EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
A Homecoming of the Heart: Serenitee Yap’s Christmas Visit to the Orphanage
Hwabi, Yangon, Myanmar – We are overjoyed to share the heartfelt visit of Serenitee Ayobamidele Yap, who returned from San Francisco this Christmas season for a deeply meaningful reunion with one of the orphanage communities she has long represented as a Children’s Orphanage Ambassador with the Foundation. After eight years of living in Yangon, Serenitee’s return was a personal journey and a decisive moment of reconnection with the children who had always held a special place in her heart since her first visit to Myittamone Orphanage when she was 11. Accompanied by her fellow Ambassador Meme Lwin, Serenitee arrived at Myittarmone in the early afternoon, warmly greeted by the joyful smiles of the girls. What followed was an unforgettable day of bonding, laughter, and heartfelt exchanges that brought a sense of unity and compassion to everyone involved.
Throughout the day, Serenitee and Meme immersed themselves in the orphanage’s vibrant rhythm—singing classic Christmas songs with the children, taking quiet time-outs for personal conversations, and sparking inspiration through music. Serenitee shared her passion for the piano, explaining how its melodies became a source of comfort and creativity during her upbringing. With tenderness and patience, she offered the girls their first piano lessons, leaving behind the basics of music theory and the belief that beauty and expression can be found even in the simplest of keys. Her gentle encouragement filled the room with excitement and curiosity, leaving a lasting impression on the children who had never seen a piano played up close before by a person who had grown up playing piano since the age of 5.
The experience extended far beyond music and festivities. Serenitee was deeply moved by the behind-the-scenes realities of daily life at the orphanage, especially in the cooking area, where meals are prepared using traditional methods. She admired as the sisters stirred a massive rice pot over a wood fire, the smoky air carrying the aroma of a meal prepared with love and devotion. It was a powerful contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle of the West and gave Serenitee new insight into the strength, resilience, and simplicity that define the children’s everyday experiences. She took the time to learn about the girls’ routines, appreciating the discipline and care involved in every part of their day.
As night fell, the girls gathered in a large circle before bedtime, a cherished tradition of the Foundation where every orphaned child is asked to share stories, hopes, and dreams. That evening, they requested Serenitee to talk about her life growing up in the United States—a moment filled with emotion, laughter, and reflection. Serenitee’s stories reminded them that connection and understanding are always possible, even across oceans and vastly different circumstances. Hosted by Sister Mary Sagaya and supported by four dedicated sisters from the Archdiocese of Yangon, the orphanage radiates warmth, care, and commitment. In Serenitee’s words, “Being here tonight reminds me that love knows no boundaries, and hope can be nurtured anywhere—especially when we listen, share, and believe in one another.” Her visit was not just a holiday homecoming but a powerful reminder of the bonds that tie us together, no matter where we are.
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