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October 28, 2011
A valuable visit to Romania
When my daughter, Charlotte, was a high school senior, she was one of ten students in her school chosen to volunteer at both an orphanage in Bistrita, Romania, and the city hospital in Bucharest. I remember how excited she was—and how happy and proud Alan and I were that she wanted to take part in the charitable endeavor.
The trip was three weeks long—during which Charlotte and her classmates would stay at a modest hotel in Bistrita and, later, at apartments in Bucharest, and help out daily at the orphanage and hospital. As volunteers there, Charlotte explained that she and her classmates spent time with the children—playing with the older ones, holding babies—many of whom, as orphans, had lost or been given up by their parents and had very limited human interaction. Many of them rocked themselves back and forth, were physically or emotionally underdeveloped, and had behavioral issues. Charlotte described seeing those sweet, innocent kids without parents or families to love them as eye-opening, heart-breaking, and inspiring all at once.
Looking back, I think it may have been this special high school trip that made the strongest impression on Charlotte’s view of the world. The chance to experience the world—with all its difficulties and rewards—is such a gift, and I’m grateful Charlotte was able to receive it. I hope you all have such opportunities during your own travels.
Sometimes, opportunities like these can present themselves much closer to home, as in the case of Henry Barr, a member of the Board of Directors at the West End House.
Henry’s tenacity, leadership, and positive attitude really saved, and grew, the West End House, and I’m pleased to share Henry’s story with you in this edition of Harriet’s Corner.
How have your experiences with travel, and community service, changed the way you see the world?
I hope you’ll send your stories and photos to me at harriet@gct.com.
Next month in Harriet’s Corner, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving by highlighting some of our favorite dishes, at home and around the world. Have you ever tried to cook something at home that was inspired by something you ate on a trip? I’d love to hear about it. Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Please send it my way, and next month we’ll have a virtual cornucopia right here, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Harriet Lewis