Sunday, February 22, 2009

Afghan Orphanage

I've been trying to get this posted for days, but the Internet connection has been pretty flaky the past four days...like non-existant. These pictures are actually from October, but they are a good reminder of why we really need to be here.

The kids in these picture are orphans, but they are in many ways lucky. They wound up in an orphanage financed by South Korea. Orphanages financed by secular, Western-leaning powers provide the best care. I'll limit the commentary with the pictures this time. For the most part the pictures say enough.

Not too sure about these guys with guns.


Maybe if we ignore them, they'll go away.


The ice finally broken.


Now that he's kneeling down, he's not quite as scary.


Supplies from the USA and UK.


The sewing room to learn a marketable trade.


This rodent seems to be everywhere.


The rodent motif taking shape on the classroom walls.




For those who may remember the classrooms in the post I did about a visit to Afghan schools, these are a stark contrast. These are well-lit, clean, not crowded and every child has a desk. Also note that boys and girls are mixed rather than segregated. Daycare is still a problem, so the young teacher has her clingy three-year old with her in the classroom.


These children get warm beds, off the ground. Most rooms are 8 - 12 boys or girls per room. This orphanage also has a dispensary which can handle most minor problems. These children get three meals a day whereas typical Afghan child is doing well getting one meal a day.

17 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Makes me want to adopt them all. What horrible damage war has wrought.

Travis Erwin said...

I've once again tossed you in the MTM wagon.

Clare2e said...

Given how things might have been for them, I love to see those clean clothes and fat cheeks- just like any kids their age ought to have.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Those faces are so gorgeous. I pray for their continued good fortune.

Barrie said...

From a mother who adopted internationally, I love this post!

The Muse said...

Powerful images J.L. I'm with Charles, I wish I could bring them all home with me. I love seeing all the good you are showing us. I hope it continues.

Take care!

Anonymous said...

I can't remember if you mentioned where this school is. I hope it survives and the children get to grow up and make some kind of decent living.

J. L. Krueger said...

Charles,
I often think that too.

Travis,
Thanks!

Clare2e,
My wife says the girls look like Brownies.

pattinase (abbott),
Thanks.

Barrie,
Thanks too!

Muse!
If the Taliban were to return to power, none of these girls would be educated and none of the woman working here would have a job.

Beth Partin,
It's in Afghanistan. I won't say more for security reasons.

preTzel said...

Those poor kids. They are so beautiful but the smiles on their faces say volumes. Thank you, once again, for all that you do J!

Sunny said...

it is such a pleasure to see smiles upon the kids' faces. They're fantastic!

Reb said...

It is good to see the good that is being done. Even I would like to take one home - and I don't even like kids - must be getting soft in the head or something ;)

Vodka Mom said...

you are totally awesome. I love visiting you-and pray you are well.

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

Wow I missed this earlier. Thanks for sharing this.

Barbara Martin said...

This is a wonderful post, and I agree with your wife. They do look like Brownies.

J. L. Krueger said...

preTzel,
Like I said, these kids are actually lucky.

Sunny,
Yep, they do clean up rather nicely.

Reb,
Yeah I could hear myself now if I took one home. "Look what followed me home dear!" Just before the iron skillet hit me between the eyes.

Vodka Mom,
Ye ain't half bad yerself ;) I figured you'd like this one given that you spend all day with wee kids like this.

Ello!
Yeah, been missing you alot too. Takes me quite a while to catch up.

Barbara,
That was even my thought the first time I saw them.

Spy Scribbler said...

And I just watched a discussion last night about how educating women helps raise a nation's economy and quality of life. This is wonderful.

ssas said...

OMG so adorable. It kills me that people spend a fortune trying to get pregnant when there are kids like this in the world who need families.