Garmat, and the reason Maria's visits are still important!

Garmat is the kid with the peace sign up.

It has been 15 years since the Beslan school siege. Every kid that was in the siege has now graduated from the school. People have questioned Maria why she still goes? There are a few reasons for this. The teachers are still in the school and they are our friends. The people in town are still affected. And kids in the school today are still affected. As the story of Garmat will prove.

I met Garmat two years ago. I remember playing with him some. I even taught him some juggling in the past. This year he reminded me why Maria's visits are still so important. Nadya was giving us our annual tour through the museum at the school. There are photos on the wall of horrific scenes from the siege. As she was talking, Garmat came up to me and pointed to a photo. He said "That is my mother and brother. My sister was killed in the attack". The photo in question was his mother wailing as only a grieving mother can, as a young boy covered with soot and blood lied on a stretcher. Garmat is 12, so he was not even alive when the attacks happened, but clearly it affects him and his family to this day. Can you imagine being 12 years old and as you walk through the hallways of your school you see a photo of your mother and brother in such a horrific scene? I can't imagine the emotions that might elicit. But it is a reminder of why Maria's visits are so important! The school and the town still need them. It is a tragedy that still wounds to this day, even 15 years later.

Garmat's sister Madina. She was 12 when she was killed.

                     Now go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!

Ruslan the musician

Ruslan the musician

We were on our way "home" from an orphanage one evening. We were driving through Vladikavkaz, so a small group of us decided to take a walk around the city. A short time later we encountered Ruslan. Our walk was cut short as Ruslan insisted we come to his office for tea. He was a delightful man, so it was hard to resist. Before I knew it, the 8 of us were crammed inside his office to share a lovely evening with him. As he talked we learned he was a musician. He grew up in the mountains near Vladikavkaz. He grew up in a small village of 9 families. He didn't learn Russian until he was 10. Basically he was telling us he was a self made success. He taught music for many years, and now is retired. But he still loves music. He played the piano for us as we drank and ate snacks he laid out for us. To quote him "if he knew we were coming, he would have more to offer". Just like a typical Russian. Generous, kind and funny.



Snacks and drinks offered by Ruslan

He dazzled us with his piano playing and delighted us with stories of his travels. He had spent time in America and was fascinated that we came to his "small" city. Vladikavkaz has 330,000 people, ha. He showed us his passport with the stamps of places he had traveled. As he put it, "I wouldn't want you to think I was lying to you". Of course we never doubted his stories, but he was adamant about proving it.

Ruslan showing us his passport


He played 3 songs for us, including "Georgia on my mind" by Ray Charles. At 80 something years old, with arthritic hands, he was flawless in his playing of the piano. Between each song he regaled us with  more stories of his life and travels. It is experiences like this that make me love my travels to Russia. You just don't get this kind of stuff in other countries. So, if you are ever in Russia and get stopped on a walk by an interesting person... I suggest that you talk to them, ask a few questions and definitely go back to their house for tea and snacks. It will be well worth your time, I promise!

Now Go Out and Hug a Musician Today!!!

Gift givers

A sampling of the gifts I received

The people of Russia are gift givers, plain and simple. Funny, because I am typically not a very good receiver of gifts. Part of my "minimalistic" ways I guess. But when I receive gifts from Russia it is different. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these gifts. I receive them from a lot of people too... teachers, children, people on the streets, and even bus drivers. Gift giving is a big thing in the Russian culture. It is their way of letting you know you are important to them or they appreciate you. The gift comes 100 percent from the heart. They don't give them to impress you, other than to impress upon you how much you mean to them. I just love it!

The first gift I received this year was from Nadya. Nadya is the history teacher at the school. Her daughter Ira is one of my Russian "daughters". I just love these two women. The first gift from Nadya was allowing us to stay at her home in Beslan. Such a warm and welcoming home it was. The first morning she presented me with a more "traditional" kind of gift. A home made clown and some Russian chocolate. She is one of the most inspiring women I know and she is bestowing me with gifts. I am truly humbled.

A home made clown from Nadya

The next gift was given to me by Sarmat. Sarmat is a friend from last year. He is such a lovely young man. The fact he remembered me this year is amazing to me. This year he ran to me instantly and didn't leave my side, except to go to class. The second day he presented me with a toy. I am sure it was his personal toy, and he gave it to me as a "Thank You" gift. Who should be thanking who here I wondered. I am forever grateful for his friendship.

Chip, Sarmat and his sister Leeza. I have known Leeza for 12 years.

