The day was dull and drear – as all the other days had been. Does the sun ever shine in Serbia?  Everywhere seemed grey. Not a splash of colour apart from an unlikely passing train. Bright orange!

This distribution was at a children's and young people's hospital (for mental disabilities) A complex of whitewashed buildings lacking imagination in its design and build. After being guests of honour at a short play we were led to the various rooms containing children of all ages. Of the 600 children in the hospital only 100 received any visitors mainly because parents couldn't afford to visit or the children were orphaned. We were only allowed to see those with less severe disabilities;  we understood that 200 patients were hidden from view. Gliding along in the corridor in a wheeled support frame was a small girl with almost a smile on her face. We later learnt that this girl was in fact a boy and he was 9 years of age! Unbelievable. No one could offer any reason for his stunted growth but he seemed to be the favourite of all the care staff clustered around him.

As we took our boxes into each room the eyes of the children lit up with eager anticipation. Many were unable to open the boxes themselves but with a little help they were soon delving into them to explore the delights of the contents. Brightly coloured gloves and hats brought giggles of delight from many of the children and often resulted in an uninhibited hug from the recipient.

As we moved from room to room the scene of joy and delight was repeated. Even though some of the patients were no longer children the sight of an approaching box resulted in outstretched arms and look of anticipation. The language barrier was no problem as the gleam in the eyes spoke volumes to those who had the tremendous privilege of giving the boxes out.

Walking back to our waiting minibuses it was not the smell of urine in the rooms that was foremost in our memory or the poor state of repair of the buildings nor even the care of the staff but the uninhibited joy the shoe boxes brought to the children and young people. This was their Christmas. No Christmas decorations in sight, perhaps no other presents, maybe no Christmas dinner, but for a few fleeting moments in the depths of a gloomy December, some visitors came from a far off land bearing gifts. Not only bringing gifts but also the love of many, many children, young people and adults from all over England.     

Reflections on Serbia by John White

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