage, I was quite confronted by the disabilities of the children, all of whom had led such different lives to my own. But soon I found myself connecting with the children and their cheeky and beautiful natures. I very much enjoyed and appreciated my experience today.
• Luca: I walked out of the orphanage with inspirational memories. The children’s faces lit up the room as they have someone to play and interact with. Some of the children could not walk, could not interact or even could not see. When we were leaving, the owner of the orphanage could not express enough how much the children love to play with anyone that comes. She said that even though we donated money to them, the experience and joy we brought to them was worth more.
• Rhys: Travelling to the orphanage was incredible. The children were so happy we had come to visit them and they had amazing smiles on their faces. This experience really opened up my eyes to how privileged I am and inspired me greatly.
• Henry: This experience was very inspirational and has given me great insight into the great blessings that we take for granted. These children have been born into difficult situations as they have disabilities, live in a developing country and do not have parents. However, they are rich in happiness and love, which is so kindly provided by the people who run the orphanage. It has taught me to be happy and appreciate my blessings.
• Josh: Today’s experience will be remembered for a long time. We got to play with the children there and help them with lunch. After that, we let them take an afternoon nap and made a donation to the orphanage. Overall, it was a very memorable experience.
• Brodie: My experience at the orphanage today was amazing. Meeting the incredibly joyful children was extraordinary, as there was no way to comprehend what struggles they have been through. Despite their obstacles, they were all very cheerful and cheeky. Today’s experience was great!
• Hamish R: The experience at the orphanage has widely opened my mind set about the way people live and showed me how fortunate we are. The idea and thought that the kids we met today have been left alone in some way shape or form is horribly confronting. Meeting the kids and making them smile is an incomparable feeling. The fact we are able to share time with these kids and make their day by doing such a simple act is incredible. This is something that I will cherish and hope to do another time in my life.
• Hamish G: Seeing these disabled children was very saddening. After playing with them for a while I forgot their disabilities and found my only goal to keep them smiling. I was very surprised by the amount of personality there was in these kids, some that couldn’t even talk.
• Emma: My experience at the orphanage is something that I will never forget. A few children were walking around and playing but it was quite hard seeing the other children in their chairs who couldn’t do much for themselves. After helping a few draw, I realised that they are all sweethearts and lovely to be with.
