2008 January

Christmas

In Anna Home we celebrated Christmas which, in this Buddhist country, not many people do. Without our western luxury, without expensive presents or big dinners, it was a pure party with a lot of fun. Somebody sent us Christmas decorations from Holland, lights, candles, Christmas tree balls. The house looked beautiful.

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The children were dressed up nicely. We, the foreigners, were responsible for the cooking and this was done under English and French supervision. When we asked, a week before, what they would like most to eat, cake of course came out first. But also egg salad and French fries. How about chicken? “I don’t know, because I have never eaten it.” So chicken! It was a delicious meal. The photos tell the story better than I can do.

Ordinary life

Ordinary life goes on. The house is warm, even now when it is Mongolian cold outside. The 25 children live together and this seems to happen in good harmony. Every time I come there some are doing their duties; there are lists on the wall indicating everyone’s turn. I never see real quarrels and I think this is the same when I am not there. Yet it must be difficult. Each of them had a difficult life up till now in which they were left on their own. There was no regularity in their lives and now it is there. Each day to school, meals on regular times, going to sleep on time, etc.
That there is also relaxation is proven by the photos.

INCOME

We received many contributions for which we are very grateful. It means that we have enough money for most of this year. It is great to see that Dutch and also a few British people care about “my” children. There was money from individuals, a company, a church, a club and there even was a big contribution from somebody leaving his job, who asked the visitors of his reception money for Anna Home instead of presents for himself.
But we would like so much to have continuity. If 50 people give € 30 every month, we will have nearly enough. That means one Euro a day and could be done without much effort with an automatic bank transfer. On the page about financial help you will read all data needed.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Most children were not registered with local government. For the parents this meant that they did not receive children’s money (25.000 Tugrik quarterly, around € 15). But it also meant that they could not get medical help, which for registered children up to 18 years old is free. The process of registration is complicated, but they all have official papers now. A short time ago they all went to a paediatrician and although the examination was not very thorough, the start is there. And we know that they can go to hospital in case of an emergency.

On behalf of a group of grateful children I wish you a good 2008.

Maarten