On a sunny Saturday morning, a trip to the Seri Cahaya Orphanage in Batu Muang was in order.

We planned to hold a Lo Sang for the orphans, so they could learn more about Chinese culture and traditions performed on Chinese New Year. However, it turned into a quest for knowledge not only by the children, but also for the adults; I discovered that I learned a lot from the orphans as well.

The day started out with the setting up of the Penang Passion booth and the preparation of Yee Sang. 

Penang Passion's booth

All of the kids (most very willingly) grouped up with the volunteers who had come along and gave big "cheeses" to the camera. Throughout the whole day, the same shining stars took a stance in front of the camera at every opportunity they could; we definitely had some young, gap-toothed posers in the crowd!

Group photo

Charlie making "buddies" with the kids

A very camera-friendly little girl

The plates of Yee Sang were then set up, and everyone made an effort to help while the children eagerly awaited their Chinese New Year treat. Many of the foreigners who came, from various countries such as Australia, the UK and Canada, helped with the preparation, and discovered that they had more Chinese culture in their blood than they were aware of! 

Everyone giving a helping hand

Charlie and Terry's teamwork

Tze putting in the final touches

Some excelled in the positioning of the preserved ingredients, while others found forte in the intricate drizzling of the sweet lime sauce; it was a fresh and exciting experience for all. An unofficial "judging" was even held about whose plate of Yee Sang looked the nicest!

My "group's" end result! Pretty impressive, eh?

The children had great fun tossing the Yee Sang; they had always been taught to never throw food, and here was the perfect opportunity to toss to their hearts' desire! 

The children very amused by the assortment

Getting ready to toss...

...and the fun begins!

Tossing Yee Sang!

A little boy enjoying his plate of Yee Sang

For some, however, the tossing was the best part; a few did not like the distinct ginger-like flavor of Yee Sang, but put up with it anyway. I found this admirable; most children their age would have thrown a tantrum and pushed the plate away. It just proved how well behaved and polite the children in the Seri Cahaya orphanage are!

The adults enjoying their vegetarian Nasi Lemak, generously donated by Seri Cahaya

Desert (in the form of kid-friendly cookies and chocolate wafers) were then passed around, followed by an "ang pao" distribution by Tze herself. The children were ecstatic at their little red packets of money, and happily chomped on their cookies with the ang pao's gripped tight in their hands. It was obvious that they were grateful for the fun-filled lunch.

Tze with Kali and one of the girls

"Great fun with the kids and they just loved the tossing of Yee Sang. My personal thanks goes to Island Way Sorbet who provided the refreshing desserts , Spring Toss Yee Sang and the participants from different nationalities - Canada,the UK, Australia, Amsterdam, Singapore, Malaysia .....a very international presence at the event. It's a great way to celebrate CNY where we broke all social and cultural barriers and just focused on having a memorable time with the kids and the yummy Yee Sang;-) Did I hear it right someone whispered they had 5 helpings of Yee Sang?
Thanks to all of you, the kids had a memorable lo-sang experience and I hope we can do another fabulous job of bringing joy to this home and other homes year after year."        
- Koh Tze Yin, Director of Penang Passion

The children having a bit of a laugh...

...followed by the adults! 

We were then given a tour by Kali, or "Amma" as she is lovingly known, who runs the orphanage and cares for the children. She showed us the full-carpeted, air conditioned yoga room, which was specially designed so that the children would have somewhere to relax and find their inner peace. Kali's motives and passion for her project was definitely an inspiration to me; her selfless nature and good-willing attitude are something that all of us should possess, and the way she has dedicated her life to these children is simply amazing.

Kali explaining to Tze the importance of yoga in the children's lives

It is not only Kali who makes the Seri Cahaya Orphanage somewhere worthwhile to visit; the children themselves are friendly and open to visitors. A few girls came up to me and made conversation; they were happy to have found a new friend in me, and I was definitely satisfied that I had made some new buddies! All of the children are this way, although some are slightly more shy; they have been taught to appreciate what others do for them, and in turn to always be the best people they can be. Despite their hardships and heart-wrenching stories, they are optimistic and happy to be where they are. The adults who live at the home are the same way; they are most helpful, and try to help in every way they can. I felt as if it was a model for the rest of us to base our lives on as well; perseverance and optimism, the perfect recipe for a fulfilling life!

My newfound friends and I; photo courtesy of one of the girls!

It was a lesson for me, and I feel as if everyone should make a visit to an orphanage like this; it will truly open both your eyes and your heart.

Some enthusiastic comments about the event:

"Thanks Tze for a most interesting and inspiring morning!I feel all the better for being part of it!"
- Puan Sri Sue Dhanarajan, Malaysia

"It was heart-warming to see the children enjoy and participate in the tradition of Lo Sang. Congratulations to Penang Passion and patrons of the orphanage for bringing cheer to the less fortunate during the Chinese New Year." - Siew Lay Keong, Golden Fresh

'Thanks for including me. It was a super day! ' Judith Elllidge, UK