THIS SUMMER’S VOLUNTEER TEAM TO LILY ORPHANAGE

Every year a team of volunteers travels from NYC to Lily Orphanage in South Africa.  This time last year, our family arrived at Lily and I recall as a mother, I was deeply moved by the 120 orphans who were born into a seemingly impossible situation and humbled by the selfless individuals who chose to care for these vulnerable children.  Our first week at Lily, I asked a boy to leave the dishes he was washing and join the kids who were playing.  He was excessively grateful.  I remember shedding tears while washing those dishes recalling the hundreds of times we, as parents instinctively care for our kids throughout the day and realizing there are so many children who are completely dependent on the kindness of strangers to help raise them. Certainly our family could devote our attention to these kids this year.

AUGUST 8, 2012