Wednesday, October 24, 2007

An Eye Opening and Sad Day. Tuesday October 16



































Today we were off with Gica and Sue to visit some of the families they help out in the area.

First stop was at the home of a family about three blocks away. The mother helps out at the orphanage with cleaning, and ARCHWAY helps them out with whatever they can.
She came by one of the first days we were there to tell Sue that her electricity had been cut off because they hadn’t paid the bill. She has five daughters – the oldest two are school age, incredibly bright, and speak beautiful English. They had to do their homework by candle light since the electricity was cut. Susan asked for the bill and said that ARCHWAY would take care of it.
Their house is pretty tough. No window coverings, just open space, and two rooms. I can’t even imagine what they do in winter. I had clothes that Gymboree donated and we outfitted the baby with some good winter clothes. She was so grateful and thanked me over and over.

Next stop was to see a family living in what I can only describe as somewhat of a cave. It is a carved out section of rock that is behind the University, with a hot water pipe running through it. When we arrived there was one woman there with her toddler son. The conditions they live in are unbelievable. The little boy was standing on something behind the pipe, in a dirty t-shirt and nothing else. The surroundings were just absolute filth. It was really hard to see and take in.

Just to try and process the total shit hand that this poor little kid was dealt just can’t help but make me furious. When it comes down to it, what kind of shot does he have down the road, or even in the near future for that matter? It just doesn't make sense to me. Just really, really sad.

Thankfully, at least ARCHWAY can help some, but it seems like they are the only ones providing any assistance to them. Just hard all around.

Then we were off to visit the Dubrovnic family. To access their living space you have to go to the back of an apt building, in through a little walkway, then up 3 flights of super narrow windy steps to reach their 2 room place. They have no electricity or running water, and eleven children under the age of 9. Again, just unbelievable to see and realize that that is their life.

Back at the orphanage that night it was tough to process everything I saw that day. Especially when kids are involved it just breaks your heart. It would be hard enough for an adult to try to live in those conditions, but a child is inconceivable, although very much a reality.

As I was falling asleep I had my ipod on and it was playing some random travel mix I had made for the plane trip. Pink Floyds “Comfortably Numb” came on.
The last thing I remember were tears streaming down my face and then it was morning.

No comments: