Ukraine’s Hungarian and Gypsy minorities visually appeared and acted very similar to those in Transylvania. On our trip, increased diversity in activities was greatly appreciated; however, parts of this trip were emotionally draining for me. I enjoyed finding out more about the Gypsy people. According to the documentary we watched, a Christian school exists to provide Christian education but also to help Gypsy children who fall behind up until fourth grade to reintegrate into state schools. At school, many may receive their only hot meal of the day at school.
Upon visiting a Gypsy church on Reformation day, I was touched by their singing of worship songs. I find it neat to hear people singing praise songs in other languages but still recognizing certain familiar words such as “Hallelujah.” When the little kids began to swarm our group as we walked through the village, I was greatly saddened and felt empathy for their living conditions. The village was full of dilapidated one- or two-room houses and mounds of garbage on the dirt paths. After a few children latched onto Liz, the rest began to do the same. Their clothes were so colorful but also dirty. They were so excited to be playing with us, receiving piggy back rides, and posing for pictures. Our presence seemed to be a special treat for these seemingly needy children. I was encouraged by the fact that they have increased the amount of water pumps from two to seven. This village was the poorest in appearance I had ever seen.
When we went to the market the following day, beggars approached us and were very persistent. I never know how to respond in such situations. I wish I could help them, but once you give money or food to one beggar, they will want more or others will want something also. I did not like ignoring these beggars, but I didn’t see myself as having any other choice. In the United States, I don’t know if a beggar would be quite as relentless as what we encountered.
On our visit to the children’s hospital, we went to the abandoned Gypsy children sector. Apparently, these were children who had been left at the hospital. If they were not reclaimed soon, they would be moved to an orphanage. They were younger than I was expecting. I had the opportunity to hold Victor who was less than a year old. He seemed rigid and unresponsive – most likely a result of minimal love and attention given to him. Another child was three years old and the size of a one or two year old. She had been beaten by her father and had visible bruises. None of us could believe that someone could abuse such a precious child. She had a beautiful smile. Another child seemed to have many issues, specifically labored breathing. In the hospital, the nurses don’t have much time to give these babies attention so they could use all the attention they could get.
On our last day, we visited another Gypsy church. More children swarmed us and were posing for pictures again. These kids seemed a little bit better off than those we saw the second day. They seemed less clingy and more able to entertain themselves when we left.
Although poverty may not be something most people want to see, I think it’s necessary so that we are aware of what goes on outside of our cozy, affluent American lives. We can feel sorry for these kids but the real question is, what action will we take in response to this need?
Other things we did:- Visited a cemetary -- Because of All Saints Day, (11/1) all graves were decorated with flowers and candles.
- Taste tested wine from the Tokay region of Hungary
- Visited a Reformed high school and a few Reformed churches
- Attended the largest Reformed church in Ukraine on Sunday
- Visited a 86 year old woman who weaves rugs and other embroidered things... I purchased an embroidered cloth for an end table of some sort.
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