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kitchen
and bedrooms. It was impressive to see how homely they look inside.
These containers make such a difference to people’s lives. It was
exciting to hear during our stay that the Local Government had not
only allowed Smiles to provide these containers to the homeless within
the city, but had also agreed to supply electricity and sewage for
them. We were amazed at how Smiles is making such progress and being
so highly regarded by such important bodies. How much more can they
achieve with the Local Government on their side! 
schizophrenia. However, it was a privilege to meet
these people and spend time with them, but above all, it was lovely to
see the close rapport they have with Nelu. He was more than their
social worker. He is their friend who comes to listen and to share a
joke or two.
We went on to visit another
family. The guy that came to greet us was a big friendly giant – a
gentleman! He used to be an International Swimmer but had been
betrayed by a friend who stole all his money. So here he was –
homeless! But do you know what? He was still smiling, and still making
the most of life. His partner was a good hairdresser so we decided it
was time for Ed to receive an overdue haircut. This couple had taken
in another young couple. It seemed that they had taken on the role of
mum and dad. How amazing, wonderful and humble, that these guys did
not have much and yet they still shared what little they had.
On Wednesday, I was fortunate
enough to be able to spend time at the Family Centre (previously the
Children’s Centre). A few of the women were visiting family members
and so it was quite quiet. However, we were able to spend some quality
time with the three little ones and help with their morning class. I
had been briefly told of their background and knew life had not been
easy. Yet their eyes smiled for them. They were full of life, creative
and happy. The innocence of little ones was so apparent and beautiful
as they openly laughed at my accent as I tried to say a few Romanian
sentences. The adults I had met so far had been far too polite to do
so but I knew exactly where I stood with these beautiful kids. They
did not approve of my name either – I was wearing a headscarf and so
they decided I looked like Jesus’ mother, Mary, so I was Mary for the
whole session! Its marvellous how there is no language barrier with
children. As long as you can smile, laugh and play, you have an
instant bond. 
When we arrived, it felt like we
were joining a party. Some of the others within our group went to
visit some of the families. However, I was enjoying the party where I
was. It seemed that the whole village was dancing or at least clapping
along, from little tiny tots to grown up men and women. I even
received a few dancing tips. If only we could have street parties like
this back home. It was a wonderful atmosphere.
Ed came back from one of the
houses he had been to visit and with that, a beautiful young lady
dragged me along to her house. It was immaculate - everything in its
place and not a speck of dust in site. She did not think twice to take
a scarf from her sofa and put it on my head. Again, she did not have
much but had such a giving, generous heart. Our visit at Tileagd was
far too short. 
Smiles has been working with, and is in a similar state
to what Tileagd was in ten years ago. Life seems to be far more
chaotic there, with no order or much respect for others but more
importantly for oneself. As difficult as it is, this community needs a
lot of love poured into them, to restore their faith in mankind. This
is a big project and a challenge for Smiles. However, they have
improved life for Tileagd and so I have no doubt that they can do the
same for Salard.
forward
to seeing and spending time with them again. They came along to the
morning service and impressed the congregation with their performance.
Many people were touched to hear of their background and to hear how
much they had achieved despite this. The response they received was
very positive and many showed an interest in going on a Mission trip
next year. The first thing Marina said to me after the service was
‘Shall we go? Let’s do it!’ so now Marina you can’t get out of it! We
went on to enjoy some food and to have fun together.