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Every time I share the subject of going to an orphanage with friends and clients, their first response to me is: “Good for you, Ferial,” followed by: “I wish I could do what you are doing, but doesn't that make you sad?”a
On Saturday, February 27th, I had the privilege of going to an orphanage in Mexico for a one day trip. This was a celebration for the grand opening of a new building solely dedicated to prenatal orphans. The building was the result of the hard labor of so many loving, dedicated people mostly from Orange County. They volunteered more than three years of hard work toward a dream that would house these otherwise unwanted children. The volunteers’ ages were anywhere from five to seventy-two. That's right- anyone can contribute if the desire is there.
So there was no surprise when my client Mike Walsh asked me to join him in celebrating and providing some of the initial much needed supplies to the nursery. I jumped with joy and great anticipation. After all, this will also give me the chance to see up close the operation of this orphanage as well as spend some time with the kids. I immediately went to post this on Facebook to announce to all my party friends, especially those who were so impressed by my previous work in Nepal last October and wanted to be involved in the future humanitarian journeys.
When I found five people to join me, the bus with almost 100 people loaded with supplies was on it way to "Door of Faith" orphanage. The day started with some history and statistics. To start, this orphanage building was an old mission that earlier had housed such celebrities as John Wayne, Clark Gable, and Steve McQueen for quail hunting and relaxation. The original building was more than 140 years old. It then was purchased by a couple who came to Mexico with just thirty-five dollars, hoping to establish an orphanage at some point to help the children on this side of the border. As time went by, other people became involved and more children were brought to this orphanage.
Construction of other buildings followed and now this orphanage sits on a large property with dorms that house infants as young as three months to a twenty-four year old young man who is graduating from law school this year.
Another statistic that surprised me was the number of supplies and the degree of manpower it takes to run such facilities. For example, two full-time staff members clean about eighty loads of laundry per week, prepare about 400 meals per day, and drive students to different schools every day. The list can go on and on as to the amount of detergent, soap, toilet paper, and diapers that are needed to maintain each child’s safety and health. This incredible facility and others like it stand on the legs of volunteers.
I conclude from all my visits to various places that children are happy, whether they are orphans or not. It is only when they grow up that their happiness and hopes get replaced by fear and sadness. Their experiences give meaning to life based upon their judgments, attitudes, unfair human behaviors, and more powerfully, unfed egos. What children need foremost is time and love. Is this request too much to ask?
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