Pictures!

Luisa and Delia

Kristin and Gabita

Reni teaching Gabi to eat

Gabi loved the flowers on this dress

The gang

Reni and Cleo

Kristen and Alina

Andrei

Miruna

Delia is a star

Gabi

Walking

Kristin and Gabi

Don't you love Delia's expression?

Delia

Kristin and Alina

Miruna

Alina carrying on a conversation

He was so funny playing with the tunnel

Friends

Ionut and his dimples

Kristin and Alina

Delia

Cleo and her friend Winnie the Pooh

Ionut

An attempt at a group portrait

Alina in her Easter clothes from Kristin

Delia in her Easter dress

BFFs

Robin and her BFF Miruna

Classic Delia expression

Miruna in a pocket

Kristin and Andrei

Cleo and Mickey

Gabi likes the rocking chair

Loved this light on Cleo

I had such trouble posting pictures on this blog with my IPad while traveling.  Instead I posted some pictures on my Facebook page but if you didn't see them, here are some of the best ones.

Last day

Today was our last day at the hospital made even harder knowing that there isn't another team until May. Who will pick the babies up out of their cribs? I know Coca loves the children and will do the best she can but she is only one person. The nurses and aides seem to love them as well, but they are busy. Sigh. Gaby welcomed us this morning with her repertoire of babbling, which now includes ba ba and ma ma. Reni has done such a great job helping Gabi learn to bite and chew. Although that mash does stick to the roof of her mouth. She is quite fond of chocolate as are the others who can eat it. That's my girl. Right before our lunch, while Gaby was eating her rice and whatever else was in it, in walked a "rough" looking couple. Lo and behold they were Gaby's parents. What a shock. They are both darker skinned but Dan thinks only the mother may be part Gypsy. The father has blue eyes. The mother is quite short. Both have that look of people who are outside a lot and don't have running water (true). We know from when Dan took Gaby home last year that their living conditions are pretty basic. I also think there is an alcohol problem. Gaby's twin Mihaela and two older sisters are in foster homes. The parents told Dan they didn't even know where Mihaela is. I'm sure their lives are difficult but god willing the children will never go back to them. It is hard to read anything into to a short visit. Gaby seemed more comfortable with the father than the mother. They did pick her up. Dan thinks the father always wanted the girls more than the mother. As I took Gaby for our last walk down the hall way I told her I was sorry that we hadn't made a run for it that last day at Tutova. We kept joking about doing that the last day and it may have saved her some not so good times. I was tempted to do it today but it helps knowing she is safe and getting good care, although not perhaps the extra help to aid in her development. The other children did pretty well today although Alina had a few time outs for hair pulling etc. Overall, she is much better with that kind of thing though. It is so nice that Delia is feeling better. She even put up with some tummy time today. Cleo didn't want one of her bottles but ate some yogurt instead. As usual I get more on her than in her. Got a few smiles from Ionut. Some people have asked about former Tutova children. We think Paula is still in foster care but not sure. Petre's first foster home didn't work out and he is in another one. As for the others I guess no news is good news. Today Reni gave a presentation on feeding to the staff. The nurses asked lots of questions and we think it was well received. Hopefully more children will be fed in an upright position and able to sit up,or be propped up after feeding. Some people have asked about donations. They use disposable diapers at the hospital so rubber pants or diaper pins aren't as needed. Socks are good! They have a fair number of clothes. I brought children's Advil and those battery operated ear thermometers (and covers) at Mihaelas request. Reni is thinking of raising funds for a chair that they can use to ell with feeding. There is one chair but it is too big for some children. Will keep you posted on that. We had our dinner out tonite at Da Vinci. We walked in to find Mihaelas mother there with a gentlemen friend, unbeknownst to Mihalea! Kind of funny. And good to see someone dating after 70! I used my usual coping mechanism for feeling sad and ate chocolate cake. We are off to Bucharest tomorrow. I fly to Barcelona on Sunday. Will probably just post on Facebook as I can't seem to get blogger to work that well on my iPad. Think good thoughts for the children. And spread the word that they need volunteers!

