Geraldina

Peru is beautiful - the landscape, the people, the culture.  It is really hard not to see and experience God's presence while working 12,000ft. above sea level in the Andes.

The children are so beautiful and so loving; they just want to hold you and never let go, and believe me, we don't want to let go of them either. The best part of my time here has been spent at San Juan de Dios - a government/Catholic church owned hospital for children with physical and mental handicaps.

It has been no secret to those who know us best that my husband, Andrew, and I are called to love those whom God made extra special.  Ever since I was about 13 or 14 years old, I have felt that God made me to raise, love, and care for a child with special needs - whether physical, mental, or both.  As Andrew and I dreamed of our future family before we were married, we both knew that in some form or fashion people living with disabilities would be a huge part of our lives.

Here is where our story and Peru collide:

From the moment Andy told me that one of our ministry sites would be a long-term care hospital for children living with disabilities, I knew that was exactly where I wanted to be.  He let me know, though, that we would be rotating ministry sites between the groups throughout the week, so I would only be able to be there one morning of our mission.  But, through a lucky turn of events I did get to go twice.  My first morning there, I met Geraldina - a sweet little girl with moderate physical handicaps (including issues with her legs, coordination with her hands, and extreme sensitivity to light in her eyes) and some mild mental handicaps.  She spoke and comprehended very well - if only I spoke more Spanish!  But, I was able to comprehend her basic requests.  We hugged and kissed and giggled.  And, we played patty cake and held hands.

I was able to help her use the bathroom (I was especially proud that I could understand what she was asking when she needed to go!) and wash her hands.  I helped her with her meal, although, she was doing a wonderful job feeding herself (a skill that she has just recently mastered)!  She is so wonderful and it filled my heart with joy when she asked for me by name when I had left her side to give some love and attention to another child for just a few moments.  When we had to say "Chao!" I was so happy to say to her "Hasta manana!"  And I was all the more happy to see her eyes light up when she replied "Manana!"  I was (and am) so happy that I was able to see her for a second time.

When I saw her again yesterday, she was not having a very good morning.  There was a man there shooting a promotional video for a telethon to raise money for the clinic, and he was intent on having all of the children outside waving their hands to a particular song.  And the longer he waited, the more tired and frustrated the children became.  Geraldina was particularly unhappy because the sun hurt her eyes.  But, I was happy to get a smile or two when I went over to give her kisses and encourage her to "Sonrisa por la camera!"  She would smile momentarily and then hide her eyes again.  Once we were inside, she was much happier to smile and give kisses and hugs.  I was so happy to hold her tiny hands again.

I hated to leave her yesterday, but I know how much the nurses and the daily volunteers love on those children.  I will never have to worry about her knowing how special she is.

My time at San Juan de Dios only solidified/confirmed/re-affirmed my call to give my life to a child (or children) who need extra special love and care.

Today, I get to spend my morning with my other favorite group - senior adults!

Until later - Chao!