My Time Spent In Romania
When I left London I felt a great sense of excitement, on the other hand a little apprehensive of what I might find. When I arrived at the airport I was met by Sisters Aloysius and Maria. I received such a wonderful welcome. That was the beginning of a very special
experience.
Next morning I visited the hospital for sick children. I was taken
aback by the plight of these little ones, some abandoned by parents; such sweet little darlings. I shed a few tears I can tell you!
Sister Maria has transformed the hospital playroom with beautiful pictures, lots of books, educational toys; it's a child's dream. The children would come to the playroom and were encouraged to join in; even those who had just had operations would come and would seem to forget the pain. There was a lot of laughter in this room!
The Romanian people came over to me as warm and loving people. Considering their lack of material possessions, they seem to have such joy and peace. Even the little children, though suffering greatly,
will still look up to you and smile, not just a smile but a radiance that
would touch the depths of your soul.
I also experienced a sense of well being which helped me to search my inner self and discover how very fortunate I am and how, at times, I take this for granted. It has been a great privilege working with these children and to feel their inner strength and joy at a simple gesture of holding them in your arms. They are so happy with this, just to be held, they lead such lonely lives and crave human contact and to be loved.
My second experience was a visit to Nazareth, the house bought for a family of ten; this was made up of a mum, dad, their own three sons...
...and five abandoned children, who were on the streets. If the Sisters of Mercy had not helped them who knows what would have become of them? Upon entering their household you could feel the joy of the family. They were given gifts and even sang for us. It was amazing and for me an experience of a lifetime which I will always carry with
me.
My next visit was to an orphanage about an hour's drive away. We were greeted by the director; his wife and all the children were in the garden. When they saw us, there was great excitement. We were hugged and kissed and when Sister Aloysius produced some lovely cakes and new clothes there was great glee. Some of them were
putting on two or three shirts and trousers! It was like Christmas all
over again. My heart was breaking watching these children as some were very disabled; mentally and physically. We were then shown around. It was quite a large place, but in very poor condition; the walls and ceilings were damp and falling in. I believe it used to be in worse condition. It has been improving with the help of funds but much more money is needed. Again it was an experience that both shocked me and touched me deeply.
I went out with a social worker to visit two poor families. The first was a husband and wife. I was taken into a dark room, which was the only room. They had no heating or lighting, there was a small bed along a wall where they slept, ate and washed. We brought them some food and money. They kissed our hands and thanked us. I felt so humble. We then went to visit a grandmother and her grandson. They were delighted with the gifts. There are many more people in the same situation; the Sisters arrange a hot meal everyday for
them.
I have had an experience of a lifetime and, although it has been sad, I have enjoyed it very much! I wish to thank Sisters Aloysius and Maria for giving me this opportunity of experiencing such...
When I left London I felt a great sense of excitement, on the other hand a little apprehensive of what I might find. When I arrived at the airport I was met by Sisters Aloysius and Maria. I received such a wonderful welcome. That was the beginning of a very special
experience.
Next morning I visited the hospital for sick children. I was taken
aback by the plight of these little ones, some abandoned by parents; such sweet little darlings. I shed a few tears I can tell you!
Sister Maria has transformed the hospital playroom with beautiful pictures, lots of books, educational toys; it's a child's dream. The children would come to the playroom and were encouraged to join in; even those who had just had operations would come and would seem to forget the pain. There was a lot of laughter in this room!
The Romanian people came over to me as warm and loving people. Considering their lack of material possessions, they seem to have such joy and peace. Even the little children, though suffering greatly,
will still look up to you and smile, not just a smile but a radiance that
would touch the depths of your soul.
I also experienced a sense of well being which helped me to search my inner self and discover how very fortunate I am and how, at times, I take this for granted. It has been a great privilege working with these children and to feel their inner strength and joy at a simple gesture of holding them in your arms. They are so happy with this, just to be held, they lead such lonely lives and crave human contact and to be loved.
My second experience was a visit to Nazareth, the house bought for a family of ten; this was made up of a mum, dad, their own three sons...
...and five abandoned children, who were on the streets. If the Sisters of Mercy had not helped them who knows what would have become of them? Upon entering their household you could feel the joy of the family. They were given gifts and even sang for us. It was amazing and for me an experience of a lifetime which I will always carry with
me.
My next visit was to an orphanage about an hour's drive away. We were greeted by the director; his wife and all the children were in the garden. When they saw us, there was great excitement. We were hugged and kissed and when Sister Aloysius produced some lovely cakes and new clothes there was great glee. Some of them were
putting on two or three shirts and trousers! It was like Christmas all
over again. My heart was breaking watching these children as some were very disabled; mentally and physically. We were then shown around. It was quite a large place, but in very poor condition; the walls and ceilings were damp and falling in. I believe it used to be in worse condition. It has been improving with the help of funds but much more money is needed. Again it was an experience that both shocked me and touched me deeply.
I went out with a social worker to visit two poor families. The first was a husband and wife. I was taken into a dark room, which was the only room. They had no heating or lighting, there was a small bed along a wall where they slept, ate and washed. We brought them some food and money. They kissed our hands and thanked us. I felt so humble. We then went to visit a grandmother and her grandson. They were delighted with the gifts. There are many more people in the same situation; the Sisters arrange a hot meal everyday for
them.
I have had an experience of a lifetime and, although it has been sad, I have enjoyed it very much! I wish to thank Sisters Aloysius and Maria for giving me this opportunity of experiencing such...
...wonderful and fulfilling work with the poor in Romania. Thank you
for all your kindness and hospitality. I would also like to thank Sister Philomena and her team for giving me the opportunity and encouraging me to go on this adventure!
As Catherine McAuley would say...
"Let Charity be our badge of honour so that it may truly be said there is in us one heart and one soul in God"
Sister Bernadette Glynn
for all your kindness and hospitality. I would also like to thank Sister Philomena and her team for giving me the opportunity and encouraging me to go on this adventure!
As Catherine McAuley would say...
"Let Charity be our badge of honour so that it may truly be said there is in us one heart and one soul in God"
Sister Bernadette Glynn