Slovene Village Impressions by Ric Smith

The Slovene refugee camp is not a very hopeful place: the people who live there would rather live almost anywhere else, but there is no other place for them, no family to take them in, no relief or social security or welfare agency to give them a hand up. So why do we enjoy the work here so much?

Obviously the children are the primary delight---singing, dancing,playing,drawing, laughing.

They are so full of life and anticipation. They are so eager for affection and attention and just as willing to give it. Most of these children don't remember any other life or home. Many were born here. It seems to me that they have every reason to sulk or withdraw into the privacy of trauma or to be depressed, but there is not a single, unhappy face. Their enthusiasm in everything is contagious. Their delight in us is the happiest gifts I've ever torn into.

Ric Smith
7-28-05
Gjakove, Kosovo