I think I will break this down into a few sections including travel tips, education, and photos. I am sure I could ramble on but I do value your time and appreciate that you have followed this journey with me. Just to see this blog get approx. 400 page views blog-gles my mind (ok...bad pun but it fit) :)
First and foremost I am very grateful to EuroAid Canada and its executive director, Kevin Campbell for allowing me to join him on this journey to explore and see the wonderful works they are doing with agencies that so desperately need the help. Without him I would also not have so much humour and from such a seasoned traveller to boot :) Be sure to check out their website for more info (new website will be planned at a future date too...hopefully sooner rather than later).
TRAVEL TIPS:
I have come to the conclusion that if you are tall or larger or both then international travel better be a passion for you because the practicality of it is something to be desired. If you are in this position and need that little bit more room and have not got the cash nor justification to go first class then get yourself an exit aisle seat or bulkhead. Now this is important...keep your knees and elbows out of the aisle if you have an aisle seat as I am almost positive that whacking passenger joints is a contest for flight attendants worldwide. I have had this issue domestically and internationally and why they cannot tell you to move your knee or elbow before hitting it with a trolley is beyond me. I am sure they rack up points that they tally up online and see who gets the most points per week or month. And before I am told it is my responsibility please realize that this has happened while sleeping too so excuse me for not training my body to stay in a very closed in space for an entire flight. Ok...that rant is over.
Never ever eat flight food that is called pasta feta on Lufthansa as it is just a really bad idea...trust me. The dessert was good though. And if you start eating something that just does not taste so good...stop eating even if you are hungry. You will thank me for this tip.
It may seem that all my tips are based on flights but that is probably because I see so many glitches in the system. IF the airline industry was the matrix we would all know we were in it :)
Do not eat food that has to be washed in countries not known for the health of their water supply. No offence Romania but me not having a fresh salad for so long is your fault plain and simple. Dukoral is a good idea to have before a trip like this and may prevent certain issues for you but simple wisdom and sticking to cooked foods is your safest bet. I did however enjoy your architecture in Cluj so you get a pass for that.
If you have the option to take a train through the mountains or drive it...take the train. Travel by car from Cluj to Oradea was hair raising at times and to think that all that separates you from the next lane is pothole 2 feet wide is not a secure thought to have...although Kevin did think he saw a gift shop in one of those pot holes.
If you have long car rides do yourself a favour and nap when you can unless you are driving as sleep is something your body may not be adjusted to yet from your former time zone and Skyping with your loved ones back home is more important than sleep (at least it was for me). I did miss my family I must admit.
Be sure to have bottled water on hand at all times for brushing teeth and hydration of course.
I still don't know why there are two options for flushing toilets but I think one is for power flush and the other is for tinkles only. Don't know but that is what I think.
Make sure you carry your chargers with you on your carry on in the event you have to stay overnight in a hotel (paid for by airline of course) so you don't have to resort to using archaic technology to simply do your social posting or catch the news. And yes...this did happen to Kevin. I gladly extended one of my extra chargers out of pure pity to the man I thought had it all figured out when he said that he did not need his luggage for any reason at the airport and to send it on down to Bucharest :)
I have many more tips I could go on about but it boiled down to being wise and simple and aware of your surroundings at all times. Always carry yourself strong in Romania as there are many just perched to leap on a what they see as a wounded gazelle. I would not recommend travelling Romania alone for a number of reasons but the best reason not to travel alone is for security and comradery...plain and simple.
EDUCATION:
After the fall of communism the onset of the free market means rush hour traffic everywhere. It does also mean more varieties of cars to look at while stuck in traffic too.
Poverty appears to have systemic issues no matter where you go in the world and through programs that develop self esteem, direction and opportunity...those are the societies that will win at least some of the war on poverty. It will take some time still for some countries to recognize their poor and do something about it but realize that there are a number of agencies filling in those gaps and supporting them is a great idea through your prayers and obviously financial help.
Education and direction for children is paramount in this free world society and anyone who thinks otherwise...can but I think they are wrong (my opinion mind you). It is important to feed the body but you must also feed the brain and the soul too. It is the only holistic approach that works and you can't do one without the other.
Mentorship is absolutely critical for any ministry. IT is not just about passing on the torch but also engaging the next generation so they can add their flavour and knowledge to the mix to not only make it relevant but to keep the agency from going stale. Seeing organizations with leaders who do not have people to carry on afterwards if something happens should never be a reality and yet it exists if you can believe that. The tireless efforts of these passion driven workers needs to continue through others or the work that has been started and all those relationships simply fade away. Just an observation.
Once again I could go on but looking at his from a consultant angle can get tedious for some but hopefully a little humour has helped. Now for some pictures to wrap it up:
The fact the "S" is folded over to reveal what I often think of technology was just too funny and ironic at the same time as I relied on technology for communication to my family and it is the means by which many find opportunity in Romania.
IF you go to Krakow, Poland and see Wawel castle make sure you actually spend time going through it...but pictures of it seem nice don't they? :)
The impressions left on me about Auschwitz will live with me forever but I cannot thank my guide for that but rather my own reflections and knowing what I do about this place. Never, ever forget that this can happen again albeit through different methods. Intolerance, ignorance and hate quickly escalate when patriotism or nationalism is on the line and falling into this trap can happen so easily so be on your guard at all times.
Paying for your own death unknowingly...I can't even fathom that
Check your food and take pictures of it as that is what bloggers do.
This child is perfectly equal in the eyes of God and yet she is easily forgotten.
Life without purpose, direction, self esteem and values leads to poverty but it does not mean we stop caring and don't reach out and help...many have left this for a better life and for that alone do the workers there press on.
Yeah....no. Keep the daytime job Kevin :)
While I did take many photos of the work being done there is something about seeing the impact and fruit of the labour of these workers and the donor's gifts wisely put to use.
I considered it an honour to have had the opportunity to meet these workers in Medgidea as well as the Marcus' in Tulca and the countless others who offer their time and love to help those who don't have a voice and who simply need help.
Only one key chain of more that fit the projects in Medgidea. Who will these keys be passed onto next.?
Once again...could have posted more photos but you have journeyed with us for a while and so the end must come although I could write a book.
When all is said and done it is my family that I am most grateful for. The love and uniqueness of every member in this family kept me going. Alex with his innocent view of life and his care and interest to what I was doing (we will be presenting to his class and maybe his school because of his voice...thank you Alex). Josiah with his unwavering support in the family in whatever was needed...including much humour (gets that from me)...you are an amazing "almost" man. And my Becky whom I missed immensely and whose love showed through in so many ways and still does...words are not possible (especially for the most amazing homecoming everrrr).
Always be grateful for your family, friends and those who support and encourage you for that is what you need to do a trip like this. I came back having a deeper appreciation of what I do have and learning that while I have changed from this somewhat...those changes and the many things gleaned from this for all of us was an experience.
Thank you to all of you for following this part of the journey with me and do feel free to forward this blog on and/or comment if you like too.
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