Erik

Erik and I became friends when I worked as a caregiver in his section (20 boys from ages 7-9) for a week during Easter. He was new to NPH and was feeling left out. Some of the other boys were bullying him. I noticed he was alone so I asked if I could play with him. After that we became great friends!

He's really a sweetheart. He's so respectful, polite, and mature for his age. The sad thing was that he didn't have friends at NPH at first. But the cute thing was that he said, "Ud. es mi amiga, si?" ("You're my friend, right?"). "Of course!" I told him. He would always pick me flowers and offer to help me carry things, like my water bottle. It was very endearing.

When I worked with him in his section, he said, "I thought you'd be with us for more than three days! I don't want you to leave." I explained to him that I'd still be at NPH, but only until July. That part was sad. Saying goodbye to him in July was difficult. But I had him come up to my office to play! It was a lot of fun. When we finally parted ways, it was sad. During the despedida (goodbye party) for all the volunteers, he sat on my lap the whole time.

But I'm so happy that I worked in his section and met him! If I ever have money again I'd like to be his "godmother" and sponsor him. Then you get to write letters back and forth to the child. Erik is amazing!