It's almost 7:30 a.m. and from my room in the Senecura Hotel in Neudauberg I can hear the voices of the children preparing for breakfast. I'm happy because I will be helping to feed the group of children under the age of two. Little hands in their high chairs reach out for a piece of bread or a cake while they wait for me to feed them a sweet porridge with applesauce.
The welcome, the smiles of the children, the joy of seeing them again every morning is a bath of happiness.
The days pass quickly. Between delivering meals and visiting sponsors who donate diapers, clothes and hygiene items to us. Consumption is very high with 63 children. 200 diapers are used a day, not to mention wet wipes, panthenol creams, shower gel, sunscreen and many other small things that are part of everyday life.
19 of our 63 children are disabled and need regular medical treatment. After I take care of the appointments, Petro, the director of the orphanage, organizes the visits to the hospital and the doctor, while Irina, our pediatrician, checks the children's health and their medication on a daily basis.
I see them growing and thriving. Emotional bonds are built. It's hard for me to remember all the names, since in the Slavic tradition names are shortened, Alexander becomes Sasha, Anastasia, Nastya….
I see them growing and thriving. Emotional bonds are built. It's hard for me to remember all the names, since in the Slavic tradition names are shortened, Alexander becomes Sasha, Anastasia, Nastya….
My responsibility and the daily tasks that result from it are important. Sometimes I'm tired, but as soon as I drive to my family in Lower Austria for the weekend, I already miss them.
I never imagined that I would have this experience caused by this terrible war. I have loved them from day one and today when I am asked, “How many children do you have?” I answer 68, 5 young adults and 63 little angels.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are giving their time, raising funds and helping these children so that they can grow up away from violence and fear.
Pascale Vayer, kleine herzen
