Did anyone know that I had a bunch of babies before actually bearing my two biological babies?
Well its true. And before you go thinking I was a hussy before I met Dan ;) I want to share something that is very close to my heart.
Six months before Dan and I were married, I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador to work in orphanages. When I first heard about the OSSO program, from my hairdresser nonetheless, I knew immediately that I had to go. It was calling my name. The councilor in the bishopric of my singles ward's daughter had been one of the first volunteers to go and live there. It was just further confirmation that this is what I was meant to do.
I spent three months in Cuenca working at one orphanage run by catholic nuns and the childrens ages ranging from 1 day old to 5 years old. Another orphanage for school aged girls, an orphanage for handicapped children, and daycares for very poor children who's parents worked all the time. Each day was so special. Spending all the waking hours with little children who were so innocent and precious. I have never felt so close to Heavenly Father. Looking into little eyes of children who do not have family to love them and raise them. I knew and still know with all of my heart that there were literal heavenly angels in the orphanage watching over them. I could feel them. I know without a doubt that God knows each and every child, each name, and each situation, each little personality. I know that these children are loved on a Heavenly basis. I also know that these little children are loved on earth because of the volunteers who have come consistently every three months from the United States.
Right now, partly due to the economy, the amount of volunteers has dropped from 30 to 11; every three months. We were very busy throughout the day and with even less volunteers, there would have been no way to staff as many orphanages as we did.
Also, the amount of donations has decreased drastically. OSSO provides about $300,000 to the orphanages annually. They are very very conservative and responsible with the resources that are donated. I have witnessed this first hand.
Rex Head, is a doctor from Driggs, Idaho and started the OSSO organization which funded orphanages in Ecuador and supplied volunteers to them as well. Since I served in 2004, he has raised enough funds to build a new orphanage and supplement many others.
Right now, my mission is to get the word out to as many people as possible about the dire situation the orphanages are in right now. There are two ways to help:
1) Donate a few dollars here and there to OSSO. You can find all of their info at www.orphanagesupport.org Just think 10 dollars for us is a the cost of a shirt or a movie or some snacks, but $10 for them is a whole lot more.
2) Tell everyone you know about volunteer positions available in Ecuador. The most common type of person to go is single and college aged. There were girls and guys down there when I went. There was also a family that took their four children and they all worked in the orphanages!
I can attest that this was the best experience of my life. Three months was no sacrifice. It went by so fast and I wished I would have stayed for a year or longer. Since going there I cannot stop thinking about it. If you've spent more than 10 minutes with me you've probably heard me say, "one time when I was in Ecuador" and my attachment to the children there is deep and strong, even if it has been five years since I've been there. My experience in Cuenca is profound and meaningful and I know it is not unique, any volunteer you talk to will tell you the same thing. I'm sure I still can spout off a list of "my babies" names and characteristics, that I love so much. I dream vivid dreams of my children all grown up and what they are doing right now. I will go back someday. Since I have my two baby girls to raise right now and can't serve in the traditional program, I feel that I can help by getting the word out.
My plea to you is to tell one person about the opportunity to serve in Ecuador. I know everyone knows at least one girl or guy who is unmarried, maybe going to school, maybe not. I had been dating Dan for almost two years when I decided to go! So you never know someones situation and this opportunity might fit someone who is looking for direction in her life.
I am totally willing to answer questions, show pictures, talk about the experience to anyone who is interested.
Thank you for listening! Contribute if you can.
Love,
Kyla
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