Lunch at El Cristo

We were up early our first Saturday in Cochabamba to take the children staying at Viedma Burn Center’s extended care home for a picnic at the Cristo. Those staying at the home are still recovering from significant and disfiguring burns, but do not require continued hospitalization. Each has been away from their family for many months, and in some cases years. A few have been abandoned by their parents due to their marred appearance or the expense of medical bills for the treatment of their burns. During our excursion we had an incredible time with all of them, and were touched by the way, in the absence of their immediate families, they functioned as a family unit. We continue to be amazed by their resiliency, and have been deeply moved by their ability to maintain their child-like innocence and energy amid such harrowing circumstances.

All Alone

When you step into the hall of Burn Center Viedma you immediately hear the sound of the children; a hodgepodge of laughing, crying, and an occasional scream. As you round the corner, you are met by those who are healthy enough to be out of their beds. After navigating their greetings of hugs, “holas” and their IV poles you see those who are still recovering from their most recent surgeries. In the midst of their pain they manage to conjure a smile and give a high five. The most tragic aspect of their experience at the Burn Center is not the anguish caused by their burns, the trauma of their surgeries, or the pain that follows, but the absence of their parents to comfort them. Except for the nurses, who are constantly pricking them with needles and hooking them up to their IVs, they are all alone. Every so often you hear one cry out for mama and its almost unbearable.