Orphanage Visit

This morning was slightly earlier than usual. After the rushed, slightly crowded breakfast, we crammed into the elevators, and as we reached street level we discovered that only two buses were functioning (instead of three). As the buses departed for the orphanage, piled high with gifts and people, we couldn’t help but realize that this was going to be a challenging day. During the ride out to Pavlovsk, we witnessed some of the most charming countryside views of our journey. We passed one palace of Catherine the Great, with a beautiful landscape garden that resembled a picturesque forest, among other palaces of previous czars.
As the buses pulled in to the cluster of stucco building surrounded by unkempt greenery, the previous feeling of anticipation only grew. Very soon we were split up into groups and went our separate ways. We could clearly see from the children waving from windows and standing by the sides of paths that our presence was not only anticipated, but welcomed. Soon we learned that the children in the orphanage all suffered from a mental and/or physical disability. A façade of suns, moons, and clouds greeted us as we entered the dimly lit foyer. We were then brought up to the second story and shown several rooms. We witnessed a bedroom for fifteen toddlers, a small classroom, and a physical therapy room, clearly fitted for no more than one adult. It was after all this that we finally saw a room with children.
The instant the first unfamiliar face entered the room, the toddlers’ eyes blazed with excitement and joy. After a sea of waving, the first gift was given. It is impossible to describe the gratitude and life gleaming in the eyes of this child and all whom we saw. We moved through the narrow hallway into a large room we all assumed was a nursery. However, we quickly discovered that this room ranged from toddlers to a sixteen-year-old named Sophia. These children were the most severely disabled in the facility, and out of the fourteen children in the room, one had minimal language skills. Many of the delegates stood paralyzed at the door, while others, in their element, went up and immediately made a connection. The German volunteers who were nursing these children were clearly grateful for our help and kindness.
As we walked through the facility, visiting several other buildings and many different rooms and faces, we understood that, while the facility was lacking many necessities, the administration and workers clearly cared about the well-being and life of the children in their care. As the tour wound to a close, the entire delegation was brought into a sun-drenched auditorium. Peeking out of two doors, we saw children in interesting costumes. As we quieted down, the director of Orphanage #4, gave a touching speech and Mary Eisenhower presented her with a donation from the delegation. After this, we were informed that there would be a performance for us. As music emanated from the gleaming stereo, twelve orphans took to the floor, performing a gypsy dance, a traditional Russian dance, and a gymnastics performance. The swirling costumes were wonderful, and the dances were more than could have been imagined. Finally, our visit was winding down. Half of the group played soccer with the orphans, while the other half purchased beadwork made by the children. After over-staying the allotted time by an hour and a half, it was time to say our heavy-hearted goodbyes. As we boarded the buses, no one was left unaffected.
After lunch, we began truly experiencing St. Petersburg. The first stop of the tour was the immense St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Even at the price of 50 rubles, most people chose to keep their cameras snapping as they gazed up at the sky-high domes and intricate mosaics that made up the walls and ceilings of our surroundings. After gazing in window boxes for souvenirs, we went on to our second stop at the Neva River. This more than picturesque scene overlooking the Hermitage Museum, the Chamber of Curiosity, and Peter and Paul Fortress, was truly wonderful, even when only experienced for our five to seven minute photo opportunity. Our final stop was the Peter and Paul Fortress, where we saw the tomb of Anastasia, Peter the Great, and many other ruling families. After viewing the impossibly high gold spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress, we proceeded back to the hotel. After a leisurely dinner, we were allowed free time to explore the surrounding shops. After some unique shopping experiences, we proceeded back to the hotel for group meetings. During this meeting, we were more fully informed about the variety of programs PTPI offers and how to get involved in them. Then we broke up into small groups and listed ideas for how to carry the message of the GYFHC to our friends and families. After a touching group hug, we were sent off to bed.

Written by Kevin Harrington and Danielle Dennison