An Orphan's Story

Wednesday started out much the same as Tuesday - subtraction and vowels with the middle group. I discovered the wonderful world of flash cards today...the kids even seem to enjoy them!

In the afternoon, we all met with Winfrida. She wanted some feedback on the program from our perspective. Travis suggested a 'life skills' and 'exit' program for the older kids. There is one boy, Barikie who is 17. We all worry and wonder what will happen to him when he turns 18. As of today, he wasn't in school because they can't afford the fees.

Winfrida also told us the history of some of the other people staying at St. Lucia. I'm not sure which was more heart wrenching.

Fredy arrived in December. The nuns from the hospital brought him because he was terminal. He could barely walk. Winfrida said he was like an old man, walking with canes - but he's only a young teenager. Fredy's family life is difficult. His mother cheated on his father who travels a lot for work. He is HIV positive and so shunned from his father and other family members.

The hospitals here only provide patient care. They do not bathe or feed the patients. Since no one cared for Fredy, he was brought to St. Lucia to live out his final days and at the very least, receive meals and care. Today, Fredy is thriving. He is the leader of all the children at the daycare. When Fredy speaks, they listen. They wash their hands for Fredy. They stand in line for Fredy. They are quiet for Fredy. I would have NEVER known Fredy was about to die in December, to see him now - it's a literal miracle.

Another sad story from the Orphanage is about a woman and her young child. They are "street people" according to Winfrida. The woman and her young daughter were sick and living on the streets. Despite their terrible condition (and HIV positive status), the street touts were raping them (yes, the young girl too) at night. Winfrida found out about this and brought them into her care. She knew the woman had a terrible past, and wouldn't be a good influence in the orphanage, but she knew it was worse to have her being raped by the boys at night - and wanted to do what she could to stop the spread of the disease.

She's been receiving psychotherapy and counseling on how to live a normal (non-street) life. She is helping the nurses at the orphanage with the kids. But you can tell she's different than everyone else. People living on the streets here are tougher - rougher - than most. Even the little girl was teaching the other kids bad words.

When you hear these stories...even the less terrible ones...you can't help but feel insignificant. We're here for only 2.5 weeks, what impact can we possibly have when this problem is so huge; so insurmountable? A woman like Winfrida dedicates her life to this work and she's barely scratching the surface. The poverty, sickness and lack of education here is incredible. You can only help but hope that in the short time you're here you put a smile on a face once or twice. A couple hugs and a few encouraging words MIGHT make an orphans' day, it certainly won't change their life.

Winfrida asked for our prayers and hope in helping her and the children. I assured her I was praying and everyone else reading this blog would keep them in their prayers. Please consider this tonight - when you can drink the water at home and have a safe place to sleep - and you know you have your health and you know where your parents are. It's these things we all take for granted that we need to pray about for these children.

Thank you.