Aldea Infantil: Angela's last post

The following is a post from Angela, who volunteered at La Aldea Infantil this summer:

August 29

Oh my goodness, I left Aldea exactly one week ago.  I got home from Peru on Friday.  Since then I have had so many different thoughts run through my head.  Certainly, I have returned to America, mi pais, with a changed heart.  I was only in Peru for a short time, barely a month and a half, but the lessons I learned will stay with me forever.   In all, Peru was amazing!  The scenery is beautiful, the culture and history rich, the people personable and hard working.  I quickly became enchanted with the world around me.  Every day I became more and more intrigued, as well as impressed, with the lifestyles of the Peruanas.  Certainly, the most dominant characteristic I observed is that the people are willingly friendly with everyone.  From my observations, people matter to those in Peru, and I certainly felt my heart open to that concept.  I had so much fun striking up a conversation, working alongside, and learning from my new friends in Peru.  One of the first lessons las Peruanas taught me is: People matter.  They are the most important part of life and one must work hard to maintain a friendly, happy relationship with all of our neighbors. 

In Iquitos, the lush and beautiful Amazon, I learned how important it is to put other’s needs before my own.   I had the opportunity to work alongside personas muy buena con corazones muy grande.  Yes, I did work with 29 amazing, selfless gringos.  But the people I was most impressed with were the 15 or so Peruanas in charge of the service projects.  These people were humble enough to step out of their own busy and difficult lives and notice others, their own neighbors, were in need of their help.  They sacrificed not only their meager resources, but also their time—a very precious and expensive commodity.  I was honored to add my own simple hand to the efforts of the Peruvians in the service group “Las Aguilas” from a LDS Stake in Iquitos.  I seriously completed some of the most rewarding work with my new friends in Iquitos.  They taught me so much about putting my God and my neighbors before myself, and doing so happily and willingly.  Everyday my heart was touched and softened a little more.

And then I got to la Aldea Infantíl, a government funded orphanage in Santa Rosa, Simbal a city district near Trujillo.  It was here that I fully came to love las Peruanas.  On my first day at the orphanage I felt like I would never learn the all of the children’s names let alone become someone they could feel support from.  Luckily, I was very wrong.  I quickly fell into the daily life at Aldea—there are 64 children and twenty or so adult employees.  I came to love and respect each employee (los tios) and came to deeply care for each one of children (los niños) individually.  Over the month that I was there I participated in several activities (a running race, drawing contest, dance lessons, ect.), field trips (including a tour of the ancient ruins of the Chimu tribe, Chan Chan and a trip a la cine, etc.), and even a two day Anniversary Celebration with the orphans.  While the activities were exciting and enjoyable, my most treasured moments were when I was simply a friend to los niños.  We played together, took strolls arm in arm, raked leaves together, even talked while watching the stars (to only mention a few).  Every moment I spent with a child, particularly one on one, was special and unique to that child and myself.  I feel I was able to learn the personalities and different qualities in most, if not all, of the children.   Love and support developed on both sides. 

Aldea-los niños y los tios—taught me love.  These children are lacking so much—not only in physical and temporal conditions, but more significantly emotionally. They simply do not have a strong foundation to lean on or draw strength from.  They lack the comfort gained from a constant, caring parent.  They do not have a mother or father by their side to teach and build them up.  Los tios constantly sacrificed to try to create a foundation of love.  And I was indeed humbled to have the opportunity to give a little of my own love and as well as the Lords love to these struggling children.   I was always in awe to witness the simple acts of love and sacrifice in the management of Aldea.  The orpanage was conducted through the love of God.  The people, los tios y los niños, taught me the importance of love and how to open my heart to those in need.  I am so grateful for every moment I had in Peru.  I undoubtedly believe the good done was for me.  My Peruvian friends served me as I lived among them this summer.  I will forever keep a part of my heart in Peru—stuck with my friends in Iquitos and con mis hijos y amigos in Aldea. 

Muchas gracias al Dios, Ealge-Condor, y las personas del Peru por un verano muy significa en mi vida!

Aldea Infantil: Never ending smiles

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 “Mamí”.  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.  

Aldea Infantil: A grand marathon

The following is a post from Angela, an intern at La Aldea Infantil:

August 11

This week in Aldea, I have learned so much from every activity, conversation, and even the simple observations of the kids and employees.  I have had several moments where I paused, took a step back, and realized how amazing los niños here are.  I am living their life for only a couple of weeks (and even then it is not the same for me).  I have clothes and shoes that fit, I have a family and support waiting for me back home, I have opportunity and the means to engage progress in my life.  These children, bless their hearts, are lacking.  The Tios really do love these children.  I have been so impressed by the employees and their obvious love and service towards these kids.  The children call them “Mamí” for a reason.  However, there are eight to ten children in one house (about 70 kids in all) and it is very difficult to provide a foundation these children can lean on when they need comfort, support, and love.  It is my hope that during my time here at Aldea I can help give them some of my love and more importantly God’s love.   I hope, through my efforts, the children can realize how special each and every one of them is.  I know everyone of them has talent and potential, the only challenge is getting them on the road to success.  

