♥~ Sweet moments~♥

Life is so sweet~ ♥

Making chocolates!

"See you next time!"

A short time ago, 10 y.o. Ah-young, spoke this simple farewell phrase, "see you next time," to me upon leaving the orphanage. "See you next time!," a simple farewell for you and I, yet so significant to a child who lives without reassurance that the people in their life will return again.

Orphans live without the security of knowing whether there will be a next time for the people who say, "goodbye." Their parents, the people who should have loved and cared for them most, have left them never to return.

Ah-young and I crossed a huge milestone for her to trust that there will be a "next time." When I first met her, she like most of the other children, remained distant and rarely smiled. Recently, she participated in art camp, where I noticed her beauty begin to bloom and smile after smile couldn't help but break forth. The magic power of art to draw out the immense beauty that lies within. I hope for continued opportunities to build trust with Ah-young and the other children. To simply "be" with them doing art, and see more of thatloveandbeautyandhope emerge from their lovely, precious souls~

beautiful Ah-young

more precious moments with the girls...

"the soul is healed by being with children..."

Fyodor Dostoevsky discovered a rich and priceless treasure to state that, "the soul is healed by being with children..."

being... "be."

"to be," simple yet so profound.

"being" time is essential to remaining centered in order listen to the silence. to listen to what the soul needs.

and, "to be" in the presence of children is profoundly healing to the soul.

The assistant director, Ok-ja Chan, at Sungno Orphanage has discovered this secret.... you see it in her gentle eyes, in the warm love and affection she shares for each child. She has discovered the immense beauty and innocence, the love and joy, to be in the presence of children and find profound healing for the soul