We would like to share a blog written by one of Isa Mundo Foundation's project site visitors. We were able to arrange a visit to Casa Connor for Kiara Scott and family to visit the Pasitos de Luz centre.As always, we are grateful for Teena and Peter Oudman for their dedication in coordinating visits for volunteers and travelers who are interested in seeing this important facility and space. Thank you also to Kiara for sharing your story and experience with us.
Blog written by Kiara Scott.
On December 23rd, 2017, I had the honour to
visit Casa Connor and the Pasitos de Luz centre , a facility that provides local children with
disabilities with a safe, loving space. With the guidance of Teena Oudman, the
cofounder of Pasitos de Luz, I was personally toured around the site. We met at
the local grocery store in Puerto Vallarta and her friend drove us about a half
hour out of town into an developing suburban region where Casa Connor is
located.
During the scenic drive, she told me about the history of Pasitos, how
far it has come, and her visions for the future. She showed me photos of the
land that Casa Connor was built on, demonstrating how it started from nothing
but has grown with hope and dedication. Now, the building has taken on a
beautiful, simple structure with high ceilings and cut-outs that bring life and
sun light into the space. There are classrooms, a cafeteria, a kitchen, bathing
rooms, physical therapy rooms, playrooms, and bedrooms. Teena spoke about the
immense generosity that they have received from donors, offering up big bucks for
staples like therapy baths and air conditioning. Despite these contributions,
she emphasized that the organization is seeking more sustainability through
monthly donations to pay the staff that keeps everything running day in and
out. Seeing Casa Connor and learning about how far it has come, and seeing how
much more there is to become from it, was a very humbling experience. I am
inspired by the intense work and perseverance it has taken Teena and her team
to build Casa Connor from the ground-up, yet, it is evident that there is an
important role for each individual staff member, supporter, volunteer, and
donor for the success and capacity of the organization. 