Aggies Visit Orphanage in Mexico
Press Release
November 10, 2007
Written By Steven Martinez
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The next morning, we met the girls for breakfast and games. Many of us were meeting them for the first time, while others were continuing a friendship that has been growing for several years now. Regardless, all of us were welcomed with hugs and excitement for the weekend. After breakfast, half of us went to music class with the girls, and the other half stayed to help with their chores. It was amazing to see how organized and well behaved all the girls were. Most of the day consisted of playing, jumping on trampolines, roller skating, playing soccer, and singing songs.
In the middle of the day, the team traveled to “Las Colonias”. Las Colonias is a former land fill that has become the home of hundreds of Latin American families who have traveled from their native countries to come to the United States, only to be prohibited from entering. Subsequently they have gathered here. Finding it impossible to find work in Nuevo Laredo, especially for a non-Mexican, they struggle to survive. With our two cars full of extra donated materials, we camped out and began spreading the words “cosas gratis”. Almost immediately, people were coming in from all directions to receive some goods. Multiple attempts to organize the masses into lines failed as over a hundred people hoarded around us to get there hands on anything for their families. From socks to soap, everything we had was emptied out. As everything was winding down one elderly woman approached one of our players and said that she didn’t want anything else but a cardboard box, so she could make her grandchildren a piñata for Christmas.
That night we returned to the orphanage for dinner. After the meal, the cafeteria turned into a dance hall. Several “trains” were formed and everyone was getting out of their seats. Some of the girls were shy, but with our persistence we got them on the dance floor and fun was had by all. When it was time for the night to end, the Madres turned off the music, only for it to be followed by a unified chant of “uno mas” and “otra”. The Madres gave in and we had one last dance.
The next morning we went to church with the girls and said goodbye. Several of them had started scrapbooks from our previous visits. They approached each of us requesting us to write them a personal message for them to read until our next visit. They presented all of us with A&M pillows and scarves and we hit the road.
The experience was an inspiring one for all of us who went on this trip. It was an eye opener and chance to really bond with the girls. Thank you, everyone, for your donations. It is your donations that really keep this orphanage alive, successful, and ensures our visits in the future. We promise everything that was given was greatly appreciated by us and them. Thank you.
More information will be available in the near future, once our documentary is completed. If you would like to donate money for our next trip, please visit fullhearts.org, and if you would like to donate clothes or other goods please email Stephen Rios at sjrios1586@msn.com.