God’s work continues. Visiting this quaint, quiet village of 100 people tugged at the heart strings. Started by Ms. Sesselja Sigmundsdottïr in the 1930’s, Sólheimar is a unique place. Recognized for her work in Iceland, her initial motivation was to provide a home for 5 orphans. Later, she took in the disabled — those that were discarded by society as “retarded”. Yes, it’s a nasty word, but not half as tragic as these beautiful souls trapped in bodies and minds from which there is no escape.
Today, Sólheimar is home to about 45 mentally disabled adults and another 55 folks that care for them and run their local farm, cafeteria, and the art & woodwork shops. They are self sufficient, yet funding is a constant challenge.
The visit was humbling. Our problems seemed mundane. And we walked away counting our blessings. Sometimes we learn life’s important lessons from those that are trapped by their circumstances, and have no hope of ever leaving their private hell.
About Hemant Rustogi