A Sister’s Love…From Colombia to GiGi’s Playhouse – Twin Cities!

Hi everyone! My name is Ingrid, and I am so blessed to have the chance to write a blog entry for GiGi’s Playhouse – Twin Cities. I had such an amazing experience recently, where I discovered this precious place where people with Down syndrome are the center of all attention and the reason for every single effort.

I am from the country of Colombia. I am 25 years old and I am such a normal girl who has the privilege to have someone truly extraordinary in my life – my sister. My sister’s name is Carter, 8 years old, and a miracle in our lives.

She came to our family where it was just mom, dad and me. Many times, I just dreamed of having a brother or a sister, but my parents had been afraid about not being able to provide a new child with all that a new child would need. My parents wanted to give the very best they could to a new child.

I am the most blessed to be Carter’s sister. I love the shape and the sparkling light of her eyes. I love her smile. She is so precious. She drives me to give her all the best in life. I love her hugs, kisses, and mostly, she is such a great gift to me and my family.

And here we are…our family is now on this adventure together.

Carter is one of the main reasons why I decided to come to the United States. Back in Colombia, there are not many schools available with all the necessary resources and staff, to help  people with Down syndrome. It would require our family to invest in a private school to make sure that my sister gets access to these critical resources. I decided to come to the United States to help earn some extra money to help my family hopefully make that dream come true for Carter back in Colombia.

While I was still studying at the university in Colombia, I felt the need to look for what kinds of efforts were taking place in other countries of the world to help people with Down syndrome. That is when I found GiGi’s Playhouse on the internet! I was reading about all the activities and FREE, purposeful programs that are offered at the playhouse. It was so interesting to me! I thought, “I hope one day I will be able to go to a GiGi’s Playhouse!”.

I had an opportunity to work in the United States with kids in the Twin Cities this year for an intercultural exchange program. The other day I  was excited to finally visit GiGi’s Playhouse – Twin Cities for the first time. I met Santi, such a sweetheart, who took the time to tell me the full history of the organization, the history of the playhouse in the Twin Cities, as well as showing me all around the playhouse. I found out about all the possible volunteer opportunities that I could help out with in the upcoming year.

I’m now ready to start getting involved and volunteering at GiGi’s, with so many expectations. I’m so happy and blessed. Thank you for welcoming me at GiGi’s with such open arms and precious smiles! I love you so much!