Day 9: The best in the worst.

We have had some pretty amazing days here in Romania, but I think I am going to have to say today was my favorite.

Today we went back to Sami’s and somebody had the brilliant idea to split the kids into groups and take them into the city. The objective was to teach them to use our cameras and have them take pictures of architecture, the river, people, etc. My group ALMOST followed directions…

Instead, I treated them to a day out in the city with my good friend/ translator, Simona. I have never seen 4 boys so excited to go “out” in an area 5 miles away.  We had so much fun posing for pictures, running around the parks, eating sweets, and bonding. Seriously, a blast.

However, in the midst of all this good the bad kept interfering. At one point I was almost brought to tears. I have never experienced racism or prejudice firsthand, but I did today and it was absolutely heartbreaking. We took the boys into a café/ ice cream shop and I turned around to find the owner literally shoving the boys outside. As if this wasn’t bad enough, a grocery store manager did the exact same thing a few minutes later, complete with waving arms and shouting histerically. I had to stand in the street holding back tears with 4 humiliated gypsy boys as Simona went inside to buy them ice cream. How could anyone treat another human being like that? Especially innocent children?

Once it was brought to my attention, I couldn’t help but notice the hateful stares and snickering, but nothing could bring down our day. Walking back with the boys bouncing and chatting around us, Simona asked me, “Can you understand what they are saying?” I replied no and she said, “They are saying this was the most beautiful day of their lives.”

I can only pray that that is what they always remember about today: two girls that love and adore them and who don’t care about the color of their skin or the stereotypes of their people. 

But I guess that is what we are here to do, right? Make the best of the worst situations and share love always. 

Day 8: Thistles in Wheat Fields

So far in this trip our group has only visited organizations that Hope 4 Kids sponsors and helps out directly. Todays was special in that we were able to meet with Sami I-don’t-know-his-last-name-is, who is one of the biggest difference makers in this country and is known around the world. His school, called Children of the Promise, lies in the center of Oradea and is for both gypsy kids and, in his words, “kids so poor they don’t mind going to school with the gypsy’s.” Right now he has 150 children enrolled in his program, and holy cow, it is amazing. 

The entire building is made out of old, recycled, or donated objects, even down to the bathroom tiles and the buildings themselves (which used to be an old wheat factory for the Germans).  His innovation and resourcefulness is so inspiring, and it was so cool to see what he is doing in the students’ lives.  

One thing I thought was so great is that one of his main goals is to make each of his students musically literate in singing, piano, and guitar (once they can play the 20 selected songs he has for them he buys them their own guitar!) He does this for the sole purpose of creating future worship groups, and enabling them to share the love of Christ through song. 

(^^^Video of the children singing to us. Moving...to say the very least)

Later in the day, we were able to visit another one of his sites outside of the city in a gypsy village. The sights were BEAUTIFUL. Green fields, rolling hills, cherry trees, wheat fields, small ponds…it was wonderful.

We return tomorrow to hang out with the kids again and I am definitely looking forward to it. They are a neat group.

After returning back to the hotel a couple of us went for a swim in a geothermal pool (I’m not sure what that means, but I do know it was green) and then went to dinner and walked the city. 

 

I know that yesterday I said I have had 3 people signed up for sponsor children, but there are so many left that need help! Please don't give up on these children.

Day 7: A foot-long root canal

It is officially the beginning of our second week in Romania, and today we had the privilege to return to the Cherasig village.

I spent my day either hanging out with Dorothea (the most awkwardly adorable child on the planet who I love so so so much) or helping out in the temporary dental clinic. The aforementioned North Carolinians include a dentist and two dental assistants, and they have been setting up a station to help out with the dental crisis among the children here.

I got to experience first-hand how amazing these people are today-- they donated and brought all of their own supplies and PAID money to come and do an overwhelming job. Almost every kid got at least 2 extractions (even though they each needed about 10) and the three of them slaved and worked so hard the entire day.

 I was in charge of post-operation activities: I painted nails, did tattoos, and let the older children mess around with my camera…which may not have been the best idea considering I have no idea how to get all the settings back to their original state.

The greatest part for me was watching the kids on the operating chair/table/desk. They were so calm, brave, and grateful. Not a single one complained or cried even though at times the dentist would be pulling so hard they had to hold their heads down. I know I would have been freaked. But they were so good. I just wanted to hold every single one of them.

 Since this was our last day in the village we walked the kids home and I was able to meet Dorothea’s family. Despite the language barrier, her mom was so grateful and I was able to pray over Dorothea in her home (which was my favorite part).

I can only hope I will be able to see that little girl again one day.

She is such a blessing to me.

And now to break all the seriousness, a special shout out to the Ham’s, Kendell McManus, and Breann Schramke for all taking on sponsor children! I can only hope yours can impact your life like mine has. J

Day 6: Bear, Boar, and Cow Intestines…IN MAH BELLY!!

Today the Hope 4 Kids gang took a much-needed break from the craziness of the week. Ever since we stepped on to the plane the trip has been hectic, hot, and draining without much of a breather. However, none of us really realized how truly tired we were until today because we have been having such a good time.

It rained all day and I think it might have been the first time in 5 days I wasn’t sweating. The rooms don’t have much air conditioning (if you can even call it that) and the weather in Romania is incredibly humid which, even though I am from the desert, is a heat I am not used to at all.

I have been staying up until about 2:00am to do this blog every night so being able to sleep in until 8:30 felt absolutely incredible. We all got fancy and out of our t-shirts-and-old-shorts uniforms for church, and had the privilege of listening to Tom speak. The church is one of the first free form churches since the fall of Communism, and almost the whole congregation was under 30. Even though I didn’t understand a word of worship I was so moved by the passion and heart the people put into their praise.

We followed church with a nice lunch by one of the old Soviet “resorts” and despite the rain walked along the flee markets (the guys have been baffled by the popular “short shorts” European men wear and were on a mission to buy some. Unfortunately they were successful.) I found a couple more gifts for Dorothea who I am looking forward to seeing again tomorrow.

Left: So happy to be in rain! Right: Double fisting some ice cream?

Roxy (one of our translators) and I were given these lilly pad..things. We weren't sure what to do with them.

 We came back to the hotel with the intention to hang out as a family and every person ended up falling asleep for 3 hours (somehow Aaron managed to nod off in the crack between the “air conditioner” and couch. Ow?) 

We went out for a family dinner and now I am finishing my blog before 11:00pm! Wohoo!

Doobie fell asleep after about 3 minutes of sitting down. Easiest babysitting job I've ever had!

Big news today! Congrats to the new Phoenix fire captain!

I would like to finish by talking about my other favorite boy here who needs a sponsor. He is absolutely beautiful with eyelashes any girl would die for. He is incredibly shy, but polite, gracious, and ALWAYS prays the loudest.  He even sat still while I took creeper shots of his face all day. Winner.

<not fair.

Tom asked us today at church how God is calling to us. I can honestly say that I have never been more sure of the path my life needs to follow, and that path leads directly to small children in need. I am SO in my element when I am with these kids. Maybe God isn’t calling you to missions or to travel across the world. Maybe you can help right where you are.

Whatever it might be, he is calling. Are you listening?