October 15, 2008

A life changing experience


I have just come back from Volunteering at San Nicolas during September 2008 and can definitely say that it has been a life changing experience.

Since it was the first time I had ever volunteered I didn't know what to expect and wondered if the children would be a little hesitant at first with new volunteers. How wrong I was....and what a wonderful experience my first day was (and ever subsequent day!) Every single child came up to hug, kiss and greet us when we arrived and every single child did the same when we left. Then some of them simply took me by the hand and led me to choose a puzzle with them... and from then on it was like being one of the family.

With every new activity that was planned they were enthusiastic and grateful -we made masks, finger puppets and also tried our hand at cooking. My lifelong memories will be of how loving and patient the children are towards each other and to the volunteers. I will also always remember also how they painstakingly pack away every puzzle or game that they use and take it back to it's correct place in the cupboard.

How lucky I have been to spend time with them, Luisa and all the volunteers!


When I left they told me I would always be in their hearts -they will all definitely always be in mine!