“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge by Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by Bjorn Rudberg. Other stories can be found here.
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She entered the main hall, still feeling uncomfortable in open spaces. Living on the streets, she had hardened herself to survive. She and her brother hid in the sewers at night to stay warm. However, that became increasingly dangerous. Hungry and cold, they climbed the steps to the orphanage.
When the visitors arrived, they made her brother laugh. They promised to send clothing for Christmas.
But who keeps their promises?
Entering the hall that morning, she was surprised to see stacks of hats, scarves, and coats. She felt a flutter in her heart, the beginnings of a long winter’s thaw.
This post is written in remembrance of the vulnerable street children of Mongolia. They seek out ways to survive the freezing cold and the dangerous environment on the streets.
In 2009, lovely ladies, including my daughter, and a few men too, in Hong Kong knitted nearly 800 scarves. They were sent to the children living in an orphanage and the poor living in a slum area of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It’s often the simple acts of kindness that mean the most to someone who has so little.
The holiday season is a good time to remember what we have and to reach out to those in need. To show them that we care.
Happy holidays!
A most difficult time for many, sadly.
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Yes, indeed, there are many who are struggling and especially this time of year, sadly. Thank you for reading my post and commenting. I hope you have a nice holiday time!
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Right back at Ya!
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That amount of hats would keep a large town warm. 🙄
I haven’t heard about Mongolian orphans in particular, but some horrpr stories oabout the fate of some orphans.
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Over the years, I’ve done projects with orphanages or children’s homes in Asia and have seen the good, the bad, and the in between. Like anything else, there is a spectrum. My heart breaks for every child who is orphaned or abandoned. The sad fact is that many children who live on the streets or in orphanages are economic orphans. They have family who are simply too poor to care for them. Thanks so much for reading my post and commenting!
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Such a heart warming tale from a simple kind gesture. Nicely done.
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Thank you for reading and for your encouragment! =)
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You’re welcome 🙂
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A heart-wrenching story, and reality. Beautifully written.
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Thank you so much for your encouragement. Happy holidays to you!
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Such a touching thought. Belonging to a country where millions of street kids are equally at the mercy of elements, both natural and human, I can relate to this so much.
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Thank you for reading my post and commenting. I know you must understand for sure! My husband and I lived a number of years in India where we managed a project, caring for beautiful children, from difficult backgrounds, who we still hold dear in our hearts. I look forward to reading more of your posts! =)
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A heart-warming story 🙂 I was worried they were going to encounter cruelty in the orphanage.
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Thank you so much for your encouragement. No worries, they found caring people there! =)
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Dear Brenda,
It looks like this little girl and her brother have found love and warmth long denied. Sweet story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much Rochelle!
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Beautifully written, Brenda.
I live in India and there are thousands of homeless people here, people living on streets, in railway stations, in broken shelters. I could really relate to your story.
It was a really thoughtful gesture on your daughter’s part to have contributed so. That’s all that we need to make this world a better place.
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That is very true, every act of kindness matters! My husband and I lived in India for a number of years managing a project there. Where do you live? We were located in Andhra Pradesh. Take care and thank you for reading my post and commenting. =)
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I am so happy to hear that.
I live in Kolkata. Are you familiar with the name? You take care as well, Brenda. Very pleased to meet you.
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Interesting — I know someone in Kolkata, too! Our church has a tract office there and we get letters from the manager, the son of a friend. So we’ve checked it out on the map. 🙂
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So glad to hear that Christine.🙂🙂🙂
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We’ve traveled through Kolkata, from the airport to the train station, a couple of times. We took the train to Visakhapatnam (Vizak). Please to meet you as well!
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Well done to you and your daughter.
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Thanks so much for reading my post! Happy holidays!
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Love the way the children could grow some trust in people again… maybe leaving the sewer for school and a real future.
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Yes, trust takes time for these children who have witnessed and experienced traumatic events in their young lives. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Love the photo!! =)
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Thanks for sharing Brenda! Awesome photo
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Thank you Evad. The photo of the hats was taken by Bjorn Rudberg. It’s a great photo! The photo of the children is at the orphanage. Awesome children! I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. =)
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You said a lot with your 100-words. There’s nothing like disappointing a child and nothing like making them happy. You captured that and more.
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Thank you so much for your encouragement! =)
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Children are always the most vulnerable during restless times. Good story.
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For sure. Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my post. =)
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