GASA Service Project

Yesterday was such a great day!! This was the day that we had set for the first service project of the GASA girls. The day went better than I could have ever hoped or imagined. The GASA girls seperated and went to two different service projects, some to an orphanage and others to a day care. They were truly touched by their experience.
I went with the a group of girls to the orphanage. When we got there, we were asked to mop the floors, wash the windows, help cook, etc. I was a bit nervous, because I knew that the GASA girl's wanted to help with the children. I was amazed that they just jumped right in and did the cleaning, with no complaints. Before long, they had finished the cleaning, and had plenty of time to play with the kids. I walked around and checked on all of the girls, and watched them beaming from helping do simple tasks, that the orphanage has trouble completing.
We all had a short debriefing session when we got back to Bridgman. The girls who went and helped out at the daycare also had a great time, and were invited back. I was amazed by their comments. All of the girls were feeling great about what they had done. It was a small step to getting them to understand that even though they are young, they can make a difference, and that while they may not be getting money for the work they are doing, there is a reward in it.
Many of the girl's were deeply troubled by the conditions that the children are in, in both the orphanage and day care. Personally, I agree with them. After I had finished the cleaning I was assigned to and checked on the girls, I walked up to the nursery. It was a really hard thing to see, a tiny room, 12 babies, and only one woman trying to attend to them all. Most of the babies had just started walking, so they were everywhere. I sat on the floor and soon I was completely surrounded by babies. It was fun, and a bit overwhelming. I honestly don't know how the one woman does it.
There was one little girl who broke my heart. She was very tiny, obviously malnurished, and when I held her I knew that she had a fever. She was not walking yet, only trying to scoot across the floor, but she really didn't have that much strength. Holding her, I just wanted to cry. When we went in, we were told that they had some children there who infected with HIV/AIDS. I don't know about her, but I am assuming that she is one of them. HIV/AIDS is so common here, that nothing is shocking about it anymore, nor is it commonly discussed. It has just become a part of life in a way. As I sat there, holding this little girl, I wondered how something like this ever becomes "normal". Why aren't people protecting themselves? Why have so many people given up, and have just accepted that one day they will also be infected? What will happen now with the newest generation who are growing up without parents?
While I left with many questions, I was excited about what GASA was able to accomplish, both the work done at the two centers, and the emotional impacted that it had on the GASA members. Many of us know what it is like help others, and the joy that comes from it. For most of the GASA members, this was their first experience, but won't be their last!!

Blessings,

Carla