Friday started off a bit rough. Although I slept well, (fell asleep to the barking from stray dogs and honking Georgetown horns) I work up a bit late due to my cell phone still being on Eastern time (1 hr behind). Somehow I still ended up being the first to breakfast and enjoyed a spicy version of scrambled eggs and white toast. They also had instant coffee which I was appreciative to have at 7am (in leu of my usual Starbucks. : )
Around 8:30 am we started our hour and a half drive to New Amsterdam. We drove in a van that luckily fit all 12 of us, however it turned off every time we came to a stop. This became a problem as in Guyana you can never predict who...or what will be crossing the road. (see photo of the herd of cows crossing)
I was thrilled to stop at the farmers market..the variety of fruit and vegetables were un-beleivable. As well as the massive amount of stands. Every weekend this is set up for the people of Georgetown. Adam,-Your mom, Aunt Cal and Adi would have been in heaven. (See photo) We picked up fresh pineapple, plantain chips (a new favorite) and small, sweet bananas. We also bought similar items to bring for the people at the Leprosy Colony in Mahika.
Finally, after a long, hot but eye-opening ride to New Amsterdam we finally reached Hope Orphanage. A little arm reached though a small screen door opening as we approached the front door. "Auntie!" a beautiful little voice yelled. I learned Aunt is a term for a female one likes or becomes close to. I soon met Amy, the girl who greeted us at the door. Amy, as a baby, was rescued by Dr. Carlson from Georgetown hospital where she was first identified with having severe fetal alcohol syndrome and was brought to Hope Orphanage . Most of the children at Hope Orphanage were victims of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Some were quite severe and had sad stories prior their arrival. They were all however, so happy to interact with us, some with only a smile, some with broken speech. All however wanted their picture taken and even more so wanted to take pictures. A little boy scratched at my arm (and my heart) as he climbed up me to try to take my camera to play with. He did not speak (due to his illness) but was very expressive otherwise.
Upstairs were classrooms of children who were mostlyy "regular" education students, except for a classroom of students with Cerebral Palsy. They were in three different classrooms learning spelling and art at the time when I was there. I was impressed with their use of behavior modification charts (posted on the walls) and how well behaved these students were. Most all seemed excited to talk to us, some as expected, had sadness behind their eyes. I can only imagine what their stories are.
In discovering a young boy and I had the same birthday they decided they wanted to share with us their version of "Happy Birthday" followed by serenading us with Guyana's national song.
Leaving Hope Orphanage I prayed for these children to feel and know they are loved in their life, even if it is by just one person.
