For me today is a dream come true. This is my first day at El Hogar. Five years ago my daughter Melissa volunteered as part of a service project here and ever since then I longed for a similar opportunity.

When Melissa was here the first thing I did every morning, even before I had my first cup of tea, was to turn on the computer and read the daily entries and pictures on the blog. It did not take long to become enamored with the children and with the philosophy and the mission of the school.

As a member of the The Rotary Club of Burlington, I passionately employed the Club to get a team together. As we all know Rome was not built in a day and projects take time to implement. This year under the guidance of President Ethan Solomon the Rotary Club of Burlington not only is asking part in a service project but applied for and obtained a global grant to help hire an English teacher and set-up a computer lab for the girl's high school.

Now back to my first day at El Hogar. So far today I observed many girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 13 enjoying themselves on the jungle gym, making desserts in the bakery or just running around sporting smiles and introducing themselves to members of the team. There were hugs a plenty. Since I am not around children on a daily basis I must admit that I was somewhat apprehensive about meeting the children. Worried that I had little to offer. I could not have been more wrong. In a matter of seconds my fear melted and was replaced with a sense of belonging and unconditional acceptance.

Being here is such a gift. The children kept me present in the moment and engaged me in mindless activities that fed my soul and brought out the child in me.  I became reacquainted with a part of myself that has remained dormant for longer than I can remember.

While our purpose for being here is to help the children. In just a few hours they gave me much more then I can ever give them. They reminded me that I am enough. Period. They don't care what you do for a living, where you live, what type of car you drive, or if you have a lot of money. They only care that you are a loving caring person. What more can one ask for.

Stay tuned and accompany us on an experience of a life time.

-Nancy Hogan