2009 March

Ganzorig, the boy we wrote about in the last news letter, has now been living at Anna Home for three months. He likes living here for its warmth, food and clothing. Often he is the first one to say “hello teacher” and “bye-bye teacher” as teachers come and go from the Home. His personality is changing a lot and for the better, but he still gets a little angry when he has to tie his shoes. He’s learning how to become more calm about this. This happy 5-year old is enjoying his fresh start living in Anna Home with his brother!
On December 27 Peace Corps and VSO volunteers organized a Christmas party for the children. A big pot of New England vegetable chowder was the featured dish in a meal that included salads, fruits, breads and sweets. The children were given gifts and led in games. The children showed their appreciation with singing performances of traditional Mongolian songs. The children were happy to share in good fun and fellowship.

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Now, all the children are going to school and doing their home work, regularly. They have also enjoyed outdoor games like football and basketball and like to watch TV. In March, two boys went to Ulaanbaatar with their high school team for a Mongolian football tournament. They were excited to go and satisfied with their team’s fourth place finish.

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P Boldsaikhan

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In the mean time a lot is going on in The Netherlands. An architect has volunteered to design the renovation by Colour4Kids and the expansion with a training centre by the church in Voorschoten. E-mails are going up and down from him to Anna Home with drawings and with long lists of all the materials needed. It is quite a challenge to transfer all this technical knowledge from a Dutch architect to a Mongolian construction firm with no English speaking employees.
Coordination between the two projects is important; they will be implemented in the same time, in June or July.
Maarten