Ninas in traditional costume

Friday, September 24, 2010

Little girls, worms and a white flag

Day 11 -Casa de Alegria

Today much to our excitement was our first visit to an orphanage. Today we were to visit "Casa de Alegria" meaning "House of Joy" an orphanage for girls. We visit orphanages to conduct clinics. We do a general check up and treat any problems that arise or the girls complain of. It is also a chance for us to spend some time with the girls; show them that there are people thinking of them and a God that loves them. Many of the girls in the orphanage come from abuse backgrounds and have been rescued from some terrible situations. Additionally in Bolivia, many families cannot care for all their children and the decision may have to be made to give away the ones that cannot be fed.

When we were arrived we were greeted by a bunch of excited, giggling girls. You would not believe that these were girls who had experienced suffering or hardship. And they most certainly did not carry the concerned faces that children normally do when they are having a "visit with the doctor". The girls jumped all over us and chatted away in spanish. Unfazed when we stared at them blankly and continually mumbled in our bad spanish "Hola and si, si, si!". They eagerly awaited their chance with the "doctors" where they would be given our undivided attention for the few minutes it took to do a quick examination.

Leta and Leticia were brilliant translators. The girls were very patient with us and just seemed glad to be recieving some attention even if it was while we poked and prodded them. Many of the girls had parasites. Seven in 10 children in Bolivia are infected with some kind of parasite whether it be worms, or other bugs. This accompanied with poverty and poor hygiene means that many children lack the important nutrients that is required to grow. The government does not have the money to treat children in schools and so many kids go untreated. We did our best to identify the infected kids and treat them.

I looked around at all the beautiful girls and reflected on all the things they were missing out on...being a part of a family, sharing meals together and talking over the days events, having a mum to talk to about the perils of teenager-dom, a dad to hug you and tease you, a home to call your own. These kids were all happy! They were unfazed by their past and excited for their future. They cared for and protected eachother.

They poked fun at us and treated us like big sisters! As corny as it sounds I was really taken by this. I was overwhelmed with honour that in such a short time they would be so accepting of us ignorant gringas. I wanted to be able to return the favour. Share with them what a big sister would...so began some brainstorming and it was decided we would go back and do a session with the girls all about the kinda "girl stuff" that their mother might ordinarily share with them, along with some health stuff and hopefully the chance to share with them how their heavenly father saw them-fearfully and wonderfully made!

When we returned to the hospital we were met by an exhausted director. After many meetings and much discussion the people of Anocairare had withdrew their threat. It was resolved that a number of changes would be made at the hospital that improved service provision in the eyes of the community. We breathed a huge sigh of relief! We were safe! Our director was happy that we would be in no danger if we stayed in the house on the hospital grounds. I didn't realise how anxious I was until we were certain that there was no longer a threat. We had trusted in God to get us through and he delivered. 

For very good reason this is the first many have heard of the situation including my family...It was not necessary to create any worry or stress. So mum and dad just know that now I am extremely safe! The whole experience has reminded us to always be prepared for the unpredictable. To never be completely at ease in your surroundings. To always be watchful and considerate of your environment. To always take care!

Tiff and I ended a terribly girly day sitting up late with Leticia having a even more girly discussion about boys! No matter where you are in the world girls all share the same weakness lol! How cruel it was for God to create us this way ;P

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