As I described in my first post, while in Colombia I will be working a non-profit organization called Hogar San Mauricio. On Monday Juliana and I visited the organization and were given a tour along with important information to know. While walking around and trying my best to understand our guide, I couldn’t help but feel that this place was a miniature Westtown, if not more. The founders of the foundation truly thought of everything, there were more than enough beds, toys, and any necessity a child or teenager might need. They even had a room designed as a mini hair salon! This place is a home to many children and young adults, just like Westtown is to its students.

Most of the people who live at the foundation were sadly left there or taken away from their families due to unsafe domestic conditions. The ages ranged from infants that are only a few months old, to college bound teenagers and beyond. At the conclusion of my tour, I learned that I would be working with young children, between the ages of 3-5, for the rest of the week. Juliana and I were even given the opportunity to play with the kids before our departure. We entered a small park area, that once again seemed to be equipped with everything. The kid in me was thrilled to see numerous swings (hand-made), a set of monkey bars, a hand painted treehouse, and most importantly a ball pit.

Overall, I am very excited to work with these wonderful kids. These children could have been exposed to an extremely chaotic lifestyle, but thanks to Hogar San Mauricio, they now have a safe place to call home.

Until next time!

Julia