May
29
Written by:
Dan Maas
5/29/2008
We've left Beijing and flown to Xi'an, the beginning of the silk road. On the way to the hotel, we stopped at one of the city's orphanages...
We had planned on spending the day tomorrow at the orphanage to donate some time. Due to schedule issues, we could only stop by on our way to the hotel today. First we walked the facility and then played with the children. The experience was very primal for those of us who only know three or four words in Chinese. But everyone speaks the language of a hug and a smile.
many of us were drawn in with the 2-year old toddlers who were seated around a table eating hard candies and rolls when we arrived. For some time, we were ignored. The children are accustomed to people walking around and just looking at them. But when we sat down at their table, this served as the signal that we wanted to play. Soon I was was mobbed for digital photos so they could see their images in the digital display. This little girl liked to give a peace sign for her photo:
We then headed out to the playground for some excercise. We spent 30 minutes jumping on trampolines, swinging and chasing through slides. One young lady caught my attention and I realized she was an orphan who had grown up there and was now a worker. When I gestured to her to wait for me to give her a gift, she shook her head and then hid when I turned my back. I raced back to the room and collected a Littleton High School Basketbal jersey from the ladies' team. I had to search for her, but I found her hiding in a room nearby helping the other workers. I have her photo below. She was embarssed at my attention because she is mute, but with some kindness, she accepted the gift and posed for a photo...
After some tears, we said goodbye and discussed on the bus how we could send more care packages to this orphanage.
Parents: I will upload pictures tonight (you can imagine, there are quite a few). Check back for the slide show link at http://china.littletonpublicschools.net
11 comment(s) so far...
Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
wow! incredible times!
By sharon foxworthy on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Amazing photos of the wall!
Matt: I hope you are having fun and taking LOTS of photos! We miss you! Love, Mom and Dad
By Karen Wood on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
gotta love it! changes ya forever, eh?
By cloud -runner on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Nothing like see the other side of the mirror.
By Fast Maas on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Great pictures. That orphanage seems much more "decorated" and much less "industrial" than Abby's orphanage. I wonder if it's just the difference in location or if things are improving in all orphanages.
By Karl Fisch on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
This particular orphanage is a Christian-based site. We were not allowed to the others in Xi'an
By Dan Maas on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Dan, thank you for all of the wonderful pictures, comments and videos. It's the next best thing to being there in person. You are doing a wonderful job! Please tell Philip we miss him and I can't believe he ate that big scorpion. We can't wait for the next installment.
By Cilla Englert on
5/29/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
It was great seeing Dan last night on the video conference from China! Wow! The photos of your visit to the orphanage are awesome! I'm so glad you all are there as ambassadors of good will. Continue to have fun, learn everything you can about other people and we'll see you when you return.
By Mary Nichols on
5/30/2008
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Hi there... I'm just wondering if you could tell me the name of this orphanage... I am going to be in Xi'an for a month and am looking to put in some regular volunteer work at an orphanage. If you could let me know where this place is I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
By Lindsey on
3/30/2009
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Hi Dan,
A group of us (Christians) are planning to do volunteer work in Xian (10 days) in early April of 2010.
I think it will be a great opportunity to help out at the orphanage.
Could you pls let me know the name & address of the center.
Appreciate your help & thank you.
By James Wong on
10/22/2009
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Re: Orphanage in Xi'an
Hi Dan,
A group of us (Christians) are planning to do volunteer work in Xian (10 days) in early April of 2010.
I think it will be a great opportunity to help out at the orphanage.
Could you pls let me know the name & address of the center.
Appreciate your help & thank you.
By James Wong on
10/22/2009
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