Children's Day

on may 5th korea nationally recognizes and celebrates children's day. school is let out, work is canceled, and parents agree to do whatever the kids want to do that day. on that day, our friends mike and alissa invited us to go hang out with the kids at the orphanage. we couldn't resist. 
children's day, korea
this is the place where over 50 kids from ages of 1 year to 20 years call home. most of the kids here are either handicapped, or given up because of death or financial circumstances. for reasons unknown, people are not allowed to adopt the kids. 
the kids all prayed together before each meal.
children's day, korea
this little guy's dad actually stopped by during the celebrations to spend time with him. we were told that he comes by every few weeks to take him for the weekend then drops him back off again. the only reason we could think of as to why he was in the orphanage in the first place is because the mom is no longer present. traditionally, mothers in korea quit work and stay home when the children are born. and men working 10-12 hour days is not uncommon. with the mother out of the picture and most companies not understanding that the father may need to leave work early to take care of the child, this little guy's father may have been forced to give him up.it was great to see how much the older kids looked out for the little ones. whether it was toting them around or helping them get dressed and eat.
children's day, korea

all the kids were extremely affectionate and were excited to have someone new to play with for the day
children's day, korea
children's day, korea
children's day, korea
children's day, korea
children's day, korea

they took us to a school gym where they had games, prizes and food for the kids all day.
children's day, korea

the boys weren't quite as talented as the kids when it came to hula hoop games.

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