Monday, March 24, 2008

The Beginning



When the first cameras entered the Romanian orphanages in 1990 the world was stunned by what was revealed.   Children tied to cribs and chairs, often cold, underfed and smeared with their own feces. The pictures of starving, unloved children had a huge impact.

 

Thus began my journey into the world of adoption.  Those very cameras going into those orphanages.  I was watching.  I was 19 and a sophomore in college. I begged my mom for weeks to adopt one of those babies from Romania.  The pictures have remained etched in my mind.

Not all the children in the orphanages were actual orphans.  Many had been abandoned by desperately poor families who had been forced to have more children than necessary as past of Ceausescu's insane population building policy.

 


Psychological damage and developmental delay

Imagine what is could be like to be brought up in an institution in Romania in the worst circumstances.  You could be cold and bored, with meagre and unvarying meals, bleak mealtime experiences fighting for food or your bottle propped up in a cot.

You had nobody to call your own, to look forward to seeing, to love and hold you.  The strict regimentation left no time for personal attention or affection and there was very little color or variety.

This could be made worse by disability, illness or abuse.

You may have often had sores and infestations.

Psychological damage suffered in this type of institution is deep-rooted and more difficult to address than physical effects.  Many orphans are far from recovering psychologically.  This lack of human contact, color, variety, stimulation, understanding and concern almost always leads to developmental delays.

  (The information was taken from www.relieffundforromania.co.uk)  
*http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/10/europe/romania.php

So here I am 18 years later, about to adopt from China and not Romania.  If you are wondering how that happened, you're going to have to check back.  I am new at this blogging and I would be embarrassed to tell you how long this post has taken me:-)






4 comments:

Stephanie Osborne said...

Your entry did not make me feel like I ate a dirt sandwich (classic Paul), but it did bring tears to my eyes. I am totally inspired by the journey on which God is taking your family! We love you guys and will pray for all 6 of you. Keep on writing!!!!!!

Jeni said...

Hi April,

I very much enjoyed your first entry! I love your positive words about each of your children. I am eager to read your journey to bring your sweet girl home!!

Jeni

Jeni said...

Sorry...that last one says Carabellas. I was logged in under my business email. It's me though...Jeni D.

Anonymous said...

Hey, that picture is not from Romania, those kids are Asian...