We have to be selective now when deciding who to accept as residents at Wat Opot… not all children meet our requirements or the new requirements set by Social Services. While I would like to think that we could work with any child, experience has taught me that it just isn’t possible. Still, it is not easy for me to reject a child, because I know that the opportunities afforded kids at Wat Opot are far greater than what most of the surrounding communities have to offer. Most children, regardless of background, can find a place in our community in just a few days and even those who come to us very sick, respond to treatment quickly, once they realize that there are far better things to be doing than laying around complaining, especially when sympathy is a commodity hard to find amongst those who have suffered just as much or more then you have.

Even more difficult for me to accept, at times, is when the home situation has improved and it is determined that one of our residents can be reintegrated back into their family. Although this is our goal with all of the children, it is still difficult to let them go… but sometimes you have to lose in order to win.

Thanks for dropping by!

The Watopotians