Because of the fact that we were formerly in a crowded rental house and because there was a long process of construction on our new home, we have been waiting to take in more children. But this week we were able to welcome a new member into our Ama Ghar family – a little 5 1/2 year old girl named Pooja.
Pooja’s father died while working in Qatar, and her mother could no longer care for her, so she was brought to us. When a child first arrives at Ama Ghar, they are always frightened and in a state of shock. No matter how difficult their circumstances, it’s still frightening for children to leave the familiar and leap into the unknown.
As you can see from these photos, the staff of Ama Ghar – and even more importantly, the other children – always give the new arrivals a warm welcome. In addition to healthy food, new clothes and a warm bed, these kids are in need of a loving home and family.
The transformation is always inspiring, and Pooja is well on her way. By Day Two, she was told she could go to school, and she immediately asked, “Can I have a pencil and a school bag?”