Hello,

Our Christmas on the dump was amazing. The thing that surprised me the most was the number of children and adults that waited in the area for hours, before we started. We had to rope off the area, so we could set up the chairs. Eager little faces running and playing games and greeting us with their often dirty little smiles.

The energy was amazing. For these children, this was Christmas and they were excited. To be honest, our little show and little gifts and little food would not have been received like this at home. I mean these kids were so thankful and happy, just to get a sandwich and listen to music. It was amazing to know the contrast between what I have at home and what these children have every day. Sometimes, it’s too much to understand this crazy World. But, complaining never changed anything.

We planned for 300 children and we’re overwhelmed that more than 500 children came to our celebration on the edge of the garbage. The CCH youth put on plays and we gave out gifts and CCH children sang. Kids that came to watch jumped up on our small wooden stage and sang Khmer songs. It was beautiful. And, we fed the kids. When we finished giving the food, children kept reaching for more and couldn’t help but feel sad for these tiny souls in a country with people that I’ve come to love.

This was amazing, but I don’t think we changed any lives that day. But, you never really know. We will change lives. We present our little show and give our little gifts and offer a little food… and, I hope with all my heart that greater change can happen for these children that live in a garbage dump each day.

Love Gerry