Remar

My first experience at Remar was a memorable one. We were driving towards the orphanage when we saw children walking down the street. When we realized it was the Remar children we stopped the van and asked them where they were going. They say us and their faces lit up, they were waving and jumping up and down. They were headed to the park way up the hill. Small children hiking up to a park, that wasnt much of a park....

We told them to hop in our van and they did so very willingly. They all got in. I mean ALL of them. I couldnt help but be moved my this tiny act alone. These children were so excited to even be in a moving vehicle let alone with us volunteers.

I couldnt believe the conditions of the orphanage when we arrived. It was no suprise to see all of their clothes being hung to dry on clothes lines. That is very common here in Ecuador, you see it EVERYWHERE. There was a shelf with fruit on it outside of the kitchen. The fruit was moldy and fleas were having their way with it. The only adult I saw was a worker there who was blind and in her twenties. These children fend for themselves for the most part. They are so independent. Even a two year old. Her most prized possession was her babydoll. She carried it around like it was the only thing she could call her own. I have never seen such a beautiful little girl! You can see what I mean in the pictures of her. Alot of the children had siblings there with them. One child had five siblings in the orphanage along with her. One girl had strings that she had threaded through her ear to look like earings, and she was so proud of it. I told her she looked beautiful. She did.

Our activity was crazy. We attempted to make homemade ice cream. They went crazy over having plastic bags with ingredients in them. Many of the bags got the salt in the ice cream mixture but the children still ate it like it was a yummy treat. Fleas were everywhere. The children were filthy. They chased our van as we were leaving, like they do every time we go. One child grabbed my arm while I was in the van and wouldnt let go. I was so nervous he'd end up getting hurt. They were used to this, us coming and going. I often wonder what it is they do each day, who tucks them in at night, who sings them to sleep. What do they wake up to in the mornings. All they have is each other. I will never be the same from knowing and being with these kids. I love them already. What an awesome day and an incredible experience.