Some of our Irish volunteers are not afraid even of the severest frosts and are glad to come to our children anytime. We are very happy to share the lovely memories of a new group that has just recently come back from Gorodische after 2 week's visit this January:

The rumours had cornered us with anxiety and apprehension. Expectations of hungry children tarnished by their grim environment had suppressed our excitement to a feeling of vulnerability.

Upon arrival, we were exposed to the stern nature of the airport staff, the stiffening cold, a language that seemed nonsensical and currency ridiculed by a crumbled economy. We now felt more vulnerable than ever.

Arrival into the country required the endurance of a gruelling inspection of all necessary documentation. Once this was complete, we met our interpreter.

This was the turnaround point. Unlike an Irish airport in the summer months, Minsk didn’t seem to have much happiness. No excited kids. No middle aged men in socks and sandles. No stressed mothers in maxi dresses. However, the warmth we were greeted with upon meeting Irena was second to none. Her caring nature radiated immediately, and suddenly we could release some of our emotional armour. The driver was equally as welcoming, chuckling at our reactions to the -20 degree cold.

The drive to the orphanage lasted 2 hours. As we drove, we gradually began to appreciate the beauty of the winter wonderland through which we had the privilege of travelling. We were informed that some of the older kids were waiting up to see us.

As we took our first step out of the minivan, we saw the first faces of amazement gazing out of a window on the second floor. It was dark, and the lights were off, but the smiles and bright eyes could be seen nonetheless. There was a sudden realisation of what we were about to take part in. We were not volunteers, or workers, or anything else. We were the “Irish girls”; superstars.

For the duration of the 2 weeks that followed, what we wore didn’t matter, what we looked like didn’t matter, how we spoke didn’t matter, how much money we had didn’t matter. A smile was granted by our presence. Nothing else was necessary. It may seem that the work we done was incredibly difficult. However, your personal economy is dependant solely on what you value. These children placed enormous value in a hug. A hug to them is an iPad to most Irish children. They are wealthy, not in money, but in happiness.

We spent our days dancing, playing simple games, feeding, hugging, and sometimes just sitting with the children. The walls were covered in murals and pieces of art made by the children. The food was nutritious and plentiful. The children smiled, laughed and danced. It was so far from our expectations. Granted, it was emotionally taxing at times to feed a “child” older than oneself. 20 year olds shouldn’t be in cots, nor should they be confined to 4 walls. But for the most part, they were happy. This is what most people don’t understand; the orphanage is their world. It’s home. It’s where all their happy memories are. They are protected, fed, looked after, and spend every day with their friends who they have grown up with. There are no daunting social standards that hover over each individual, forcing them down a path governed by expectations. The perceived satisfaction the kids have within the orphanage was reinforced by Vitalek (26 years old), who when we asked if he would like to travel responded with “No, here is home”.

As I sit here in the University library, I have a camera, an iPhone and an external hard drive on my right, a laptop in front of me, and a wallet on my left. These items may contribute to some of my happiness, but I assure you there are far brighter smiles in Gorodische right now.

If anyone has ever considered doing something like this, I really do encourage you to do so. This was a life changing experience for those of us that travelled. It won’t be the last we see of Gorodische; this is only the beginning.

Gery McGowan

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