When we left the 6-16 year old state orphanage on Saturday it was with a heavy heart. We did not know the little 6-7 year olds had been moved over to this place and because this was our very first visit,we were unaware of the drastic needs these kids have. Many of them had on clothes too big or too small and most shoes were falling apart. So we knew that we had to get back there with some warm clothes before we left.
So on Sunday afternoon, we went were off to the black market again along with half of the Mongolian population!! It took 2 hours just to get down the road leading into it ..
We bought 70 shoes/slipper booties for the little boys and girls, another 70 mittens and gloves, 130 of these great thermal leggings that are really thick. They can be use as play pants of pajamas. About 100 sweatshirts in all sizes. 50 pair of small underwear, little socks for the boys/girls ,tights for the young ladies and some towels and handcloths for the community center where the street kids shower.
We were there for hours in the frigid cold. We honestly could not feel our toes and I kept joking with Kim, telling her she had icicle's hanging from her nose. Our friend, Ulzi had his ungloved hand out counting money and negotiating the entire time. You really need a Mongolian with you to get the best prices. By the end though, we were all freezing and we shut the market down very pleased with our purchases for the children.
We headed straight back to the orphanage late on Sunday night, not sure of how we would be received unannounced. The children were excited to see us again! I wish all of you could have seen how desperately these donations were needed and how sweetly they were received! We felt much better leaving Mongolia knowing that these vulnerable little ones would be warmer this winter!
We were concerned about the older children taking the little ones things. ( they could be resold at the market easily). Ulzi read them "the riot act", he told the older ones he would be back before New Years and going to inspect that everyone had the items he saw them with today. If not- this will be a big problem!!! Here are a few sweet pictures with arms full!!!
We finished up at 9pm, everything was closed so eating dinner was not an option and then it was back to Rita's apartment to finish packing quickly as we were being picked up at 6am.
Two lessons from the day: Do not shop at the Black Market on Sunday and do not wait to eat until after 7pm on Sunday as everything is closed!!!
It was a crazy, busy, cold, yet amazing, purpose filled week!!!
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