Everywhere we walked in Beslan people greeted us happily or honked their horns at us. Whenever we were asked what we were doing, my friend Pluk would explain we are here for the children of School No. 1. After hearing this, most people just gave us gifts! Everyone of course knows the story of School No. 1, so I am sure they appreciate "strangers" coming for the children. It still always impresses me how generous these people are. A lady in a small grocery store gave us free drinks. Another lady gave us free flowers. And the ladies at the market gave us free produce! Keep in mind, the ladies in the market make little to no money for their produce. The fact they give ANY of it away astounds me! The people of Russia, especially Beslan, are endlessly generous.

A lovely marketeer who gave us free tomatoes and bananas

Next in line to give me gifts were some students. Every year one or two students run up to me on the last day and hand me something as a gift, then they run away smiling. A little shy I guess. This year I had two students who spent a lot of time with me. Milana and Aleeza followed me around periodically through the week. Milana did a lot of interpreting for me. I know she did this to practice her English, but it was a huge help to me, and a gift in it's own way. The next to last day she invited Pluk and I to her classroom for tea. She proceeded to hand out treats and tea to her classmates and then to Pluk and I. Then she gave me 2 gifts to "thank" me. Again, who should be thanking who here? I graciously accepted her gifts and gave a big hug in return. This year I got photos of my gift givers though :0). I am learning. Her classmate also gave me a gift. It is really overwhelming to see such generosity from kids.

Milana and one of her gifts. She also gave me a journal to write in.

Aleeza and her gift

Every year the teachers give all of the volunteers gifts. They are always interesting gifts from the Ossetian region. This year I got a special edition Chacha (Traditional Georgian Liquor) in a funny ceramic statue. Plus a water canteen made of ceramic with a fun Ossetian Scene on it.

The teachers with new scarves given to them by Maria I believe.

One of the most unexpected gifts this year came from our bus driver Valery. Typically bus drivers do their job and keep to themselves. Fair enough. This year our bus driver was different. He got involved by spending time with some of the kids at the orphanage. This is highly unusual for a bus driver. He laughed and played with us along the way. And on our last day he gave me a can of vodka. Yes, a can. It is some of the smoothest vodka I have ever had actually! I could not thank him enough for his generosity. Not only for the vodka, but for showing interest in our group and the kids we visit! 

Vodka in an "oil" can

Valery hanging with some boys from Dur Dur Orphanage

My last morning in Russia I woke up to some gifts on the table. They were from Elya. Elya is Maria's youngest daughter. She stayed up late to make my gifts and surprise me. She is also kinda shy, so I could not thank her personally for it. But I am eternally grateful for her sweetness! Thank you Elya and Thanks to all of my gift giving friends!

Elya with her dog Marta

Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today! A hug is a gift!!!

Bringing Joy to the children of Russia

Bringing Joy to Russia!! This was taken at JFK airport.

My annual trip to Russia, more specifically Beslan, was coming up. My cousin Joy emailed me a few months before the trip and asked if she could join me. My immediate reaction was "Duh" and "Yeah!". This trip is good for anyone, but certain people are made for the trip. Joy is one of those people, and not just because her name is literally Joy! She has never clowned, but that doesn't really matter on this trip. Anyone and everyone are welcome. Besides, you will learn to clown on this trip no matter who you are. At least a little bit anyway. Joy learned, with some natural talent for sure. The people of Russia, especially the children, just loved her. This is for good reason. She is a happy, positive, energetic force of nature. She knows how to love. She knows how to laugh and play. All of these are important qualities when traveling on this trip. Anyone else interested in this trip, just contact me :0). 

Joy helping at Maria's art studio

Before we traveled to Beslan, we spent a few days in Moscow at Maria's dacha. We went to Maria's art studio in the center of Moscow a couple of days. Joy jumped right in to help. She definitely added to the color of the studio. For those of you who don't know the story of Maria, check out her website for a refresher. Basically she is an amazing woman who runs an NGO called Maria's Children. It is an arts center for orphans and all people with disabilities. Which essentially means it is for ALL people. 

                                                                 www.mariaschildren.ru

Joy got a crash course on juggling scarves from our friend Pluk

In Beslan we spent part of our time at the school and part of our time in the community. We walked to the school everyday, which allowed for meeting people on the streets. We also had organized excursions to a few orphanages and a cerebral palsy clinic. Again, Joy jumped right in and fit right in wherever we went. I believe she made a few friends along the way, but I don't want to speak for her exactly :0). All and all it was a trip filled with Joy for me and all the people of Russia!

Joy with a sweet child at the CP clinic

                  Now Go Out and Hug Someone Joyfully!!!