Volunteer Experiences
Casa Silvia, Romania - Summer 2009
Casa Silvia is home to 6 children with learning disabilities in Marghita in Romania. Some of whom have come from local institutions. They now know a loving caring family environment. Prospects send volunteers each summer to supplement the staff team during the holidays. The volunteers organise activities for the children which are aged from 4 to 16 years old.
Julie from Switzerland went out for a fortnight in August with Sharon, another volunteer. Here are their experiences of the children.
The expression of joy in a smile.
Alina Holding her hands and patting them on her tummy brought a smile to her face.
Going in to get her up one morning she gave me a big smile as I talked to her.Lavinia When she wandered into the photo of a wedding party in the park that made lots of people smile.
We sat at a roadside cafe and gave her an ice cream cone and she laughed at every lick which made us also laugh.Silvia "I am happy" she would say as we took her out for a walk. After she had done her hair with pretty bands and was told her she was beautiful would have a big smile of delight on her face. Marius A smile came onto his face when he was stamping on a dance mat, also at meal times when he was given the sauce he wanted. Remus A cuddle,or clicking your tongue like the sound of a galloping horse or watching a real horse when we were out brought a smile to his face. Diana " Oh my goodness" she said as she smiled and laughed nearly all the time until we had to say goodbye and then she cried.
Volunteering in Romania – Summer 2008
What an experience and blessing! On arriving in Marghita full of
anticipation, I was met by friendly English speaking people. The
accommodation was better than expected, excellent in fact! Casa Silvia
the home for five children with a learning disability was just like the
homes in England. The children are beautiful full of joy and smiles.
The main lesson I learnt was that, small things like walking to the
town was such a blessing to them. I learnt to sit and enjoy joy their
presence. It was a lot slower pace than my job in England which took a
little getting used to. But such a joy! I was able to bring my skills
to the home manager and help her to see how she could set up her own
home and manage Casa Silvia from a distance. They are very open to
learning new skills and very happy if you just spend the time with the
children. There is no pressure.
I visited the gypsy camps which was very poor. But people always
gave us a smile. The most shocking place was the local institute
because you could not tell if the adults were male or female. They were
poorly clothed and left to fend for themselves. We took music and games
and spent time worshipping the Lord. Amazingly, their prayers brought
tears to my eyes, not once did anyone ask for something for themselves.
The prayers were always for others who were worse off than themselves.
They were such a blessing. I have the bug and my heart has been lost to
Remus a 14 year old boy that helped me realize that God loves us all
and his love is pure. I have made some good friends and visit
regularly. I have been able to support another family with their
medication. I would recommend going even if it is just for one trip.
You will not be disappointed.
