The following is a post from Angela, a volunteer at La Aldea Infantil:
August 19
This week the kids returned to school from their vacation. Therefore, every morning I had the
opportunity to help more with the little babies and the other children that did
not go to school. On Monday I was able
to spend time with two precious children, Perla (a handicapped eight year old)
and then Maria Luisa (a little three year old).
We drew pictures, read stories, and walked around together. It was beautiful. I certainly felt a stronger bond with both of
the children after our adventures together.
Perla has grown quite attached to me, she is constantly sitting in my
lap or calling me “MamÔ. It almost
breaks my heart.
Another day I spent the morning with Elvien. She is a 16 year old girl who is six months
pregnant. She does not go to
school. I wanted her to be able have
some kind of educational activity so I pulled out some basic piano books and
started to teach her how to play the piano.
Again, it was a beautiful moment.
When I first came to Aldea, Elvien would not really look at me, talk to
me, even smile. But now she has finally
opened up. We are friends. I hope she can remember my love for her, for
I certainly do love her.
Every week has been so different at Aldea. This week I have more fully realized my love
for each of the children personally. The
children quickly show me their love as well.
Hugs are constant, smiles never ending.
I have a different relationship with each child and I will remember them
all for their own personality. It is
indeed going to be difficult to leave these kids this next week. I have tried to be a nurturing, stable figure
for the kids to believe in. And now I am
leaving. These children are missing a
solid foundation (parenthood) and nothing, no matter how hard people try, can
take that place. I have certainly gained
a stronger appreciation for my own family and developed a stronger commitment
to build a firm foundation for my own children one day. Thank you Aldea and Eagle-Condor for all of
the memories and lessons learned from this experience.
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