It is early in the evening. Don Juan and his wife, two daughters and a baby have come for a visit. Melina who works for us visited them earlier in the day and told them about her work. She also told them about our search for godfathers and godmothers who can contribute to the living costs of the residents of our community home, financially or in kind, e.g. with food, diapers or cleaning materials.
They have come to see the community home for themselves. There is so much talk around and seeing is believing after all. They do not arrive at a convenient time, as I am just about to give Jonathan a shower. But Jonathan does not mind being washed by Judith instead, and this frees me up to talk to the unexpected visitors.
Godfathers and godmothers
Don Juan and family were deeply touched by what Melinda told them. And I thought it was super they had made the effort to check things out for themselves. I told them something about our work and they seemed spell-bound. They also had a look in the sitting room where they saw Daniel, Loyda and Anielka. They promised to respond to us the next day, after they had had time to take it all in.
And indeed, the next afternoon they showed up with a bag full of groceries and cleaning materials. They also brought a relative along who had just finished his studies as a doctor and who was offering his services in case any residents should fall ill. Fortunately we already have a doctor-friend who will pass by any time we need him, but of course there is no harm in having a second string to our bow. And as it so happens, we have asked the Nicaraguan Red Cross to give a first-aid course to our team, but so far we have not had a response, so it may not work. I asked the young doctor whether he could teach our team some first-aid, and an arrangement was made there and then for next week Saturday.
Networking
Our campaign to attract ‘god people’ brought more people to the house. In this start-up phase we have had ten commitments, varying from an offer to cut residents’ hair to donations of small amounts of money and food items. Time will tell whether all the commitments will be honoured, but in any case this campaign has drawn attention to our community home and activities club, and it is part of our aim to raise awareness that people with a disability also have a right to a dignified life.
In this way we work both inside and outside the home. Only together can we make a real difference.