lunes, 27 de junio de 2011
Memoirs
It's been a little over a month since we've parted, but even so, I can recall vivid snapshots of our adventures together. From the very first time we really started to talk and getting to know each other (at the airport in Orlando),to going to eat mango verde in downtown (YUMMY!!), to going shopping (boy did we do lots of that!!), to singing with the residents of the Hogar, to painting our amazing murals, to visiting El Volcan Pacaya (laughing at Jaime for falling on pooh!!),to going dancing at the Mexican restaurant, to cooking rotten sausages (lmao!! I laugh at that almost every day!),to going zip-lining and hiking, to showering at an amazing waterfall, to playing UNO, to the very last morning when we said good-bye at Shannon's uncle's house (sad face).
Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations in numerous ways; I grew as a volunteer, a student, a friend, and a citizen of the world. As a volunteer, I learned that there are few limitations on how a person can be of service to another. The very first day at the Hogar Padre Vito (orientation), I cried for various reasons: (1) it was Mother's Day in El Salvador and we were visiting an orphanage where most of the residents had been abandoned by their families (2) I was overwhelmed to see the impairments the various disabilities caused the residents (most were in wheelchairs, some couldn't talk, and some had to be tied down to be fed) (3)I questioned my ability to help the residents, and (4) I felt sorry for them. The director of the Hogar pulled me aside and asked me why I was crying (at this point, the tears would not stop!) I told her, and she replied with: "The kids here are happy with the simple fact that you are here to help them. They are blessed enough to have a place filled with loving care takers and to have a facility like this one. You will see that they will grow to love you and you vice versa." I'm not going to lie, at times I felt like I was in an asylum and I questioned whether, I myself was going to go insane, but as the days went on, we really got to know some of the residents on an individual basis. Sure enough the residents began to be affectionate not only with their tight hugs or hand holding, but also by calling us "Mama" and "Papa". Some of the residents began to recognize us, and would radiate a big smile when they saw us. I personally, got to sing A LOT with a few of the residents (which made my experience absolutely amazing). I don't know if the residents would actually remember us if we were to go back now, but I know we left a sustainable mark at the orphanage--the murals, the sensory garden and a cleaner ball pit. I had always been a bit fearful and apprehensive to aid others who had special needs simply because I did not feel I was competent enough in that area, but I definitely learned from this experience that it does not matter how much you know about a subject or not, it is the willingness and the openness of a person that will be most effective in helping another.
Another thing I really learned from the residents was how to define happiness in my life. The first day I felt sorry for them, but then I realized that they were not sad about the situation they were in. Their biological parents may not have been there with them, but they were surrounded by a caring and loving staff. They did not have the latest clothes and shoes (most of the time they didn’t even match), but they didn’t care about that; they were oblivious to this, but yet were extremely happy. I think this definitely made become such a much more positive person. Even the slightest issue that possess in my way, I know that I can handle it.
As a student, I learned that one of the best ways to actually learn about a particular subject or culture, is not just to read it, but actually experience it hands on. In several of my Social Work classes as well as various volunteer trainings, I had been told or read how to best help clients with special needs, but I never actually put it into practice because I never had the chance. Volunteering at the Hogar, gave me that hands on experience as well as the confidence to continue to practice those skills whenever I need to help a person who is differently abled. Also, what better ways to learn about Salvadorian culture than to actually eat their food, visit their cities, and learn about their history through museums and site seeing!!?
The adventures on this trip will always be in my mind, and so will the people with whom I experienced it! For, it is only with you all that I can reminisce about the good laughs we shared and still cherish, for no matter how much I tell the stories to others, they will never truly understand, and I will have to continue to say "YOU HAD TO BE THERE...".
