On the morning of November 25, we visited the Krousa Thmey Orphanage for the first time in four years, since 2019.
It is one of several in the vicinity of Phnom Penh, but the location had changed since our last visit.
The building, classrooms, and other facilities appeared to be in good condition, but the orphanage seemed small, with 14 children ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, and six teachers and staffs.
The children were very quiet and polite, probably because they are well disciplined, but they all greeted us with curious eyes.
First, we greeted them and introduced ourselves, gave them the books, stationery, and snacks we had brought, and then showed them the short video for children called "The Story of a Small Life".
After that, the children were free to draw and play with the toys we had brought, but they seemed to prefer to run around outside rather than stay in the class room.
Ms. Sreymao, who accompanied us this time, purchased a large amount of chicken and other ingredients for the children's lunch, and together with the staff and friends who came to help, we prepared a lot of fried chicken and stir-fried vegetables.
She said the children's meals are usually very frugal, with meat eaten only occasionally, which is unavoidable given the limited budget of the orphanage.
The children also came to peek into the kitchen every now and then while playing, and seemed to be waiting for the food to be ready.
Finally, lunch was ready and everyone gathered around the table for a grand lunch. The children ate somehow quietly, perhaps because they were so absorbed in eating.
After finishing lunch, the children neatly cleaned up their own plates, and then started playing again.
The children, with their carefree smiles and friendly approach to us even if they did not understand our language, were truly adorable, and we hoped that they would continue to grow up honestly and become adults without any unpleasant feelings.
After a short playtime, the children decided it was time for a nap, so we all took a commemorative photo and said goodbye.
We said goodbye, hoping to visit again next year if possible and see how the children have grown.
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