We would like to introduce you to Rosa Vargas Soliz, cook for 28 years in the Puntiti therapeutic community, Bolivia.
How did you get to know Hermanas Hospitalarias?
When the construction of Puntiti was finished, they were looking for people to clean the remaining paint and clean the rooms, I took the job with my husband; then an engineer told me that the religious sisters who would occupy the place needed support people to take care of orphan children arriving from another city. I introduced myself to Sister Maria Cruz Q.D.E.P., she asked me if I knew how to cook, I told her that I do all the housework and so I stayed in the kitchen, she told me that I had to calculate the quantities and flavors well so as not to waste anything, because the children should eat well and healthy. I only knew how to cook for a maximum of 6 people and here I had to cook for more than 30 children, it was hard at first, but I learned a lot with Sister Maria Cruz.
What aspects would you highlight from your work in the Puntiti Therapeutic Community?
I learned a lot with the sisters, I began to know more dishes, measurements and above all to think about the health of the children. Even two months after I started working they brought the kitchen that is still working until now, it is a big kitchen with oven, I never saw a kitchen like that, but now after so many years, 28 years later I know it as well as a friend.
The sisters taught me that everything we do has to be done with love and respect for the children, they are the main engine of the institution and we have to keep learning with them and for them, the work is sacrificed, but everything is worth it for the wawitas.
What value does working with Hermanas Hospitalarias add to your life?
Love, hard work, responsibility, effort. I am already 62 years old, I would never have imagined working so many years for the sisters, but everything I do, I do for the children, they are like a second family to me, the day I retire it will be because my body is already very tired, or I am in a lot of pain, meanwhile I will continue working for the children, my children.
Thank you Rosa for your hospitaller dedication!