Walking through Antigua, Guatemala, I really became much more aware about the necessity of a global citizen. There was a display of human rights: accessibility to water. I know people say change should start in YOUR community, and if everyone does that the world will be a better place, but the truth is that there are some communities that unfortunately do not have the agents of change and/or the resources that are necessary in order to create change in their communities. Therefore, it is our duty, as citizen of the world to advocate for them (and if possible AND wanted help them with resources)
I miss y'all-- Princess Bugie (couldn’t find how to spell it lol), Drama King, Africa, Clumsy Jane, and Hypochondriac Bailey
Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations in numerous ways; I grew as a volunteer, a student, a friend, and a citizen of the world. As a volunteer, I learned that there are few limitations on how a person can be of service to another. The very first day at the Hogar Padre Vito (orientation), I cried for various reasons: (1) it was Mother's Day in El Salvador and we were visiting an orphanage where most of the residents had been abandoned by their families (2) I was overwhelmed to see the impairments the various disabilities caused the residents (most were in wheelchairs, some couldn't talk, and some had to be tied down to be fed) (3)I questioned my ability to help the residents, and (4) I felt sorry for them. The director of the Hogar pulled me aside and asked me why I was crying (at this point, the tears would not stop!) I told her, and she replied with: "The kids here are happy with the simple fact that you are here to help them. They are blessed enough to have a place filled with loving care takers and to have a facility like this one. You will see that they will grow to love you and you vice versa." I'm not going to lie, at times I felt like I was in an asylum and I questioned whether, I myself was going to go insane, but as the days went on, we really got to know some of the residents on an individual basis. Sure enough the residents began to be affectionate not only with their tight hugs or hand holding, but also by calling us "Mama" and "Papa". Some of the residents began to recognize us, and would radiate a big smile when they saw us. I personally, got to sing A LOT with a few of the residents (which made my experience absolutely amazing). I don't know if the residents would actually remember us if we were to go back now, but I know we left a sustainable mark at the orphanage--the murals, the sensory garden and a cleaner ball pit. I had always been a bit fearful and apprehensive to aid others who had special needs simply because I did not feel I was competent enough in that area, but I definitely learned from this experience that it does not matter how much you know about a subject or not, it is the willingness and the openness of a person that will be most effective in helping another.
Another thing I really learned from the residents was how to define happiness in my life. The first day I felt sorry for them, but then I realized that they were not sad about the situation they were in. Their biological parents may not have been there with them, but they were surrounded by a caring and loving staff. They did not have the latest clothes and shoes (most of the time they didn’t even match), but they didn’t care about that; they were oblivious to this, but yet were extremely happy. I think this definitely made become such a much more positive person. Even the slightest issue that possess in my way, I know that I can handle it.
As a student, I learned that one of the best ways to actually learn about a particular subject or culture, is not just to read it, but actually experience it hands on. In several of my Social Work classes as well as various volunteer trainings, I had been told or read how to best help clients with special needs, but I never actually put it into practice because I never had the chance. Volunteering at the Hogar, gave me that hands on experience as well as the confidence to continue to practice those skills whenever I need to help a person who is differently abled. Also, what better ways to learn about Salvadorian culture than to actually eat their food, visit their cities, and learn about their history through museums and site seeing!!?
The adventures on this trip will always be in my mind, and so will the people with whom I experienced it! For, it is only with you all that I can reminisce about the good laughs we shared and still cherish, for no matter how much I tell the stories to others, they will never truly understand, and I will have to continue to say "YOU HAD TO BE THERE...".
Walking through Antigua, Guatemala, I really became much more aware about the necessity of a global citizen. There was a display of human rights: accessibility to water. I know people say change should start in YOUR community, and if everyone does that the world will be a better place, but the truth is that there are some communities that unfortunately do not have the agents of change and/or the resources that are necessary in order to create change in their communities. Therefore, it is our duty, as citizen of the world to advocate for them (and if possible AND wanted help them with resources)
I miss y'all-- Princess Bugie (couldn’t find how to spell it lol), Drama King, Africa, Clumsy Jane, and Hypochondriac Bailey
viernes, 17 de junio de 2011
So Many Stories...
