Today was my second day at the gypsy village, helping out with kids from ages 2-10. Scott has endearingly dubbed us "the village people" and asks daily if I'm the indian. :) But seriously, what an experience... Although not all the children are gypsies, they are all impoverished and...well...violent. I'm not sure if it's their environment or parental example (in Romania, domestic violence is acceptable) but the children are excessively physical and violent. Today alone, I broke up three fist fights from boys and girls alike and these children are definitely NOT taught ground rules like sharing, personal boundaries, and how to be nice to each other. Biting, hair pulling, slapping, punching, and scraping are how they communicate and it was rough to watch them interact in such dysfunctional ways. My heart goes out to them but I was the most frustrated i've ever been on this trip at the village. In a way, I just felt powerless to make a difference when I could not speak to them and I could not change in a day what they've been taught throughout many years. I did my best to have a good attitude and concerns spinning around in my head that it was deafening. The kids also suffered from very poor hygiene and it was obvious as they walked in with mud-caked pants and torn shirts that smelled of body odor and refuse that the children aren't well cared for. I'm sure Leslie will post something about her experience in the village, but in my opinion, it was rank, devastating, frustrating, saddening, and depressing to the deepest levels. Facing situations like the village are part of what this trip is about and I'm grateful for the experience but I now know the heartache God must feel as He looks down at these children. The staff at the village do a great job but I know its not a job I could do.
On a lighter note, we visited the house of a volunteer nurse tonight for dinner. Vera and her family hosted our entire team and served us a wonderful meal that was matched only by the warmth of their hospitality. I was grateful for such a pleasant experience after two hard days at the village and hospital. I got to moved to the 7th floor of the hospital yesterday and today which still houses abandoned children but these children aren't suffering from any health problems. I enjoyed meeting some new babies and although the nurses were gruff, I also met a few kind faces that I desperately needed. I wish I could paint an adequate picture of everything I'm seeing and experiencing but some things can't be shown in words. I am absolutely exhausted as I write this and am gladly anticipating having the afternoon free tomorrow. Until Saturday, stay posted.
<3 Lindsay
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