an orphange without kids

I can never ever explain the love we felt. Their hospitality was so overwhelming. I continue to be struck dumb at the love and gifts people are continually blessing us with. They fed us more than we probably should have ate, let us stay in their home, took us around to show us everything in the villages, and then drove us all the way back (that’s 5 hours both ways) just so they could spend a little more time with us. I hate that I’ll never be able to thank them enough but I know that the Lord is blessing them abundantly for their love.

On our way out of their village they stopped to show us their orphanage. Yes, they have an orphanage. I was so excited but then was a little confused when the whole place was deserted. It turns out that, with all the economy junk going on, BOTH of their sponsors pulled their funding. Because of that they can’t afford to pay staff, they can’t afford to pay all the utilities, and they can’t afford the paperwork to get government funding. So right now there is a beautiful building, with beds and people to love on kids, but no money to help. And it really is beautiful. An American girl that was there painted a beautiful mural on the main wall, there are toys and dolls all around, beds ready to be slept in, and it just looks like such a fun place. Needless to say I got a little frustrated. I understood but just kept thinking about how amazing these people are that they established this place, they have so much love to give, so much compassion, and everything is brought to a halt because of money. Then I felt helpless. I can’t do a lot. I can pray, that’s about it. And I don’t say that thinking prayer isn’t a big deal. It is. But I’m a do-er. I need to help in some way.

We jumped back in the car and continued on our way back to our ministry. During the car ride I racked my brain for ways I could give them money or how they could get that place up and running again. Being out here running around all the time doesn’t really allow me to do anything unfortunately. So this is all I have. This right here, blogging, is the only real voice I have. That was kind of a wake up cal for me personally, but I also knew right then that I needed to use what I have. So here it is.

I don’t know how many people read this. But if you’re reading this and maybe want to help out with an orphanage in Romania, let me know. Maybe you know someone that’s generous and has a heart for kids, you could pass this to them. And even if you don’t have financial connections, you have something else that could help: your knees. Just drop down on them and pray that the Lord will bless their ministry.