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A poem from Judy McKie:
A Shelter For You
July 20, 2008
I have the job to end the week, and of summing up today,
And so I’d like to share some thoughts in rhyme, it simply is my way.
I mentioned briefly once last week, that I know God brought me here,
And a purpose He has had for me, although it wasn’t clear.
When Marcel spoke with me in May, I never dreamt I’d come,
Another time when I could better plan, and then I’d gladly help out some.
For every reason that I found and just put in the way,
God took each one and laid it aside, and so I’m here today.
Each one of us made a choice to be here, whatever the motivation,
I believe God uses our talents and strengths and knows our lives motivation.
And He knows each of us personally and knows the reason we serve,
And He will bless each one as is fit, as only we deserve.
I cannot sum up this whole event, I only came last week,
But I have been blessed by all the work, and the words that each one did speak.
You may not ever realise, the difference that you’ve made,
By all the things you’ve done each day, and the words that you may have said.
Ioana and Roxana your task was tough I know, but thank you for your tongue,
To translate everything for us, it wasn’t as easy one.
Claudia I appreciate your work at VBS, and the way you just took charge,
To bring the love of Jesus to these children’s minds which starve.
Then there’s Karl and Vonny for your musical talents, and guiding us along the way,
And Maroria for your humour and jokes, which brightened u each day
Marc, your down to earth approach and just for keeping it real,
And Lisa for your sympathetic approach and noticing how we’d feel
Of course there’s no forgetting those who were daily on the site,
Mara, Mikey and of course Nick, for keeping up the fight.
Who could forget you Carmen for your cheerful and smiling face,
For hitting all those nails this week, with such a crazy pace.
Not to miss out Konrad and Mark, who joined our merry team,
With all the photos that they took, a month is what it did seem.
Daniela, the quiet team player, who worked so faithfully too,
But somehow I think the mobile phone is attached to your ear with glue.
I’ll remember Jellu for the fun we had on the road trip, and the fact that he was wrong,
And I know now he’ll appreciate, that women are smart and strong.
Charles, thank you for your encouragement, through the words that you did speak,
I’ve enjoyed the worships given by all, every day this week.
We can’t forget our super cooks, who’ve kept us all well fed,
Of course one thing will not be forgot along with soup and bread.
The Fanta grape and sweet delights and not forgetting cabbage,
I’m sure it’ll not be top of the list, of foods that Marc will ravage.
The mealtimes, I will miss a lot and the washing up routine,
Your daily paper, scissor, rock challenge, to just see who would clean.
Our experience wouldn’t have been possible without Marcel at the top,
So thanks for your dedication, your motivation and cracking the whip non stop!
Naturally behind every good man, is an even better wife,
Claudette, your commitment was to keeping him sane and keeping him out of strife
What would we have done without you Joshie, with all your cuddles and smiles,
You helped to cheer up a busy day, and make all things worthwhile.
And so we’ve finally finished, “A Shelter for you” is done,
The team worked hard but also grew, together and had fun.
And as we head our separate ways, I have some wishes for you,
Take God with you daily, in everything you do.
I wish you happiness and strength, good luck with al you do,
May the good times always be plentiful, and the bad times they be few.
I wish you well with your future, success in all you try,
Rise up to every challenge, and never wonder why.
And as you look at the photos we took, remember you’ve planted a seed,
Within the lives of those in Zarnesti, now the Holy Spirit will feed.
Thanks for being a smashing bunch, it wiz a rare wee treat,
And hopefully it wont be long, till once again we meet.
A JEM Original 2008
You will find below, a summary of Previous Projects, the background to the Current Project, the details of this Summer's Project - A Shelter for You, the Dates, Cost and Travel arrangements as well as Publications which will help you in your fundraising efforts.
This is the third time the Scottish Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has organized a group of young people from Scotland to travel to Romania to help those facing the cruel realities of life in some areas of the country. On the first trip, the team built two houses for poor people in Bolintin; on the second trip the team helped rebuild three houses for residents affected by the floods of 2005 and fully renovated a local crèche.
Current Project - Background
On this occasion, the group will travel to Zarnesti to assist ADRA in building low-cost houses for eight families in the area, in a joint venture with the local government. Zarnesti, a town located in a picturesque valley between two famous mountain ranges in Romania - Bucegi and Piatra Craiului - saw the closure of the local ammunition factory shortly after the fall of the communist regime leaving the residents without a source of income or the ability to maintain their homes. Entire blocks of flats and houses fell into a state of disrepair which rendered the buildings uninhabitable. When the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) visited the area this winter, they found families seeking shelter in abandoned buildings and even under the open sky. In the meantime, a local volunteer took the initiative to mobilize the locals into renovating the decrepit flats, in an attempt not only to improve their living conditions, but also restoring a sense of self-worth and dignity.
At the moment, one block of flats has been renovated to an acceptable standard of living with the second one is waiting for availability of funds. ADRA joined forces with locals with a passion for their fellow neighbours and put together a three phase plan of action: building low-cost houses for eight families, building a community centre, and employing a social worker and a counsellor to help the people reintegrate into society.
SUMMER PROJECT 2008 - DETAILS
For two weeks this summer (6-20 July), a team of young volunteers from Scotland will partner with young people from various parts of Romania in order to help erecting a second low-cost house for three families without a shelter. The first such house is being worked on as we speak and the intention is that by the time the work will commence on the second building, the first families would have already moved in.
While one team will be working on the building site, another team will be putting on vacation programs for the children. This work will take place outdoors as well as in a recently converted steel container which functions as the meeting place for the children during the cold months of the year.
DATES
COST - a three layer financial arrangement
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Each individual is expected to raise £400 all of which will go directly towards the project itself
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Each individual is responsible for the cost of international travel (the flights from Scotland to Romania). We are expecting this will cost in the region of £200.
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The Scottish Mission of the SDA will contribute £200 towards each individual participating, to cover the cost of local travel, accommodation and food, while in Romania.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Pictures - for a full selection, head over to the photo page.
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