9/14/2012

Shout out to Santa Clara University

Last week we had our first group of Rostro de Cristo Retreatents for the year. Twelve undergrad students and one graduate student came to visit from Santa Clara University. Their trip was led by Mike Nettle who was a former volunteer with Rostro de Cristo at Damien House.

On Monday, we talked to the group about Hansen´s disease and then game them a tour and were able to talk with the patients and staff briefly. On Wednesday the group returned and were free to wander around and talk to whoever they wanted to visit with. Luckily their were lots of Spanish Speakers in the group so they were able to divide up and visit lots of different patients! The group got to know many of the people here and heard all kinds of stories ranging from how people came to Damien House, to how patients spend their days, and what holidays are like here at Damien House.  Patients and staff were all happy to see that Mike was back to visit (although some of the older female patients were disappointed to find out that he was no longer single!). The visitors also got a chance to support the patients by buying various crafts that the patients had made so the visitors walked away with beautiful peace birds, bracelets, necklaces, crosses, paintings, and even a new hammock. Before the group left, Mercedes and husband Italo also played the accordion and sang for the group.  It was a beautiful song and got everyone dancing and many of the other patients came over to listen! I am sure the visitors will remember their visit for many years!