Just like any place you visit…the children are adorable. I knew from the first trip that I wanted to dig a little deeper into this country on the next visit…small villages…schools…orphanages…and that’s exactly what we did.
While trekking in the Kalaw area of Myanmar we came across a small village just when school was beginning to start. As part of their routine, the children were lining up for their morning assembly. In chorus, they all spoke some type of daily affirmation or an allegiance. The teachers emphasized cleanliness by examining the children’s hands and fingernails. Within no time the students were rushing all around the premises and we were told they had been instructed to collect small pieces of firewood for their teachers. Teachers are usually coming from other villages and will spend the school week in a nearby house made of bamboo, thus the need for firewood for heat and cooking. We presented our gifts of paper tablets, pens, etc. that we’d brought from the states and then continued on our trek to the elephant camp. (Oh…can’t wait to share that soon!)
How cute are their haircuts, sweaters and green school uniforms…and just look at all the fresh thanaka that had been painted on their little faces to protect their skin…
Interesting, as I scanned the rows of students…
this little child certainly stood out from all the others!
Which reminded me of the little boy we met in another small village in Kalaw. We were told that the villagers believed this little one had come about through reincarnation…I didn’t grasp the whole story due to the language barrier…but it was obvious the members of the village thought he was special.
Some things are the same regardless of the country…
but rest assured this device is a far from the likes of an Xbox or a iPhone…
Moving along to Inle Lake in Myanmar…we rented bikes and cycled to the Mine Thouk Village to visit the local orphanage. We were given a tour of the building for the girls, including their classrooms…
their meditation room…
their dormitories…
The Care for Children Foundation, a Netherlands-based supporter of the orphanage, has been instrumental in the continuation of the homes for both the girls and the boys. Just an overall heart-warming experience…
As we were leaving the building I noticed a sign hanging in the hallway…
~~~
When wealth is lost…Nothing is lost.
When health is lost…Something is lost.
When character is lost…All is lost.
~~~
If you have a couple of minutes…and need a little heartwarming experience…check out this adorable video here…direct from the Foundation’s website!
Apart from my established love of your photographs, I always love your interest and engagement with other cultures and they way you pick up on the details which make them interesting. I never visit your |Blog without telling myself off for not coming here more often but then real life eh. I t has a way of getting in the way of your priorities
Thanks Ducky! I’m just always pleased when you do make it here! Thank you!!!
Dear Robin, a truly heartwarming story. Love your portraits, as always!
Thanks Katrin!!
Such a beautiful land and such cute kids and such a pretty light in the girls classroom and how wonderful that they have a meditation room (deep breath!) and what an awesome way to share your time and your big hearts. I totally delight in your words and images and always look forward to more.
Aren’t they? Just loved it all! Thank you my sweet! I’ve got more coming!!
Those children are all so adorable and precious. I would have wanted to bring all of them home with me…but that little boy with the cap on, in the forth photo down, really just pulls at my heartstrings.You really captured the emotions of all the children, but what you captured in that child’s face speaks to me… Great job! Thanks for sharing your talent, time, and travel experiences with us. XoXo
Oh how I know that and I thought of you often! Doesn’t that little one just take the cake? Thank you my sweet! Always! xo
I loved all the colors in the sleeping area! You did a wonderful job of capturing the children and their home.
Coming from the adoptee side of things and knowing some Korean adult adoptees who have worked to protect children from being removed from their parents for adoption in another country, it makes me curious if Myanmar has regulations to keep their children there. I don’t know very much about that area.
Thanks Maery! To my knowledge the law does not allow for the adoption of children by non-Burmese (Myanmar) nationals. That makes sense as the country has just recently (less than 10 years) just started allowing tourists…and even then there’s areas where tourism is still not allowed. I was also told that a number of the “orphans” do have parents…but they send them here in hopes of a better life/education.
Oh dear, your pictures just take me back to our visits. I love to be invited into schools and kindergartens and to experience the different approach in education. Happy children!
Like in Korea adoption is not possible for foreigners which turned out to be very bad for Korean orphanages, they are full of children waiting to find a home. In Korea peoples ancestors are very important and if you don’t know who they were….? Problems finding a partner ,a job etc.
It would be great if every child wherever they are from could be happy and good in their country of origin.
Have a wonderful day.
And yours do the same for me! Amazing to think we’ve both experienced this amazing country for two visits these last two years and have pretty much passed in the air! Thanks for your insights on adoption in Korea…a country I know absolutely nothing about. Always love your visits! Thank you!! xo
I have tears in my eyes for some reason, Robin. After seeing the orphanage video at the end and all the joy and concentration…my heart is broken open, as surely is yours, to see this kind of “mission” that makes life meaningful for so many. Thank you for sharing, as always.
Oh me too Ginnie. I think that little video is so well done! It portrays it exactly as I’ve witnessed it! Glad that this foundation in your country stepped in! Hugs on your special day!!
Thank you, Robin, for this view into another culture. Children are children everywhere – they thrive on dependable people, routines, and provisions. A glimpse of their day confirms for me that we all have the potential to “bloom where we’re planted.” It’s tempting to compare cultures – “our kids don’t know how lucky they have it” – or want to rescue every orphan, but challenges exist in every culture, and your pictures are a tribute to our ability to rise above those challenges and live rich and fulfilled lives, finding joy in the place we are. Your mission to share the stories of the places and people you visit expands my vision and my ability to give when nothing is expected in return.
Also – Can’t wait to for ELEPHANT pictures!
All of your comments are so right on Donna…always! I love your words…”bloom where we’re planted…” So much in those few words! Thank you for following along on my journey…your comments always brighten my day and I eagerly await them! Yes, elephant photos coming soon! Thank you!!! xo
Hello Robin! Just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much I have enjoyed visiting your blog for the first time – such fabulous photos, esp the Myanmar ones. I was there in march of 2013 – such a special country. We have a common blog friend (donna – who just posted above). She shared your blog with me and I am so happy she did! Your photos are beautiful and your words are written with such passion. I will be reading more of your pots!
Thanks so much Cathy for your visit and beautiful comments! Donna is an amazing artist in so many ways!
Beautiful-your words, the kids, your images.