Volunteer Experiences - Sophie

I can´t believe that it has been nearly a year and I can still picture everyone of those happy faces. I have taken part in volunteer work at home in the UK but have always been keen on volunteering abroad. When myself and a friend, Nikki were planning a journey through Central and South America, a placement at the Hogar Miguel Magone in Guatemala seemed perfect. But in fact even the wonderful ruins of Macchu Picchu and trekking into the Amazon could not beat the 2 weeks we spent in the orphanage. Guatemala is an extremely poor country but it is also the most beautiful country I have visited on my travels.

What makes a volunteers experience so amazing? Well at Hogar it is the boys! I arrived at the home, with every aim to give all I had but somehow I feel I gained so much more. Some of these kids have already lived extraordinary hard lives yet they are so forgiving and loving. The boys are grateful for everything they have, they really appreciate having volunteers and show much love towards them. Spending time with the boys makes you realise what 'brats' we are at home; brand new games consoles and the latest Nike trainers don't make you happy. Everything they have is donated and they are thankful for it all.

From early rises to get the boys breakfast ready, to listening the bigger boys sing me and Nikki to sleep there was no moment where I would have wanted to be anywhere else. I was recently wondering when was the last time I cried? Well it was nearly a year ago, the day I left Hogar. That afternoon some of the boys walked with me and Nikki to the bus stop, kindly carrying our huge bags. At the stop we all hugged and tears began to roll down all of our faces, they didn't want us to leave and believe me I really didn't want to leave them.

In short Hogar Miguel Magone is a true family, and I feel privileged for the time I spent with the boys and other volunteers. I have so much admiration for people like Karen who keep the home going, for without a home there is no family!

Sophie