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Mountain orphanage shelters Ukraine children |
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Article from United Church News, page 4, December 2000 Written by Marty Siegel and Peni Gray Marty is a member of St. Paul’s UCC, Bellevue. Peni Gray is a member of St. Stephen UCC, Sandusky. Peni and Marty visited the government-run orphanage in the mountains near Nagy Dabrony, Ukraine for three days this summer to gather information vital to further support by SARA. |
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orphanage in the Transcarpathian Mountains of Ukraine could be the
setting of a beautiful resort. The scenery in any direction is
breathtaking; but instead of a fun-filled vacation spot for the rich,
behind these gates is a place to hide the country’s most severely
physically and mentally challenged children.
Sascha was our self-appointed tour guide. He seemed to be right behind us every time we turned around. He wanted to show us everything and constantly parroted our words, even though he spoke no English. Sascha looks to be about 12 years old, but we were told he is 17. He doesn’t have a very bright future, as he has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He will probably always live here. Despite the lack of resources, the staff adequately tends 200 plus children. There is always an odor in the air—a combination of baking bread, sour milk and human waste. The children’s noon meal consists of broth with noodles poured over bread with a teaspoon of vegetable matter mixed in an oatmeal-like substance, followed by juice cooked from seasonal fruit. Our job was to assist the staff in feeding the bedfast children. Their greatest needs are disposable diapers and socks.
These sights and sounds will be forever etched in our memory. We look forward to returning to see improvements in those children who will have much-needed surgery (thanks to SARA). We are grateful to be able to share our love for Jesus through the gifts and talents God has given us. We believe the adage, "Give someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish, feed them for a lifetime." We thank God for SARA and the opportunity to teach and to learn. To God be the glory. |
