Getting Started

Hola!

So I got here with minimal disruption and met me host family last night. My host mom's name is Carmen, and is a warm and kind, and speaks no English. Thankfully I have her daughter Sophia, a college student, to help me with my painfully elementary Spanish.

Today was my orientation. I met other volunteers and received the details of my placement.  We will be working directly in the streets with children who spend their days selling wares in the open markets. These children begin their days at 4 am when they begin bringing and setting up goods in the market.  They then sell there until well into the evening, often returning home after 9pm (Often this 'home' is little more than a shared shelter).  The Organization I am with comes to the market and sets up an area where we provide care, teaching, and love to the children everyday. Many of them are woefully behind both educationally and developmentally. Part of what the organization does is to help transition the children from the street into public schools. We help with homework after school and also strive to teach them proper hygiene such as hand washing and tooth brushing.

I meet with my group tomorrow morning to pick up supplies and head to the markets to meet the children. I'm very excited about meeting them and look forward to helping them as best I can. Thanks again to everyone for the love, support, and donations. I can't wait to put it all to good use!