Goodbye, Barlad

It was our last day of working with the children. Gabi and Alexandra left in the morning. Gabi will apparently be going to a foster family and Alexandra was going back to the placement center. 

As the afternoon drew to a close, we said our goodbyes to the children who have made such a special impression on my heart. It was very meaningful to receive big hugs and kisses from the staff as we were leaving. It has been a great two weeks that, as usual, makes a deep impression on my life. The dear children and the staff are in my thoughts and prayers. It is at this time that I tell myself that quote attributed to Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”  Goodbye, Barlad.

Entry submitted by: Steve

  

Message of the Day - Lorraine: “The heart that gives, gathers.”  - Marianne Moore                 

            

Bringing toys to the children

The day started with breakfast and a quote from Steve about how one should never forget a kindness bestowed upon them but one who bestows a kindness should never remember. The day was filled with lots of activity. The children were very active. Alina put a hoodie sweatshirt on her head and acted like it was long hair. It was hilarious. She tossed her “hair” from side to side and it was quite the sight. She would show me her “hair” and I would exclaim how beautiful she looked. It is a reminder that every little girl, no matter her circumstances, wants to feel beautiful. Emma, Luca, Alexandra, and Ionut loved being held today. Alexandra and Alina loved being walked up and down the halls.

At dinner we had delicious Italian food, but the highlight of the evening was delivering toys that we had bought earlier in the evening to the hospital after dinner. Steve bought the children a rocking horse, an easel, and a walker while I bought a push cart which encourages children to walk. Bringing them to the hospital was met with squeals of delight and it felt like Christmas morning. It was a wonderful day.

Entry submitted by: Cher

Message of the Day - Steve: “He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows a benefit should not remember it.”  - Pierre Charrin

Greeted with smiles

After breakfast at the hotel we again headed to the hospital. We were greeted by Delia’s smile and some other smiles but some other sounds as well. At 10 a.m. when the bottles came, they were greeted by some – others turned their heads. Luciana had her IV moved again and does not want to eat. Ionut also has a red throat now but he eats anyway – his appetite over powers his sore throat. Alina is still wearing her surgical mask and Alexandra carrying her chair to a good place to sit. Delia was sure to let anyone know if they had a toy she thinks is hers.

After lunch at the Hotel Moldova, Mihaela took us to the hospital and played dolls with Alexandra, Luciana, and Delia. I spent late afternoon with sweet Emma whose temperature was normal today. As Cher lovingly rocked Dan, I’m sure he thought he was in heaven. As we left, we were again serenaded so we need not wonder if they enjoy our presence. Another day is history at the Barlad Children’s Hospital.

Entry submitted by: Lorraine

  

Message of the Day - Cher: “I am but one drop in the ocean, but without me the ocean would be less.” - Mother Teresa

In great spirits to see the children

The day started out rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits to see the children. We are kind of in our routine in terms of giving the children bottles, yogurt, cereal, mashed bananas, and other food. If we get out of the routine, Ionut is there to let us know.  Emma seems to be feeling better and today Cher held Dan for a while. Delia put on a show for the doctor by tapping her toy to light it up and get the music playing. Alina was playing doctor by walking around with her face mask. Sammy and Luca went for walks. Alexandra was being her usual good self. Luciana had her IV stuck in her foot, so we watched her closely. Gabby was being good and our dear Andrei again ate yogurt. We think the children were sad to see us leave at the end of the day because they seemed to almost cause a riot with their screaming after we put them back in their cribs. We ended the day with a good dinner at Alona.  The executive chef, when he found out Americans were in the restaurant, introduced himself to us explaining that he worked in the States for a number of years.  

Entry submitted by: Steve  

Message of the Day - Steve: “To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you just might be the world.”

Keep moving or you'll get run over!

With the departure of three volunteers over the weekend and the addition of myself, the team now consists of three volunteers. The morning began with a breakfast and the message of the day regarding the need to stay moving or you will get run over.

