For all my single ladies, all my singles ladies................(and men!):
"If you are looking for love, the best chance you have of finding absolute happiness with the perfect person (whoever that may be) is if you surrender to the Universe. Allow the Universe to bring the love of your life to you, and to move you to them. This means you have to get out of the way and become receptive to the possibilities that the Universe presents to you.
From our smaller perspective we cannot see everything, but from its total perspective the Universe knows the perfect matches"
Quote taken from The Secret daily teachings by Rhonda Byrne
.........ok, ok, I surrender, I am totally out of the way and I have become receptive to all/any possibilities...................anything
...........................................anything
..............................................Nope, still no sign of my 'perfect person' !!!
Ah, in all seriousness, I do really like this "Thought for today" - let me know what you think! I'll have another one tomorrow!
Luc xx
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
To Russia with Love - Pasha Nachonechy
Back in 2007, I volunteered to work in an orphanage in Bryansk, Western Russia for 3 months for the charity, To Russia with Love. Since then, I have been back 3 times and have had the pleasure and honour of getting to know and adore these incredible, orphaned children.
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
Rapture Camps
The other day, my main man, Chris in Rapture Camps Portugal, emailed me to say that he had some great news..............and, "GREAT news" it was!!! Normally closing in October, Rapture Camps has decided to stay open for the month of November this year!!!
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)