The gang was discussing itinerary of the day. Everyone has no objection to tend to our stomach's needs first. After all, it was lunch hour.
After our Halal Chicken Rice Ball lunch, Teck suggested us to pay a visit to an orphanage at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent Infant Jesus.
The Convent Infant Jesus school now houses the orphans from Timur Leste, who are here in Malaysia for receiving medical treatment..
The used-to-be a Sister quarter of the school is now the safe heaven for these Timur Leste orphans.
Honestly, I don't feel proud of my country these days. However, after knowing from Lala (the "Mom" of the orphanage) about the humanitarian works that The Malaysian Army Force has done for these Timur Leste orphans - who lost their parents in their very eyes during the civil war, i have to salute and feel proud of the Malaysia Army ... at least for the very first time.
Miss Lala, the courageous and passionate "MOM" of these orphans. She is an Indonesian whose family resides in Australia and she runs this orphanage by herself, with the support from the Catholic Church charity, Malaysian government, public and friends.
According to Lala, these children were very sick when they first came to Malaysia. Some come with chronic diseases like CHD (e.g. holes in heart), other were having contagious diseases like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and these children have to be quarantined before treatment can be offered.
As you can see now, these children looks healthier after receiving treatment, although not fully recovered. Depends on the duration of the medical treatment, these orphans may need to extend their stay here and have to renew their medical visa that cost RM600 per person.
During their stay here in Malaysia, these children are not forfeited from their education. They are getting education from the vocational schools. Due to tight funding, Lala and the kids welcome donation in the form of school books, exercise books, sport shoes and stationery for their schooling needs.
Teck, who has personally donated some money to help one of these Timur Leste orphans for a heart surgery; as well as Edwin have actually brought some books and stationery for these children. The rest of the gang also did our part by pooling our money to get the orphanage a new toaster oven, since the current one they are having has broken down.
Knowing living comes with a price, during free time, these children make some souvenirs for sales to raise fund for their fellow friends and for the orphanage. These items include soaps, storage cases etc.
Little library of the orphanage.
Beside the cupboard were collages of photographs taken back in Timur Leste. These photos are now memories of life and proofs of the humanitarian works contributed by the Malaysian Army Force, as well as all other good people who has helped these orphans, regardless race and religion.
Group photo of the orphans and Lala. Lala's daughter from Australia was in Melaka. She was away to get some movie tickets for these children.
For those who wish to donate money, please see above. As Lala mentioned, given a chance, the orphanage prefer in-kinds, especially those useful for the children's education.
After the soulful visit to the orphanage, it is time to answer to our craving for Cendol. Kieren bought some Hairy Fruits - the Rambutan to complement the sweet coconut milk based desserts.
When night fell, we went for Nyonya food as dinner, before heading to Jonker Street for some street foods. Dim Sum from street vendor, non-Halal though; as these Dim Sums are made of "Lembu berkaki pendek", literally means "Short-legged cow" or Pork in actual. According to Lala, this was how the Malaysian Army described "pig" back in Timur Leste, so funny!
Ray was attracted by the smell of these fried Cempedak and he could not resist the temptation. He took a total of 6 pieces by ignoring the calories he ingested.
FYI, Cempedak fruit
Delicious looking pineapple tarts on the right and middle as Kaya (Malaysian jam made of coconut milk, egg and sugar) pastry on the left.
Close encounter of the pineapple tarts- the "more cruchy" version on the left and "fluffy & buttery"version of these tarts on the right.
Here comes the King of the fruits - DURIAN, The Queen of fruits - Mangosteen as well as Langsat - local fruit!
More Durians... guess those who like durians must be drooling by now.
Mangosteen