The children at the hospital were a bit more fussy than usual. We believe it is because of the fact that there are only three of us to pay attention to eleven children. Delia was particularly fussy in the morning, but calmed in the afternoon. She is using her partial limb to turn cardboard book pages, which is quite impressive. Alina was accessorizing all day with costume jewelry, scarves, and a surgical mask. She is quite the crack-up. Ionut was a speed racer up and down the hall in his walker and quite hard to keep up with! I got plenty of exercise keeping up with him, which illustrates the quote of the day, to keep moving or you will get run over!

Entry submitted by: Cher

Message of the Day - Lorraine: "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

Each special child with unique personality

The end of the first week has arrived…already. We are getting to know the children and they seem to be getting to know us. The children, each with their unique personalities, are so special and have a special place in my heart.

Emma is still in isolation, so I spent some time holding her. She still seems to have a fever, but she still talks and gives that special Emma smile.

Saturday we said our goodbyes to Mary Ann and Sunday we said goodbye to Barbara and Tracey. We are sad to see them leave, as are the children I am sure, but happy to have made three new friends. Sunday evening we reunited with Cher who is joining us for the second week. On Saturday and Sunday my mother and I went to the hospital for the mornings to hang out with “our” kids. We had a great time each morning, and we certainly appreciated the big job the two aides have taking care of all the children over the weekends. On Sunday we witnessed bath time and noticed another child in the isolation room with Emma…thinking it might be Dan, who we met two years ago.

The first week has flown by, and I eagerly await the joys and surprises of this upcoming second week.

Entry submitted by: Steve

Message of the Day - Steve: “You never stand so tall as when you stoop to help a child.”

An amazing little mimic

After our breakfast at the hotel we headed to the hospital again. We were greeted by eager faces and smiles. I was able to share a book with Alina after which she grabbed my glasses and decided it was time to get started. Alexandra is new – she was sick and recovered and is now a part of our children. She is a sweet little blue-eyed girl. It took a bit for her to get to know us after which she was active and happy. Sweet little Emma is still in the sick room with possibly an infection. Luciana had to have an IV put into her foot for her cold, which she did not like. Delia was her happy self – repeating motions and words more than I realized she was able to do. It is just amazing all that she can do – she is a little mimic. We finished our day there. We enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship at Dan, Mihaela, and Delia’s home in the evening. I wonder where these little people will be in ten to twenty years from now in their life’s journey.  I pray to God that somehow they will each have a pleasant journey.

Entry submitted by: Lorraine

  

Messages of the Day - Barbara:  “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” - Maya Angelou

Impressed by the Romanian people

Today was our third day at the clinic. I think that both the children and volunteers have found our groove together. We have learned which children need a little extra encouragement and those who need a little bit more discipline. I think today, I was only pinched once by Alina! However, today Sammy did pull my hair once or maybe three times.

I am constantly impressed by the Romanian people. During one of my walks with Sammy down the hall, a generous woman offered Sammy a bunch of grapes and muffin. I tried to explain that the grapes were no good because of Sammy’s developmental stage, which she seemed to understand and then brought an extra muffin for him! It amazes me that someone with nothing could be so thoughtful in trying to bring a smile to his face. All of the patients and families on the floor have been very kind and the children always offer a smile and buna ziua every time we pass by.

Emma is not feeling well. She ran a high fever and was placed in another room on our floor. Her fever went down a little today and we hope that by tomorrow she will rejoin our group. We miss her smiling face.

The children enjoyed treats of bananas, yogurt, and cereal. Ionut especially enjoyed his treats as well as everyone else’s.

We are all feeling a bit tired; however, seeing the smiling beautiful faces of the children makes it all worthwhile.

Entry submitted by: Tracey

  

Message of the Day - Mary Ann: “A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows your strengths, feels your fears but frees your spirit, recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.”  -  William Arthur Ward

Children who need and deserve continual nurturing

Today was our second day at the hospital. It’s amazing how fast time is flying. I am almost halfway through my time with the team and children. We were surprised to see the difference in some of the children from yesterday to today. Yesterday, they were full of energy and wore us out. Today, they seemed more subdued. I think we wore them out as well. I spent some time with Ionut and encouraged walking. We walked down the hall and back and I found his confidence to be increasing. I hope that when I leave, others will continue to encourage his walking skills. I also spent time with Alina. She is a most engaging child. Her antics are precious and she is quite bright. Her social skills with her peers need some improvement, but hopefully she will learn to be more cooperative.

