We spent our day at a government run Foster Care facility referred to as "HAT". We began with a tour of the buildings, followed by a series of work projects, and ending with a party, complete with piñata and dancing!
As we approached the facility, the contrast of the buildings there and at the Villa Esperanza could not be more striking. Several remarked that the buildings reminded them of a prison. Most of the buildings were a dull gray; the grounds were not kept up; even the rooms where the children slept were in disrepair. Yet, in the midst of these dismal surroundings, the people who worked at this orphanage were pleasant and reflected a sincere concern for the well-being of the children entrusted in their care. There were about 28 young people ranging in age from 2 to 24 years old. Many had mental problems. A number of them were a danger to themselves or others. All of the windows in the rooms had been broken bt certain young people there with the purpose of hurting either themselves or some one else with the glass.
One young girl who was between 14 and 16 years old was locked up. Our guide explained that she had tried to run away several times, often engaging in illicit activities when she was out, and for that reason she had to be locked in this room. The fact that our guide was explaining all of this to us as the girl was leaning against the gate in our presence made us feel both sad for the girl and awkward that she had to bear the humiliation of us hearing all of this right in front of her. A couple of the younger children came up to our group and wanted to be held, which we gladly did, bringing the children with us as walked on our tour.
We worked in teams on projects ranging from clearing a basketball court of dirt and leaves, to picking up broken pieces of glass, or cleaning toilets. We worked about 3 hours, and it felt good that we could contribute to the needs of the children in some tangible way.
Finally, we had a party with all of the children and staff. The music played; people danced and smiled; and a pinata provided some candy for the children and some laughs for all. It was a brief moment of happiness that the children could experience. Several children asked us when we were going to return. We answered that we did not know, thinking that it may be never that we return. We ended our time with short speeches expressing thanks for our group's attendance, and thanks from our group for being allowed to visit. Then prayers were offered for the children, the staff, and our group.
It was a day of numerous highs and lows. We were thankful to see that there was some place for these children to go, that they did not have to remain in abusive situations or live on the streets, but we were saddened to think of how bleak the future looked for these children.
Please join our hearts in prayer for these children.
-Alex
P.S. As we debriefed that night, we were informed that one of the staff members mentioned that the children were in need of clothes. We decided that we would use some of our group's funds to buy good used clothes and bring them to the children later in the week!
Juliette taking her try at the Cinderella pinata
Xochilt blessing us with her beautiful smile
Jenna and Mark standing in the rain, eating mangoes that the wind and rain had knocked from the trees
Kristine helping Brittany with her homework