Happy Women's Day

Our day started with flowers from Dan. Then we received flowers and champagne from the Vice Principal at the school where Luisa has taught before dinner. And a carnation and kisses from the waiter at the hotel. Why doesn't the US celebrate this holiday? It is good to be a woman in Romanis, at least today. I remember being a volunteer in VietNam on this same holiday and it was a really big deal. A hectic day at the hospital. Some older boys came to play with our toys Two were quite sweet and the others are forever banned. The two sweet boys were so good with our girls. One bounced Delia in the jumperoo and the other tried to play with Alina. Of course Alina can sometimes be a bit difficult. Cristian Andrei joined us late in the day. It is unclear what happened since he left but he has a fever and a bruise on his forehead, allegedly from hitting himself. I feel so badly that tomorrow is our last day and tha there isn't another team until probably May. He would really benefit from some attention. Gaby has gotten so much stronger with her walking. She will probably backslide as well. I try not to think about it too much.

Sunshine!

We actually had sun today although it is still cold. At least walking is somewhat less treacherous although there are still icy patches. My team mates make sure I stay upright! Theoretically I can take my air cast boot off this weekend but I still feel twinges. So I'll see how it goes. Since I haven't posted for a few days I'll share general news on each child. Ionut had a really good day today. He is now responding to rubbing his back and tickling. Nice to see that smile and dimple! He even has let us hold him for short time periods. He is much better than a week ago. Delia continues to be such a charmer. Today I took my velvet scarf in and played with it with Cleo and Delia. They both loved it. Delia is so sharp. She watches everything. She really likes the jumperoo. Cleo is getting her daily exercises and massages. She woke up from a nap late this afternoon and was very fussy. Maybe she had a bad dream. I think she also has digestion problems. We try to prop her up to feed her and hold her upright after. She seems to spit up less this way. Miss Alina ate applesauce yesterday! It was in one of those containers you squeeze and she was able to get it out, with some help. We've been trying to get her to drink joice as well. Another one with digestion problems. She also loved my scarf and wore it in multiple styles today. She would go to the door, toss her scarf, and say "pa" (bye). Such an actress. She has been dancing and mimicking and generally entertaining us. Today when Ionut fussed a bit she went over to him, gently touched his leg and said "gata" (enough). I think Coca the aide said Alina should be in a family not a hospital. Amen to that. Last but not least, Gaby is walking and walking and walking (one finger assist.) she actually initiates it. She ate two bowls of mashed bread and apple this afternoon. She is eating so well. Reni our speech pathologist team member has been working with Gaby on eating, chewing, babbling etc. I can see progress. Today Gaby explored a Cheerio with Renee for about 15 min. Gabt was on my lap with Reni next to her so I saw it up close and personal! She put it in her mouth but didn't eat it. We were so close. She has also been doing her version of dancing to music. We have a new arrival in our rooms as of late this afternoon. Little Miss Miruna who has downs syndrome and was in the isolation room is now with us. We understand she will go home once the weather warms up as it is too cold for her at home. Same for Marian who is still in isolation. He is too fragile to be in th cold at his parents home. We went to Alona also known as th creepy doll restaurant last night. (Jane, I thought of you.). Since it is Lent they had a fasting menu with vegetarian options which was nice for us. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Only 2 days left at the hospital. It will be so hard to say good bye since there won't be another team until May 5. And that team isn't officially a go yet as it doesn't have enough people. Mihaela says they have never gone so long without a team. Come to Romania!

Saturday in Barlad

Still haven't solve my Picture posting problem. Have posted some on Facebook for last few days and will put some on Facebook again tomorrow. No wifi in my room so can't do picture transfer from from my iPhone without going downstairs.

Today, Kristin and I went to the hospital for about 3 hours. Alina and Gaby were happy to get our of their cribs. I noticed Gabtndidnt get any solid food this morning, just bottles. Wonder if that is typical on weekends. She is always so excite to get her bowl of food. I felt badly for her.

Delia is still running w fever. They took out the IV in her head and put one in her little but of a foot. She was happy until they did that procedure!

