Volunteering in Malaybalay

Maayong buntag (which means good morning in Cebuano).

This is one of the many phrases the kids at KIM Malaybalay have taught us. We have been at the home as volunteers for a month now and expect to be here for two more months. Primarily we take care of the two babies, three toddlers, and three girls. This does not mean that we can’t play with the other kids, all of which happen to be boys! This gender imbalance can sometimes be a bit tough on the few girls, so they enjoy having us around.

We “work” at the orphanage four days a week, which is very nice. That way we also have some time to “explore” the town and meet with friends.

When we first came to the orphanage we got a nice, big welcome from the kids and staff, which straight away helped us to feel a part of the family. We were surprised to see how happy and friendly the kids are. They enjoy us playing games or reading stories with them and are very thankful for just being pushed on the swings.

Asides from all the fun and endearing times, there are of course some hectic moments… when, for example, both babies are crying and needing diapers changed, which starts the little kids to crying as well. And as some of these are not yet potty trained, there can be quite a bit of cleaning up to do.

Then again this is just the way it is with helping kids, and without some hectic moments, where would be the challenge?

However, we have given up playing soccer with the older boys as the game typically turns into laughter as they watch Ate (Tagalog for older sister) run after the ball. We must say they are quite good at that game.

Just recently a friend of the orphanage had his birthday and decided to celebrate it with the kids by inviting them to a Jollibee party (the Filipino version of McDonalds). Apart from the ones who got scared of the big mascot bee, the kids really enjoyed playing games with Jollibee.

So far volunteering at the orphanage has been a wonderful experience, and we are looking forward to the remaining two months of our time here.

Lea and Sina