Day 4: 2nd day at Nutre Hogar

During that day, we also had time to help out with some yardwork outside. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work with washing down the playground equipment and raking up some leaves. The actual playground had quite a few leaves in certain corners near the fenced in area. However, the back area had a Lot of leaves. Probably 2-3 feet of fallen leaves were around the blameworthy tree. But the sense of accomplishment when we were done was more than enough. The babies take so much effort to take care of and maintain, not mentioning keeping the insides clean and operating. The outside definetly needed some tending and we were glad to help. 

Thinking back, I can still hear the cries echoing the halls. Still hear the wails of want. Want of somebody, anybody--for consolement. And after just spending a couple of hours with them, we felt compelled to stay, until they stopped. As our ears were ringing, our emotions were swinging; something within us gave in. We played with them, we fed them, as if we were going to be there forever. But it was the cries of return that shook our world. Our perception of things proprelled to the ground. A swarm of thoughts flooded our minds: Who is going to stop their cries when we are not here? These cries of a few represent the wails of millions. So many children out there lack maternal love, familial support, and a sense of community, identity, the opportunity to succeed. These are among the unfortunate facts of life. It is that feeling of helplessness that pulled the strongest strings of our character. That night we had the most emotional reflection.  The shell of our ignorance broke free, and our emotions spilled out. We realized that this is the state of things and we are not superhumans that can change everything. These sights just make you want to cry out, "Will somebody listen!" Look at these children. Some of our blame goes to politics de pais, but in reality it's several factors--just the state of things. 

After reflection, we learned several things about the situation, more things about ourselves. We found the only answer is to act. Anyone can think, can imagine the situation, ponder the state of things. But as intellectual students, our analysis drives us to action. With the money we fundraised, we knew what they needed and we felt justified to get it for them. It was this enlightment of the world, realization of the macrocosm, that prepared us for our 2nd day of service at Nutre Hogar. (Each group serves two days at each service site.) It was harder for some than others. Those that stuck to one baby the whole time had the most emotional strain at the end. After playing with them, we fed them. And after feeding them it was time to put them back into their cribs. And that is where the rush of emotions occurred on the first day. But this time we knew our role in this world. We knew what we came to do. Those children represent the world. But to stop at just one and become emotionally troubled is human, but must be controlled. This inevitable emotion must be funneled into involvement and service.