I am sad to know that the teams are no longer as consistent as they were in the past. These children need and deserve continual nurturing and support if they are to thrive.

On a lighter note, we ended our day with a wonderful Italian dinner and a culturally informative walk home. Maryanne got to see the Gypsy King’s castle!

Entry submitted by: Barbara

  

Message of the Day - Tracey: “There is nothing more blessed than a young Soul and we, as Humans, have a responsibility to do what we can to help that Soul not just survive – but to thrive – with whatever power we have.”  - Misdeb

A day of firsts

Monday was a day of “firsts”:

1) School was re-opened with a wonderful program featuring a number of very talented boys and girls singing songs about school and friends – very upbeat. It was great to see all the children dressed in their new school clothes and carrying flowers for their teachers. Lots of proud parents accompanied them. We were very happy to be included in this event.

2) The hospital where we met the staff and children. It was my first time here, as everyone was new to me. Barb and Tracey had been to Romania before but not this location. Lorraine and Steve knew everyone, including many of the children. 

I found myself watching each child carefully to learn as much as possible about their conditions and abilities. There are nine children, each with very special needs. There was so much energy in the children’s rooms, and almost all of them responded joyfully to the individual attention we were able to give them. It was a wonderful and rewarding first day and we returned to the hotel exhausted from and filled with our day with Alina, Gabby, Ionut, Luca, Luciana, Emma, Sammy, Andrei, and Delia.

Entry submitted by: Mary Ann

Message of the Day - Dan: “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.  Happiness never decreased by being shared.” - Buddha

Reunited with friends in Romania

Today was our first full day in Barlad. We had a pretty relaxing day, which was much needed before we begin working with the babies at the hospital. This day was dedicated to learning about our team, the Romanian language and customs as well as what our routine will be for our time in Barlad. 

This being my third visit to Romania, the events today were a nice refresher to what I had learned on my previous trips. During my down time, my mother and I went for a walk around town. We went to the local market and grocery store, but were unable to find our beloved Cappy and Poiana! 

While I have been to Romania before and had prepared myself for what I was going to experience, I still found some of the things I saw to be emotional. Being an animal lover, it is very hard to see so many stray dogs and cats and unable to offer them the support I would if I were home. 

I was very happy to be reunited with my friends, Mihaela and Dan. It has been quite a few years since I have seen them. Most enjoyable was seeing Delia and how she has grown into such a beautiful and personable young lady. She delighted our group with her singing a version of the song “Apa”. I look forward to tomorrow, where we will first be guests at the opening day ceremony of the local middle school and, of course, meeting the wonderful children and staff at the hospital.   

Entry submitted by: Tracey

An eye-opening experience

Today was our last day and it was so much harder than either of us could have predicted. There were tears as we had to put the kids in their cribs for the final time, from both the kids and us! Sara and I are wishing we could just adopt all nine children and bring them home with us. But our last day was nothing short of amazing just like the other hospital days. We took lots of pictures and made the kids giggle extra amounts! I can speak for the both of us when I say how hard it is to leave them. We are feeling so blessed to be able to meet such amazing kids and it is reassuring to know there is another round of volunteers coming right after us. This experience has been so eye-opening and has really made my future goals more clear! All nine of the kids will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We will miss everything about Romania!

Entry submitted by: Jamie 

Feeling blessed in Romania

Today, we had another fun day at the hospital and starting realizing tomorrow is our last day. The kids were very attached to us today, especially when a tour group came in and viewed the hospital. It was awesome that the kids felt comfortable with us when strangers were around yet heartbreaking because we know it will quickly be coming to an end. We are not excited for our last day, but we are feeling blessed to have met such amazing kids in the first place.

