It’s always something special about “The originals” – the first Burren Chernobyl Project volunteers’ visits to Belarus – those people that were there from the very beginning, those who knew bad times, those who gave their love to the “special” children and young adults who had never seen it before, those who made a huge difference inspiring the young people of Ireland to follow them, encouraging for more actions to take.

One of them is Mary Cosgrove, who started her volunteering about 15 years ago. We are always happy to see Mary and assist her in all she does. This week wasn’t an exception.

As always Mary came with all her love and kindness and warmth of her heart to the children of Cherven children’s orphanage – the best present to bring to the kids. She equally treated all the children, those whom she knew for ages since she started coming over and the new comers – she equally loved them all. She had a moment for everyone as she always does. Like a big mamma she was caring so much for the children in beds, helping feeding and playing, and taking them outside for a bit of walk and a fresh air.

And Mary will have time for everyone. It’s amazing to sit down with a cuppa and listen to her stories about the children’s adventures in Ireland, about all the stories of the past, about young adults who were transferred to adult asylums as she remembers them when they were little children.

It’s amazing to have such people coming over to our children, because they in so many ways teach us mercy and kindness that we sometimes forget about in our crazy pace of everyday’s life. They teach us to stop and take a look at those who need our attention, our attention and affection.

So let me on behalf of all of us here in Belarus say thank you very much for everything! And we do hope to see you many times here in the future! Thank you again and again!

Alena Martsyanava