Thien Phuoc -- Pictures

Today I would like to share the environment of Thien Phuoc orphanage with you. I've already written a few posts and shared pictures and videos of the children I spend my days with... Yet, as my days at Thien Phuoc are quickly coming to an end, I realize that a big part of my experience here is tied into the place, the actual building. This has not only been my place of work, but it has become my home as well. The stairs, the walls, the hallways have become familiar. On Sundays, after being away for the weekend, I feel relaxed when I get back to the orphanage. I am always amazed at humanity's unique capacity to adapt. We are the only species to inhabit pretty much any climate, everywhere. I am currently fighting off a cold, so I won't get any more philosophical right now and get right to the pictures. Here is my make-shift home, I have to admit that I'm sad to think I'll be leaving it in just over a week.

The fourth floor is reserved for the volunteers staying at Thien Phuoc.
This is where I enjoy my meals, with a great view and a welcome breeze!

Another part of the fourth floor is a small terrasse that we share with drying laundry. To my surprise the children wear uniforms (though now that I think of it I shouldn't have been surprised, everyone seems to wear uniforms around here!)

The beds drying in the sun after being hosed down. They are actually quite comfortable, though I'm happy that I have a more traditional foam mattress as my own bed!

The hallway next to the kitchen, leading to the newer building of Thien Phuoc. The sinks are where I've developed my fast-as-lighting dish-washing skills. Oh and by the way, the staff here also wear uniforms!

The main room of the original building. This is the first thing you see when you enter Thien Phuoc. Usually the older children that aren't in the physiotherapy group are gathered here to play. This is also where all the older kids eat. On special occasions, such as the mid-autumn festival that I got to witness on my first visit to Thien Phuoc, all the children and staff gather here.

The second floor of the newer building is for the younger children. There are also a few older children here that need more attention. This is what I like to call the "watching tv formation". There's also the "eating formation" and the "shower time assembly line".

And of course I'll mention food! The younger children usually get a variation of rice pudding for every meal, sometimes accompanied by yogurt or a fruit. The older children alternate between rice pudding, rice soup and noddle soup. Appealing to my more organized side, everything at Thien Phuoc has a system, such as the bowls with names on them.