Every week here in Targu Mures our team hikes up a steep hill through the Gypsy Village, Cold Valley. As we walk up the muddy, sometimes snow covered, road, the people wave and say hello and the children run out and give hugs and greetings to all. It is a scene of the pied piper as we journey up to the top where there is an open area and a small playground. The kids come out and are all ready to play and spend time with us.
Our first week, a few of us were invited by one man into his home. (You can see it with the blue roof above). The building had more than one home and his family lived in one sqare room. It was him, his wife, Maria, and their 3 kids. He explained to us how difficult it is for the Gypsy's to find work as the Romanian people generally look down on them. What work they are given does not pay much so they live very simply. The space was warm from a wood burning stove and complete with a small satelite TV, thanks to the Romanian government (don't ask). We prayed for his family and his wife simply stated they needed nothing more than good health. It was very humbling to be with them and they showed such hospitality. The man insisted I warm my hands by their fire! They were precious people and I was especially taken with Maria and her gentle and kind spirit.
The children are all so gorgeous! I can't get over their faces and all the simple joy they seem to have. They are very loving and really like to be held and cuddled. Even the boys, who are around 8-10 years old will run and hug our guys who play soccer with them each visit. The soccer (or football, here in Europe) games seem pretty intense so I avoid getting involved! Each of us has had more than one tumble in the Gypsy Villages. We discussed one night that the nearest major city, Cluj, had a really strange name. We decided that it should have another meaning and after quite a bit of discussion, we deemed slipping in the mud to be Clujing. Now we pray when we go that no one will Cluj!
Many of the children recognize Andi and Michael who are the staff here heading up this ministry now. They like to stay near Andi because she showers them will love and affection. One time I made friends with a little girl also called Andi and her brother Silli (I am spelling these names phonetically) whom I called Silly Silli! They really stuck together and had a great time taking my hand and leading me around to show me what they wanted to do. Andi would say "hello" to get my attention. Most of the kids understand and speak Romanian but some speak Hungarian or Gypsy languages that our translators don't understand. The littlest kids are the hardest to communicate with but I just talk to them in English. They smile and laugh at me and often speak back in their own language. I make up songs with their names and sing to them.
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| Andi |
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| Silli |
It has been an enormous blessing to be able to spend time with the children. It has also been an answer to prayer that, through the children, we have had some invitations to come into their homes and meet their parents as well. Through one girl, Alexandra and her little sister Andi (it's popular!) we have developed relationship with their mom, Aleana. She is 27 and her oldest child is 13. She has a naivity about her and seems so young. Andi and I spent over an hour talking to her, her sister Donna and sister-in-law, Pichi. They all got married quite young, which is typical for their culture. They were very sweet and open sharing about their lives. It was a special time of fellowship for me.
Andi and Michael now have use of a building in the village and will be able to begin some new ministry. We are all very excited about all the different opportunities that will open up through the use of the building. They are now praying as to what the Lord would have them to start next! The people have such great need. It was so sad to hug them all goodbye yesterday as we left the village for the last time, their faces will be remembered and prayed for by me for a long time.
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| It is VERY cold in Cold Valley! |
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