Day #8 - Heaven never looked so good!

Today was our recharge day as we didn't have to work at the hospital or village. We did, however, get to do some pretty cool things. First of all, we drove about an hour outside the city to a place where there is a special-needs orphanage. We got to see the four house-like buildings that comprised the housing and practical facilities such as class rooms and learned a few things. About 60+ special needs individuals live at the orphanage and their independence varies. I was informed that most of the young adults that we saw there today were actually there from childhood and would likely stay there until they died. Unlike the U.S., there are no jobs and no rehab/training for these people so the orphanage IS their life. The staff were all warm and welcoming and I could tell that they loved those young adults which was good to see after some of the hostility I was used to seeing in some of the nurses at the hospital. The orphanage provides the residents with activities and practical training in motor-skills and some hobbies which they employ to pass the time. As can be expected, the residents loved the visitors and it seemed that each of our group members were selected by one resident or another with which to lavish their little gifts - namely colored pictures, braided bracelets, and some photographs they had of themselves. We gave a few gifts ourself which were fruit and candy, both of which they enjoy very much and it was cool to spend some time with them.
Going back some years in Romanian history, special needs children were completely neglected and Romanians were actually taught that a "special needs romanian" didn't exist; they were a perfect race. That idea, though ignorant and foolish, became common opinion and it wasn't until the special needs orphans were seen in their hid-away orphanage that people actually realized they existed. Today the children are acknowledged and programs designed (though somewhat basic) to take care of these people to the best of their knowledge and the expertise they have to offer.
After we returned from our orphanage visit, we got some down time then went to a birthday party at a dear family's house from the church we visited last sunday, an acquaintance Scott had made on a previous trip. We weren't sure what to expect but we went hoping for a good time and I can honestly say, the family and their friends delivered! The small apartment that the family lived in was jammed full of friends and family plus our 8 member team and I assure you, it was most definitely standing room only. However cramped the house was, however, the warmth of the Romanians overwhelmed any discomfort the team felt. Although a few couldn't speak english, most could and we were able to have wonderful, meaningful, laughter-filled conversations with a group of Romanian believers. While the purpose of the gathering was to celebrate another year of life for one person, it turned into a glorious celebration of all of our lives, united under the Lordship of Christ. Much to my surprise, the birthday party was filled with some reading of a few Bible passages of blessing and many worship songs. The group was so accommodating and sang songs that we also sang in America which allowed the whole room, both Romanian and American alike, to lift up their voice in one song. Although we were singing in two different languages, the unity I felt as I looked around that room couldn't be stopped by language; it was much bigger than that. It was an experience I wish everyone gets to taste one time or another in their life. Heaven never sounded so good as it does at this moment.
There are so many things that won't fit into this blog that I wish I could include; there are so many details that are rushing into my mind right now that I don't have room to write; there are conversations, feelings, impressions, and revelations that could I could fill a book with. But you know, I don't thing I want to. Some things won't ever fit into words; its the way things are. And you know, I think some things were never meant to...

<3 Lindsay