We spent the last two days at a privately run Christian home, Ninos con Valor, which has under 25 kids per home and provides enough "Tia's" (aunts) to go around. The kids are well cared for and abundantly loved. Today we went to two of the state run homes. We spent most of the day in a home for kids 0-5 who were abandoned or removed from their families. The word that constantly ran through my head was "ow." When we looking into a room with endless cribs as a Caretaker told us they needed 1100 bottles to provide for the babies- ow. Walking into a room with 20 beds waiting to be in stacked for the night- ow. Kids looking through a window anxiously waiting to be played with, held, and loved- ow. Then, the hardest "ouch" yet. Saying goodbye and trying to set a kid down as they cling to you.
Don't fret- the trip has its fair of smiles. Seeing the joy on the kids face as we play with them never fails to warm my heart. I dread the day we have to say goodbye to the kids at Ninos because I already love them so much.
With love,
Lucy
Rising Senior