Christmas

Today was volunteer day again at the "O". The day reminded me a bit of the Christmas story....the children were nestled all snug in their beds -- BECAUSE they could not move! They were dressed in not three; not four but sometimes five layers of clothing. Absolutely incredible! They were dressed like little bundles or PIllsbury dough babies! If they had fallen I don't think they would have felt even the slightest bump! One little fellow was lying in his crib with the blanket on top of him. It wasn't until I noticed the covers moving that I discovered he was even in the crib. He smiled the cutest little grin when I pulled the covers back. I rolled him over and helped him sit up for a minute. He is learning to sit up on his very own will! Yipee! This is the same little child that three weeks ago was fed by the Ayis flat of his back with his little hands tucked inside his pants to prevent him from putting his hands to his mouth. I was thrilled to see him making progress.

Another one of the children has CP and is forever smiling at us! What an optimistic attitude she exudes! I would imagine that she will never know the joy she brings to our hearts with her toothless smile. She ate her banana today and was more content to nuzzle her head against me than to actually eat the banana. She always wants to share her food with the other children. We insist that she eat at least 1/2 of the fruit before we will pass it along to the others who have already devoured their portions. Our resident flower is the food taker of the group. She patrols around the room seeking to snatch any of the food that isn't being eaten at a lightning fast pace. Today, she camped out beside the joyful child in great anticipation that the banana would fall to the floor. It didn't fall to the floor, but I made sure she had another 1/2 later in the morning.

One of the volunteers that goes with us on Thursdays had spent her time during the last few months knitting the most beautiful sweaters, bonnets, booties, scarves and pants for the children. The items were adorable! The Ayis came rushing over and were exclaiming how wonderful the gifts were! The Ayis also spent a lot of time throughout the morning admiring the handiwork. She is a knitting diva! She will not admit that her work was superb! I have asked my friend to please teach me to knit when we both return from our holiday visits abroad. Maybe I can learn to knit a scarf or two and we can make gifts for the Ayis. She will be leaving next week for her homeland, Norway. She will be so missed by the children while she is gone. She is a gentle soul and quietly enters the "O" nursery each week loving on the children, tending to the diapers, clothing, etc.

After the children had enjoyed their bananas, the Ayis began telling the older children to take the cribs outside onto the balcony into the sunshine. So, the cribs were dragged outdoors into the bright shining sun and the little dough babies were placed in their cribs to bake! The layers of clothing were not removed and each child slowly began to perspire. We, the volunteers, began going from crib to crib to try and make the children more comfortable. Some of them we were able to adjust in the cribs so that the sunshine didn't bake them to a crisp. After bottle time for the youngest of the crescent rolls - I swear that is what they reminded me of -- it was time to change the diapers. So, quickly we changed diapers and some of the soiled layers of clothing. Replacing all those layers of clothing isn't an easy accomplishment! We searched through the armoires for clothing in gradual sizes so that the children weren't so bound.

We all noticed today that many of the little children had been given botched haircuts. Upon closer examination we learned that the children had what appears to be cradle cap -- and we have agreed to bring baby oil with us next week and place it on their heads to ease the itching and dandruff.

Following the bottle feedings and frantic clothing changes, we took the older children into the playroom. I had brought a surprise for the children -- crayons, markers, papers to draw and some coloring papers with Christmas trees, Santa and ornaments on them. It was my hope to trace each child's hand and begin making a wreath to decorate the room for the Christmas party. What is the saying? "Some of the best plans ...." The children were so thrilled but getting to each one and attempting to trace each little hand was impossible. Karen and I did the best we could -- The children LOVED the opportunity to color and draw but all were not quite sure what to think of us tracing their hands. We laughed and sang a few Christmas songs with them and they hummed along. As I left today, some were still coloring and having fun! I realize the markers and crayons will not be around next week -- but that is fine with me....I would take them markers and crayons every day if I could.

In just a few short weeks, we will have a Christmas party for the children and Jim will play the part of Santa. He is busy now growing out his beard and belly. Hee hee -- at least he can use this as an excuse for a couple weeks anyway. I am excited to have the opportunity to be there when the children can experience a taste of Christmas fun! They deserve a party every day!

As you prepare your homes and hearts for this special time of year, please pray for the children living in Orphanages around the world.