Allens Overseas: The Blog: Sung Ae Won Orphanage Christmas Party

This year we were really trying to instill in the kids the spirit of giving and charity around the holidays. It's so easy to get caught up in the Christmas lists and the presents, and though I'll be honest there was still plenty of that, I really wanted them to appreciate giving and the power of compassion at this time of the year. Not the easiest lesson to teach a six and four year old. . . but were incredibly lucky to have amazing chances this holiday season to give.

The girls' school kicked off the holidays with a toy drive for gently used toys to donate to a local orphanage. The girls can be a little stingy at time with cleaning out toys and getting rid of stuff, but somehow with the thought of sharing with kids who were less fortunate, my girls went to town on their bedroom and toy room. We emerged with a car full of toys they decided they were finished with. We bagged everything up and took it to the school. Hannah continued throughout the next week to find things she wanted to donate and the pile kept growing, she was so determined to give the children a good Christmas.

I felt the real spirit of the season when Hannah emerged from her bedroom one day after school clutching her prized blanket with a serious look on her face. She explained to me that she felt she had a "responsibility" to give her blankie to a baby who didn't have one. Bless her little heart! I reassured her it was ok to keep her special blanket and that I would be able to find another one to send for the babies. I will admit, she looked a little relieved. I was so proud of her for being willing to give the thing she probably loves the most in this world to someone less fortunate. I'll be honest though. . . her blankie is pretty hashed. . . I'm not sure they would even want it!

After school was out, Pier 8, the lone US Military instillation left in Busan, decided to team with the girls school and the Busan International Women's Association to throw a Christmas Party for the orphanage. Food was donated, money was donated, and it was decided to purchase one toy for each child (barbies and dolls for the girls and legos for the boys). We happened to be headed to Daegu to the nearest military base to get immunizations for the girls, so I volunteered to stop in the PX and buy the barbies and legos. As we walked up and down the small toy aisles Hannah again really started to get into the spirit. She was throwing toys right and left into the cart while proclaiming, "the orphans will love this!" We filled the carts with half naked barbies (we gave each of the girls a barbie sized hanbok too to make up for the bikini!) and lego sets, and amazingly I did not hear one request from my kids for a toy (a true Christmas miracle). . . we were so focused on others I'm not even sure they stopped to think about themselves.

I baked tons of cookies and on the day of the party I loaded up the girls and drove to the orphanage to help with the party. I love this orphanage, it is so warm and full of life and spirit. The kids are loved and so like a big family, it's truly a joy to visit there. The kids all came into the main play room with santa hats and holiday vests on, looking so cute. The girls had fun running around and playing, and as usual the orphanage children loved Madeline and wanted to lead her around everywhere.

There was a magician, face painting, pizza and treats galore, and a surprise visit at the end from Santa with a present for the kids. I think everyone involved felt the true meaning of Christmas with this special group of kids. . . I know my kids did, and hopefully the learned something special about the season. . . something that will stick with them.

The girls' principal with one of the cutest girls ever! They are so used to foreigners after all of our visits they show no hesitation wanting to be picked up and loved.