I hope you enjoyed the few pictures I posted this afternoon while we were down the mountain. It is faster to upload pictures from my phone than on the 'dial-up' internet at camp. Those pictures are only a small glimpse of the many interactions, stories, and life-changing events that happened to each of us this week. Each day we had some time to debrief and spoke of 'elevator stories'. Those are quick snapshots of this experience that help make it easier to share with others. Ask your students about their stories, they have multiple from each day of ministry.
Today was packed full of beauty, more hugs, smiles, gratitude, and blessings. We drove to three villages, Ucea, Cincsor, and Toqarcla to assist in Heart of Hope's Easter food distribution. Debbie welcomed everyone before they lined up to walk through the distribution line 'staffed' by your children. We were taught how to say 'Happy Easter' in Romanian so each person and family was greeted with 'Happy Easter' and a smile. Our students noticed and were touched by the sincere gratitude expressed by each person in the villages. Some of us received hugs, hand shakes, and eyes full of thankfulness - it was humbling.
We also spent some time at Fagaras Special Needs Placement Center for an Easter distribution and craft. The children there were so excited to share with our kids their bedrooms, jumping tricks off their bunk beds, and just a few minutes of our lives. Once again, our hearts are full and heart broken all at once, but we are hopeful that God's love and grace is shown to them through the consistency of Heart of Hope Ministries. Debbie gave us a great analogy today regarding our short time in the orphanages during our stay. We may feel like an hour is so little and may have no real impact, but actually it is a valuable and necessary thread in the tapestry of God's ministry in each of their hearts.
Our final stop before heading back up the mountain to camp was Mindra Bible Club. Glow bracelets, crafts, smiles, and Easter gifts were on the agenda for our time there. I am so extremely impressed with this team because no matter where we went, they jumped right in to help distribute the crafts or gifts but then also took the initiative to sit and interact with the children. They were all quick to engage in the experience here and it was a blessing and encouragement to me, and the other chaperones. You have amazing kids!!!
Tonight's final debrief with Debbie was full of thoughtful observations, introspective insights, and self-challenging life adjustments. For instance, some of their thoughts: There is no sense of judgement and I wish it was like that more at home. There is value in a smile and it's an easy thing for me to do more often, especially at school. I realized how important it is to give more compliments and not assume someone hears those on a regular basis. I want to remember to appreciate the little things in life more.
Overall, this was a wonderful team and I pray their impressions and personal reflection is life-changing and not a compartmentalized 'event' that happened one Spring break. We have an early departure from camp for our 7am flight. I will send short updates from each flight. Thank you!
Today was packed full of beauty, more hugs, smiles, gratitude, and blessings. We drove to three villages, Ucea, Cincsor, and Toqarcla to assist in Heart of Hope's Easter food distribution. Debbie welcomed everyone before they lined up to walk through the distribution line 'staffed' by your children. We were taught how to say 'Happy Easter' in Romanian so each person and family was greeted with 'Happy Easter' and a smile. Our students noticed and were touched by the sincere gratitude expressed by each person in the villages. Some of us received hugs, hand shakes, and eyes full of thankfulness - it was humbling.
We also spent some time at Fagaras Special Needs Placement Center for an Easter distribution and craft. The children there were so excited to share with our kids their bedrooms, jumping tricks off their bunk beds, and just a few minutes of our lives. Once again, our hearts are full and heart broken all at once, but we are hopeful that God's love and grace is shown to them through the consistency of Heart of Hope Ministries. Debbie gave us a great analogy today regarding our short time in the orphanages during our stay. We may feel like an hour is so little and may have no real impact, but actually it is a valuable and necessary thread in the tapestry of God's ministry in each of their hearts.
Our final stop before heading back up the mountain to camp was Mindra Bible Club. Glow bracelets, crafts, smiles, and Easter gifts were on the agenda for our time there. I am so extremely impressed with this team because no matter where we went, they jumped right in to help distribute the crafts or gifts but then also took the initiative to sit and interact with the children. They were all quick to engage in the experience here and it was a blessing and encouragement to me, and the other chaperones. You have amazing kids!!!
Tonight's final debrief with Debbie was full of thoughtful observations, introspective insights, and self-challenging life adjustments. For instance, some of their thoughts: There is no sense of judgement and I wish it was like that more at home. There is value in a smile and it's an easy thing for me to do more often, especially at school. I realized how important it is to give more compliments and not assume someone hears those on a regular basis. I want to remember to appreciate the little things in life more.
Overall, this was a wonderful team and I pray their impressions and personal reflection is life-changing and not a compartmentalized 'event' that happened one Spring break. We have an early departure from camp for our 7am flight. I will send short updates from each flight. Thank you!
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