The Children of Wat Opot

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The Children of Wat Opot --- The Angels of Wat Opot -----

They have amazing strength, they are much more stronger than any of us. I went to Wat Opot to help out but really.. they helped me. My experience there was life changing, truly humbling and a real eye opener. The pain and suffering that these children have been through and are still going through is nothing compared to what we seem as 'pain & suffering'. Who am i to complain about my so called "hard" life. You never hear any complaints from these children, they have accepted, they are learning, they are laughing, loving and moving forward. To some of us.. this is hard to do.

The Children of Wat Opot are happy, full of energy....
its infectious. I love being around them. The little things amuse them and they amuse me. I love how they are so normal.. they are at times, naughty, annoying, loud, irritating as normal as any kid could be... but at the same time they are so lovable, so adorable, so gorgeous, so innocent.

You would never know that some of them are HIV positive, that some of have lost their parents to HIV, that some have been abused and abandoned. However - at times when you sit with them in silence you can see their sadness in their eyes, you see the suffering, the heartache, the grief... but when they look back at you.. they give you a huge smile and a huge hug and in the comfort of their affection .. you know that they are okay. Its like they are comforting you instead.

The Children of Wat Opot love hugs....
There are times one would come to you for a quick hug then walk away. Others stay for longer hugs. Others stay in your arms until they fall asleep. At one stage I had 5 of them hanging of me. I never knew I had that strength....

The Children of Wat Opot are at times still in despair....
There are also families within the orphanage and there was an incident where a father was abusing his children..in front of everyone. It was a very disturbing scene. We never knew the reason behind his actions, it could maybe be in regards to money or just because. The father is HIV+ and is no longer willing to take his meds He is now facing a death sentence, so he drinks his sorrows away, yes his an alcoholic. His wife has passed and he will be soon leaving his 4 children. Take a moment and Imagine seeing your parent like that. It was very hard to just sit there and watch this happen but you see in Cambodia, this is the norm. This is what they call "discipline"... He is their father and we have to respect that.
This show has a huge impact on the influence he is giving, not only to his own children but to the others.

The Children of Wat Opot are in need....
Yes they need financial help, clothes, food, medication but most importantly they need love. It makes me think of my own child and the society we live in. How we take the little things for granted, such as quality time, hugs, kisses. No matter how old you are, these things are what we crave for even if we sometimes dont admit it to ourselves.

My son who is turning 15 next month, he has no idea how lucky he is. He has everything and anything.
He takes my love for granted because he knows I'm here, I'll always be here. These children have lost one or both parents, some have lost all their siblings and family... However they have gained life, they have gained many brothers & sisters, they have gained the love of Wayne, the co-founder / director of Wat Opot - the one that made all things possible for these children. They have gained a new family.
To some Wayne is the only father they will ever know.

Funny how death changes things, it changes our perception of life.
We shouldn't wait until death knocks before we appreciate things. We have to appreciate every day, every thing, every person. We have to show our love to our family & friends in every opportunity. Let's not be afraid that our lives will end but be afraid that it will never begin.

The Children of Wat Opot are plentiful...
There more than 70 children - it is impossible to know all their names and all their stories during my short visit. I wish I could have stayed longer so I could have gotten to know each and every one of them. I look forward to the time where I will be definately staying longer.

Most importantly...

The Children of Wat Opot are living...
They are no longer facing a death sentence, they now have hope, a chance to grow up, a chance for an education, they are now living life to its fullest. A simple life.

"I want a simple life"

I can't wait to go back and see all of them again, see how much they have all grown. I love them all so dearly.

For more information on Wat Opot, to read more stories about the children or if you would like to make a donation or would like to volunteer - please visit their website www.watopot.org

Alternatively you are welcome to email me for any enquiries [e-mail]

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Photos

Mr Chay
Mr Chay had known only his mother's skirts as the boundaries of his world and only her loving arms for protection and comfort... from a world that had already taken his Father.
Read more:-
http://www.tsoham.info/index_files/strangersarms.htm

Mr Sa Oun
he spends a lot of time by himself because he doesn’t know how to relate well with the other children, at least not appropriately. His HIV Positive mother is struggling to make it on her own and can not provide him with the attention that he needs.
Read more:
http://www.watopot.org/new-kid-on-the-block/

Mr Virak
Unable to walk when he first came to Wat Opot.
He is now trying his best to be like the other children and today he walks on his own.

Mr Somnang
Just recently orphaned, and found to be HIV positive. Because of that no one wanted to take care of him and so he was brought to us. He has never gone to school and has never received treatment for his HIV.
Read more:
http://partnersincompassioncambodia.com/index_files/ydaw.htm

Srey Poi
She's my little model. She loves the camera

Mr Chhang
Having AIDS was something he couldn’t hide from others. Mr Chhang died Jan 2005. Read his incredible heart wrenching story:
http://partnersincompassioncambodia.com/index_files/chhang.htm

English Class
The class is not only offered to the Wat Opot Children but also to the whole community.

Mr Savan Tam Tham
One of the youngest children. He is a miracle baby. Read more:
http://www.watopot.org/the-negative-results-of-a-positive-relationship/