When I came back to Tallahassee, I had so many stories to share. And the more I had to repeat the stories, the more I missed the adventures. And certain things would make me laugh and remind me of my roommates that nobody else could even begin to understand. Bananas and no water immediately come to mind. I've come back to a quiet house and my classes have started so all I do is study and sleep. Sometimes while I'm studying or eating I have a brief moment where I'm transported back to El Salvador and all I can think about is Pops or papusas. Yes, I'll admit...I miss going to papusarias with my PeaceJam family. The whole gang and Don Jaime too. Remembering El Salvador isn't difficult; from the art to the pictures to the paint on my jeans, I have reminders everywhere. And I'm glad. I love having a mini scrapbook with me wherever I go.
I miss the Hogar. I don't miss the smell or the heat or the queasy feeling of not being able to help enough. But I miss the smiles and the excitement and the look a resident gives you when you walk by. A look that asks "Will you brighten up my day?" When people ask what it's like to help people with disabilities, I'm never sure how to answer. I always start with "It's not as hard as you think." Taking a hand, sharing a laugh, and singing a song is really quite easy. I can't wait to see the finished garden and I'm already jealous that people are going to El Salvador and I can't.
When I try to list all the cool things I've done in El Salvador and Guatemala, the things I say still sound amazing no matter how many times I repeat it. I'm not going to list them because you know what they are. That list is a bit of history we share with each other and I am grateful I shared it with you all.
My days in Central America are not over. I don't know if I'll go to El Salvador again (I hope I do) but the other countries have a high standard to meet. As you all know, I only like the best and after El Salvador, I don't know if I'll be impressed with those other countries. :D
I still listen to Hello and Mi Nina Bonita. Oh and I still have nutrigrain bars and chips!
My trip to El Salvador is one of my favorite international trips and it when it comes to new experiences it tops the list. And I would take this trip again in a heartbeat.
Thanks again for the opportunity and for sharing it with me. Can't wait to get together again!
I miss the Hogar. I don't miss the smell or the heat or the queasy feeling of not being able to help enough. But I miss the smiles and the excitement and the look a resident gives you when you walk by. A look that asks "Will you brighten up my day?" When people ask what it's like to help people with disabilities, I'm never sure how to answer. I always start with "It's not as hard as you think." Taking a hand, sharing a laugh, and singing a song is really quite easy. I can't wait to see the finished garden and I'm already jealous that people are going to El Salvador and I can't.
When I try to list all the cool things I've done in El Salvador and Guatemala, the things I say still sound amazing no matter how many times I repeat it. I'm not going to list them because you know what they are. That list is a bit of history we share with each other and I am grateful I shared it with you all.
My days in Central America are not over. I don't know if I'll go to El Salvador again (I hope I do) but the other countries have a high standard to meet. As you all know, I only like the best and after El Salvador, I don't know if I'll be impressed with those other countries. :D
I still listen to Hello and Mi Nina Bonita. Oh and I still have nutrigrain bars and chips!
My trip to El Salvador is one of my favorite international trips and it when it comes to new experiences it tops the list. And I would take this trip again in a heartbeat.
Thanks again for the opportunity and for sharing it with me. Can't wait to get together again!
viernes, 10 de junio de 2011
Nostalgia
It has been two weeks since we have returned, which I consider to be ample time to readjust to life in the U.S. and to fully reflect upon the experience that we all had. Honestly, El Salvador is my favorite place to be in the whole world. This was my third trip to that beautiful country, and honestly I had felt that I already knew a lot about Salvadoran history, society, and culture; however, I am glad and humbled to say that El Salvador teaches me something profound every time I go. I have never had an experience like that of working with Hogar Padre Vito Guarato, either at home or abroad; they, as an organization (on every level) showed me that, even within a society that is severely lacking in the resources needed to care for individuals with special needs, it is still possible to be compassionate, to provide plenty, and to dissipate prejudice. The sacrifice and compassion displayed by all who worked at or supported the organization inspired me to work even harder within my own community upon returning to the U.S. It was also refreshing to interact with the residents, and to feel as if I was truly making a difference in someone's life, especially through the concrete projects we completed (the murals and sensory garden). I am definitely very grateful for such an educational and enriching experience, and to be sure, I already miss it.
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