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Many of you may remember Karen Carroll's story about the Hogar or retirement home which is her ministry in the Dominican Republic. Here is the next installment
Dia de los envejecientes – Hogar Obispo Isaac
The Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic is very fortunate
to have a safe, secure, and healthy facility for the elderly in Boca Chica, just outside of the capital. Our hogar has been open for 2 ˝ years and has space for 32 residents.
Recently, we celebrated ¨Day of the Elderly¨, and in participation with the Episcopal school across the street ( Colegio San Jose), all of our residents were honored. It was a beautiful celebration, as each class visited with donations of food, gifts, diapers¸and a presentation of songs, poems, or prayers. This was a wonderful time of education for the students, since many had no idea what goes on in the building across the street from their school. Several were even fearful to enter. We showed them how clean and comfortable each resident lives and had them promise to wave hello when they pass by and see someone sitting on the balcony. They were also given permission to come visit again to give hugs and attention to our family in the home.
One of the most touching experiences of the day for me, came from a boy of about 8 years. As his class prepared to leave, he came to me to say that he hadn´t brought anything for the home, but pulled10 pesos (about 30 cents) out of his pocket to donate. This was his snack money and he gave it freely.
As the students sang, Mario (age 85) was continually touched and had tears in his eyes from emotion the whole day. All the other residents had smiles from happiness from the attention they received.
We have promises from the school administrator that this activity will be repeated several times during the school year, because of the benefit to both the students and Hogar Isaac!