El Puente Girls' Home

Well, we have been here for over a week and I haven't posted anything yet. I think this is because I needed some time to process and take everything in. Also, I have felt mentally exhausted after each day at the schools, eventhough I enjoyed being there immensly. I think I will share some of the things that have impacted me the most during our first week here.

The first thing that blew me away happened on our first day here. The kids at the home had a church service. They were asked to share what they are thankful for. They appeared so full of joy and were so thankful for God each other, food, people to take care of them..things that I think many American kids take for granted.

There was one day in particular that I had a difficult day, I think it was Wednesday. I think I kind of had a unrealistic understanding of the people in the community. The kids at the schools seemed happy and and I was content with providing them with the information on sex, alcohol, drugs and abuse in my presentation. I was unprepared when  the wounds they were carrying around were suddenly opened. During the presentations, we decided to give the kids a forum for asking  questions confidentially by writting them down. Some questions asked were about very difficult topics such as, "what does someone doif they are raped and become pregnant?" I felt so heartbroken and burdened. I felt that I had done a diservice by opening up the wounds and not being able to provide the follow through to help them because I am only here short-term. I felt that it was my job to fix it. During lunch I gave it all up to God in prayer. I realized that obviously it is not my job to ix it, it is God's job. The teachers told us that NO ONE has told these kids that abuse is wrong or to ask for help. They said that in itself is invaluable. It is my prayer that puttinglight on some of these issues will prompt someone to action and that the community will turn to God for help.

-Leah