I'm finally writing from Alytus, Lithuania. The past two weeks has been so exciting here. My host organization is the Alytus State Boarding House, which is a home to about 150 children ages 4-18 who have been abused/neglected. 

I arrived in Vilnius, which is the capital of Lithuania. We were greeted with a "Bonjour" by the director of the organization named Romutis. Yes, that's right French in Lithuania!!!...My mouth dropped and I definitely could not recall my Francias quick enough. Apparently, the organization has a partnership with another organization in France, where some children are sent to stay with families in the summer, so I guess that is where Romutis as well as the children have picked up French. Some children will be leaving this week for this summer vacation, I can't believe I will have to say bye to some of these children already. Romutis does not speak english, so we usually communicate with him via a translator on the internet. Some of the children are also learning to speak English, so it's pleasure practicing with them. I on the other hand definitely have to pick up Lithuanian ASAP. 

Anyways, on my drive to the small town of Alytus, I was so jet-legged. I could barely keep my eyes open and fell-asleep. From what I remember, the drive was gorgeous because of all the green tall tree's. It was very serene. Even the landscape in Alytus is beautiful.

I remember the first building that took my interest in Alytus. It was called "Pastas". So, I obviously thought and turned to Lindsay and said "ohhh a restaurant" only to realize a couple days later that is is actually post office. 

We arrived to our flat and indeed our flat is "one spacious" room with two pull out couches. LOL. It is working out well. Lindsay (my roomate and fellow intern) is so joyful and I'm glad we are in this together. Our flat is actually a hotel with grocery store underneath, so it is quite convenience. We also have a washing machine, which is a plus and a heated drying rack - something I have never seen before. Our flat is walking distance to the our workplace and also to a bigger grocery store named Iki. Walking is something I definitely do not do much of in Canada as a means of transpot. It is not a long walk but I do miss my car.

Also, we used the bus to get to downtown Alytus just to explore and that was a ride. The bus is just slightly bigger than a van and people are packed on like sardines. At one point, I really felt that I was not even holding myself up in the bus. To get off is another big hassle. You basically just have to charge yourself out of there. It is CRAZY. Coming back home our bus driver never even took our fare - 1.30 litas = 65 cents Canadian when we had it out and was ready to give it to him so we just thought that we did not have to pay. We asked one of our friends if we were suppose to pay and he said yes.....how strange!

The children at my workplace are amazing. They were so welcoming and are filled with so much love to give. Currently,Lindsay and I are working with two groups (4&9 - ages 7 to 12)  I can easily be brought to tears when I stop to think in the moment. For example, when children were singing for some guests the organization had from Denmark. When I heard their voices and to think that there parents messed up to have them there just breaks my heart. I think that our organization is well-runned but each child does not get as much nurturing and attention as needed. I am glad I am here to devote this attention to the few that I can, while I am here.

On a side note, the crossing guard I see everyday, (a miserable looking man) in Altyus never walks the children across street. Why does he just stand there and cars literally zoom by on the roads? 

Also, as expected, I am the only brown girl in town. I have been told I am "exotic". I stick out everywhere I go. So far no major problems that can't be laughed off.

I hope I can update more regularly but time just flies.