Caracas, Venezuela - More than 20 volunteers gathered for a three-day service project at San Martin Orphanage in Caracas, Venezuela, from September 19 to 21, 2008. The orphanage takes care of 35 boys from 7 to 17 years old. The facility's multi-purpose sports course was repaired. We filled the holes in the walls and then painted them. Once we had started, the youngest orphans felt very inspired and got involved right away. The teenagers just looked at us working hard until nighttime. But, by the next morning, the adolescents were ready to join us. They could not resist the love of all the volunteers who had come to fix their home.
On September 21, we stopped working at midday for a couple of hours. We observed one minute of silence, connecting the moment with the UN and honoring those who died in wars. Then, our UPF chapter presented a play about Pure Love Character Education and handed out Youth Ambassador for Peace certificates. We also listened to the reflections about peace and team-working from some of the orphans and the volunteers.
We finished our job and left for home, but our hearts stayed with the orphans. It was a transforming experience of heart and peace. We left behind some work for next month, so we have to return and continue the project!
This was a Service for Peace project made possible through contributions from CATIVEN (a major food supermarket chain), Ara Painting, Japanese goodwill ambassadors, and other local private donors.
To read UPF's Peace Declaration and reports of observances in other nations, click here.