Dear reader,
It has been a joy to be part of the concert organized by MCC (Music for Children in China). On March 25th we went to two different ophanages in Hebei province. Both were located in the area of Hebei's provincial capital called Shijiazhuang. We had no idea of what to expect in both places, but I can tell you that I was surprised.
After a five hour trip on the bus we arrived in the first orphanage. The children were waiting outside for us and gave us a warm welcome. Once we were settled in and started the children became more and more excited about the music. But we were in for a surprise as well. The children prepared some songs and dances for us too. It is such a joy to see how much they loved performing these dances and singing these songs.
After an hour or two we had to leave them to go to the other orphanage. To be completely honest I enjoyed that so much more. And not because of me or for me, but because of the smiles on the faces that I have seen. This orphanage is located in the middle of the wheat fields and away from city. These children are the outcasts of the society and you can see that in the location of the school as well as in the facilities. It was very poor, but you can also tell that the people who work there are trying their best. This is a catholic orphanage and run by nuns. They told us that there were 56 disabled children, but the high school and villagers were also invited and we had quiet a big audience. This was all very nice, but once we started playing I could see that the children were very excited. After the concert I had the chance to talk to them and although they were unable to speak in words I could tell they were happy. Their faces were speaking for themselves, they were faces of joy. I cannot say how much that did for me.
I hope you will keep supporting this foundation (or start supporting it) so we can make many more children this happy.
Thank you,
Annemarie Davelaar
