Re-engage with Gaige,
not for sensitive or faint hearted... Part 2
Vietnam and its inhabitants are no strangers to tragedy, as we all realized when walking into the hydrocephalus ward at the state run orphanage Go Vap.
Previously we had spent time holding infants, many of which had slightly deformed heads, missing limbs, warped hands and feet, and bloated or shriveled bodies. I thought that that would be the worst of the handicaps (of which this orphanage had many) that we would see, however, I was wrong.
Stepping into the hydrocephalus ward was like stepping into a science fictions/horror film, except sickeningly real. Infants had heads bloated to the size of watermelons, skin and veins stretched across a rapidly expanding skull attempting to accommodate the fluid that was filling it.
One girl, just a year old, (not shown) had a birth defect so severe that a bone like growth larger than her skull itself was protruding from her head. I later was informed that this huge growth housed her brain.
As I moved from crib to crib, I tried to decide whether to spend more time giving attention to the ones with relatively minor defects, who seemed to be quite aware of their surroundings and happy to be played with, or those who seemed to be in almost a catatonic state, glazed eyes rolling around inside a twenty pound head.
As I rubbed one particularly unfortunate victim, I was filled with anger over her circumstance; the injustice of her birth defect which was completely out of her control. I silently raged at the parents who failed to get their child help in time, and once it was already too late, abandoned them.
I was also angry with myself, for my obliviousness to this child's needs and burdens. So much time and effort throughout my life has been devoted towards trivial goals, or the pursuit of material possessions, and not once had I even sent a dollar to this orphanage or any other to help raise this child and those like her.
When the consequences of your inaction literally stare you in the face it becomes impossible to ignore. Yet, amidst all the tragedy and sadness, the outing brought to life many moments that brought me both happiness and hope.
One member of the staff had been born in that very orphanage and had returned as an adult to work with the children that had once been him. He was marrying a woman who had done the same.
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| Both grew up at Go Vap, work there now and getting married soon!!! |
The strength and courage of their decisions to not abandon those in need and instead devote their lives to such a worry cause that yields virtually no personal benefit save for your spirit inspired me greatly.
Another instance of triumph was when we got the privilege of witnessing two children get adopted and taken home by their new families. This demonstrates that there is hope for the children to be taken to a new family.
But even if they are not adopted, the love that the staff for them could be easily seen. I am of the opinion that some of humanity's greatest moments happen amidst our worst atrocities. People gave their lives to shelter Jews from Nazi wrath during the holocaust. Firemen plunge into the flaming wreckage of the twin towers, knowing that they may die, in an attempt to rescue those trapped. The state orphanage, Go Vap, was another prime example. Too many children are abandoned by their parents, often with catastrophic mental and/or physical birth defects. Yet they are taken into a home by those who love them and refuse to abandon them, even if their time there is all too short.
I would like to end with a shout out to Robert and the rest of the GiBtK staff. Watching as dozens of families got their wish when Robert pledged to pay for the heart surgeries of their children was a truly once-in-a-lifetime sight. Talking to Bruce about his contrasting experience when fighting in Vietnam and now returning to aid those in need was eye-opening and enlightening.
Though I never knew her, my heart was touched when we spread Dorothea's ashes below the Love Bridge. It is true that her impact on all the lives around her is a legacy which will never die. It was quite inspirational to see how every member of the staff was so genuinely dedicated to helping those in need across the country of Vietnam. I would like to end by saying that it is so easy to take an easy road in life, one that focuses only on yourself and what is best for you. The Giving it Back to Kids staff has pledged to take a hard road, but one that will pay off infinitely in the end. I hope that I have the strength to take such a road as well.
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
