There are a great number of children in orphanages and placement centers throughout Romania. Most of these institutions are quite depressing. Their operational budgets are barely sufficient for providing the children's basic needs.
Many are ill and all severely malnourished. A big number of abandoned babies and toddlers who live in such premises languish, neither developing speech nor mobility skills. The orphans in Romania are viewed as social outcasts, not worth spending money or time on. Anything beyond what is not even a barely minimum, is out of the question. The kids need educational and recreational materials, new clothing etc. but most of all the need the love, time and attention that the understaffed personnel cannot offer. It's a common picture to see babies lying alone in the cribs with nobody paying any attention to them, alone, insecure, scared and desperate. And no matter how many times we keep going back it's always heartbreaking and it always moves us to tears.
We have visited scores of these institutions, providing uplifting musical and clown programs, bringing treats and presents, hosting parties, holding regular English classes, helping them find a Christian perspective and God's answers, as well as the wonderful, unconditional love of Jesus Christ! |
