San Jose Pinual Orphanage

I am just now writing about yesterday.  No pictures to post because we were not allowed to take pictures  except in one area.  We spent the day at San Jose Pinual Orphanage, a government-run facility with over 800 children. 

Visiting the orphanage was emotionally draining.  As soon as we opened the door to the Special Needs therapy room we were overwhelmed by children who just wanted to hug us.  They yearn for interaction and affection.  Everyone from elementary age to adult is in the same room.  Those with developmental disabilities stay at the orphanage beyond the age of 18.  We worked with them on completing worksheets to help strengthen their fine motor skills.  I worked with a teenage boy who couldn't even hold a crayon.  Across from me was a 33 year old man who worked hard to color shapes. 

Even in the middle of our sadness in the room, there was happiness.  We watched one girl sing a song for us that she will perform at a concert next week.  Sitting in her wheelchair, one little girl who was blind, recited a poem.  Yet another group of girls taught us a dance.  They really just want to be loved.  The therapist and her assistant give all of themselves but two people can only do so much for so many.

As we moved through the buildings, I believe it got harder as went.  We visited the Special Needs nursery where so many children live because they were abused by their parents to point that it caused irreversable damage.  The two infant nurseries are home to 16 and 39 children each.  As you open the door, there are babies everywhere and workers trying to keep up.  The stories of how those children came to the orphanage are heartbreaking.

Our final stop was the teen mothers' house.  These girls came to the orphanage after being raped, many times by a family member, or being found working as a prostitute.  These girls live in the house and raise their children with them until a point when they are old enough and able to leave.  Unfortunately, this just reminded me that the cycle was continuing.

I ask, what can we do to help?