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.
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