From DA to the USA

Leeds, England registered UK Charity No.1087961
Kingsport, USA charitable non-profit # 86-0957704
Oradea, Romania registered Charity No.14839712

 
...making smiles in Romania

   homepage
   projects
   mission trips
   support  
   wish list
   fundraising events
   news
   videos
   prayer and praise
   organisation
   contact details
   smiles reports
   Nia's Ministry
   links
   search
   disclaimer
  

 

November 2009 A Month to Remember! As November arrives, I can honestly say that October was one of the greatest months of my life. As most of you know, I was able to spend a week in Leeds as I attended the DA Conference and spent valuable time with Kevin and the staff in Leeds. I really had no idea what to expect -- except that I was giving a presentation at the DA Conference. But the conference was a tremendous experience as I was able to meet every single one of the 9 Development Associates from the UK as well as all the UK trustees and other key figures within the Smiles organization. Every one treated me so well and I learned so much. We talked about plans and objectives for the coming year; we shared ideas and encouraged one another. It was truly a great experience.   After my week in Leeds, I was off to Romania for 10 days to get re-acquainted with the staff and projects there. It has been six years since I was in Romania and I can't even begin to tell you how much has changed. I am not surprised at how effectively Smiles is reaching out to the people in and around Oradea, but it is an overwhelming experience to see it all first-hand. I'm telling you, if you have not been on a Smiles mission trip, you need to immediately make your plans to go in 2010. It will be the greatest experience of your life. I guarantee it. I was able be a part of a true mission trip experience. Even though I was there as part of my development role, I was able to join with a team from the UK. The group really made me feel like a part of their team even though I was the lone American. We experienced so many special things together and I hope that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. As most of you know, the mission trip experience with Smiles is beyond first class. The accommodations are outstanding and the food is out of this world. I think I may miss Luci's cooking the most! I was able to participate in just about every single project. I went on family visits, worked on construction, played wheelchair tennis, visited homeless families, assisted with the VBS, helped with the delivery of two new homes to the gypsy community in Salard (an extra special experience!) and so much more. But I must say a word about what impressed me the most about my time in Romania and that is the staff. The staff that Kevin and Maria have put together is so professional and effective in their duties while also being absolutely passionate about their work -- a rare combination indeed. As I begin to meet with people in the US, the one thing I can say with the greatest conviction is that every penny you contribute to Smiles is being used in the most organized and effective manner possible and is being administered by people who have a deep, deep passion for the needs of the Romanian people. My heart has been both humbled and inspired by the staff in Romania. As we look ahead to November and the months ahead, we have some very exciting things lined up. On November 15th, Kevin and Maria arrive in the US for a 9-day whirlwind tour of meetings. We are very much looking forward to spending time with folks who are critical to the success of Smiles as well as folks who have been involved with us in the past and are looking to re-engage with the foundation for the future. Beyond November, we are looking forward to the Tileagd Choir Tour in the early part of 2010. Keep an eye out for news and announcements along those lines as I am sure that you will not want to miss the choir when they are in concert in your neck of the woods. Please keep in touch and for those I haven’t met yet or spoken to – please drop me an e-mail. As I said last month, I would love to hear from each and every one of you. Now – don’t forget to think about your trip to Romania. I’m definitely coming back next year so let me know when you want to come and we’ll try to put a good American Team together to ‘Change the World’ for some wonderful Romanian folk in need. After the past 10 days here in Romania, I can honestly say, “They need some help”. Look forward to hearing from you. All My Best, Greg Willis Contact by E-mail : USDA@thesmilesfoundation.org or Telephone (423) 239 9525    Previous News from Greg October 2009 September 2009

Return to the homepage

    Page last updated on 06/07/2010 11:49:14 AM
   by ADMIN1

  

© 2009 The Smiles Foundation, All rights reserved