Singing Sorrow

For everyone who has been following my adventure to Romania, I am sorry to say that the trip is officially over. But too bad for you, because I’m not done talking. J

Since coming home (a full day and a half ago now) I have been asked the same questions: ‘How have you changed,” “What did you learn,” and even the occasional “Tell me everything” (Please do not do this. It is so overwhelming.)

I have to say that it is much easier for me to put things down in writing than try to explain it in words, so here I go.

What I experienced in Romania has changed my life…in so many ways. First and foremost, I have been reassured of my desire to work with children, though I now realize that the plan for my life is probably bigger than a teaching job at an elementary school. Whatever my future has in store for me, I am ready to jump on board.

Second, in the past couple of days I have found myself feeling guilty for any number of things: grimacing at drinking a bottle of hot water, feeling annoyed at having to wait for a tow truck, or even not having a good workout at the gym. I mean come on. There are people who don’t even have the luxury of a car or a gym membership and would kill for any water at all. But I have come to understand that I should feel no shame for being so blessed; I just need to work more on being grateful and doing what I can to help those in need.

When I close my eyes I experience this mental slideshow of the faces of those beautiful children: the incredible eyes, the melt-your-heart smiles, and how their tiny hands would cling to mine. And then I remember how low their self-esteem is: how it is instilled in them that they are nothing, and that they will never amount to be something. I witnessed an entire race of people that has been degraded to the lowest of low, simply because of an attitude of superiority by their neighbors.

Never again will I doubt the power of a positive tongue; the difference a compliment or some flattering remark can make--I have seen the effects of a world without them.

Lastly, I realize now that I have an obligation to make the most of every single opportunity God sets before me, because I know how many people out there have not and will not ever get those same opportunities. I have been given an inspiration for change and a drive to make a difference.

And I will not forget.

I was reminded of one of my favorite songs from high school on the plane ride home. I never really considered it's real meaning until now.

I am already looking forward to my next trip.

Now, who wants to join me? J

Day 13: Whatchu trippin bout?

I am going to keep this post nice and short today. It is 1:00am in Budapest right now and tomorrow I have about 23 hours of travelling in front of me. Yeesh.

Anyways, today was so much fun. Half of the group left early this morning, so everyone woke up at 5 to leave Romania and reach Hungary in time for their flight. With the day for ourselves in Budapest, the remaining group members split up to explore the city. Some did bus or boat tours, but I stuck with Aaron and Phil and we had such a great day. We rented bikes and rode through both cities (Buda and Pest) and the island between for 5 hours straight. I can hardly keep my eyes open right now, but it was a day to remember.

Things we saw today:

Parliament:

 

Cathedral: 

Heroes' Square:

(Random change of clothes? I know, we went back later in the day.)

Bathhouses:

Birds:

A Castle:

 

Fabulous Artwork: ...

Food:

The island between Buda and Pest:

 

Cool Statues:

 

And so much more. Then we went out to dinner and now I am here. I have to say, cobblestone streets are not ideal conditions for beach cruisers, and my butt bones feel like they took a beating today. Should be real fun on the plane tomorrow.

 **Sidenote**This is a monument we stopped off at on the walk home. It is a tree for all of the Hungarian Jews killed in WWII. There is a leaf on the tree for every person who died. Very moving.

Ok. Good night!

Days 11 & 12: Cluj rhymes with luge.

Oops. Missed a day. Sorry to those that actually read this blog, but the last couple of days have been spent in Cluj (a city about 3 hours away) and I was only allowed to bring an “overnight bag,” which apparently does not include a computer and appliances.

The beautiful drive to Cluj!

Can you tell this country used to be communist?

The trip to Cluj was one of those “short but sweet” experiences. Short because our plans were interrupted by a giant monsoon type storm, and sweet because of the reason for our visit.

Hope 4 Kids has a Unifund program that is teamed with the Beclean orphanage. Tom being the incredible man he is has sent 23 students from that orphanage through college with that fund and last night we met up with several of those students for dinner. What a blessing it was!

Many of the students are around the world or in other parts of Romania at the moment, so he was very skeptical that anyone would even show up, but 7 girls ended up coming (4 of them took an hour and a half train ride to see him).

These girls were so inspirational. All throughout dinner they were so excited to show Tom their grades and just talk about their life at University. They all looked up to him so much—he has known them for the majority of their lives—and many of them even called him dad. Several times he was brought to tears, both from pride and joy, and I was so moved to witness it all. It is so awesome to see the difference one person can make in so many lives.

Tom arm wrestling with Ramona! She was such a hoot.

I was most moved when Doyna, one of the Unifund students, was asked if she was doing well in school. Her reply was, “Of course. I don’t really have a choice. Why wouldn’t I do well?” Isn’t that amazing? These girls are so grateful for the gift of education that the option to do poorly does not even cross their mind. I will never forget those ladies, and I hope I will always be able to keep in touch with them.

Doyna. <3

After dinner a group of us went out to explore Cluj at night, and after about 20 minutes had to take shelter in the nook of a building from a downpour of hail and rain. Of course we stayed out in the city –had to take pictures, right? Anyways, it was a blast and we made some great memories. J

 Hiding in the building. Obviously it didn't provide much shelter.

Unfortunately our day today (which was just the trip back to Oradea) was our last day together as a team. Tomorrow we leave for Budapest and I leave for home on Monday. 

So here is to the best group ever. This has been a life changing experience, and I am so honored to have spent it with such wonderful people.  I will miss you all so much. 

Day 10: Never knew you wore contacts!

“Education breaks the cycle of poverty.”

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that phrase repeated during the course of this trip. But it is so so true. It has been an eye opening experience to witness how much these children value learning. Just the ability to apply efforts, explore talents, and train minds is revolutionary for these kids, and you can SEE the desire they have to become something.

In Cheresig one boy bowed his head for a prayer and the first thing he said was “Dear God, thank you that we can learn.” This is probably why I have so enjoyed these past 3 days with Sami at Children of the Promise. The lessons he teaches those kids are so great. I can only pray that they always make the most of the opportunities they are given in that place.

Today we had the same assignment as yesterday: to bring a small group into the city to take pictures. But instead of 4 boys, today I had 6 girls. What a different experience! Yesterday we ran, tumbled, broke rules, and got dirty. Today all the girls wanted to do was look beautiful. They took turns modeling in front of the camera in the park, snickering at boys, picking flowers, braiding hair and playing photographer. It was completely opposite from yesterday, but I still loved bonding with such wonderful girls.

 There was one particular little one in my group who is being forced to quit school. She will be married by the end of the year and by the end of next year, she is expected to be with child.

I can not even imagine.