Entry submitted by: Jamie 

Teaching Romanian children English

The past two days have been fun as usual, just a little more tiring without our third team member. On Tuesday Gabi's possible foster mom came to visit and we were excited she might have a home but reluctant to say goodbye. The kids have been sick for a little while but most seem to be getting better and it's showing in their moods! On Wednesday we had a normal morning, then went with Mihaela to the hospital for the first time. Alina got to go outside and run off some of her energy before it rained, but we wished we could have taken all the kids outside. As the week is winding down, we are beginning to think about saying goodbye and wishing it wasn't so soon. These two days, Jamie and I also went to the middle schools and worked on English skills with a variety of different aged children. It was so cool to see how their schools operate and to hear the questions they had for us about English and our American culture in general.

Entry submitted by: Sara

Another fun day with the children

Today we lost a team member so it was just us two girls against the nine kids! Iontz went back to the placement center and even though he was very quiet to begin with, the hospital atmosphere felt much emptier without him. This was the first day either of us interacted with Alina because our teammate was usually with her and she didn't like the lack of attention to say the least! (She was put into time-out quite often). Even though most kids were sick (including ourselves), it was yet another fun day with the kids!

Entry submitted by: Jamie

Visiting beautiful castles

Friday – Sunday Free Time  

The past three days we stepped aside from the hospital and visited some of the most beautiful places in Romania. On Friday afternoon, we traveled to our Bed and Breakfast or “pension” with our driver, Durrell. It is located in Bran right by the mountains. The family we stayed with was extremely friendly and welcoming. On Saturday, we went to Dracula’s Castle in Bran and explored the beautiful castle and learned the history of it along the way. Then, Durrell took us to Sinai to see the Pele’s Castle, which was much more extravagantly decorated compared to Dracula’s castle. By the end of the day, we were exhausted so we went back to the pension. On Sunday, we went to Brasov where there were many stores to shop at and we bought many souvenirs. Unfortunately, the uncooperative weather came in the way of our shopping so we got an early start home. We loved seeing all the pretty places in Romania, but it was also very nice to be back to Barlad!

Entry submitted by: Jamie 

Learning about each child

The kids were a little bit crankier today, Luca and Luchianna especially, but there might be a cold going around causing all the crankiness. It’s still great to come to the hospital. The novelty hasn’t worn off. Every day is a little bit different and we learning more about each child and what we can do to make them happy. For Luca if you shake his belly and shoulders I can usually get him to laugh. Luchianna just wants someone to hold her all the time to be happy. Today we did a lot of “teaching” with sign language with Gabby and Alina and then went to the middle school. I’m a little nervous about what we will be doing and how to open the students up to us. But at night, we were able to be Mihaela’s guests at the high school prom where we met some very nice and welcoming students and learned some Romanian dance traditions. It was definitely an experience we will never forget!

Entry submitted by: Sara 

Children warming up to us

Today was our second day at the hospital and we felt as if we have been at the hospital forever. We all kind of strayed to certain kids and started developing a daily pattern. The kids started to warm up to us and cry when we leave. It was a pretty average day, but it was a great day to learn the routines of the hospital!

Entry submitted by: Jamie 

Screams of happiness on our first day

Today was our first at the hospital! We went in a little nervous but were welcomed by Alina’s scream of what I hope was excited happiness. Most of the morning we played and began to learn names (we knew them all at the end of the day!) No one was really crying or causing trouble yet. Just lots of big ones from Emma and Luca! After lunch we had another snack and I had my first baby spit up ever from Luchianna and spent the rest of the afternoon making sure everyone was comfortable. It feels great to have started the work we came here to do and I’m excited to get to know the kids here and see what we can do for them.

Entry submitted by: Sara 

Our first full day in Barlad

Today was our first full day in Barlad! Sara, our teammate, and I met our team leader, Mihaela, for the first time as well as her and Dan’s daughter, Delea. It was Delea’s tenth birthday so we were invited to her party at one of their favorite restaurants. It was a very cool experience to be able to compare their birthday traditions to ours. After that, there was a cultural festival right next to our hotel where a famous Romanian singer named Smiley was performing and all the girls were so excited. Even though we were too exhausted to go, we opened our window and got to hear the concert. It was overall a successful first day but we are excited for our first day at the hospital tomorrow.

Entry submitted by: Jamie