Romania - Project hope
Reflections on our 10th Anniversary Visit - Paul & Caroline Martin
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We went to Romania to celebrate ten years of Project Hope. Before going Paul came across some old photos of 2001 when we were painting windows and doors and Paul, Pete and Costica were rendering and painting the outside. The land was uncultivated and barren.
We were all excited to go including Amelia. We were looking forward to seeing Costica, Gabi and Marian and all the children especially Debora and Mădă, Amelia's special Romanian friends. After a long plane and train journey when we approached Podari we could see a new Hollywood style sign on the hill "Podari" we were home! It was good to be together again and enjoy Gabi's lovely food!! Some went exploring outside in the dark but I waited until morning. I was amazed and marvelled at the laden fruit trees, apple, pears and apricots amongst others and the abundance of other produce. The piglets and the new calf were great: a sign of God's goodness and blessings. Very different from the derelict building and land bought ten years ago. What a beautiful and peaceful place it's become!!
We spent many times in worship and prayer under the walnut tree seeking God's direction. The first afternoon there we walked and Amelia cycled into Podari to do shopping. We saw some of the changes in the village new houses being built and water pumps now working outside homes. Our first night Thursday we were invited to a celebration in Craiova by the Vineyard church who had been doing outreach in the park with Florence and Ken and a visiting team from Germany. They prayed for us and our project. It was exciting to hear what had been happening in the park and how people had been saved.
On Friday we went shopping for the food we needed for the BBQ we were to have on Saturday to celebrate ten years, to which we were inviting our neighbours and members of the local churches. I purchased a large paddling pool for Amelia and us to dip in as the temperature reaches over 30+. The local children thought it was great - some getting in with their clothes on. Saturday morning arrived and started with our usual prayer and worship under the walnut tree. After lunch preparations began for our celebrations . tidying up the grounds, chairs and tables out - with people due to arrive at 5ish .
It was good to welcome old friends: some involved for many years. Mario led the worship - a young teenager when we first met him - now a worship leader; Alin - a doctor and members of his church; Corina who worked for us, her husband and daughter; Namarin and his wife and many others. We started with a lovely time of worship. We shared fellowship over a BBQ feast. Next day Sunday we were invited to a church in Craiova. It was good to share with them. It was a three hour service. Worship teaching and prayer ministry. After lunch Paul, Amelia and I went for a stroll along the river Jiu stopping at the little beach by the bridge for a dip. Early evening we had a children's worship time under the walnut tree. This is when Vali our neighbour's son gave his life to the Lord. He had been coming to us since he was little. What joy. Please pray for him.
Monday was spent shopping and buying train tickets. We bought a wooden gazebo and picnic bench with some donated monies (This took three and half hours - nothing is easy in Romania.) The gazebo will be good for keeping them in the shade.
Tuesday we went for a walk through the village heading for the Podari sign. We stopped and prayed with one family who Angela had known before. We went past the gipsy site and sang worship songs and prayed with them. Many children on the way around the village shouted out "Amelia". She has become known and loved by the children here.
We headed for the hill and spent time looking over the village by the Podari sign and praying. We headed down stopping at the village well for refreshment and a break from the heat. We headed home for lunch and a rest before our planned horse and cart ride to Namarin's house - hospitality we always enjoy. Heading home for supper and a game of cotton reels (need to ask Lizzie what that is.)
Wednesday was our last day. It was good to spend our last morning in worship and praying for one another, even little Amelia. With sadness at parting, in praying we will be together.
Paul & Caroline Martin
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