Got Ionut to smile again with some back rubbing today. He even tolerated being in my lap for a short time. Little milestones are important.

Miruna's parents visited today. We didn't get to spend time in the isolation room where she is but Kristin saw them on one of Gaby's many walks down the hall. They brought this huge bouquet of flowers with a big candle in it and put it at the end of her crib.

Cora asked me to say something about the other volunteers. Kristin is our youngest team member and has been here several times before. She is a pharmacy tech in Boston. Reni is a speech pathologist from Oklahoma. The children are benefitting from her special skills. Robin is a winter and artist who lived previously in Oakland and is passing through Las Vegas where her son lives. Luisa is a network engineer who is from Annapolis. She was in Romania twice in the late 70s due to an interest in folk dancing. It has been helpful to have a team member who knows some Romanian. That is our team!

Kristin and I got a kick watching Romania's Got Talent in the restaurant during lunch today. We've seen everything from a transvestite reciting something to a juggler on a unicycle to some dancers. Oh and a little girl who could repeat sentences backwards. I think Romania has a lot more talent than what we've seen so far on this show!

Snow flurries and a bit of rain today. I have to be so careful walking that I ended up staying in my room this afternoon. Looking forward to some fresh air tomorrow.

Happy March 1st

In Romania, March 1st is considered the beginning of spring. Men but women pins with red and white decorations. There is a legend about a dragon and a knight and a fair lady and basically the white represents purity and the red represents the blood of the knight who died for the fair lady. Or something like that. Dan brought us all pins this morning.

Where to begin? I was too tired to post last night. Am staying back from dinner out tonight to rest. I think I've been on my feet a bit too much at the hospital.

Before I forget, for the former GV Romania volunteers, Malika visited us yesterday. It was fun to see her. She said Alexandra is still with her parents. We think there are other family members who help care for her. Apparently she is up and down but generally ok. Daria is with her mother who still drinks so a grandmother helps care for her. No word on the other children.

Ionut allowed Reni to hold him for a bit today so that was a good sign. Delis is feeling better after running a fever of about 102 the last 2 days. Gaby is great. Walking holding one hand and ENJOYING eating from a spoon. She is eating soft food mostly but we are trying some other things with her. She needs to learn to chew.

Cleo is thriving with the attention she has been getting. Lots of smiles and occassionally moves her arms a bit. Eating better as well we try to feed her holding her upright. Which put my arm to sleep today but that is ok.

Andrei's new BFF is Kristin. We are seeing more smiles from him and shorter fussy periods.

Alina is a riot. So much calmer. She actually took off her own shoes with Velcro straps today. Of course this was so she could take off her pants. Mihaela had her talking quite a bit yesterday. She knows more than she lets on. She was dancing today as well. There is a tv in one of the rooms and she is quite fascinated by it. She doesn't look at it all the time but a little of it is probably good for her. I know have one of the songs from what i think is a DVD running through my head.

Robin has spent the last 2 days in with the babies in isolation. Miruna is chubby cheeked and recovering from a respiratory problem. Reni took one look at her and said she has Down's syndrome. Marian is tiny and sleeps s lot. Marius has multiple heart and neurological problems and is not expected to live.

Yesterday we revitalized a few toys with new batteries including Jane's popular piano. Coca has her magic closet from which she produced batteries and masking tape for the toys with missing battery covers. Coca is so great.

Our team ends March 10th and I think there aren't any other teams until May. So heartbreaking.

Once again unable to post pictures here. I posted some on my facebook page. I will try to solve this problem this weekend when I have more time and energy.

Day Two

We are settling into our routine. I miss the restaurant at the Raluca; in fact I miss the Raluca. But the hospital work is actually easier as there are fewer children to care for and we can give them more individual attention. There are 3 babies in isolation who may join us at the end of the week and if that happens we will be busier!

As for the children we do have:

Delia continues to have a fever but is relatively good natured despite not felling well. She has an IV port or whatever they call it in her head because she doesn't have arms. I did see today that she has one malformed leg with 3 toes. Despite her physical challenges she seems pretty sharp. She is babbling and rolling herself over and back without assistance!

