Before being admitted in the Shelter, Yashodhara children used to live in conditions of extreme vulnerability. They came from homes where they may have suffered physical or sexual abuse or may have been forced to work. All this seems very far away when one sees their joy, vitality and their ever-present smiles, but there have been times when their hearts have also had folds of sadness and discouragement.
With a visit from Volunteers and Sponsors, the veils of these folds seem to fall off. A visit is a gift that goes beyond mere human contact. The way that children receive love from visitors, so unexpectedly, opens the door to other ways of experiencing the world. The children seem to be healed by people who come to Yashodhara and have an influence in their many desires and activities. Any gesture, however small it may seem, encompasses many dimensions.
THANKS to Maria Angeles, Cinta, and to all those who share their hearts with children.
Eshana Alcover – live-in Volunteer at Yashodhara Shelter
