Multnomah University Serve 2019: Galati, Romania Pt. 1

Multnomah University students, along with students from George Fox University, are currently serving in Romania as part of our 2019 MU Serve trip. These trips are designed for students to step into the world and partner with active mission organizations. It is our hope that through these trips, our students will not only learn about themselves and grow as people, but also experience how God is present and working in other parts of the world. In Romania specifically, Word Made Flesh has been serving the poor and supporting the people of the community tangibly for 20+ years. They are doing precisely what Christ has called us to do in His name.

As Americans, we tend to live within the confines of our comfort, but this summer, 10 students chose to give up two weeks of their summers to serve in Galati, Romania. Last week, after three flights, two bus rides, and one train journey, our team reached their destination. In partnership with Word Made Flesh, these students have had the opportunity to build relationships with children and serve the community center where this organization is a central beacon of light for the entire community.

At the center, educators help students from kindergarten to 12^th grade with homework and creative art projects. Social workers make home visits, and therapists provide play therapy to care for community members and to prevent and help break the cycle of poverty in families that suffer from a flawed system. The center also has two amazing cooks that provide every child with a home-cooked and nutritious meal. These staff members help provide these children with holistic development that benefits them both within the doors of the center and in their communities.

Our incredible team of students has partnered with the community center staff in helping with service projects and playing games with the children. Below are some photos of the team’s first few days in Romania. Please partner with us as we continue to pray for these students for the duration of their trip as well as the people of this community and the work of Word Made Flesh. Check back into the Multnomah University blog for more about the trip and the ways in which our students were able to see God at work in Romania.