Andy and Angie were recent visitors to the Isaiah Center in Tinca, Romania. It was their 3rd trip to Romania and their 2nd time joining up with Forget Me Not Ministries. I had the awesome opportunity of interviewing them over e-mail after their trip and now I get to share with you all about their experience there and some of their favorite things!
What brought you to Romania the first time and how did you come across FMN?
We started visiting Romania three years ago to work with FCE (Fundaţia Creştină Elim) in Marghita. We volunteered at the orphanage and the hospital there and knew immediately that Romania was a place we would be seeing a lot of – we fell in love with it straight away. Through the friends we made there we met Rachel. Last year, we visited Rachel, Erin, Iza and the beautiful kids at the Isaiah Centre for a day and just knew that we had to go back for longer. This year we had the opportunity to go for a longer period and are already looking forward to next year’s visit!
What kind of changes did you notice between last summer and this at the IC? Within the village? The kids?
God has done amazing things at the Isaiah Centre and in Tinca. All of the children at the Centre have made such an improvement over the past year – you can see how they have all thrived and blossomed with the great love, care and attention that Rachel, Erin, Dave, Rodica and Tim have given them. They are all getting to know God’s love and they now know that they are His children. The children really pray when they have their worship sessions (although Simona still peeks when they are meant to have their eyes closed which is just gorgeous and makes me laugh every time!). In the village you can see the trust that the people have built up with Rachel and now Dave, with his football (soccer) ministry. As we drove through the village the men were all calling out his name - it is fantastic that they have somewhere to focus their energy and something to look forward to. We were invited into so many homes and were welcomed with hugs, smiles and hand-holding.
Do you or Andy have a favorite amongst the kids?
Andy’s favourite is definitely Alex – he loves everything about him from his cheeky little grin to the funny faces he makes. He also loves his determination, particularly this year – he was happiest when he was walking and always interested in what everyone was doing!
I find it so hard to choose a favourite; I just love them all so much! Abel is amazing, God has real plans for that little boy and I can’t wait to see where life takes him! He has come so far over the past year and is now so much more mature and focused; you can really see what an affect all the loving he has received has had on him. Samu is just precious with that gorgeous grin and those eyes can make you melt! Florica with her beautiful smile and amazing hugs, once she gives you a hug you don’t want to let go! Simona has cheekiest smile and when she says ‘I love you’ you just want to take her home! Maria is simply gorgeous; she has such a personality and is just such fun to spend time with. Marianna is such a little girl, she loved showing off her new hair band, bracelets and skirt that we got her, dancing around grinning! Calina is a little cutie, all of the children love looking after her and she so freely gives cuddles! I just think they all have such amazing personalities and are all just precious!
In your words, what is the gypsy village like?
The village is amazing! When we first went I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement – this soon gave way to joy and a feeling of completely fitting in as soon as we got out and went to speak to the families. They were all so welcoming, and this year in particular we felt the trust that they have for Rachel and her team. The children are great - they love giving hugs, showing off their dancing, having their picture taken and chatting away. We were asked into many homes to pray with the families and they all seemed genuinely happy to see us. We went to pray with a lady who has cancer. Her parents welcomed us in with open arms, making us food and inviting us back.
Why do you keep returning to Romania?
Romania feels like home. As soon as we cross the border from Hungary into Romania we both feel so happy and excited. It is amazing seeing the work that God is doing through Rachel and her team and to see the children truly thrive from the love and care they receive. We can’t imagine not returning to Romania – it is a place we will always go back to and a place we will always see as a huge part of our lives. It is truly on our hearts all the time. When we are back in Dubai or England we look back at our photos daily and will speak to anyone willing to listen about all the great work and the amazing people we have had the chance to meet.
How do you see FMN impacting the area?
I think FMN is doing a great job of gradually improving the area. Rachel has taken the children in whom she sees have the most need to be there and has made sure she hasn’t turned into an institution. She has gained the trust of many people in the village and the children she cares for are growing in faith and self-confidence. The families are responding to Rachel in such a positive way.
What activities were you able to participate in while in Tinca?
We were very lucky to be able to be the first people to stay in one of the new apartments, which was great! We spent time with the children at the Centre doing craft activities, playing, dancing and laughing! In Tinca, we went with a team from the UK who were visiting to worship in the village, spend time praying with families and just ‘hang out’ with the kids (painting their nails, dancing, taking photos).
You guys fundraised for the van and roof - what led you to do that?
We feel so privileged to have met Rachel, Erin and Dave and to be able to visit the Centre spending time with the kids and seeing what they do every day. We felt that we wanted to help in any way that we could when we were not able to be in Romania. Working in Dubai has given us the opportunity to work in schools with very privileged families. These families want to support charities and like the fact that with FMN they always get a specific need (not just a request for lots of money) and they get updates on where their donations have gone, through photos and newsletters! When people see the pictures and videos, they feel that they are helping to make a difference with these children.
What is it like joining in the work that Rachel is doing?
It is amazing! Rachel just has a real radiance shining from her. She works so hard and God has really put these children and the village on her heart. You can see that she is working 100% for the children. She has the biggest heart and always makes us feel so welcome.
What is your favorite moment from this past trip? If you can pick one?
It is so hard to pick one thing but I have to say my favourite moment was listening to Abel pray in the village for the first time. He was so excited and spoke so well; clear and focused on what he wanted to say. It truly was an amazing moment to see a child of that age who has had such a tough life standing up there in front of his village praying for them.
What is your favorite thing about Romania?
Old and new friends, God’s beautiful children and the sunflower fields!
About Angie and Andy:
Angie and Andy are in their early thirties and currently live and work at schools in Dubai. They met while teaching at a school for very under-privileged children in the U.K., and they got married three years ago in England. Andy is originally from England and Angie grew up in America; she is half English and half Mauritian. In Angie’s words, “Teaching in Dubai is great - we have 57 nationalities at our schools and meet a fantastic mix of people! There is a lot to see and do from skiing at the mall (real snow, very cold!), to all kinds of beach activities, shopping, sports etc. We have been here 5 years and are now thinking about our next move…hopefully to Romania! We have a few ideas in mind at the moment so we’ll what God has planned for us!”
Thanks so much for sharing with us about your trip to Romania, Angie and Andy!!!
September 17th, 2009 at 2:30 am
What a great article! Such an informative look at the whole scene over there from some fresh eyes. Keep the updates coming.
September 17th, 2009 at 4:57 am
God has blessed all those who give of them selves to do his work and the world will be a better place for it..
September 17th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
YAY Katie! Looks awesome!! So encouraging to read again! Thanks for posting…
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