This week Aldea actually had a lot of activities planned for the kids.  One day all the children participated in “un gran marathon” (a grand marathon), a race. Each child had a number on their back and were split into groups according to their age.  During the race the children cheered for their comrades and the race exerted not only physical exercise but love and encouragement.  It was so much fun to run with the children and grow closer through companionship.  Another day everyone went out to “el cine” (a movie).  The kids expressed so much excitement for the film, and once again it was so much fun for me to put myself at their level of the children and participate with them.  During the movie I held an eight year old girl named Perla.  Perla pulls at the strings of my heart, she is mentally handicapped and is constantly running around searching for what appears to me more love.  I held her close to me the whole movie.  The climax of the movie turned out very eventful for both of us—as the music and action increased so did Perla’s anxiety.  She screamed out “Mamí” and quickly turned her head to my chest.  It took a couple of moments to calm her, but then we finished the film peacefully.  Later in the week, we took a field trip to Chan Chan, one of the largest ancient ruins in Peru and I believe in the world.  It was marvelous to learn Peruvian history with the children.  During the field trip I spent time one on one with the kids and we talked excitedly about what we were seeing. 

We stayed very busy this week, but what I think was most meaningful was the quiet moments when I sat down and talked with the kids.  Last night I looked at the stars with one of the boys.  His name is Miguel.  He is thirteen years old, and is also a little mentally and physically handicapped.  He finally opened up last night and we had a marvelous conversation with about Halloween, la playa, the planets, Argentina, soccer, and several other random subjects.  Even though our conversation was pointless, love was certainly expressed.  When I left for my house he gave me a big hug and a kiss on first the hand, then the cheek.  The look in his eyes was precious, a moment I will never forget.  I know that Miguel understood my love for him.  I hope he will always remember it!  I have had these special moments repeatedly this last week.  These kids are so wonderful and I want to touch each and everyone of their hearts, because they certainly have touched mien.   I am so grateful for this opportunity.  Attached are a few photos of different activities and children.

Aldea Infantil: From Angela

**My apologies for my lack of posting recently. I just had a baby and we moved 2 weeks later! Regular posting should commence soon!**

The following is a post from Angela, who is volunteering at La Aldea Infantil:

August 4

Aldea is a very quaint, well-mangaed square of ten casas, each (menos casa sies) has eight to ten ninos, their ages ranging from a five month old baby to 18 years, living under the managment of a Tia.  The kids are well taken care of, every child recieves a good meals, clean clothes, and sanitary living conditions.  It is obvious that the children's health is important to the Tias--not only because it is their job to watch over the children but also because they sincerly love these kids. 

On my second day I was able to witness and then gain my own concern and love for los ninos.  Three of the babies (Fatima-ella tiene un ano-, Devyious-el tiene tres anos-, y Maria Luisa-ella tiene cinco) were ill and needed to go to the doctor.  Tia Flor y Tia Margarita needed one more person to help hold the kids so I accompanied them to a hospital just outside of Aldea.  We traveled on the bus and held the kids in our laps.  When we first arrived at the hospital we needed to check the kids in, but Tia Flor y Tia Margeta needed to take one of the kids to the bathroom. So they had me wait in line, holding sweet Fatima in my arms.  While I was waiting I talked with the Peruvain women in front of me, all of them also holding a sick child.  I was impressed with the obvious love each had for their own children and then for me.  When it came my time to check the children in and las Tias were still missing the women were quick to help me.  Latter, as we were waiting for the doctor all the women in the waiting room talked amongst eachother, discussed their childrens' illnesses, and gave eachother support and advice.  They were quick to show that they cared for the other women's situations and children as well as their own. I witnessed women who were proud to be mothers.  I really appreciated the sisterhood between the women at the hospital.  The people may not have all of the resources as we do in the United States, but they certainly have companionship and charity towards one another.

Many of the women assumed or asked if the children I was holding were mis hijos.  I quickly explained that I was simply a volunteer, temporary mother for the children.  But their questions made me realize how important a role of a mother is and that I could act as that figure for the next couple of weeks.  These children need as much love and support as is possible to bestow upon their sweet spirits.  As we left the hospital, all three of the children fell asleep in each of the Tias y mio arms. It was the most precious experience to carry a sleeping baby all the way back to Aldea.  My heart certainly grew as I carried and worked with the ill children, the caring Tias, and the supportive women at the hospital.  I know my heart will continue to soften and change as I experience many different moving adventures here at Aldea.  Un otra vez, tengo mucho feliz para mis oportunidades aca.