January 6, 2014 Lisa "A Sense of Community"

One of the outstanding hallmarks of Eagle's Nest orphanage is how they highlight being a part of the local community. Throughout our conversations with Pedro & Felis (the directors of the orphanage) they’ve emphasized the importance of connecting the lives of the children with their community. Recently the children helped organize and participated in the first ever breast cancer awareness walk in this area. Each participant was asked to donate Q5. The kids took the collections boxes and while they were walking asked for donations.  They raised about Q1000 and donated it to a local clinic which paid for eight mammograms (exchange rate is $1.00 to Q7.4).

The children are reminded that they’ve been blessed and are encouraged to look for ways to give back and contribute in a positive way. The desire is that someday, when the children grow up, they will be active and strong members within their community. The training for this role starts now.   

Over the past few years this idea has also been rolling around in my mind. How much am I able to contribute to the community that I live in? Do I look for ways to give back, not only to those less fortunate, but also in ways that help to promote a healthy community for all? I hope that one of the lasting lessons of our time spent here at Eagle's Nest is that each of us has a renewed sense of community, and recognize the value of reaching out beyond the walls of our home and church.