5 little monkeys

Hey everyone so I thought it's about time I gave a little update on Orphanage life...

I moved in just over a week ago, there are 5 kids in the home so its pretty small (apparently there are 82 orphan homes in lakeside altogether!).  There are 4 boys, Arjun, Amrit, Sanjay and Ajay as well as one girl, Amrita.   Sanjay &Ajay are brothers and Amrit and Amrita borhther and sister.  The ages range from 8-12.  Arjun is like the big brother of the house and helps Suki out alot (that's the house mum who is only 23!).  Usual routine of the day is get up and have cup of tea at 7, read for about one hour, do some colouring/painting until 9 then eat dahl bhaat and go to school.  From about 9:30-3:30 I'm free for the day which is a very different routine to what I'm used to but really enjoying the space to read, write, cycle and spend time applying for jobs.  It is pretty boiling over here now so usually try have some sort of siesta or cafe stop at midday heat time.  Once we've picked the kids up they have tiffin (snack) and do homework until about 5:30 then if the weather is still ok (has been quite stormy and rainy alot of afternoons) then we head to the park for volleyball and badminton.  We usually eat dahl bhaat at 7:30ish and then watch a film, kung fu panda is the current favourite!  The kids are lush, and seem to function just like one big family.  Suki the house mum is such a happy and positive influence for the kids it creates a great atmosphere for them to live in.  Have enjoyed spending some time chatting to her this week.

Overall I'm really enjoying a different rhythm to the day and building relationships with the kids, it sometimes feels hard as they are so used to having volunteers that you are just one of many so what can you give or bring that will be different?  I want to create some memorable experiences with them so hoping to do some batik making and visiting the bat caves on Friday.  All of the kids are really open and like to be affectionate so I think its important to just be able to love them. 

 There is also a new volunteer from Colorado called Lisa who is working with me at the orphanage so its good to share the experience with her.  Its amazing how easily you meet up with more volunteers once you're living in Lakeside!  Off to Nepali cinema on Wednesday eve with Lorna and a group of people, apparently 6D cinema....

Its exactly a month now until I will be flying back home, oh my.  The time really seems to be flying now so trying to make the most of what is left.

Has been sooo great to receive letters/emails and messages from everyone so keep it up want to know how you all are :)

Much love x