An Emotional Testimony: What to Expect When You're Volunteering

I had such an amazing time during my two weeks in Brasov Children’s Hospital and cannot put into words just how blessed I feel to have been given the opportunity to go and care for babies, spend time in Brasov and see God’s people do His work with His love in their hearts. I met volunteers from Sweden, China, France, Germany, America and Canada – all wanting to do good, kind things for others –some things that were a pleasure to do like cuddling babies and others that weren’t always quite so pleasant (some of those nappies…! ). Who could doubt that God is at work when across the border in Ukraine civil war is a possibility?

I felt so welcomed by the Firm Foundation full time volunteers and staff, Romanian staff at hospital and the children in the pre-school and after school clubs. The teenagers were lovely and chatty and on top of that I had the privilege of being part of a ‘Roma Boot drop’ – all the kid’s received a pair of Roma boots – we don’t stock Roma boots in Britain but it’s an ethical brand – buy a pair and Roma boots will give a pair away to a Roma child – those boots may be the first/only pair of shoes they have! I listened to Jason Castro singing ‘Enough’ to Roma children and some families and felt part of something far bigger than myself. Thank you, Jason! (Look at the FFR, Roma Boots and Jason’s Facebook pages as well as FFR Blog for more details)

I am an older volunteer (in my mid 50’s) and wondered how I would fit in but I just felt at home! I would love to come back for longer – I’m not sure if that is a possibility but I know I’ve left a little bit of my heart in the wards with the babies.

I just want to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart to Sarah, Steffi, Mary, Realene and Alisha for making it all possible and having such vision for the children of Romania. Also thanks to fellow volunteers Karin, Tom, Eliz, Lisa, Monika, David and Ramona – I loved meeting you and hope we’ll keep in touch. Lydia, Juliana and Mada thank you so much for letting me work alongside you in Budila. Babies, children and teenagers - may your lives be blessed and may you always know the Father’s love and that you are ‘Enough’.

Melanie Gray, April 25th 2014