Our Last Days with GIFT Children
Today’s post writes about our last days we spent with GIFT children in Klang, Selangor. They have a place in Shane’s heart and he tries to visit them every day when we are not travelling or visiting my mum.
Ah Ping, the Goat Mascot
We brought this oversized goat head mask from back home in the US and told the children it’s Ah Ping, the Goat mascot for GIFT Foundation. They were so excited, each wanted to try the head and pranced around. “Ah Ping” was a name of an alpha male goat that walked around everywhere in the yard. It was an escape artist and stunk so bad, the children always ran away from him. Ah Ping also liked to butt his head when the children got too close. He liked Shane and followed him like a pet dog. 😀 Unfortunately, Ah Ping died late last year before we came back to Malaysia. We thought Ah Ping will make a perfect good bye gift to use on our last days with GIFT children and mascot for the foundation.
Fidget Spinners and other gifts
Shane gave the children a fidget spinner each and made them promise to keep them intact. He also gave a football and other fun games so they stay active without causing troubles. It was difficult to parent these children because we can’t be there all the time and they were often left on their own and got into mischiefs.
Cleaning Up the Mess
When we arrived at the foundation, the children had left the farm gate open again. The goats were eating the vegetables from boxes delivered to feed the poor in the area. This was a constant frustration for Shane trying to get the children to close the gate to the farm. They like going in there to play with the baby goats. Shane got the children cleaning up the mess before they play.
GIFT Community
It was hard to leave when we know many of GIFT community relies on us for change. We have done our outmost best but we cannot perform miracles and give them the freedom to live and work in Malaysia like they were hoping to. The children are very attached to Shane, some are at risk and we can only pray that they stay safe and guided in a positive way. Dr. Firdaus has cooked a farewell dinner on our last evening there and we are thankful for the reception we received throughout our time with GIFT Foundation. Hopefully Ah Ping, the Goat mascot will bring them fun and attention to their causes.
Online Connection
Shane and I will continue to have online connection with GIFT Foundation when we are back in the US. I will continue to teach spoken English to the Champa community via Whatsapp and update their Facebook Page whenever Dr. Firdaus sends me photos. Click HERE for more posts on our work with GIFT Foundation.