When I first arrived at Wat Sa Kaeo Orphanage, I felt a mix of nervousness and curiosity. How would I connect with these children whose lives were so different from mine? Would I be able to make a meaningful impact in just a week? But the moment I stepped through the gates, all my doubts melted away. The children greeted me with radiant smiles and infectious energy, embracing me as though I had always been a part of their world.
What I thought would be a week of teaching and giving turned into one of the most profound learning experiences of my life. These children, who had every reason to let life’s hardships weigh them down, radiated joy, resilience, and a boundless capacity for love. Their ability to find happiness in the simplest moments—whether through a shared game, a burst of laughter, or a colorful tie-dye project—taught me lessons that no classroom or textbook ever could. This is the story of how a group of extraordinary children taught me to see life differently, to embrace every moment with gratitude, and to never underestimate the power of a smile.
As I reflect on my week at Wat Sa Kaeo Orphanage, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, and inspiration. What I thought would be a simple, week-long trip to teach and interact with children from a different culture became an experience that profoundly impacted my perspective on life.
From the moment I arrived, I was embraced with warm smiles and open hearts. Despite their circumstances, the children radiated an energy that was both humbling and uplifting. Their laughter was unfiltered, their joy contagious, and their spirit unbreakable. It was a reminder that happiness doesn’t come from material wealth but from the depth of our connections and the resilience of our hearts.
During my time there, I engaged in various activities with the children: teaching them English, playing games, and serving lunch. I vividly recall an English game where we whispered vocabulary to one another. Despite the language barrier, their eagerness to learn and laugh made the experience meaningful for all of us. It wasn’t just about English lessons; it was about building bridges of communication, patience, and empathy.
One highlight was an afternoon game of volleyball on the second day. Standing on the sunlit field, surrounded by laughter and cheers, I found myself learning from them, learning to find joy in the simplest moments, no matter the circumstances. In those hours, we weren’t separated by language or background; we were simply kids at heart, united by the bond of play.
Another unforgettable moment was teaching the children tie-dying at our campus on the Wednesday of Delve week. As they dipped fabrics into vibrant colors, their excitement was palpable. When I asked one boy why he chose a particularly bold design, he replied, “Even when life feels messy or chaotic, there’s always room for creativity and new beginnings.”
To understand more about the work being done at the orphanage, I spoke with the director of The Danish-Norwegian founded ICare foundation, Micheal Andreassen. iCare is the organization that has supported places like Wat Sa Kaeo since 1981. When asked what inspired him to work in this field, he shared, “Every single day, the lives I’ve changed and the people I’ve helped are reasons enough to keep going. Each person we save transforms not just their life but the future of their community.”
I also asked whether visiting the ISB campus—a stark contrast to their daily lives—made the children feel sad upon returning to the orphanage. He explained, “For these kids, being here is like a life goal and an achievement. It’s not about comparison; it’s about exposure. They see another world and realize that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve opportunities they once couldn’t imagine.”
He said the biggest need these children have extends beyond basic necessities. It is simply love. “They need someone to take an interest in them,” he said. “Being one in 1,600 kids means it’s easy to feel unseen.” This struck a chord with me, reminding me how essential it is to nurture not just their physical needs but also their emotional well-being.
Challenges abound in this work. The director mentioned staffing shortages and the struggle to provide individualized care. But despite these obstacles, iCare remains focused on preparing the children for life beyond the orphanage. “We’ve developed scholarship programs for university, technical skills, and hospitality,” he said. “Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build meaningful futures.”
As I departed Wat Sa Kaeo, I carried with me profound lessons that will resonate for a lifetime. The children there taught me that resilience is not merely about enduring challenges but about thriving in spite of them. They reminded me that happiness is not defined by what we possess but by how we approach life with grace, joy, and an unwavering spirit.
Motivated by this transformative experience, I resolved to continue supporting the iCare Foundation, to which ISB is donating gift boxes next week, and to deepen my involvement. This commitment led me to join the iCare Club at our school, a platform where anyone inspired to make a meaningful impact can contribute to touching lives. I wholeheartedly encourage others to consider joining this effort to bring hope and change to communities in need.
This experience was far more than an opportunity to teach; it served as a profound reminder of the transformative power of love, connection, and hope. To the children of Wat Sa Kaeo, the iCare Foundation, and my teachers and mentors: thank you for opening my eyes to the realities of lives beyond my own. You have shown me what it truly means to live with purpose, to embrace the call to action, and to cultivate awareness of the world’s pressing needs. This journey has inspired me to live more consciously and to advocate for meaningful change wherever I can.
