Moved beyond belief

Copyright Natalie Pinkham

Flicking through Five demand I came across Natalie Pinkhams documentary The Lost Orphan : Mirelas Story. Now I'm a 36 year old guy but I admit it had the tears streaming.
It lead to a startling realisation (or maybe an early mid-life crisis)... what is life? Calm down, I'm not going to go all philosophical and try to answer the question of the meaning of life (which we all know is 42!). But seriously stop for a second, watch the documentary and think. I sit typing this blog on an expensive PC, using 50mbps broadband in my comfy 3 bed semi with pictures scrolling through on one of Cupertinos finest devices. I've just spoken to a friend on one of my two smartphones and know where my next meal is coming from. My family and I are healthy apart from the usual colds. So what has that self-indulgent look at my life got to do with anything? Normally nothing but just watch the documentary again. Think how far the price of the 'mini-PC in your pocket' would go. It would probably pay the rent on one of the flats that Mirela lives in for a good few months. Feed and clothe all the children for even longer.Winter colds pale into insignificance in light of the physical and mental health issues these children suffer with after so many years in institutions where they were neglected and abused.
So what has this got to do with me and why am I blogging about something that is happening a 3 hour flight away? This is just it, these children are only three hours away. Some may say 'we have kids here in the UK that need help' and I would agree but the situation in Romania is dire, nobody can deny that and the UK has excellent care facilities and support, a lot more so than kicking kids out on the street to live in sewers.
So what can I do? I'm not rich, I can't say here have £500k and build the centre. But I must be able to help in some way. The charity involved Close To You Association is working with Natalie Pinkham to realise the new centre and provide lasting care for Mirela and 11 other children and young adults before they are lost completely in Romanias Adult care institutions. I would happily use work holiday to help in Romania or help raise awareness in the UK. If and how Close To You choose to use my time / skills or fundraising remains to be seen and as soon as I find out this blog will be the first to know. Until then please please do watch the documentary and if you can help get in touch with the charity.
Peace out people.