Poland: Two Women

Alexandra and Magda are two attractive young Polish women. Probably in their 30's (everyone's young as far as I'm concerned.) They are social workers, have been working with the homeless population. There used to be two shelters for homeless women in this area. One was forced to close--didn't meet fire safety regulations, and either couldn't (or didn't want to) come up to code.

So Alexandra and Magda started a foundation. Began searching for a place and money. Operating money can come from the government. But not for the building. Found this building, which needed substantial renovations, but had no credit to be able to borrow the funds to renovate it. Partnered with Habitat, and together, their vision is (closer to) becoming a reality.

They have come each day to the build site. Big smiles on their faces as they see the progress we have made. Still major hurdles ahead--the leaking roof requires much money, they don't know where it will come from, etc. But still they smile. Have energy. And dream.

They came again today, our last day on the build. Lots of smiles, many pictures, and a few glistening eyes. We've finished 5 bedrooms, done some major demolition work in the basement bathroom, and scraped and painted an incredible number of window frames. And had a lot of fun along the way.

I came back to Poiand to see what 46 years have brought to them. Soviet era the last time, EU and NATO membership this time. Some of the changes are very obvious. It feels much more like a Western European city than it did in the 60's. People seem to be more open, more relaxed. They can travel freely throughout all of the EU. And do. They are more affluent (generally) and don't have to fear criticizing the government or wonder who's reporting them.

And some changes are less obvious. More economic insecurity, giving rise to homelessness. And much more income inequality. Giving rise to people like Alexandra and Magda--the opportunity for them to create a vision, start a foundation, and meet the need of those left behind. Like Mother Eva did more than a century ago when she started the orphanage whose building we worked on.

Mother Eva was rich. She used her family's wealth to help others. Alexandra and Magda are rich in another way. And their vision and energy will create new hope for others. And a rich opportunity for people like me to get to know them just a little bit.

My "adventure" travel began in Poland 46 years ago. My return completes that circle. For now. Time to head home.