It was the first day of the orphanage. I didn’t know what to
expect. All I knew was that it was at a temple. I was somewhat excited. I love
temples, and being Buddhist doesn’t hurt.
We arrived at the temples and the front gates were surrounded by statues
of Buddha and a dragon door. For some unknown reason we did not enter that way
but we entered another way.
As we walked in it was like a scene from an adventure movie.
The temple was beautiful. Probably the most creative temple I’ve ever
seen. We walk deeper into the temple
into the buildings where the children rest, eat, and play. I walked in the
first room and there were three brothers wearing the same shirts. They were
very shy but I attempted to connect with them. I first gave them chocolate and
they really loved it. There was a little girl in the corner who also asked for
a piece. Of course I gave her a piece. I wasn’t too confident in my Vietnamese
so it was an awkward conversation. Luckily other members came in and played
with those three adorable brothers. I wanted to go deeper into the temple so I
left the room.
I then came into a bigger room with Anton. Automatically
four little boys jumped on us and asked us to carry them. We reluctantly accepted.
We ran around the room, but unfortunately the boys had to eat lunch. These
children were disciplined. Even when we brought them candy they refused to eat
it until after lunch. They proceeded to eat lunch and me and Anton proceeded to
hang out with this 15 year old girl. We had her guess our age and then we
showed her our biceps. We called it a “mouse” and when we flexed her mouth
dropped. I then breakdanced for her a little and she said it was “Hay Qua”
meaning amazing in English. I then stepped outside for a bit and was tackled by
many kids wanting to play airplane. I picked two of them up and we ran off! It
was on. We ran around the temple screaming and laughing while I was sweating up
a storm. I then saw other members doing the exact same thing. We ran around for
a long time and most of the members were exhausted as we sat down for a quick
breather. An older kid suggested we light incense candles at their shrine. As
we walked up the stairs I see many Buddhist statues and it was captivating. We
paid our respects and then played more. The children were very intrigued by the
mouse muscle trick. Anton, Thomas, and I kept doing it and the kids had the
same reaction each time. We even asked which mouse was bigger. Mine ended up
being the biggest (haha). Anyways there were too many kids to carry and play
with so I suggested them watching me dance. So we walked around hand in hand
looking for a place for me to perform for them. We found a hall way, and I then
proceeded to dance. I didn’t have that much room, but for me to show them one
of my passions it made me happier than ever. I heard some Ooooo and Ahhhhhs and
even a WOW! I just wanted to continue to dance for them, but I was blocking the
halls and I needed water. The kids then wanted to be carried more but I told
them I was tired. They were so nice that they told me to rest and they found a
place for me to sit down. The moment they asked me to rest, energy came fuming
out of me. I carried two at once and ran wildly like an ape. All the members
were full of energy and everyone played with the children.
Our day was cut short, but most of the kids had to take naps
after their lunch and playtime. Two children went up to me asking when will
they be able to see me. I told them most likely next year. One child then said,
“How about this evening? After my nap you should come back and play with me!” I
didn’t know what to say… I wanted to but I had to leave. I told him next year
our group will try our best to come back. I left with a drenched shirt, sweat
all over my body, but the hugest smile on my face. Overall an amazing day with
great laughs and smiles J.
– Jonathan Lee
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