We are often so blessed by the comments we
receive from thankful Mission Trippers to the work we are trying to do
in some difficult circumstances in Romania. Often, we receive those
encouraging words at just the right time, to lift us out of the
desperation and focus us once again on the One who can Change the
World.
As we leave the busy summer
of 2008 behind, we leave you with the thoughts and pictures of these
visitors this summer.
From
a long term supporter of Smiles who made his first ever visit at the Grand Opening:
I have waited a couple of weeks before I wrote to you, wanting to
have had some time to reflect upon my experience of the 'Grand
Opening' and of course my first visit to
Romania. It would have been easy to write to you immediately and tell
of the 'high' I experienced but I believed that a few weeks 'coming
down to earth' and quiet reflection would help me put the whole event
into its true perspective for me.
It probably will not come as any surprise to you then when I say that
even today, I am still on a 'high.' The whole experience was a
wonderful one for me, and believe me that is not something that a
strapping lad from the far North of England readily admits to. I was
wholeheartedly captivated by all that you and Smiles have achieved and
will continue to achieve. (Captivated, is another word strapping lads
up here do not use!)
The celebration was wonderful and having reflected for some two weeks
now and having viewed the new complex for myself leads to me believe
that this is most definitely 'A God inspired vision for his people, by
his people.' The genuine smiles and grateful thanks of the Romanian
and Gypsy people was evident for us all to see. However to know that
I have had a tiny part to play in helping to bring about that vision
is now for me absolutely awe inspiring. I feel totally humble and yet
very proud to be associated with the Smiles Foundation. To stand in
the classroom at the end of the school and look towards the church in
the distance for me added to the feeling of grandeur and the sense
that God was truly 'In this place' guiding his people in this great
task. (Noah would understand this when building his ark.) Words
cannot properly convey the awesome nature of the complex and how God
is in control when you see the entrance to his church. It is all just
God Inspiring.
For quite some time now I have been struggling, not with my faith, but
with religiosity, if there is such a word, finding it difficult to
settle into everyday church going. I have often questioned the
purpose of church going and seeing little evidence of Christian living
from those within the church. The grand opening weekend has restored
my faith in Gods true people. To see people's hearts burning to do
God's work like I did during the weekend has given me such a boost in
my own walk with Christ. The joy on people's faces when Guiry and
Christian were baptised reminded me that there are many people who
give selflessly to bring others to Christ and this spoke volumes to me
personally during the celebrations.
It has been a great privilege for me to be involved with Smiles in the
little way I have, it was an honour and a privilege for me to be able
to attend the opening celebration. Believe me when I say that as a
result my life has been totally transformed in many ways as a result
of attending.
I so wanted to remain and do a little bit more. My chance will come
again however as I am definitely planning another visit in 2009. So
thank you everyone involved with Smiles for a life changing
experience; well you should know how I would have felt, you
have always told me it would be ‘life changing’ haven’t you!
From
Lindy in Worthing, Sussex. An August Mission Tripper
“We've
been back for 3 days now but still I can think of nothing else but all
that Smiles are doing in Romania. Can't even switch the TV or radio on
because my thoughts are focused on one thing just now. At least I'm
enjoying listening to Nia online! Our trip was such a resounding
success that all anyone can talk about is when they can get back to
Romania.
I arrived in Cihei wondering who to worry about most, my 14 year old
son or my 74 year old mother, but within the first day or two of being
taken right out of our comfort zones, they were both soaring like
eagles and amazing us all.
I'm sure you've been told this many times before, but the week that
you put together for us was obviously borne of many years' experience
and I couldn't suggest a single way in which you could improve it. I'm
still trying to find a succinct way to sum up my week when friends
ask, but there were so many different levels all operating at the same
time that I'm still trying to process it all in my head.
May God bless you mightily for your amazing faithfulness and thank you
so much for the privilege of spending a week with Smiles.”And
a beautiful
Video for one of the young people on the Broadwater Church Mission
Trip.
|
Mission Trip Video
August 2008
With
thanks to Mission Tripper
Steph Wren for
the Video compilation. |
|
|
|
|
Return to the homepage
