My team spent the last two weeks in a small village called Arcalia, Romania. Our contact Gabby moved her family (husband and three children) into her in-laws house so that we could live in her home during our stay. While the seven of us piled into the small living space I thought to myself, “Why would this women be willing to give up her home?” It didn’t take long to discover her motivation. Here it is:
Alex (1), Silvo, Rouel, Alex, Gabriella, Gabby. Everyone’s name is either Alex and Gabriel.
Isabella and her sister Luchiana.
Their grandmother is raising them along with her two other grandchildren.
Sisters Donna and Gabby- sweetest girls in the whole village
Gabby with the kids in her yard after we did a kids program.
Arcalia is a spiritually dry place. Gabby is one of three believers in the village. The lack of hope drives many parents to alcohol. Some simply leave; granndparents must take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. Some kids are left to themselves, no one to love them, no one to feed them- no one except Gabby. Her home, her kitchen table, and her heart are always open. Her yard is a safe haven. She desperately wants these kids to feel loved, to feel important, and to place their trust in Christ. She believed my team could help her do it. And so she moved out so that we could move in.
And it makes me think. Would I be willing to do the same? Would you?
