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In the September of 2005, as pastor of The First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) of Daytona Beach, Florida, I traveled to Ukraine and volunteered at a shelter for street children in Odessa. I met the staff and photographed children on the streets who are served by the agency, The Way Home. The Way Home provides housing, food and education for children who live in their dormitory. The Way Home also maintains a street patrol in which food and medical care is given to children who live under the streets and in the abandoned buildings and parks of Odessa.
In February 2006, I returned to Odessa and The Way Home. My photographs were on exhibition during that week as means to increase awareness of the plight of homeless children. I returned again in May 2006 to make donations, to learn more about where these children live and how best to serve them.
On these trips, I met more people than I can remember. I have email addresses and phone numbers of , Eastern Europeans, of aid workers from Non-Governmental Organizations ( NGO'S), of travel agents, rental agencies and pastors taken so quickly in a cab or on the street, that I look in my notebook and say, "Now who is that?" I met the desperate and the rich, the crazy and the beautiful. I saw scenes that awed me and conditions too shocking for tears. In October, 2006, I resigned as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and moved to Odessa.
Living here, I never get bored. Each day, I walk the streets or stick out my hand and ride in the cars of strangers (any personal vehicle can be a taxi). I can spend as little as $1.75 in a restaurant, or less on a street corner. I often feel the tingle of risk, the warmth of doing a good thing and the presence of God in both good times and bad. I am learning how much I can do, how much I can feel, how to let go of stuff I have lost and move on following mistakes, how to ignore stupid people, listen for wisdom and keep hope stubbornly alive. I know I cannot help every child, but I can help this child right here.
I believe that many people would like to give to children in need and know that the funds they give will be used wisely. This Child Here is a small and very personal non profit organization. We pledge to do our best on your behalf with the funds you provide.
Grace and Peace,
Robert D. Gamble, D.Min |
Street children in Odessa, Ukraine
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