The visits always start at Glasgow Airport and you would have to be very hard-hearted to not feel sorry for the arriving children who only own the clothes they are standing up in. "Luggage" is a plastic carrier bag, containing only presents for the host family.

Even though the Belarusian people are very poor, they are proud and would hate to think of you looking after their sons and daughters without them offering a token of their appreciation.

A story which is often re-told in the charity, tells how a little girl arrived in the UK at Gatwick without a present for her host family. As normal, the children when they arrive may have been journeying from their villages for up to 24 hours and are provided with a burger meal to sustain them until they reach their final destination. This little girl, although she was hungry, didn't eat her meal, but instead saved it to offer as a gift for her host.

These stories are commonplace. You often find that those who have the least are the most willing to share, and these children are no exception.

The first thing to happen on the day after arrival is a "clothes stop". The charity receives valuable donations of clothes and shoes and these are given to the children immediately. This is an adventure in itself - choice is not something that the children are used to and it's always great fun to sort through the new wardrobe.

Following this a couple of days are allowed for the children to settle with their families and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Many things that we take for granted may be alien to the children, who may not have used cutlery to eat, a flushing toilet, or a shower with "hot" water.

As soon as it can be arranged the children visit the Doctor and the Dentist. Most children require some kind of treatment and repeat visits, so it's essential to establish early on what the problems are.

From then on the visit is all about having as much fun as possible. A large proportion of these children live in families where the parents suffer from depression and alcoholism. Their childhood is lost as they assume the role of parent to their younger brothers and sisters. While they are in Ayrshire we do all that we can to give them some of their childhood back.

We are fortunate to have regular arrangements with Glasgow Science Centre, Kilmarnock Football Club, The Magnum Centre in Irvine, Troon Lifeboat Station, and Kilwinning Fire Station. In addition there are many others who donate days out, meals, or organise games or art and craft days.

The main aspect of the visit though is to spend a month with a caring family. If you are hosting and have children of your own, you will find it an excellent experience for them as well. Children do not bother about language barriers, and you will soon find out that communicating is much easier (and funnier) than you first thought.

The visit is all about showing the children of Belarus that life can be better and is worth living. Many of the links from this site lead to other web pages which discuss the "Victim Culture" of Belarus. It is literally an entire nation that is completely demoralised and devoid of hope.

The most important thing you will do by hosting a child is to give back some of that hope, and a belief in themselves, that their life is worth something.

All too soon it is time for the children to return to their home country, and although the parting is sad, they leave you with waving hands and broad smiles.

Some will return, others will treasure any mail they receive. All will remember their visit, and the photographs and mementoes will stay with them always.