Ieva

 

 

The 6 months I spent in Casa Hogar Mi Pequeña Familia were undoubtedly some of the best moments of my life. I came here with the idea to help others and devote my time to the ones in need, but at the end I was the one who learned and received so much, found a new family, friends and a home I’ll always want to come back to.

 

I’m not sure what I had in mind when I signed up to volunteer in Casa Hogar Mi Pequeña Familia. Before coming here I was scared and nervous, but upon the arrival everyone was really lovely, understanding and without hesitation accepted me into their family circle.

 

During my stay here I helped little boys prepare for their day by helping them shower, get dressed, prepare themselves for meals, and do their homework and, of course, enjoy their free time with them by doing fun activities and playing games. I had the chance to be a part of and celebrate many birthday parties of the boys, local and national celebrations, spend Christmas and New Years, try all kinds of Mexican foods - no better way to experience the culture! The house is not a calm place, you always hear kids talking, playing, see them working - a very important thing is to get used to the hectic life style. There were some difficult times when I had to learn new things, adapt to some norms and perhaps a lifestyle I was not used to, however, I only see that as a positive thing and an experience through which I became a more open minded person. I believe that coming here has helped me to grow personally - I became more mature, independent, started to see many things from a different point of view. Watching children come here, grow up, become strong and independent men has inspired me and led to the understanding that nothing is impossible and that every situation has a solution.

 

Moreover, together with everyone in the house we went on many trips to visit places in Jalisco and other states. Exploring Mexico in the van with 10-20 kids was an extraordinary experience and definitely some of my best moments while being here.

 

Furthermore, I came to Mexico without speaking a word in Spanish. Even though the beginning was hard, together with help from everyone in the house I started to communicate in Spanish and after 6months here I am able to have a conversation. Both the little and the older boys were a huge help in my learning process, because everyone did their best to communicate with me, even if I was not able to answer or understand everything what they say.

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