When I was told we'd be visiting
an orphanage
in Central America,
I pictured one of those
horrible places you hear about--
crib after crib
of neglected babies,
and children starved for love.
That's not what we found.
.
This is an orphanage
run by the Catholic Church.
It is filled with children of all ages
who are mothered by a sweet little nun
hardly bigger than they are.
.
They are healthy
and happy...
although they don't have much
in the way of possessions.
When we first entered the courtyard,
A was surrounded by
teenage girls
who all wanted their picture
taken with him!
.
We took little gifts--
fleece blankets, toys, balls, and bracelets.
Small things to us,
but to them
they were treasures.
Best of all was the
gigantic pinata!
.
.
Each child took turn after turn,
trying to be the one
to break it open.
Finally, with a cheer from the crowd,
even the nun
had a turn!
Eventually (with some help
from big American boys)
candy and toys went everywhere!
I was so worried
about the littlest children,
thinking they wouldn't
get a thing.
But when an older girl
spied a tiny one
without a toy,
she quickly shared
from her pile of loot..
..
The children were sweet
and unafraid
of these tall American strangers.
They pulled at my
heartstrings...
and I wanted to
take them all home with me.
I learned some things
in that special place.
I learned that
even in an orphanage,
children can be taught
values, and generosity,
and love.
And I learned that
there are amazing people
all over the world
who unselfishly care for children.
In this corner of the world,
it's a tiny little nun
with a heart big enough
for all of them.
,
