Last Sunday, a few of us went to another orphanage to visit Lavit, Lavin, Sokchea, Panlou and Jonai. Their new home is in Phnom Penh city, it’s a small building, but a building none the less. There are separate rooms for the boys and girls, a classroom and a real bathroom. There is a gated courtyard for playing games and doing laundry. It is so much cleaner than CPO and the kids seem so much happier and healthier. Although this place is nicer, it is so much more strict. There were so many rules we had to follow to be there, our visit was kept to an hour, we were not allowed to take photos, and only students who knew the kids could visit. There are 9 kids total, five we knew, two new ones we met, and two older kids we didn’t meet. An intense game of volleyball started up not long after we arrived. It felt so wonderful to play with Lavit and Lavin again. We all got competitive, celebrating each point far beyond what was needed. We laughed so hard, harder than I have in a long time, but not because things were funny, simply because we were so happy and having so much fun. To see their smiles, hear their voices, was beyond amazing. Lavin is still brilliant, he’s grown and as sweet as can be. He asked about past students, told us about his sisters and just seemed happy and healthy. Lavit is still quiet and small, and him and Panlou are inseparable as always. They are the cutest best friends, and the other little boy seems to fit in perfectly with them. Sokchea and Jonai are all grown up. Still petite but also healthy and happy. We brought them each a beautiful little dress, and they both went to try them on for us. It could not have been a more perfect sight. I am sad that it is difficult for us to see them, and that they are no longer at CPO, but this is a better place for them. I hope that they are given better opportunities to learn and succeed being inside the city and working so hard. When our hour was up, no one wanted to leave. The boys walked us back to their room and gave us handmade bracelets. Of course, I was hoping to hold it together, but once little Lavit was in my arms I started to cry. These boys were two of my favorites from last year and they are so important to me I don’t know how to explain it. Lavin wrote the phrase that is now tattooed on my forearm. I showed him and he broke out into a huge smile, “It’s your handwriting, you wrote this.” I told him, “I remember, I know” he said. “You are always with me, in my heart and right here,” I said, he smiled and gave me a tight hug. I squeezed back with all I had. To see those kids doing so well, to see them eating good food and drinking water and milk, going to school, taken care of with a routine and proper guidance, was so comforting. Lavit and Lavin will overcome adversity. They will be the ones who escape the doldrums of the slum Andong and make something beautiful of their lives. They will be alright.
