My Return to Romania and the Ukraine

By Erica Pelaccia, MSW

She was the one who stole my heart. Georgiana looked over at me through the wooden bars of her crib as I walked into the room at the Barlad Children's Hospital in Romania. For the next four days, I held and played with the little girl with the long eyelashes, big brown eyes and sweet dimples...not at all amazed at how she had become so endearing, so quickly.

Georgiana was just one of the many children that I was able to hold and hug this past August during my three week trip to Romania and Ukraine. The first week and a half was spent in the northeastern part of Romania in the region of Moldova. From 1996-1997, I had worked in an orphanage in the village of Tutova, Romania. Today, the orphanage is home to thirty-six babies. In their efforts to transition the children from orphanages into foster homes, the government has closed 30 orphanages in the past few months and expects to close another 34 by the end of December. It does appear that some good changes are being made and that things will only improve for Romania's precious ones. It was wonderful to revisit the area, old friends and my godson, Eric.

My next stop was Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. It was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. We toured Saint Andrew's market, Independence Square, monasteries and ornate orthodox churches. The countryside was breathtaking. Fields of sunflowers lined the roads and horse-drawn carts carried families through the villages. On more than one occasion, we had to wait for the 'cows to come home' (literally) before being able to cross a bridge or street. Time seems to stand still in Eastern Europe. There is a simplicity that is rarely experienced in the western world.

We were able to visit five orphanages in Ukraine and deliver to each of them desperately needed donations. Over the past year, WHFC, with the help of some very supportive families, has donated funds for laundry room repairs. The orphanage staff loved their new washing machines and proudly opened the door to each one during my tour. They were thrilled with the letters and photos WHFC families had sent. At the end of each visit, my face was completely covered in pink and purple lipstick from their show of appreciation.

I could not get enough of the children...holding them, touching their faces and leaving a kiss on their foreheads. It was obvious that the workers care for these children and do the best with their limited resources and staff. However, an institution is no place for a child to grow up. New floors, washing machines and clothes are great, and yes, desperately needed. But what makes a real difference in the life of a child are the arms to hold them, a heart to love them, the sound of a voice to soothe them, a smile to encourage them, and a kiss to say, you are my own.

As I left for home, I found myself more dedicated than ever to finding families for these children. A week after I returned home, I heard the best news ever...Georgiana had been moved into foster care along with five other babies!

Top