Northern Thailand, Febuary 19, 2006

As I left the two old woman with a smile, I walked slowly to my driver. As usual, he was patiently waiting after I took more time than expected to aquant myself in a village.

I saw what appeared to be rice approaching and a man at rest. It was not an uncommon sight from those I have seen repeatedly in village...as children slowly approach, women give an eye of curiousity and the men wave.

The first thing I noted that the children wore torn clothes. Something not uncommon around the world but this time I was prepared. As I beckoned them to approach, each eyed the piece of clothing and although big, the little girl just admired the shirt.

I buttoned it and unbuttoned it to get it around her and I could not restrain myself from giggling at how my shirt swam around this small child of approximately the age of three.

In the meantime the boy stood quietly eyeing me, shyly as he noted the little girl recieved my attention. I handed him my white t-shirt knowing that it would fit and that it would be vast improvement to the shredded t-shirt he currently wore.

As I strolled away a woman approached me and thanked me....I understood immediately that she was telling me something, something important. We each glanced to the small children as she shook her head.....and I understood.

As the realization of her story, I could not help but restrain myself from wrapping my arms around this small child and giving him a hug. His big eyes curious, his brightness somehow sad.

I waved goodbye and noticed that as we pulled away the little boy had ran to the back of his village....waiting for our approach, waving his new white T-shirt.

I waved uncontrollably and cried in the confines of the car, for in that instant I knew he was an Orphan.

(Picture to follow)

with a few shirts at had.....these two children recieved a new one.