We spent the next week getting to know the children through activities, games and just plain “hanging out”. During the morning when the older kids went to school, we organised structured learning activities for the younger kids, who gladly participated in our games. Their smiles and laughter created a positive and easy-going atmosphere. When the older children came home, we were able to get to know them through bigger group activities.

During our stay we also painted the main hall white and added a mural. The kids were eager to join and listen patiently as we gave instructions on how to paint on the walls and not on the floors. Sometimes, I too found this tricky! They livened up the work with their amazing personalities. The hard work was rewarded with the expressions of awe on the children's faces when they saw the final project. The mural was of a garden scene, and some of the flowers were made out of the children’s hand prints. To me, this artwork to me represents the nature of the Baan Dada Orphanage. It shows the commitment of Dada, and also the Dragonfly staff, such as Dan, Martin and Pond, and their dedication to making the orphanage a place where the children feel they belong and are loved. It transformed a boring and dull hall into a bright and welcoming space for the children to play, learn and laugh.

This feeling that surrounded Baan Dada, that of loving acceptance and generosity, was really the embodiment of the trip. Although these children were so young and didn't even speak my language, I do feel that I learned from them. They have overcome so much adversity, yet still hold a positive attitude.

I highly recommend volunteering at the Baan Dada Orphanage. It is enriching and enlightening. I hope to one day to return, to experience again the powerful sense of human kindness :)"