Hi, my name is Niamh. I think I am the youngest volunteer at the GLO. I am 4 years old (my mum is typing this because I am only small). I have spent today Monday at the orphanage. We first played with the younger children in play group, they sang phonic songs, just like at home instead here they say “Yam†for Y, I don’t know what “Yam†is.
We then went to see some of the babies. I met baby Solomon. His grandmother was visiting. Auntie Christine gave me a big hug which made me smile. We then went to the school. We watched the boys and girls in summer camp at the school. All the older children were dancing; I stood on the table a shook my bum like the girls doing traditional Kenyan dancing. The younger children were singing songs which they helped me to learn.
At lunchtime the children returned to their houses. I sat in Flynn House. Auntie Christine and Auntie Isabelle had made beans, spinach and chapatti. It was nice. I sat with the children. In Kenya the grownups say, “This time is for eating not talking†when they sit at the table. Before you start eating you say a prayer to thank God for the food as so many children in Africa do not have any food to eat and then you have to eat everything in your bowl. After we said thank you to the housemothers and aunties for the food they had made.
Later we went Maguire House and painted some of the girl’s nails. Everyone laughed when Jack was asking for his nails to be painted. Boys don’t wear nail varnish. Rachel helped me paint the other girls nails.
In the park we played on the swings and the sea-saw. Some of the children only speak in another language but that does not matter when you are playing in a park.
As we were leaving George asked me to stay overnight but I think I’m too small to do that this year.Maybe next time as I have just returned home to Manchester after 21 hours of travelling. I will remember my friends at the orphanage especially Janie & Naomi and hope to see them again next year. I will also remember just how lucky I am to have a mummy and daddy to look after me, most of the children I met at the orphanage had no parents or even aunties or uncles but they still smile and are happy.
Niamh, your photos and story are lovely. You can tell you really enjoyed your day at the G.L.O. You look so proud to be holding baby Solomon. He looks big and strong and will no doubt grow to be a lovely boy with all the care of the Mammas.
You are a very kind hearted and thoughtful young lady Niamh, just like your Mummy and Nanny. Your story is beautiful, you look so much at home with the children and you were all having fun together. I am sure they will all remember you with love and will look forward to seeing you again next year. God Bless sweetie x
Niamh, what a great girl you are, looks like you have made lots of new friends and had a lot of fun.You will have so much to tell everyone in Manchester.Love to you all xxx
Hello Niamh I loved reading about your trip to the Orphanage and seeing photos of you with the children there – I am sure it was a real treat for them to meet you and have some fun together – especially the nail painting! Although the Orphanage is a LONG away from Manchester, it really doesn’t matter because it only takes a little while to make friends, and have fun together, as well as learning from each other about your different kinds of lives. I am sure the children will remember you, and already be looking forward to your next visit.
Well Done Niamh
Bridget (Mama B)
Hi Naomh , the very youngest and bravest volunteer at the GLO It was so good of you and your mum to share your experience in the Orphanage with us. I am sure all the children there had a great time playing with you and you also I am sure will always remember your time with them .
Well done.
Niamh,
You look as if you were having great fun. I’m sure your new friends will remember you for a long time. It is always good to meet new people and it looks as if you were made very welcome with good things to eat. You are a very lucky girl to have a mum that takes you on such exciting holidays, even if it is a bit tiring and boring at the airport!
Best wishes to you and your mum.
Jana
Hi Niamh
Lovely to see your photos and hear all about your visit to the GLO. We hope to visit there soon too. Just another way to highlight the fantastic work of the GLO and the wonderful home, education and “family” it provides for so many children. Love to you all and God Bless. Phil, Julie, Harvey & Isabella Neville xxxx
Well done Niamh – I really enjoyed reading all about your time at GLO. What a special time we all had there – made all the better for me because I could share it with you and Mummy. You made some very special friends and I know they were all really pleased that you were there to join in their games. What a good time you had and what a brave girl you were to come all that way from Manchester. It was hard sometimes in the heat wasn’t it especially when the mossies liked biting you so much!! Hope you are still doing the Bonga Bonga dance!! Love to you and Mummy and hope to see you again soon. Jane XX
Well done Niamh you did us all proud, I’m sure all the GLO kids miss you now love Auntie Sejal xx