Bucharest, Romania: A Photo Journal
Over the last month, we've had our hands in a lot of different things — from painting to cleaning up trash to working in the garden here at Casa Shalom. We've prepared items for a flea market fundraiser, and we've spent time loving on some great Romanian folks: Romas (gyspies), poor people in local villages, and children and women at homes for those who are mentally handicapped. I've enjoyed all of the ministry we've done, but there were definitely some tough moments when my heart broke by the poverty, loneliness and brokenness I witnessed. But instead of just telling you all the details of the last month, I thought I'd share some photos with you instead.
Casa Shalom – our ministry for the month.
Here was our "home" in Romania — quite luxurious for missionaries!
One beautiful, sunny day, we took a trip to Pitesti to visit some children in the village.
It took us about two hours to get there, but the landscape was beautiful!
When we arrived to the village, the children sang us songs. They were so sweet and adorable.
An older woman from Pitesti, watched through the old, red yard gate as the children sang us songs.
We handed out some toys and snacks (including chocolate) to the kids! Can you tell who got it all over himself? 😉
Our ministry contact, Becky, played songs on the accordian.
This little cutie got chocolate all over herself as well.
Last week we had a flea market. Lots of clothes; lots of shoppers!
Shirts, pants, coats, housewares…
And shoes of all sizes and styles…
There were even mattresses for sale. This shopper bought four and had them transported via taxi.
The kids that came to the flea market with their parents played on Casa Shalom's playground.
This little girl, Marta, thought Browny would enjoy swinging… not sure he actually liked it.
Last week we went to visit a Johan and Elena (and their 4 children) who live off of $7 a day.
Baby Andre, their youngest, is adorable!
Andre and his big sister, Christine.
Johan and his oldest son, Marion who has epilepsy. For their full story, click here.
We delivered some food to Johan and his family, and we spent time praying with them.
This past Saturday, we decided to take a road trip to Transylvania. We had packed our van with clothes to give to people along the way. Becky asked God to help us find those who need help. On our way, we met a woman on the side of the road who needed help. We followed her home to a small village, and found lots of people to hand out the clothes to.
We met this woman from the village, Elena, a recent survivor of breast cancer.
We spent some time praying with her, and as we were leaving she grabbed us with her stained hands and gave us kisses on both cheeks! It was precious!
While in Transylvnia, I caught a few shots of some cute, little old people. I have a thing for shooting old people. 😉
These were the cutest old people in all of Transylvania!
While there, I enjoyed a tasty chocolate croissant! YUM!
This past Monday we got to spend time on the playground with Stefan – a young man who is mentally handicapped.
Vanessa and Stefan had a ball (get it 😉 playing basketball!
Stefan's got some game too; he made shot after shot!
While Vanessa, Angela and Ashley played bball with Stefan, Caroline was busy on the trampoline with Daniel, Stefan's little brother.
One wonderful evening, our sweet contact, Becky, took us to the ballet.
We clean up pretty well, eh?!
During the month, our team had lots of laughs. Here I am leaping on the trampoline.
Ridiculously fun! 🙂
While preparing for the flea market – as we were sorting and folding clothes, we found some great fashion pieces to model. 😉
On one of our days off, we enjoyed a trip to the local mall.
Vanessa and me on the merry-go-round! Woot woot!
Vanessa and me on the horsey swing! Good times!
The real question is… will I come back to the States all growed up in 10 months?!
Nah… I'll always be a big kid at heart.
Well, friends, this concludes your photo tour of my month spent in Bucharest, Romania. Hope you enjoyed it!! All in all, it was a fantastic month! We have just a few days left in Romania, and then we head to Moldova this coming Wednesday. Life is good; God is awesome! Lots of love to you all, my friends!! Miss you!


Till next time… when I'm in Moldova,
aj
xoxo
