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. Of course, not one of the more than 250 children, whose ages run from 4 years to 18, would turn down a hug or a gentle touch of a hand. And something as simple as a sticker or a lollipop will bring out their smiles so wide - even on the saddest faces.
As the vehicles with the 'foreign' visitors pull into the compound, the children's faces peer through the windows of their dormitories. In no time, boys and girls clad in winter coats, boots and stocking caps make their way toward their faithful friends who have come to visit and play once again.
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," he said.
"Going there was nothing like I expected," said Mustafa, who is deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. "This was my first time going, but definitely not my last," he said.
Within a matter of minutes, most of the children had already put stickers on their hands and faces. A new Frisbee disc zips back and forth between an Airman and a young boy, who despite his crippled right arm, can catch and return as well, if not better than anyone else there.
A soccer ball gets its fair share of kicks across the snowy play yard while a frenzy of snowman building begins. Then, it was onto sledding, where old plastic sheets substituted the sled.
"It was a great trip and I had a great time," said Staff Sgt. Milbert Bourgeois, 376th Security Forces Squadron.
"There is so much more that we could be doing to help the children. We are blessed that we could go there to bring the children clothes and candy," said Bourgeois, who is a Nevada Air National Guardsman with the 152nd Air Wing in Reno, Nev.
Some of the children at the orphanage have disabilities that won't allow them to ever leave their beds, but that doesn't stop them from expressing happiness when hearing a soothing voice or feeling a gentle touch.
"When I first deployed to Manas, I saw an e-mail about the MABOS organization and it caught my interest," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Nalls, 376th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron.
"I love kids and I loved my first experience with the orphanage. I was hooked after that," said Nalls, who is now the focus group leader for Belovodsk orphanage.
"I love the fact that I can run around with them and play. I love that they are so grateful for the time we share with them," she said.
As the afternoon sun began to draw shadows over the yard, all knew it was about time to go.
"Every time I leave Belovodosky, I feel like I at least brought some happiness to the children," said Nalls, who is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "I love the fact that I can spend time with them and make them smile or laugh."
"I'm humbled by the caregivers who deal with the children day in and day out," Nalls said. "They truly care for them and I imagine it can be a pretty thankless job. I think about the life the children have ahead of them."
"I think about what it would be like to grow up like that. Then I normally finish up with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for allowing me to be a part of giving these children a few 'better' childhood memories," said Nalls.