This year made my 3rd trip to Romania. Each and every year its a new, yet always life changing experience. We’ve been back home a week now and I’m ready to go back. This year was a little more special because we got to work with not only the children but some of the mothers and grandmothers. I wanted Jill and Kim to share their thoughts after working with the ladies. It was their 1st trip to Romania and I wanted to hear and share their perspective.
Thoughts from Jill Trick
When I first heard I was working with the woman’s group I was a little apprehensive. I wondered, what I would have in common with these women, what would I say, would they understand me, would they have a good time.
All these fears quickly disappeared when I got to the Point of Hope. I met the staff, who are wonderful! I was paired with a translator who was unbelievably patient and kind. Then I met the women and they were incredible. I worked in the Arts & Crafts room. We had a blast. We made tiles with each woman’s child on it, weaved crosses, decorated bags, and made button bracelets. They were simple crafts but the women loved it. They joked about the fact that they feel like children but they enjoyed it anyways. And if a women happened to miss a day they wanted to make up the craft that they missed. After the three days working with the women, I was changed. These women do so much and sacrifice so much for their children. They are so proud of their children. They want to give their children the opportunities that they were not given. I don’t know how to express how grateful I am for these experiences. I have a new perspective on so much, I can’t put into words how much this trip has affected me. So much good has come out of this trip! I cannot wait to come back and work again!
Thoughts from Kim Bradford
There have been a lot of ups and downs with the ladies the last few days. The language barrier along with not wanting to let them down made it even harder. On Tuesday, I led the devotional with them, and if anyone knows me, it’s not something I like to do ( just talking in front of people makes me physical ill). I got through it with Gods help, but also with the prayers of my new and old friends. All three days I was in the beauty station doing nails, face, and yes even hair. We laughed so hard most days. The worst part was saying goodbye. I cried like a baby. Too see them walk back to their homes broke my heart. They have nothing, and I have way too much. I have been changed forever. I went to help them, but in the end, they helped me even more. I WILL never forget my time here and would very much like to come back next year.