Elder and Sister Dibb's Mission Blog

Christmas morning all of the temple missionaries went to a state owned orphanage.  The facilities leave something to be desired.  A couple here asked their ward to contribute, then along with each of our contributions we were able to buy a new washing machine for them.  These are two of the children there.

We gave each child a large stuffed animal and a sister made hats for each one.  The table with the benches is new and we have ordered 2 more for the orphanage.

This little child was lying in a crib when we got there.  Sister Dibb picked him up and carried him out to be with the others.  Then he was put in a stroller after a diaper change.  He was one of a few that we could get to smile when we rubbed his arms and talked to him.

This little guy wanted Elder Dibb to pick him up, but he was pretty heavy, so Dale just hugged him.  We found that the children did not talk.  All are handicapped in some way, blind, lame, etc.  All had been abandoned.

This little girl sat in her chair the whole time, but enjoyed the hat, stuffed animal and ball that she was given.

Keri Ann is the mission president's daughter and has come from the U.S. to spend a couple of weeks with her parents.  This little boy clung to her.  She has her masters degree in social work and sat on the concrete loving him with tears streaming down her cheeks.  She said,  "He just needs to be loved."  It was sweet.

This picture shows some of the children at the table with their toys and hats and blankets.  They seem really happy.

This little guy is tasting the car.  He is blind and can't walk.  We spent some time with him.

Elder Kennedy with a couple of the children, just sitting with them, reading and holding them.

A little blind girl who is playing with cars.  She laid down on the concrete.  Connie (temple pres. wife) took the hat and put under her head.  This was a unique experience.  We felt a deep love for these little ones and couldn't help but know that our Heavenly Father is aware of them and all will be made right through the atonement.  Love the opportunity to give little things to them as well as some time on this Christmas day.

Never in the U.S. would you find anyone, especially "old" people riding in the back of the truck.  Rather than shuttle people back to the temple after our visit to the orphanage, some of us rode in the back of the truck.