"Will you sleep with us again tonight?!"

Sorry, my thoughts are all over the place...

Before I tell you about one of the coolest days since being in Peru, let me tell you what I look like right now. My entire hair is in corn rows (yes, I look like a gangster), I have vomit on my shirt, my feet are black, my eyes can barely stay open, I had the greatest day ever (every day is better than the last), 60 children gave me 200 hugs, I was peed on, took a 4 year old to Mass for the first time, danced in the rain, was called "Mami Cristina" 4,000 times, RECEIVED AND GAVE SO MUCH LOVE :] life is amazing.

Thursday night and Friday. 

Since I arrived at the Hogar, I've had this odd obsession wondering what it would be like being a patient here. The children have explained to me how different it is being a volunteer than being a patient. I knew it would take time to form relationships with the children before I could be a "patient for a day" and after 7 months...I finally did it. 

My night started on Thursday when I decided I was going to sleep in the same room (15X15) with 24 girls. Crazy? Just a little. It took 30 minutes to figure out who I could sleep with because of skin disorders, contagious diseases, lice and who wets the bed. We finally decided I could sleep with Evelyn, my goddaughter on the bottom bunk. I brought down my blanket, pillow, stuffed animal and retainer. The girls thought my small, wire retainer was the most fascinating contraption ever even though they have huge metal hardware in their legs to grow their bones? Hahahaha :] Bed time is at 9 pm sharp. The Doctor makes his way up the stairs screaming at the little boys, checking to make sure everyone is in their beds, medication has been taken, school uniforms are ready for Friday morning and to give hugs to those that are waiting to say good night. He peeped his head in the girls room to say goodnight when I yelled out in Spanish, "Good night Doctor Tony. See you tomorrow!" Laughter erupted ;]

I don't think I can even explain what happened next without shedding a few tears. After the Doctor went upstairs, God was fully present in that tiny, hot room. The remaining 15-20 girls who were still awake said prayers together. Paulina opened with the sign of the cross and all followed with an Our Father and Hail of Mary. Each girl, in no specific order, prays out loud to God. I heard things within that 20 minutes that have literally changed my soul. The girls prayed for their Mom's and Dad's, brother's and sister's, friends and enemies. They asked for help with school work and relationships. They prayed that their families would have enough food to eat, siblings wouldn't go hungry, no earthquakes or floods and that God would keep violence out of their lives. Finally the girls prayed for their health. The reason for being at the Hogar in the first place...comes after their families, safety and protection. Violeta lead the final prayer thanking God for the Doctor, the Home and the gift of life. I cried myself to sleep knowing these incredible girls, my daughters, my best friends and my inspirations do this every single night. 

I didn't really sleep, it was so hot in that room! With 24 girls, I think everything happened. Aracely slept talked, Lidia snored like an old man, Flor was coughing up a lung, Julia went to the bathroom at least 4 times and shook the bed...Oh it was fun! To make sure everyone has enough time to shower, change clothes, get ready for school and hospital appointments, clean the room and help the youngest children... WE WOKE UP AT 3:45 AM. YES 3:45 AM. This happens every single day at 3:45 AM. ONE MORE TIME....3:45 AM. 

It was mayhem until 6:15 am when the children head downstairs. It's hard to even imagine what the morning is like...kids screaming, crying, yelling, laughing, moaning, shower constantly running, clothes being thrown, hair braiding, melt-downs, missing socks, doorbell ringing, cleaning. This routine has been happening for the last 17 years. It was insane! I give the girls, the nurses and the Doctor so much credit. I thought it was hard living with my sister, but living with 23 other girls...oh my gosh! The girls are so great with each other though. They all may have petty fights during the day but as Evelyn said to me, "At the end of the day, we're family. We don't just eat, sleep and live together. We experience each other's sadness, happiness, tears, health problems and break-ups together. That's why we pray together at night. We're sisters and we are lucky to have a Mom like you." I'm a Mom. Wow. 

After morning mayhem, I sat down and ate breakfast with the children. The doctor came around and served bread which he treated me like any other patient, asking me how many pieces I wanted. I quickly realized why there is so much whispering at the tables. I hate cheese (the kids eat a small piece of white cheese every morning) so I traded cheese for someone's milk. Once you have finished, you say thank you to the Mamitas and the Doctor and ask what chore you can do...sweeping the dining room, living room, second floor, patio, sidewalk or cleaning off the tables. 

Lunch and Dinner have the same routine except I realized it was Friday. Fish Friday. YUCK! I hate the fried fish here and as a volunteer, I can choose not to eat it. But as a patient, you have to eat what you are given. I traded my fish and potatoes for salad and more rice. I give the kids so much credit because for the most part, no one ever complains about meal time. 

A small van picks the kids up for school, so in the afternoon I went to drop off the older kids at school and then rode with the driver to pick up the younger kids. I went in to secondary school (the equivalent of high school) Felipe Santiago Estenos. My kids are so well behaved compared to other children as they  walked right in to class and pulled out their notebooks. The younger children came running and screaming towards the van when they saw I was inside! Hugs and kisses were exchanged and we headed back home. 

My day as a patient was incredible. I am so glad that I got to experience a little bit of what they feel every day. The kids were amazed that I kept up with the routine and followed all the rules just like any other child. An 8 year old, Aracely, asked me at the end of the day how my day was. I said it was good and told her all about it. She then thanked me. She said, "Thank you for doing that. A lot of volunteers come for just a week and don't really understand what it's like living here. You don't actually know what someone's life is like unless you actually try living it. Will you sleep with us again tonight?"

Every girl has asked me at least 20 times when the next time I will sleep with them is....precious!

So, to end this post...I will say this. What I am experiencing here isn't just happiness. It's not just a home where children receive medical treatment. There aren't just 60 children that I've come to know. These 60 children are my children. Their tears are my tears and my laughter is their laughter. It's not a house, but a home full of faith. It's not vomit, pee or poop but a chance to show compassion. I'm not just a volunteer, I'm a Mom. It's love. It's life. They are the love of my life :] And I wouldn't have it any other way...

-Teaner :]