I volunteered at Salomon Klein orphanage in early 2015 and worked with the youngest children in the organization (newborns to three-years-old). It was emotionally difficult at times; as you know, many of these children had been disposed of and would be found in dumpsters, under benches at a park, or be born to drug-addicted parents who did not have the mental capacity to care for them in any way, before ending up at the orphanage.

In addition to spending my days there with the children, I also helped plan and organize an event with friends in Cochabamba on “Children’s Day”, complete with entertainment, games, clowns and food. It was definitely one of the happiest moments of my life seeing these little children beam in joy and enjoy a special day that to most children is a normal occurrence. At the end of the day, these children really just wanted to be held and hugged, played with, sung to and provided the spiritual and emotional support that they had been lacking. Spending time there truly changed me forever. My heart was touched instantly from their contagious smiles and happy faces, despite having literally nothing.  I spent three months volunteering there and remember how difficult it was to head back to the States.  I fell in love with these children and wish I could have brought them all home with me.

​Jessica

#salomonKleinOrphanage #bolivia #orphans
NOTE: due to strict Bolivian laws regarding orphans, we have put sunglasses on the orphans to protect their identities.

​Hey Everyone!
 
I want to begin by saying how thankful I am for everyone supporting this new organization.
 
My name is Holly; I was adopted in 1997 and grew up in Washington D.C.
 
My journey has had many ups and downs and it’s taken me a very long time to be thankful for the family that I was blessed with. There are so many children in this world that don’t get a chance like me and I only hope that I can give back as much or more as I’ve been given. My family has taught me many things throughout my life and, although maybe even a year ago I wouldn’t have wanted to admit this, they made me who I am today.
 
This journey of being adopted doesn't just affect us, it affects our families, friends and so much more. For those who are struggling or just enjoying their journey, please reach out whenever you are ready because there are people out there that are going through very similar times.
 
I am proud of my history and excited to share that with others and support this organization.