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This is a journal of one of our mission teams that went to Romania (March 2nd - March 11th) to minister to the babies and children in a hospital and orphanage there.
In addition to this ministry, the trip provides for an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth among the team members. Each member of the team will be a blessing and will be blessed tremendously and they would like to share with you the great things God is doing in Romania!
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| 03-10-07 |
Greetings from Romania,
We have been very busy. We went to the Girl's Transition House yesterday morning. It was an interesting time. The girls were so excited that we were coming. After our introductions we went to work in four areas - the garden, washing vans, installing the mailbox and in the kitchen. We worked on dinner and snack for late afternoon. After our dinner and finishing the morning tasks it was time to get ready for the symphony. This doesn't sound to challenging but it is quite a process at the Transition House. Many of the girls don't even want to look like girls however this year the girls were more into being girls. When the girls appear more like boys they have an easier time as they look tough and are able to survive better. The curling irons were plugged in and the make up prepared. We had two chairs for the hair styling and one or two for make up. The girls would strut around and asked for mega pictures to be taken. They had so much fun. Some didn't really want the make up or their hair style changed. All got dressed up - a very rare occurrence for them. After a quick snack were ready to be on our way. The symphony was very good. Today I asked the team to write about their height light and also how they grew or were impacted by being in Romania. Here is what the team had to say:
Kris - Romania impacted my life. It was so awesome. God is so good to us, we are so blessed. I've learned more about myself as Ii need to always do daily devotions. It is so easy to NOT DO them. But here every day every morning was wonderful. I have to take the time to be with the Lord every day with personal devotions. Romania is so great kids are precious and so wanting love & affection. Love the one on one. We got to see so much of Romania and it's history. It was very interesting and we need to pray for this country that they will see the real Christ in all ways. It was a great trip overall and would love to come again and see how it changes. I would like to see how the kids grow and learn to love Jesus. Pray for the orphans.
Heather - One highlight of this trip: WOW, how do I pick just one? This trip was amazing in every way! The leaders and staff are such wonderful people. But one, of many, of my favorite moments while I have been in Romania was the second day we were here. On Sunday we went to the baby hospital and when we walked in for the first time there was one girl crying. I walked over to her and picked her up, then just like that she stopped crying. All she needed was one simple sign of affection from someone, anyone, to get her to stop crying and to be comfortable. I was happy that I could be that person. Even if only for that minute, and that minute only I still made her feel safe. That right there was enough for me to make this whole trip worth it. How This Trip Has Impacted Me: This whole trip has impacted my life in so many ways. I have seen what it's like to have nothing & no one in the lives of the kids here. It has shown me how wonderful my life really is. It has taught me not to worry about the little things in life because God has something much bigger planned and there's so much out there. Don't worry about the things that aren't life-changing.
Carlene - There were many highlights on this trip. But if I was to pick one of them, it would probably be the boy's transition house. First of all I was impressed with the house parents, Doru & Lidia. They left their home to come to the country and help raise these boys. You can see the love that they have for them and all of the respect the boys give them. Doru is teaching them a welding trade. The boys all shared a little about themselves and how thankful they are. It was hard for some of them, but they all did it. They really touched my life a lot. This trip impacted me a lot by learning more about other people and myself. Our God Is An Awesome God Who Reigns From Heaven Above, is a song that has popped into my head. I have learned a lot this week, and hopefully can use what I learned when I get home. Also, I am very proud of my girls. It was awesome to see them interact with all of the children in many different situations, and the joy they got out of it.
Ellen - This trip to Romania was a huge reminder to me that I am called to be a humble servant of Christ. I took for granted many health care procedures and practices which I utilize in the US, as "common Knowledge." I was very surprised to see the differences between the two countries! It was an amazing journey, both physically, as we toured Romania., and spiritually, as I renewed my relationship with Christ. My favorite memory of Romania will be the Baby Hospital. All of the children had such a desire for love and touch...again, something I take for granted in the State.They were my highlights of the trip!
Stephanie - There isn't one thing on the trip that hasn't impacted me one way or another. The girls and boys from the transition house were so happy to be with us. It didn't matter what we did they were just so happy. It really put into perspective how blessed I really am. These kids are so thankful for what they have or don't have. I need to remember to be thankful for how much I have. I have been blessed throughout my life with many things and sometimes I lose sight of what is really important and that is God. I have spiritually grown so much as a person. I am thankful to have had this opportunity. I can't wait to get home and share my adventure. I am also excited to get home and change the things in my life that needed to be changed.
