Never a shortage of work
May 30, 2010
In May of 2010 I spent two weeks working as a volunteer at the Hogar Santa Teresa, along with my boyfriend Conor McKay. Having little or no experience in this line of work, I have to admit I faced my first day with some trepidation. However any fears or nerves were quickly swept aside by the warm welcome we were immediately given by staff, residents and other volunteers. Indeed there is nothing like a bear hug (more would call it a rugby tackle) from Omar to really break the ice.
Omar was just one of the many residents at the home who had suffered the pain of abandonment. The residents were of all ages and sizes and the list of their clinical diagnoses ran the whole gamut from schizophrenia to autism to Down´s Syndrome to very mild disabilities. However in the Hogar, as is the case everywhere, it was clear that the most important thing was to look beyond the disabilities and diagnoses and to connect with the human being.
Having initially worried that we might struggle to find ways in which we could lend a hand, I soon realised that there was never a shortage of work to be done. Mealtimes were especially busy and extra help always welcome, as so many of the residents required assistance at these times. Apart from these duties, we tried our best to engage with the residents through the medium of various activities. Conor and I both sing and play guitar, and we found this a useful way to lift the spirits of the residents especially on the rainy days when they might be stuck indoors for the whole day. Art of various kinds was also a popular choice for some residents who were able for it, and the same went for ball games.
Margaret, a long-term volunteer from Co.Cork, was here at the same time as us, providing her services as a qualified massage therapist. She advised us that all residents could potentially benefit from the simple power of human touch, which could mean just holding someone´s hand, or perhaps stroking their head if they were distressed. With these wise words in mind, I tried to spend some part of every day simply being with the residents, in a spirit of solidarity, companionship and compassion.
Our two weeks at the Hogar Santa Teresita were by turns challenging, exhilarating, exhausting, and ultimately greatly rewarding. It has been our great privilege to have this unique experience and I know that we will always remember the Hogar with fondness. I do hope to return at some point in the future.
