A wonderful alchemical, magical thing happens when you visit the kids at the Gorodische Orphanage.

It's a slow burn kind of magic, that builds steady over the week and ends with feeling completely enriched for spending time with these amazing kids. And this time was no different, Martina Collins, Jo Quinlan and myself headed to the Gorodische Orphanage for a week over the end of July and first week of June.  We merged up with a fantastic group of University of Limerick students, and of course Laura Williams and Ruth Byrne -who are veteran volunteers.

Seeing the many improvements made at the orphanage since the last trip was fantastic - in particular the new verandas and the new airbeds for the bed-bound group.  Even meeting the new Mamas, who seemed genuinely happy to be with the kids, was just wonderful.

The week was fully jam packed with events. We were treated to a wonderful artistic performance by many of the children which was inspired by the colours of summer. And since the weather was so lovely, we had a volley ball game using water balloons.
A trip out to a small petting zoo brought many smiles and new experiences for both the kids and the volunteers, followed by a spin on some carnival rides, which created I'm sure many fond memories for the children.

Moments of sadness are always present on trips like these, especially when noticing the absence of those kids who passed away over the year, or spending time with children whose health seems to be going down hill - it's a horrible feeling not being able to take someone's pain or discomfort away. Despite the sad moments, love and laughter are never too far away. Simple things like blowing bubbles, colouring and playing ball bring so much joy to these kids, and that joy is absolutely infectious.

As always my favourite memories are those of spending time with the older children.  Discos, football, puzzles, making bracelets and putting on temporary tattoos are activities we do with them and even though we struggle to communicate with one another, they still have the uncanny ability to climb into your heart -  with in minutes!

I never fail to leave theses kids without a stronger awareness of everything I take for granted and  a greater sense of wonder and appreciation for their happy dispositions despite the challenges they face. They are like medicine for my soul and I'm grateful to each and every one of them.

-Olivia Bane

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