MIRENY’S FAMILY, IN THEIR HOME

When we visited Mireny's home,  we were shocked by their stark living conditions. Their house was around 300sq feet and was missing doors so wouldn't protect them from the elements. Rooms were divided by cardboard and they didn't have a bathroom or running water.

We realized everything we gave as presents would be an indulgence for them- dishware, clothes, makeup, watches, school supplies, jewelry, photo albums. Mireny was most excited about her gift of a small mirror.  Mireny excitedly showed us her room.  Our teen, Julia was saddened to see that Mireny's room had only enough space for a small bed. There was no furniture, and only mud floors and a small pole holding a few items of clothing.  In Julia's eyes, geography and luck seemed to be the only reason for their disparate life circumstances.

JANUARY 22, 2012