Sarah Wisely writes from Romania

Whistle
1

I thought you all would like to see this. From my oldest daughter, Sarah.

Hello Everybody!

Well - here i am–in Brasov Romania- this is just a great experience - I don’t know that i can even explain it to you all. It is so very beutiful here and Abbot Placid is right, I do feel at home to some degree. But this is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Yesterday was my first full day with the kids and at first I thought gosh - these kids are fine they didn’t need me to come half way around the world to spend time with them. The facilities are beautiful - several of the staff have degrees in social work or other fields. But then I found my place. We were put with the toddlers and we had just played outside with them all day - it was okay - I mean they are not the 20/20 orphan image except that they don’t wear diapers and they called me “mama” the first day. All of them- they all run up to patrick and myself and say “mama mama” and then if we pick them up the others will bite the child we pick up. But I expected that and I was okay with it. Here’s when I choked and just about lost it: We were helping to take the kids upstairs because it was time for dinner and bed but they were just being shoved through this line and cold water was splashed roughly on their faces. I turned and then Patrick and I heard this lady stomping and yelling at the tiniest child - so i turned away to collect myself and right behind me was this room with disabled children - they were all just lying in their cribs rocking or crying - and no one was with them - one of the girls was tied up. I lost it. I absolutely lost it and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so helpless. It was time for us to go anyway and I didn’t want the children or staff to see me so I walked out quickly. That was yesterday but today I switched my placement to that room, with the disabled children, and I had the best time. There is a Scottish volunteer that works in “the special room” too. So i saw her some. The children are actually very responsive and I recognize most of their illnesses (autism, spina bifida, etc. So I will be okay and I know that I can do this. I’ve found my place and now I know why all of this has happened as it has. Just pray for me please because I won’t be able to do this on my own. It is a huge help to be here with Patrick of course and this city is so bustling and beautiful that I can easily get my mind off work a little every night.


I have to run - Patrick and I are to meet two volunteers in a few minutes. Thank you all for your support - I’ve read all your emails and I just haven’t quite had the time to return them. You are all in my prayers and please please keep us and the children in yours.

Much love,

Sarah Wisely

2

Dale,

Thanks for sharing that. I don’t know your daughter or why she is in Romania, but I know how it feels to work with people with special needs. I’ve been with Special Olympics for 12 years now and wouldn’t trade any of the time I’ve spent with the athletes.

Of course, conditions aren’t as bad here in the states as overseas. And most of our athletes have families that care about them.

Tell your daughter I wish her well and to hang in there. It can be very difficult when you are first in a situation like that.

Thanks again,

Rick

3

Hi Dale,

I am proud of what Sarah is doing, as I’m sure you are. We have groups of faculty and students from the school where I teach who go to Romania (as well as a number of other places) each summer. Some Romanian students have also attended our school, and they are bright and wonderful young people.

Sarah will certainly accomplish a lot of good, but I can attest from personal experience that she will be blessed even more. I will keep her and her work in my prayers.

Terry

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Dear Dale and Sarah.

This takes great courage on both your parts, and the rewards are beyond anyone’s ability to measure. It is guaranteed neither of you will ever interact with the world in quite the same way again as a result.

My admiration is boundless.

Thank you for sharing this with us … my prayers are with you both.

FE

5

Thank you, Dale, for sharing this. The Romanian people are wonderful people and so many are in desparate need. Recently (due to corruption and a European cessation of Romanian adoptions) the need for these young children has increased. I encourage others to help. If any would like, you may e-mail me and I can help you find ways to participate.

Peace,
Erik