The Miracle of Tutova

How can this little place create so much love?  It is easy to say it is because of the children.  Who could not melt looking into the big brown eyes of the twins, or gaze is awe at the miracle of Maria Cleopatra?  Or be won over by the laughter of Christie, or the smiles of Andrea and Celine? Or lose their hearts Petra, or Daniella, or Marius, or Ion or Alex, each with his or her own special charm. Or be delighted after spending 5 seconds with tiny Aleena who is nature’s perfect mimic who mirror’s back to each of us our own individual tricks or talents?  And of course there are the infants so small and vulnerable and dependent.  Each is indeed a miracle and a joy but Tutova is much more than these beautiful children.

Tutova is a very special place unto itself.  The rural setting and all the hard work that goes into the upkeep of the grounds and buildings makes the clinic and hospital a lovely and serene place. The long tree lined drive makes a perfect place to take the children to watch the outside world as it passes on its daily tasks.  The gardens that even in late autumn hold the remnants of beautiful flowers and bountiful orchards and gardens. And yet the miracle goes beyond even the place.

There is a spirit here that unites people from all over the world.  A feeling of hope and promise that if we can join together to help the smallest among us perhaps we can bring love and laughter back into places where they have become far too rare.

The nurses and aids that work at the clinic clearly love each of the children and each other.  They consistently open their “home” to new people, people who often can’t even speak their language.  People who have new ideas, who don’t know or understand the routines of the clinic, and who often create extra work even when making an honest effort to help.  But through all these events the aids and nurses remain patient and, as they do with the children try to teach the volunteers how to provide what is needed as well all allow for the special gifts each volunteer brings from her or his experience.  These are not only skilled and caring people but also individuals capable of providing great kindness and support to those from beyond their home.

And there is one more thing that adds to the magic of Tutova and that the is the dedication and enthusiasm of the team leaders, Mihaela and Don. No matter what the situation or circumstance they are available to offer support and if necessary comfort whenever it is needed to any of the workers or volunteers.  They know and love each child at the clinic as if he or she were their own.  What must it be like to constantly see a child you have grown to love leave for a future that is perhaps uncertain? And yet they always are able to open their hearts and arms to the new children that come for the care that this lovely little place can provide.

It may be difficult to compare little Tutova to the grandeur or romance of Rome or Paris, Rio or Sydney but this small place will leave a mark on your soul more rich and meaningful than many far better known locations ever can.  That is the miracle of Tutova.

 

           - Alana Poage (a fellow volunteer who eloquently described my thoughts on this magical place.)                  

PS. Today is my last day in Tutova.  I will spend the morning with the kids and then head north this afternoon to the painted monestaries.
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