Krystal, our mentor for the summer, took the interns – Alice, Elly, and I – to Galați, Romania, to visit another Word Made Flesh center. We had been interning at La VIA in Chișinău, Moldova, for two weeks and we were going on an excursion to one of our neighboring communities in Galați, Romania. All of us had different callings from God to move to Moldova, a country none of us have ever been to and a place where our families and friends knew nothing about. Even though each of us came with different reasons, we were called to listen, learn and serve the community for the next six weeks. I came through my global honors program where we are sent to a different culture that we have never been exposed to before and work with a Christian organization. I wanted to be able to use the gifts that God has given me to help others be seen. We had the opportunity to cross the border by bus, which turned out to be quite an adventure. With minimal air conditioning and a bumpy ride that left some of us feeling car sick, the journey was certainly a challenge for me. However, looking back, it was all part of an experience that I will never forget.
During our five-day stay in Galați, one of the highlights was the hour-long chapel at the center. I was fascinated with the small building that was dedicated as a chapel, where every physical detail had a story to tell. They all came together to create a special space for the staff to gather every day. Inside the chapel, there is a crucifixion statue, made of metal, hanging on the wall, which was built by some of the staff and children who used to attend the program. In the center of the room, there is a piece of cloth, woven from fabrics brought from each Word Made Flesh location, and it serves as a reminder to pray for each place.
Every morning, the staff gathered to dwell on the Word of God before starting the day with the children, to mentally and spiritually prepare for the day. This time of prayer and reflection not only allowed the staff to hear the plans that God has for the center, but also allowed a space for them to pray for one another in Christ. Reflecting on this experience, I believe all of us who want to do God led work should adopt this approach of starting the day together in prayer, and gain strength from God’s Word. Pictured: Shoes are removed before entering the chapel room at WMF Romania. This image captures a large group gathering in the morning to rest and receive from God before starting their work for the day.
As our last day in Romania neared, Elly and I who stayed with one of the educators, Monica, had a chance to have a conversation over dinner. Naturally, our talk led to the challenges educators face when working with kids from vulnerable families, and how it can take a toll on them mentally and physically after long days. Then, we started talking about the living conditions of the children at the center. I heard a heartbreaking story about one child’s unstable family situation, where there are no daily routines, no daily rhythms with their parents, who are supposed to provide stability in their lives. The children are often left behind, because their mother works as a prostitute in a different country. Even when the mother desires to come back to stay with her children, the temptation of money and a comfortable life makes it challenging for her to stay. Hearing this left me speechless; I felt a mix of frustration towards the mother for her life choices and sympathy for the challenging circumstances that she finds herself in. My heart especially went out to the children, who have no choice but to live in an unhealthy and unstable family environment.
Monica also shared some photos of the homes of vulnerable families from her recent visit. These were taken during the winter when there was snow and I saw their kitchen, bedroom, and the exterior of the house which looked like a small wood cabin. There was no division between these rooms and I could feel the cold just by looking at them. This made me humbly aware of my own privilege and blessings I have in my life. Being grateful for what God has provided for me in my life and even the little things that I often forget is a gift. I am thankful that I have clean water to drink, have food for 3 meals every day and clothes to wear. I prayed that this realization is not just a one-time feeling as a result of emotions but a lasting lesson in following Christ’s teachings. I couldn’t help but ponder the question of justice and fairness. Why are some children born into loving, stable families, receiving full care and affection, while others are born into single-parent households or even lack parents altogether? I reminded myself of Proverbs 31:8-9 and asked God to “open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.” I believe that I need strength from God to act upon the feelings and thoughts that He has placed in me.
Eventually, it led to asking myself: How can I follow what Jesus has taught me to do in this season of life as a college student? How can I continue to live in a way that honors the feeling that I have felt visiting Word Made Flesh Romania and put into action?
– Jasmine Yoo, WMF Moldova Summer Intern 2024