We finally made a visit to Shalom, an orphanage located in San Tomas, that I have been wanting to visit for a long time. We had visitors from Missouri here last week working with us, that were going to the orphanage to visit the children and pass out some toys, so we decided to join in on the fun.
We were taken on a tour of the facilities, 1st by a very nice man who spoke only Spanish, but was very easy to understand, because he was kind enough to speak slowly for us. Then, shortly after we got started, he was replaced by Tony, who spoke very good English, and explained thoroughly everything he knew about the operation of the home.
We visited the dorms of both the boys and the girls, which are divided in age groups. Each age group learns different things about taking care of themselves, for example the little girls that are 6-8 years old are already being taught how to make their beds and wash their own laundry. In this country, it is not uncommon for someone this age to be caring for younger brothers and sisters while their parents are away at work. In fact, we were told that there are siblings, that now live at the orphanage, and the 10 year old girl was in charge of her two younger brothers before moving to Shalom. They told us that she had a hard time in the beginning, because she felt she had to be able to see both of her brothers, and this was impossible at bedtime, because the girls and boys are in separate dorm rooms.
We were also shown their music room where several children are learning to play instruments, and their library/computer room. They have a new therapy room, for the special needs children, that was hand painted by the art teacher, and it's amazing.
Outside they started an agriculture program and are trying their hand at growing their own veggies. They will sell some and eat the rest. Looked like they were successfully growing several different things.
From here we were able to join the kids and pass out a toy to each one. They were some of the most patient and well behaved children I have ever seen. After all of the toys were passed out we all gathered around the children and prayed for them, and in return, they prayed for Don who has been battling with health issues. What a precious time we had with them.
We then took a short trip outside the front gate to the private Christian school that the kids attend, and met a team from the US who was painting all of the classrooms in that one day! It was a cute little school, three floors high.
To finalize our visit we traveled about a block away to visit the construction site of their new clinic, which is just in the 1st phase of being built.
We then said our goodbyes and thank yous, and went on our way, knowing that we will someday be back for another visit with our new friends!!
