Myanmar | Day 5

On our last day some of us rode with all of the kids to the zoo. It was such a fun last day!

Once we got back, the kids were able to join us at our hotel for a pool party with snacks and drinks. Many of the hotel staff asked us why we were doing this and why we would care about the poor and orphans. While it was sad to realize the poor regards that most of the community has towards the orphans, it was a perfect opportunity to share the heart of Jesus with them. Praying that after seeing the kid’s happy faces and kind hearts, their perspective on the poor and disadvantaged changed at least a little bit.

Later, the kids performed more dances for us. After, they painted all of our faces with their traditional paint, thanaka, which signifies that they see you as one of their own. Larry then gave a speech about how they are all family and this is not a goodbye but a “see you next year”. 

Saying goodbye was so hard and emotional. After only five days I had created such a close relationship with these children. During the goodbyes they were all crying and saying, “please don’t forget me”. There’s no way I never could.

A few years ago I wasn’t even sure where Myanmar was on a map, and now it is a place that will never leave my heart and is constantly in my mind and my prayers.