Saturday, October 12, 2013

Romania

 Clint and I left this past week for Romania.  First,  I feel like I need to answer just a couple questions that have come up.  Yes, Clint and I pay for transportation to and from Romania, plus lodging and our own food - all of the donated money from you goes towards the cause.  We like to visit a country in Europe each time we come to Romania since we fly so far to get there. So, please don't forget that 100% of your donations are going to this cause and that Clint and I take care of all the expenses when it comes to the trip.  
Why Romania?  Well, Clint served an LDS mission there for two years back in 1999-2001, so he grew to appreciate and love these people.  No, we do not proselyte while we are in Romania.  We are just trying to help those in need and because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are trying to follow His example of loving His children.
We do donate locally in our own hometown.  Please don't think that we are leaving the people in need of our own community alone.  Romania is just something we like to do in addition to our local charities. I hope that answers all of your questions.

 It was a beautiful day when we left.  I love clouds and flying above them was a treat. We spent a whole day and a half in airports and flying, if you know me - it is so hard for me to fly.  But, I am happy to say that I made it just fine.

 We arrived in Romania in the evening and we got right to work.  We went to the grocery store and started off by buying rice, beans, sugar and oil.  It ended up being a late night, but it was so great.
 The next morning was foggy and grey, but we got an early start and headed back to the grocery store to purchase more food. 

 The above picture is a small portion of what we bought.  We were able to do a lot more this year as far as food because of your donations, and were able to leave a lot of food with Gica to continue handing out for a couple weeks afterwards.  It really was amazing to be a part of this and we thank you for your help. 

 This is Gica and the boys who work with him for the Archway Foundation.  We sponsor them.  Gica spends his days trying to help orphans get identifications. It is hard because you have to have an identification to get a job and you have to have a place of residency to get an identification.  When you live on the streets, it is really difficult to get these two things taken care of.  Gica is a good man who is trying so hard to help the homeless people in Bucharest by helping with identifications and trying to find jobs. In the picture above, the bags are full with rice, beans, potatoes, milk, oil, salami, ham, butter, chocolate, juice, tuna, crackers and more!!  We also gave toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.  Much more was left with Gica to continue handing out.
 The first area we visited was so humbling.  There were about 15 families living in the same area, they constructed make shift homes about the size of my bathroom.  Those we visit are street orphans who have started having kids of their own.  There are 4-8 kids living with adults in a small room with one bed.  They were so grateful for the food.  It is also amazing to see how resilient the kids are, they are so sweet and happy.  Gica also spends time taking donated clothing to all of these people. 
 We visited a woman who is taking care of her three grandchildren whose mother abandoned them.  She was a sweet woman and the kids were adorable.   The little boy in the picture is cross-eyed and needs to see a doctor.  I am sure it is something that could be easily fixed, but they don't have the means to get him to a doctor.  

 This little girl was so darling. 

 The grandmother gave me three flowers.  It was the sweetest thing I have ever experienced because she would normally try to sell these flowers to make a little money.  It really was an amazing and wonderful experience.  
Clint is going to put together a video with more about our trip.  It is hard to put it all in one post.  Thanks again for your support. 

The country we chose to visit between our layovers this year is Spain.  I will share more of that trip with you later.  Have a wonderful day everyone!

20 comments:

Kate C said...

Judi,
Thanks for sharing about your trip, it is amazing what you and Clint do. I know you say you don't proselytize, but actually living out your faith can say a lot more than any words. I am sure that the people you are helping are very aware of God's love. I think that you manage to do this in addition to having a business and young family is truly incredible.

I am a little saddened that apparently people have questioned how money is used, etc.- I guess it is a cynical world, but your selflessness is a great example!

Fiona said...

lovely to read this... God Bless you...
Hugz

Auntie Pami said...

Big hugs! I'm glad you made it safely and that all is well.

Rita@PinPrickedFingers.com said...

It has blessed me to see how you and Clint are living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. No one should question the particulars of your trip. The Lord calls us all in many ways and that should never be questioned by others. God bless you on your journey.

Anonymous said...

I'm not specifically religious, but I do admire the work and effort you and Clint puts in for making a difference in this world. Great Job!!

Heather said...

I find it really disheartening that there are people who question your giving and helping others who are so severly disadvantaged. I don't understand it and I personally think those are the people who do nothing at all to help anyone but sit back and offer up judgement shamlessly on those who do.

I think what you are doing is amazing and selfless and those people are very fortunate to have people like you who care enough to help in any way they can.

Safe travel to you both.

Stitched With Prayer said...

What a blessing you are to all those whose lives you touch. God Bless and keep...
**I anxiously await your video every year and I always keep a box of tissues handy, LOL. Big Hugs...

Anonymous said...

Dear Judy and Clint,
I admire the fact that you leave your comfortable home, business, not to mention your family and travel half way around the world to serve others. What you do is so admirable and I'm happy you take a little time to see other countries while you are there.
Glad you're home safe.
Sincerely,
Pam

Kathleen said...

I want to write in a bit of defense for those who asked questions - we should always ask questions - there are lots of people and agencies that do not use gifts wisely, and everyone wants to be sure their gifts do the maximum amount of good. Obviously Judy and her husband are achieving that goal! Beautiful photos...

Sarah Craig said...

Thanks for sharing about your trip, Judi! I'm so happy to have been a small part of your missions effort!! Hugs from Tennessee!

Judy said...

I agree with the above comments. You are doing what Jesus would do. You are both amazing people. May God richly bless you in your work.

Always In Stitches said...

As usual I am sitting here reading your post with tears tumbling down my face. You and your husband are an amazing couple. God bless you. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to the video...and more tears?

Michele said...

I'm so glad that my donation is really helping in a basic way. I too have seen situations like this and it always breaks my heart that these living conditions exist.

OPQuilt said...

Bravo to you for making a difference. We have a family foundation and try to finance small projects that can make a big impact (and are currently working in Africa). I know you will make a difference--hope you have a great trip to Spain. I have it on my travel list, too. Enjoy!

Melissa Corry said...

I am so glad that your trip was such a huge success. What an amazing work you 2 do :)

Laura T said...

Love seeing the pictures of your trip. I'm glad it was successful for you and your husband.
Take care,
LauraT

JJ said...

It is great that you care and give so much to those in need. You two are truely disciples of Christ.

Maggie said...

Dear Judy

I did professional fundraising, the hands on approach, with few inbetween people managing the funds, admin, means more money go to those who will receive the best from it. You are open and honest about paying your own way, not using any donations for yourselves. You and Clint, will always find those people who attack, judge you for what you do. Where I come from, if people pick on you, chances are you must be doing something right. My Mom always said to us, do everything you do with a good heart and infuse it with lots of love.
Glad you got the opportunity to help brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, grandmothers and families who have no one else in their lives. It takes a special person to think of those in need.
God Bless you and your family.

Lynette said...

Bless you guys!! All that food you were able to get was astonishing. I never even thought you guys used donations on yourselves - it's nice to have it out there in black and white letting folks know how you use everything donated just for the Romanians. My heart has always hurt for them, because they have such need and I'll never forget 25 years ago or so, when they begged and begged for help from the U.S. to bolster freedom, they were flatly ignored. So again: Bless you guys!

CJ said...

We just had a young man in our Ward return from his mission in that area. He truly loved it. The people there touched his heart as well. You two are in tune with the spirit. Bless you.