Sunday, July 06, 2008

Nuestros pequenos hermanos

After reading and hearing many stories about Casa San Salvador, the orphanage of Nuestro Pequenos Hermanos, we finally visited their grounds last Thursday. It was, as we had expected, huge. We were welcomed by one of their 15 volunteers, Drew, who gave us the full tour. We walked through the kitchen where tortillas were being baked, continued towards the pigstalls and the greenhouse in the field. The greenhouse was donated by a Spanish couple that build it and explain to the locals how to use and maintain it. We were later told the story that the children had done a contest for who could grow the biggest cucumber. A group of children ended up with a three kilo cucumber, of which they ate half and sols half. The profit was used to thow a party.

The tour eventually led us to the dorms, where we were hugged by two little boys. One almost didn´t want to let go. The all sleep in triple bunkbeds, in a dorm where on of the former ´pequenos´ takes care of them. The children all stay to work for two years of service at the house, to return a favor basically. Since they know what the children need, better than anyone, they support the smaller kids.

Everyone was busy preparing for the day after, which was graduation day. We were invited to come back and so we did. We arrived around nine on the big basketball field, which was transformed into a big stage. For almost two hours, the children danced and received their diplomas. It was great to be there. It was especially nice to see the faces of the teens that did not seem to be all too happy dancing... Picturs will follow soon!

2 comments:

Chendo said...

Hi,
I im from NPH. I was there since a i was 3 years old. Now i finishied my university and i was that day that you mention in your blog.
May be you remember me.
Thnks for share your experience from your visit to my house.
Chendo.

Chendo said...

Hi,
I im from NPH. I was there since a i was 3 years old. Now i finishied my university and i was that day that you mention in your blog.
May be you remember me.
Thnks for share your experience from your visit to my house.
Chendo.