Christmas at the Orphanage in Olon, Ecuador, the Happiest Place on Earth

This blog has a guest writer today for the first time ever!

Erwin Musper lives with his wife Danielle near the orphanage in Olon, Ecuador. He spends most of his days at the orphanage – teaching guitar and providing a positive male role model for the kids. When not at the orphanage, he is fundraising to benefit it. He is an internationally acclaimed music producer, mixer and engineer who worked with acts like Metallica, Elton John, Anouk, and Van Halen. See the full list here. Take it away, Erwin!

One two three FOUR!  Just like the famous first Beatles album, the YOKO band counted off their annual concert for the guests and donors at the orphanage in Olon, Ecuador. (YOKO – Young Orphanage Kids Orchestra). The guitar and piano students proudly played their donated instruments and got the crowd going from the get-go.  The first of many performances by the children that day. Self-made costumes and stage props and increasingly more difficult choreography with the different age groups. Rehearsed for weeks, the twinkle in their eyes while twirling dresses made for a great show. This was my fourth pageant at this place and my third one collaborating.

YOKO (Young Orphanage Kids Orchestra), Erwin on the mike with guitar 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

I walked into their courtyard for the first time on Christmas Eve 2014 and it has turned my life upside down. Coming to Ecuador to enjoy retirement  leisure, I now find myself volunteering at this orphanage almost every day. Surrounded by 67 beautiful kids is giving me more energy and satisfaction than I have ever experienced. And my life up until then was actually pretty great and rewarding by any standard. I know every child by name and personality. I also now know most of their history, and it broke my heart. I am a rational person and thrive on efficiency and productivity, but that first day I had to put my camera down a few times to wipe away the tears in my eyes. I’m a different man now.

This orphanage – the word Sanctuary is actually more fitting – is a tiny world of miracles in itself. Kids are being dropped off, abandoned by their families, severely malnourished and their eyes staring into a big nothing. But within a couple of months, the nightmares and fears are gone and I see the joy coming back in their daily lives. Not occasionally, but with every one without fail. The staff makes it look easy, but I’ve seen the inner workings of the daily routines and it is beyond perfect.

All kids attend school, either across the street or with trained homeschool teachers. Some kids have never been to school before arriving at this place. They have child psychologists on staff to constantly monitor the kids. Bottom line: the kids can be kids again and enjoy interaction with their new brothers and sisters.

Kids and mamitas who live at the orphanage 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

How about this oxymoron: Our orphanage, the happiest place on earth! Every birthday is celebrated with a party. For many, their first time ever. Every occasion is used to set up a show with music and dancing. Just like this Christmas event last weekend.  Even if they don’t realize yet that their presents are made possible because of local and international donors (organized by a committee of local expats under the banner of FOSMO), they immensely enjoy performing for their guests. No one goes home without an overdose of hugs and kisses. Come see for yourself. Consider yourself invited.

Some kids could not hide their excitement when receiving gifts from Papa Noel 2017 Christmas Eve, Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Some wanted to carry their own gifts, which were almost as tall as them 2017 Christmas Eve, Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

When Santa called out ‘mamita’ Fatima’s name at this year’s Christmas pageant, she was walking to the stage engulfed by a roaring and screaming bunch of her little boys. And every mamita after her also received this loud and loving gesture from their respective flock of kids. It is obvious that these children adore their caregivers. And for good reason. They literally live with their kids day and night, occupying a tiny room in the dorm. Never more than a few feet away.

Fatima (striped dress) with five of her ‘shepherds’ 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

This is what the true spirit of Christmas was meant to be. The true spirit of caring. Not just once but for life.  Merry Christmas.

Erwin Musper.

If you want more information: www.facebook.com/erwin.musper

Maria and Joseph searching for an inn 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Nativity reenactment followed by dancers 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Getting the moves just right 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Enjoying the performance 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Isabel, the founder of the orphanage, and one of the girls who lives there 2017 Christmas Eve | Photo courtesy of Erwin Musper

Thank you, Erwin, for sharing your orphanage journey with us as well as your 2017 Christmas Eve at the happiest place on earth!

Regular readers may remember Erwin’s name from the following posts (click to open each):

• Dutch Band Donating Album Proceeds To Benefit Ecuador Orphanage
• Orphanage Teens Learn to Express Themselves Through DJing

If you want to read more about the orphanage, click these links to previous posts:

• Fundraiser Recap – Christmas Gifts for 70 at the Olon Orphanage
• Yuletide at the Olon Orphanage
• Olon Orphanage
• Water. Clean Drinking Water