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