Kati - The biggest growth I've experienced on this trip was coming to a true understanding of what the life of an orphan is truly like. We had the opportunity to see the beauty of Romania while touring Bucharest. We saw amazing architecture and history of this country prior to Ceauceseu; yet the stark reality of those in need was also presented to me. Being at the Baby Hospital this week when a young mom abandoned her 2 month baby boy was when Christ began to unveil the journey that lies ahead. We got to see the unsteady life of a child in the orphanage, as well as the challenge for a teenager as they must learn to dive into the adult world for the first time. In the process of all of this "tragedy". God has reached out His had and begun to rescue these orphans through the Heart 2 Heart team. Jesus is being shown to these children as they are infants up through young adulthood in that they all need comfort and affection. I am so honored to have been given the invitation by Christ to be used by Him to effect these Romanians. He has shown me just a glimpse of how deep His love is for me by allowing my heart to be captured by one special little child. One of my highlights of my trip was having the opportunity to experience Romania with a close friend. Over the past week or so, God has given us chances to be open & honest and to grow as sisters in Christ. It was because of this ministry atmosphere that our friendship was able to grow in such a neat way.
Bob - Being able to spend time with Inout just before He turns eight years old in the Baby Hospital is a highlight for me. Our Bible study has been working through the first chapter of Philippians. I have been challenged to spend time in reading God's Word, memorizing Scripture, praying and standing with fellow Christians as an encourager. We have been working to encourage the boys in the Transition House and the girls in theirs. We were able to go with the girls last night to the symphony. It was a great experience for them and the team. Today we will be spending time at the hospital, having debrief and preparing to come home.
We would appreciate your prayers for our safe travels. This trip has helped each of us grow in the Lord and to be an encouragement to the staffer here as well as the babies and orphans because you have faithfully prayed. Thank you for being part of this team to Romania.
As we return home we would appreciate your prayers for Mission Possible as we do the preparations and final recruiting for the India and Hong Kong teams. If you would like to receive our updates and to continue to pray for Mission Possible would you please reply to this email and let me know Thank you and I trust God will bless you for your part in the team.
In His Service,
Carolyn for the Romania team
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| 03-08-07 |
Greetings from Romania,
Today was a very special day in that we were able to visit the Boy's Transition House. We had a meal with them and heard their stories before returning to our house. We were able to see the Romanian countryside. The team continues to tell of our ministry in the Baby Hospital and the orphanages:
Kati - Today (Wednesday) I had the chance to help one little girl at the Baby Hospital as she learned to strengthen her body to walk. Not having experience as a parent quite yet, I can say I got a glimpse of the joy you get as you watch a little one take steps, have success with "tummy time", and recognize your face when she sees you. It's so neat to have the chance to invest in these baby's lives!
Stephanie - I thought the baby hospital was my favorite. They were so cute and innocent. Yes they are abandoned but they are just like any other infant. They know a loving touch and they smile every time. They are content when someone is just holding them. They are just such precious children.
Carlene - We have been to the baby hospital and also to one of the orphanages. I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of this team, we have blended nicely. At the baby hospital it's amazing how they just love to be rocked and touched, they cry when you come in because they know that you will pick them up. Then at the orphanage the kids are just craving attention from us. There is no such thing as "personal space" in an orphanage, they just want to touch you and kiss you. We have all been blessed by these children. I am also very thankful to all the Heart 2 Heart staff and all that they do. They all need continual prayer.
Heather - My thoughts on the orphanages. (Voluntar) I'm writing about Voluntar because it has the best experience I think I have had in my whole life! I mean sure I've been on other mission trips I've helped people, I rocked babies Sunday & Monday but today (Tuesday) was something I've never encountered before. It was girls and boys my own age that didn't have families. It was a lot easier to put myself in their place and in their thoughts because they are kids just like me in so many ways. Even though the language barrier was tough I found out that laughing is universal. We communicated through pointing and motions and lots of laughs. After only a few short hours there was a connection between all of us which really made it hard to leave them. But over all I loved it and I would do it again in a heart beat.
We surely appreciate your prayers as we continue to serve in our last couple of days. The week surely has flown fast. Tomorrow we will be spending the day at the girl's transition house.
In His Service,
Carolyn for the Romania team
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| 03-06-07 |
Greetings from Romania,
Today was a great day of seeing some of the Romanian history as well as being with the babies and the orphans. We had a tour of the Palace of the Parliament which was very interesting. The team again divided for the lunch out (Shoarma) or to Costel's house for dinner before our time at the hospital. Mirela always has wonderful Romanian food. She served Vegetable Cream Soup, rice, chicken, carrots, cucumbers, bread and cake. Our group went to the baby hospital today. A new baby was brought in last night with a fever. He has been in the hospital before (in the abandoned baby area). This afternoon another baby was brought in just because his family couldn't make it with him. He is two months. He was not sick. We enjoyed holding, feeding and caring for the babies. We tried to work with some of the children to help them improve their development skills. The other half of the team went to another orphanage - for older children. The young people really craved love and attention. The team was overwhelmed. We were also challenged during the devotional time this evening. I will attach some pictures of the team at the baby hospital so you can know what we all look like. We surely appreciate your prayers. You can let us know how we can pray for you.
