Manas Airmen make memorable bonds with disabled children

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Manas Airmen make memorable bonds with disabled
children
Going on this visit made me see that some people
don't realize how privileged they are compared
to these children. -- Airman Amir Mustafa,
376th ELRS
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan  -- The children
at Belovodsk orphanage, just north of Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan, know not what lies beyond the high
walls where they live. But inside their humble
dwellings, one won't mistake that the children
there are like most kids around the world - full
of laughter, joy, kindness, amazement and yes,
sometimes even sadness. About twice per
month, Manas Air Base Outreach Society members
visit with the children, extending a hand of
generosity and friendship. Something as simple as
a sticker or a lollypop will bring out their
smiles so wide - even on the saddest faces.
While some of the Airmen carry boxes of
clothing, diapers and other donated necessities
into one of the buildings, the rest are greeted
with the children's laughter and hugs. One can
feel the children's anticipation and excitement
wondering what surprises will come forth from the
pockets of the visitors. Some of the
Airmen on this particular visit have just
deployed to Manas and are excited to have the
opportunity to perhaps make a difference in a
little one's life. The trip was fun and
eventful. I feel that we actually make an impact
on the children's lives, said Airman Amir
Mustafa, 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness
Squadron. Going on this visit made me see that
some people don't realize how privileged they are
compared to these children.
Airman 1st Class Jennifer Morrell gives a boy a
ride on a makeshift sled at the Belovodsk, or
Belovodosky, psycho-neurological orphanage north
of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. There are more than 265
disabled children in the orphanage between the
ages of 4 and 18.