My Time In Guate

Most people spend their freshman year finding their footing. I spent mine finding my purpose. This past summer, I traveled to Guatemala to work in a center called Casa Jackson dedicated to infants and children suffering from chronic malnutrition. I didn't go there to observe; I went there to act. As a Spanish speaker, I was able to bypass the barrier of translation and connect directly with the kids. I saw firsthand how poverty strikes in the physical and cognitive development of a child. 

When I went to Guate, just this summer, I took notes to bring back to people, just to provide perspective. So here's three stories of kids I got to meet whilst I was there. 

Juanito is 8 years old. He was struck by poverty and food insecurity, as most of these children were. Juanito required special education and care. He was not able to get that, and even in the center, they only have so much to give. He was given a specialized wheelchair so he could be propped up while eating, since he couldn't do that himself. 

Selena is already two, most likely, but even when I saw her, back in the summer, she was swimming in 9 month-old clothes. She was suffering from starvation. Her grandmother brought her to us when her parents realized they couldn't provide for her. She was provided ointment for mysterious rashes and eczema, while being fed slowly but steadily. I recognized her desire for learning to walk and helped her take her first steps. Hopefully, by this point she is well on her way to gaining weight and walking by herself. 

Kenner turned 1 on July 4th. Kenner has a heart condition which requires him to go to a doctor every so often. He is really small and very fragile. Kenner has a really loving family who tries to do whatever they can to keep him healthy. His mom brought him to the hospital knowing she couldn’t feed him properly. He was very weak and underdeveloped. He is a lot like a newborn. He sleeps far more than he should for a baby his age, and his neck can’t support the weight of his head, so unless he’s laying down, you have to hold his head up. Unlike the other children, Kenner eats pretty well. It’s only when he goes to the doctor that he loses his strength. They hook him up to IVs which isn’t enough to give him the nutrients to keep up with his weight gain. Think of it as 5 steps forward, 3 steps back.

The children I worked with in Casa Jackson are more than a cause. They are individuals like you and I, with untapped potential. My goal is to ensure that the circumstances of their birth do not dictate the limit of their growth. Through my focus on global advocacy, I am building a bridge. Because what really is the true distance between what we have and what they need? Is it thousands of miles away or just a change in perspective? Even if you chose not to donate today, spread the word. Because these stories are more than just sad anecdotes, they are kids' lives. Someone’s reality.

The work isn't just about charity; it’s about equality. It’s about ensuring every child, regardless of their situation, has the cognitive and physical foundation to dream, play, and learn.