Now a word from the team:
Ellen - The orphanage gave me an experience I will never forget. I was truly humbled to see sincere gratitude portrayed by these children, after only being with them for a short while. Laughs, hugs & handshakes filled the experience with a love I realize only Christ could have planted in us. Language barriers & all, I was able to have a wonderful time!
Bob - Today while the team toured the Palace of the Parliament, I was able to learn much about the members of Parliament from Costel. At lunch we learned more about how God has used Costel's family, to reach others here in Romania. The afternoon was spent working with the babies including Inute who will turn 8 in May. The new babies included a 2 month old boy who is very precious. In the evening, we had a wonderful share time where we learned about each other & Heart To Heart staff. Thanks for your prayers.
Kris - The Baby Hospital is so awesome they are precious & just want love and affection. You just talk to them & love them & they smile. They just get so excited and happy you know they will be OK because God watches over them. The kids at the orphanage just want to talk to someone & hug someone to make their day. They are children of God, we can work with them, spend time with them and pray for their lives to be blessed from God through us.
In His Service,
Carolyn for the Romania Team |
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| 03-05-07 |
Greetings from Romania,
We had a very interesting day today. We started with a Revolution Tour. One of the Heart To Heart staff takes us to a couple of sites around the city to talk about how the revolution (17 years ago) happened. He is able to point at the exact location he was standing at the time and to tell us what took place - where the tanks were, pointed out the bullet holes or patches on the buildings around the area. Then the team was divided. Half had dinner at Costel's home and then went to the baby hospital. The other half went out for Soarma (a chicken, french fry and sauce rap) which is as common as the hamburger in the US. It was very good. Then we went to the orphanage where we helped with a craft.
I asked the team for their first impressions of Romania.
Kris - Romania is really quite beautiful. It looks like spring here. The roads are crazy with lots of traffic is busy, busy!! The Revolution Tour was very interesting of what people went through. The babies are so precious and just want love and affection. Heart 2 Heart is awesome and the house is beautiful. They are great hosts. God is working in this area.
Heather - My first impression was..."WOW! WE GET TO STAY HERE!" and the city definitely eased any culture shock of mine. Romania isn't all poverty and orphans and gymnastics. It's a beautiful country with normal people just like us.
Bob - We are back in familiar territory with Heart To Heart. I was able to hold Inoute my nearly 8 year old who has CP and will probably never get out of the baby hospital. It was neat to see many of the team hold him. Today we had a tour of where the revolution started back in 1989 when Romania came out from under Communism. We all have been getting to know each other and the staff as well. There was a lot of interaction among the team and the orphans as they did a project for woman's day next week.
Carlene - We are finally here. I can't believe it. We had a great flight but we are very tired. The weather is warm and sunny - a nice change from home. The Heart 2 Heart team is amazing and so hospitable. They make you feel right at home. I am thankful to be able to come here and help. Looking forward to a great week here in Romania.
Ellen - My first impressions of Bucharest, Romania was that it was a very busy city, filled with people much different than I was used to. It was inspiring to see a church service, including so many of the children who have been helped by Heart Yo Heart. These children, as well as the whole congregation showed an awe-inspiring love for their Lord. It truly was an amazing experience!
Kati - After being in Bucharest these past few days. One of the first impressions of this trip has included an amazing worship service on Sunday afternoon at church with a bunch of Romanians similar in age - and in their passion to worship Christ authentically - to what I've experienced back in the States. It was incredible. I'm pretty sure that was a moment when Jesus gave me a glimpse of what He's preparing for us - No...I'm certain of that!
Stephanie - My first impression of Romania was the crazy driving. Every lane has at least 2 cars in it. If there isn't then someone will honk at you. The only way someone would know the light is green is by somebody honking (the traffic lights are placed behind where the first car stops). I think it is funny and it is very unique to Romania.
Thank you for your prayers. We would appreciate your continued prayers.
In His Service,
Carolyn for the Romania Team
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| 03-04-07 |
Greetings from Romania,
We had a safe and uneventful trip to Romania. Six drove from Jenison, MI to Chicago for our flight to Amsterdam where we met two from Ohio and 1 from California. We had another team member join us after we arrived in Romania. We are staying at the new team house which is really luxury.
Today we had orientation in the morning and learned much about what to expect both in Romania and with the ministry which we are working with. After a very good meal we left for church. An answer to prayer as afternoons are much easier to stay away than during the mornings. Jet lag will be with us for a few days. After church and a nice time of fellowship time we went to the baby hospital. The number of babies is down to 6 babies. We had an enjoyable time with the little ones.
We returned home for a good supper and team time. We will be having a quiet evening before we try to get some sleep. With jet lag we will struggle to sleep in the evening but will want to sleep in the morning. We are praying for a quick recovery.
We appreciate your prayers while we are in Romania.
In His Service,
Carolyn for the Romania Team
Bob, Katie, Ellen, Carlene, Kris, Stephanie, Heather
Tom & Brad (from California) will be here the same time we are and will be ministering with us and are part of the team.
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