Unfortunately in Mexico, like other third world countries, they do not have
the concept of foster care, or day care programs. Orphanages take care of
this need. So if a child needs to be taken from their home because it is
not a safe place for them, or if their parents are not able to take care of
them, or if their parents leave them to take care of themselves, then they
have the opportunity to come and live at an orphanage.
There are many types of orphanages. Some are not so good, to say the least.
Some are fantastic!
The two that I work with are really wonderful places:
Cassa de Cunas or House of Cribs.
This orphanage is able to care for 100 babies from ages 0 to 5 years old, both
boys and girls. And Casa Hogar, which can take care of 40 girls from 5 to
15 years of age. If a child is not adopted, by the time they are 5 years old,
then they go to a boys or girls orphanage.
Casa de Cunas and Casa Hogar are both fantastic places! The staff works
very hard, almost constantly, to keep the houses running. They are clean
and simple places. I have never witnessed any abuse or uncomfortable situation there.
I am happy to take my own family and friends to both of these places.
And though you may never have the opportunity to visit, you can always call
people in my monthly newsletter to inquire about their experience and their
thoughts and feelings about their visit.
It is a different way of life, BUT, I must say that with my 4 years of
experience there, I know that they are happy! People always ask if the girls can be adopted. Usually they don't want to
be. Maybe when they are older and can get a visa or student pass they can
come and visit. I have had a few girls and Nuns come and visit or stay when
they are recuperating from a long illness or operation. But usually they
are happy with their situation and they are prepared for a job at 15 years of
age when they leave the orphanage. They usually have some relative that
they can be with. Because they do not have experience with boys and men,
they are usually shy.
The staff at Casa Hogar:
Mother Silvia is the headmaster. She is very devote in her religious
belief that God will provide and take care of them. She is an educated
woman. The girls understand and respect her position.
Senor Santiago is the Groundsman. He does many things! He is a paid
worker. He takes care of the grounds, is the handy man and fixes things, he drives
the big bus and does most all errands. There is really too much work for
him to do. He has a wife and an 18 year old son and a 17 year old daughter.
He is VERY protective of all the girls. He is a quiet man, very polite.
Mother Raphelia is the domestic. She cooks and cleans. She has a paid
helper named Senora Modesto. They have several volunteer ladies that also
help on a regular basis. Together they are an incredible team! The girls
also have regular chores and things to do to help the Orphanage run, but it
is NOT like in the movie Annie!
Mother Guadelupe is in charge of 20 of the oldest girls. She also plays
the guitar and teaches the girls music and art. She is very loving and the
girls respond to her very well. She sleeps in the same dorm with her girls.
Mother Isura is in charge of the younger group. She just came to us this
Sept so I don't know her well. I am hoping that she will be as loving as
Sister Ophelia who was just transferred to another situation. Everyone
will have to give Madre Isura time to get accustomed to her new position and she
will very quickly need to get to know the girls and their special needs.
The Orphanage has a chicken coup, raises a pig, has a garden and fruit
trees.
On Friday, at 5 PM, if the girl you sponsor has a Mom or relative, they can
come to the orphanage and meet with Mother Superior to see if their child
can go with them for the weekend. This is a privilege that they will have
to earn. She will first make sure that they have a safe place to sleep, if
they have money in their pocket, and she will check to see if there is
alcohol on their breath or any signs of drug use! Mother is very strict
about it and she may have them come many times before she allows them this
opportunity, and she may even go with them the first time or send Madre
Guadeloupe. Once they prove themselves and they develop a consistent pattern of
visiting their child, then it becomes a good working relationship with Mother Silvia
and the existing parent which is usually a single Mom.
There are two dorm rooms for the younger and older girls.
There are two separate rooms where the younger and older girls are taught.
This is the orphanage's playground area.
We hope to have more equipment soon.
It's seems so short
