I'm about to give you a brief history lesson, so bear with me. Ready? Here we go…
Communism fell in Romania in 1989, but not before making a huge impact on country's culture.
During its reign, contraceptives were outlawed. Families were required to have as many children as possible to increase the work force. Taxes rose higher than ever before forcing these large families into poverty.
With no way to provide for their many children, parents began to drop their children off at state-run orphanages in hope they would receive basic care. Thus, creating the large influx of orphans.
Some of you may even remember when they uncovered the extremely poor living conditions of Romanian orphanages after the fall of Communism.
This brings me to Felix. Actually, Caminul Felix, which means “Happy Family” in Romanian.
This month I have the pleasure to work with this wonderful organization. (www.caminulfelix.com)
Caminul Village 2 and families (You can see the house where we are staying-back left corner)
Basically, Caminul Felix is a cul-de-sac of 10 houses. Each house has a set of parents that have "volunteered" to raise 12 to 14 orphans of varying ages and gender. I use the term "volunteer" lightly, because essentially this is a LIFE TIME CALLING.
They believe that God ordained the family structure of a mother and father and through this can provide orphans what state-run orphanages can't:
FAMILY. SUPPORT SYSTEM. LOVE. EDUCATION. SIBLINGS. FOOD. STABILITY.
Most importantly, GOD. A family that is based on teaching the children what a relationship with Christ means.
Think of the many lives that have been changed? SO GOOD!
You can see why we feel so HONORED to be working with them this month!
Jenna, Abby and myself helping to plaster a new house at Caminul Felix
Pushing some kiddos on the swing (and of course Hannah too!)
