Connections without words

 As I am writing this, we have just completed our second day at La Cuidad De Esperanza. Naturally, there are a lot of emotions going on through my head. A lot of sadness, grief, and frustration. However despite the chaos, there is still much to admire. I remember the first day here one of the kids had yelled outside “they’re here!”. That had filled me up with so much excitement, so much joy and just overwhelmed with gratitude for having the opportunity to be a part of something like this. To someone’s highlight of the day. 

Specific to today, I met 2.5 year old David. David was born with a cleft lip and palate and was being seen today to get cleared for surgery. Despite his situation and social background, David is such an incredible little boy. He is incredibly smart, kind, and happy. We enjoyed coloring on the floor while his grandmother discussed his health with the medical team. It amazes me how much a person can go through and still find joy in life and this goes for everyone, not just kids. 

This trip has been everything I needed and more. I am a person who is fulfilled with personal connection. I cannot describe what it does to me other than human to human connection being “food for the soul”. I think that Cuidad de La Esperanza creates connections in a way that is indescribable. While we connect with the patients through their care, we also connect through prayer, laughter, and trust. There can be some language barriers that don’t allow us to connect as easily yet we still manage to in our own way. I think it stems from the trust that they will be cared for and seen. Seen as a member of our family. 

~Nancy