For several Indonesian under-18s, who were orphaned by the disastrous 2004 tsunami, this year’s Haj turned out to be a dream come true as they performed the annual pilgrimage as guests of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

The victims of one of the world’s worst natural calamities, who were hosted for Haj at the invitation of the king, left Sunday for their home country.

“We are unable to express our joy of performing the recent Haj. It was a dream that became true for us,” said Badriah bint Nurdin. “When people in our country have to wait for more than 20 years for their turn for Haj, we consider ourselves grateful and indebted to the king as we could perform the pilgrimage at our young age,” she added.

“We thank the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for their utmost cooperation during our stay in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah,” said Salmi bin Musa Ilyas, another orphan. “We are fortunate enough to have had the patronage and care of none other than King Abdullah. We pray for the king’s health and the Kingdom’s prosperity,” he added.

“Witnessing the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque was a unique experience, which we will cherish life long,” Sri Mustina bint Jeelani said, hoping that the king’s noble gesture will continue in the future enabling all other orphans to perform the pilgrimage.

This year 105 orphans — 44 male and 61 female — were invited by King Abdullah to perform Haj as his guests.