So ive been in Romania for a little while now, and have been working with Gypsy children. It took me a little while to realize what this meant…
We went to a gypsy village the other day, just to play with the kids and to tell them about the upcoming camp we were doing. The moment we pulled up people of all ages came out to meet us, we happened to be the most interesting thing going on, even though it was around 85degrees outside. There were 6 and 7 yr olds holding newborn infants, with no sign of a parent in sight. At one point i was holding a one month old, and someone gave me what was either juice or beer to feed him… I was told that the parents not only didnt care where the children were, but also didnt know anything about nutrition or development, and just did the best they could raising the accidental children that popped into their lives.
When the time came for day camp, the van returned with about 25 children. One on the 6 year olds had a small baby in tow. After a few hours i realized that this baby didnt have a bottle, diapers, and was wearing sweat pants in the awful heat. I decided to take care of her, and was warned “be careful or they might tell you to keep her.” -It broke my heart. I get teary just thinking of her precious little face, and how someone could not want her.
I was told that many parents arent able to take care of their children, so they simply give them to orphanages. The orphanages, apparently, decide THEY cant take care of them all year, so during the summer release them back to the parents who cant take care of them. They are left in the streets to fend for themselves and take whatever food and love that comes along. So im gonna love them until my heart aches, and then pray for the ability to love them some more.
with love from Romania
