SPOTLIGHT on Sarah Vienna Berchtold

You've all read about the projects, the kids, the hospital and life in Romania. Now it's time for you to read about us! That's right, we asked the staff of FFR a series of questions so that our friends and supporters could know a bit more about us. First up, our fearless President and rock-star extroidinnaire, Sarah Vienna:


How long have you been in Romania? 
I’m going on 13 years now and counting! 

Where are you from originally? 
Born in Massachusetts but grew up in Northern California … I am a Pacific Coast Girl☺ 

What brought you to Romania? How did you start working with FFR? 
God brought me to Romania, however he used my friend who was a former orphan named Daniela. FFR is my baby☺ 

What’s your favorite FFR project and why? 
The hospital project will always be my favorite project of all time. Touch and love are the most important to me in my life and this is what we are doing for those kids. 

What’s one thing from “home” that you miss? 
Besides frozen yogurt, I miss communicating freely with strangers due to the complication of the language barrier. The Romanian language is not easy for me. 

If there was one food or drink that you could bring to a Romanian grocery store, what would it be?
Diet Ginger Ale, and blueberry greek yogurt. Yum! 

Where’s your favorite vacation spot in Romania? Outside of Romania? 
In Romania there is a quiet location outside of Bran near Dracula’s castle. The mountains are to die for and the location brings me back 100 years in time. Outside of Romania I would have to say Italy is my favorite location for a getaway. 

If legality, finances and logistics weren’t an issue, what’s one project you would love to see FFR start? 
An International Adoption Center finding loving families to take in the babies and children in the system. 

If you had to pick a Romanian name for yourself, what would it be? 
Raluca

What’s your favorite traditional Romanian dish? 
Hmm…I could not list a meal, but I do love Romanian fresh fruits and vegetables sold at the market. 

Approximately, how many diapers would you say you’ve changed in the Brasov Children’s Hospital?
Over a 12 year period that would be hard for me to estimate. Take a guess☺ 

If you could spend the day with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be? 
Moses. He was humble, yet strong. I would love to hear about his adventures while living in Egypt. 

Who is your hero? Why? 
Hard to name one, but I have always looked up to Joan of Arc due to her courage and leadership. 

What about the Roma people inspires you to continue working with FFR? 
They deserve a chance in life and they love music like me☺ 

If you were granted one wish, what would that wish be? 
That everyone in the world would come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.