A letter from Liz Searles serving in Romania
October 2014 - A Sorrow and a Success Story
Greetings from Tulcea, Romania, where the birds are flying over in migrating droves . . . or gaggles—whatever ;-)
First the big sorrow of the week, so we don't end on a sad note. Jenny (name changed), a promising and bright 10th grader, is not in school this fall.
Her mother abandoned her at birth. Jenny never has known a life outside of Tulcea County institutions. And yet Social Services and a judge tracked down Jenny's birth mother. They sought to "reintegrate" Jenny and her younger brother with their unknown and destitute Roma family in a village with no high school. Although this move defies good sense, it is an economic win-win for both the mom and for Social Services. Mom gets to receive the $1,500 that was accruing for when Jenny and her brother turned 18. That's a powerful and immediate economic incentive to accept Social Services' reintegration initiative, designed to reduce costs and numbers in county institutions.
Jenny regularly attended Bible Study and small-group activities. We all had hoped that she would pass the university entrance exam, complete university, and break the cycles of dependency, poverty and abandonment. Now she says she wants to take some time off. She will care for five younger siblings. Dropping out of school in Romania and returning is difficult.
NOROC staff did everything in their power to advocate for Jenny's education, to talk to Social Services personnel, and even to talk with the judge. As you know, we at NOROC must walk a very fine line when we advocate. We could lose access to institutionalized kids in a heartbeat. We are all feeling shocked, angry, and near tears that such a decision could be made after every effort to avert just this outcome.
Yet successes and potential successes revive hope. Here, for example, is an amazing unsolicited testimonial from a courageous young woman of faith who was able to walk with NOROC mentors through high school and university. Here is an excerpt from her letter:
Dear “Noroc” people,
The reason why I am writing to you is a simple one: I do not want to go further into another stage of my life without telling you that I owe you a debt of gratitude … Without you all many of the good things that happened in my life could not have been possible. This summer I got my master’s degree and I got out of the state protection system. I have reached that moment in my life when I feel that … I can be “on my own feet,” just like any other young person of my generation…
The thought that I want to convey is that little by little, with every situation in which you helped me, every experience that you prepared for me and I went through, every kind word, smile and openness to understand my condition, to believe in me—all these had a contribution to my formation as a person and helped me to make my way in life. For me there is no doubt that through “Noroc,” through Mrs. Janice H. (who sponsored me during my college years), God has shown His love and care for me, my sisters and my younger brother.
And now let me tell you a few words about my present situation. In July I got my master’s degree in project management. For one year I have worked for the UNOPA Federation (National Union of Organizations of people affected by HIV/AIDS) as a project assistant and I consider this job as a blessing for my career: here I have found people who are real professionals and devoted to their work. My boyfriend Corneliu and I got engaged a few months ago and our plan is to get married next year in April. We would be delighted if you could come to our wedding!
This is a period in which I see the goodness of God in every area of my life. I know that life won’t always be sunny and smiley, but I see no reason why I cannot be glad and thankful for what it offered me in the past and what I have got at present. That is why I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart! May God bless you and guide you to help other young people like me!
Yours with gratitude, Daniela Ciudesnic
10 September 2014
Other joys:
1. Saturday we had a very successful hands-on Granny training. The goals were to communicate that "Play is the work of the child" and that every little boomerang interaction is a possibility to change a life.
We used the story about Marilyn Monroe feeling loved when one of her many foster moms was powdering her nose and took the powder puff and pouffed Marilyn on the nose. It took a nanosecond, but Marilyn remembers that as THE moment when she felt loved.
NOROC's Big-Hearted Grannies discussed questions to draw out sharing in small groups, played new learning games, had fun, and lunched on fortifying pizza and pastries. Each Granny received a certificate from the training, a carnation, a small monetary bonus and two afghans for winter.
2. NOROC's "Eu Pot!" (meaning "I Can!") school attendance program begins Tuesday. This term we'll work with 60 kids on 10 behaviors of a good student.
3. And, we're preparing to visit the 20 elementary school boys from the largest orphanage, Speranta, who last week were moved to the repurposed Mahmudia facility (see photo of kids moving). As often as we can we'll pack a van full of their friends and a few staff so we can see how they’re doing, celebrate birthdays, share some songs, bells, and Bible study, and rotate groups for a craft/English activity, laptop computer time (two on a laptop), counseling with a psychologist, and active outdoor fun.
Please keep in your prayers all orphaned, abandoned, abused and exploited children—especially Jenny and girls like her—won't you? Every time institutionalized kids begin to feel as if their environment is stable and they have ongoing relationships with safe adults, something or someone stirs the pot. The result is a psychic fatigue that contributes to more chaos and more poor choices.
Your prayers and gifts make you a part of NOROC's ministry of critical presence and care, especially when you support Big-Hearted Grannies. Thank you for continuing to make new opportunities possible for so many Romanian orphaned children.
Pray that NOROC—God's Blessings—will be theirs.
Leaning forward in faith . . .
Liz
Elizabeth Searles
partnered with NOROC, Inc.—"New Opportunities for Romanian Orphaned Children"
PC(USA) Mission Co-worker and
Global Ministries Mission Associate (UCC and DOC)
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 317
Read more about Liz Searles' ministry
Write to Liz Searles
Individuals: Give online to E200499 for Liz Searles' sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507503 for Liz Searles' sending and support
Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).