Casa Matriz is an Orphanage home for children ( boys & girls) ages 6-12, this home has 30 children currently. It is the main home and largest housing property along with a field, court and play yard.
This is where we spend most of our time with the kids!
Quite a few of the kids started in Casa Cuna and then graduated to Casa Matriz.
Joel & Cecy have been directors of Casa Matriz for 29 years- They are faithful, loyal, loving " Mami & Papi" to all 30 children in Casa Matriz. There are 7 full-time staff but at least 5 more volunteers that are full-time also. I can honestly say these people are saints- They are up at sunrise and done at 10:00 pm. They serve with love and never quit. I am humbled by their work ethic and never-ending service.
A handful of kids have siblings which is wonderful for them to have each other through this time, and lean on each other when needed but these kids are all like brothers & sisters. Some of the children have high needs and a few have special needs. Many have witnessed trauma that resulted in them being placed in the orphanage.
Many of these kids have parents, but because the government provides no support or aid to those in need, parents must be faced with these massive decisions to send their kids away for a better life where they can be fed every day and have the opportunity to get an education (although some kids parents are in jail on drugs or dead). Once a month if the children have parents/family they get to go back and see their families.
It takes such organization and effort from everyone to make a day function at Casa Matriz. It is a constant teamwork effort to do anything with such a mass of children. Everyone has a job no matter the age- Every meal time - 3 times a day - Children are helping with preparing meals, dishing out food, dishes after meal, sweeping & mopping the floors ( floors have to be cleaned multiple times a day to keep critters & bugs away) wiping tables, cleaning bathrooms, etc. At times I find myself watching the chaotic rhythm that makes it all happen and function- it's incredible. The children's work ethic is also impressive and something we as parents of children the exact same age are in awe of what they do in a day. They are preparing for a life of work and are taught discipline from an early age.
Casa Matriz - Part 1
Casa Matriz - Part 2
