We picked up where we left off before the holidays to continue training Elder and Sister Sutterfield. The four of us flew to Bucharest, Romania Monday night. Coraline joined us to visit NGO’s.
Baba Novac Clinic
We have had several past projects in this clinic including fundings eye exam projects and providing medical equipment such as autoclaves and dental equipment. These fine physicians and dentists care for the vulnerable, volunteering their time and skills.
ADRA
We met with our Seventh Day Adventist friends to discuss a project at a women’s shelter dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence.
Save the Children
We evaluated last year’s project in which basic medical equipment was provided to 6 hospitals to support newborn health. This organization is involved in many ways to support mothers and babies in rural communities. One way is to provide ‘Baby Boxes’ to new mothers full of needed supplies. The box doubles as a basinet. They work closely with the ministry of health and local mayors to address the sobering reality that Romania has the highest percentage of teenage pregnancy in the entire EU.
JRS- Jesuit Refugee Service
Our current collaboration with JRS is funding to help Ukrainians integrate into Romanian society through increasing the capacity of Ukrainian refugees to access healthcare services and housing and employment opportunities. We visited the kindergarten classes where our church funded breakfast and lunch for these sweet children for the last year. The Jesuit Father we visited with shared a touching thought. He is a beekeeper and describes the buzzing sound bees make- it is a kind of music to him. He said that as he sat in his office a couple of years ago and listened to the sound of children’s voices on the playground that he heard a high-pitched strained tone. Now as the children feel secure, the music of the school has changed to a sweet calm melody.
Everything is Possible
For the last five years this NGO has coordinated a back-to-school program where 2,000 children receive school supplies and books. Our young missionaries volunteer here every week, helping to sort donations and package schoolbooks for shipment all over the country. Eliza could not say enough good things about our missionaries. They are dependable, showing up on time each week, they work hard, they are cheerful and friendly, clean cut and dressed well. We are so thankful for the more than 70,000 young men and women of our church who are currently out in the world serving their fellowmen.
Eliza and her husband devote their lives to providing creative education materials (created by Eliza herself) to vulnerable children in 500 different schools with the goal that they will stay enrolled and find their way to self-reliance. They work out of an unheated old home that friends let them use. We were there at 8:00 p.m. one evening where they were going strong, preparing materials for shipment the next morning. It was SO cold! Words cannot describe what it feels like to be in the presence of these good people who consecrate their all to serve others. It has been such a privilege to meet such people- truly the world is full of them.
Open Door Foundation (Usa Deschisa)
When police in Romania find women and children who have been trafficked, they contact Open Door. This faith-based institution offers an 18-month program for survivors of human trafficking. It provides comprehensive support for survivors including housing, counselling, medical care, legal representation, and vocational training. Open Door has an emergency residential facility that houses 16 adults and another 52 program participants living offsite in a “half-way house,” where participants live after leaving the residential facility but before moving into their own residences. All program participants must be enrolled in and working to complete vocational training that will lead to employment. 85% of the participants who complete Open Door’s program are self-reliant with jobs, an apartment, and the ability to support themselves. Our current project provided a dishwasher, dryer and freezer for the residential facility. Monica, a woman of great faith shared her miraculous journey with us of how she was led by God to start this NGO. We closed our meeting by praying together.
Habitat for Humanity
Rural Romania is characterized by poor housing conditions. Approximately 38% of the population lacks indoor plumbing and 75% of houses are more than 30 years old. Habitat for Humanity Romania is a local branch of the international organization that builds homes for low-income families and rehabilitates public utility centers in vulnerable communities. Last month 15 young missionaries participated in a project to build a duplex for four families.
This visit to Romania was the perfect crescendo to our mission. It was an emotional trip hearing about the vast needs and poor living conditions of so many in the country. At times this can feel overwhelming. And then we meet volunteers and employees that have literally devoted their lives to caring for those in need and a feeling of hope rekindles. We can make a difference as we serve those in our circle of influence.
TRANSLYVANIA
Cantacuzino Castle
Since we were in the vicinity, we took the opportunity to take a day trip to Transylvania. Our first stop was Cantacuzino Castle, built in the early 1900’s. It belonged to Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, one of the most influential politicians of the time. You may recognize it because it is currently the filming location for Netflix’s Wednesday.
Bran Castle
This famous medieval fortress is known as Dracula’s Castle due to its connection with Bram Stokers’ novel. In reality, its ties to the historical Vlad the Impaler are not clear. This 1377 fortress later became a customs post and then in 1920, a cherished summer home for Queen Marie
Brasov
This city in the Transylvania region of Romania is ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. It is known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions and the towering Gothic Black Church. We enjoyed dinner at the Christmas market in the town square.
Back in Frankfurt- goodbyes to some special people
Friday date night with Elder and Sister Southwick. The Southwick’s arrived in Frankfurt a year ago to serve as our office couple in the humanitarian department. They have brought order and peace to our workplace. They have given us so much support. We love them.
Saturday dinner at Coraline’s, our dear humanitarian manager. She is the church employee we report to and has been our support and ray of sunshine for the last 18 months. She prepared us a delicious French meal complete with a Yule Log.
Last Sunday dinner with Hubers, our dear friends and trainers.
With love, Elder & Sister Lamb (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
Lambs in Central Europe 