Gaby is still Gaby in terms of her likes and dislikes but is much more engaged. I can't believe she is eating from a spoon. Reni, the speech therapist on our team, is feeding her. Gaby even seems to enjoy our frequent strolls down the hall.

Ionut has been cranky. Just wants to be left alone. I worry that he gets left alone a lot at the placement center.

Cleo is a delight. I don't know if the shunt helped or if it is that she is getting more attention - probably both. Anyway she is eating better and smiling a lot. She loves the vibrations from the exercise ball and was laughing today. Too funny.

Kristen had Alina saying "I love you" pretty clearly today. Alina is so much calmer. I think she does better with less competition from the other kids and more attention. Renee had her playing with blocks and Louisa is teaching her Romanian folk dancing! Our little mimic.

I learned today that Andrei entered the hospital only a few says before our arrival. He was found in a barn with the dogs and animals on his parent's property. Wonder if they were ashamed of having a disabled child and hiding him away. He has a great smile and we are learning about him as he learns about us. We saw a big difference just between yesterday and today. He seems to be thirsty a bit, maybe dehydrated.

I visited "my" Andreea today. Took my IPad to show her grandmother pictures of Andreea from the clinic. She said she has some of them at her house; ones that I had sent her. I also gave them some diapers this morning as her grandmother seemed to be asking for them yesterday.

We are off to Da Vinci for dinner - the best restaurant in Barlad in my opinion. Hopefully i can stay awake during dinner! Have been so tired at night. My foot has been hurting a bit so today I just stayed in the hospital after lunch. Need to pace myself.

Still having trouble posting pictures.

Mini Tutova

We had a good first day at the hospital today. I've decided it is like a mini Tutova. They have set aside a few rooms at the end of the hall and Globsl has painted the walls and brought in the cribs and toys etc from the clinic. So it feels like a familiar setting in a less familiar place.

We did learn that the children's hospitsl has merged with the adult hospital. So the former director Dr Magda now is only in charge of a section of the hospital. We also heard that of the 80 hospitals that closed when I as herr last year that were supposed to be turned into homes for seniors only 6 have actually become senior homes. In Tutova there were supposed to be 60 seniors and there are 20.

So for the news on the children. We arrived to find Cleo, Alina, Delia (the 11 month old missing arms and legs), and Andrei, a 4 year old boy with I'm not sure what disability but he doesn't have much muscle tone, doesn't speak etc. We were sad to hear that Nadia the teenager with severe CP who I met last year passed away over the weekend. And my Andreea from Tutova who now lives with her father and grandmother wasn't the hospital as well. I was especially excited when we went to the placement center to pick up Gaby and Ionut! Gaby was all smiles although Ionut was quite fussy.

Cleo is doing so well. She was laughing and smiling so much. And Gaby was eating soft solid food from a spoon! She finished 2 bowls! And is walking with assistance and holding only one hand. Alina immediately wanted to play pattycake with me. I could swear she remembered it from last time.

There is more to tell but I'm tired and have a head ache do will just post some pictures and write more later. Wi fi doesn't work in the rooms, only in the first floor lounge. Not surprising.

Oops. Pictures aren't loading. Will try tomorrow.

Back to Romania

For those of you who have followed my trips to Romania, yes, I am going back. As difficult as the closing of the clinic in Tutova was last year, I just can't stay away.  

I haven't decided if I will maintain this blog or post updates on Facebook or send emails. It may depend on how the internet is working at the hotel in Barlad and my IPad skills. I got the app where I can transfer photos from my IPhone to my IPad but who knows if I will get it to work properly.  Wish me luck.

We will be volunteering at the Children's Hospital in Barlad, where we were the 3rd week of my trip last year. I think the program there is more established since then and I've seen pictures where volunteers have painted walls and the place looks more cheery. Let's hope I can make it up the 3, or is it 4, flights of stairs with the air cast I have on my left foot. 

And let's hope that the weather warms up a bit. It has been bitterly cold in Romania, a difficult situation for people who are already struggling.


Stay turned and I'll let you know how I'll be providing updates.