A first-timer reflects on her visit to Caminul Felix Romania.
In July, my husband, Mike, and I had the privilege of visiting and serving at Caminul Felix Romania. I call it a privilege because even though we went on this trip to help and bless the families there, we ended up being the ones who were blessed. We absolutely fell in love with the mission of Caminul Felix and the families there.
I’ll start a little further back because some of you might have circumstances similar to ours causing you to think you could never take a trip like this. We live in Iowa, and I’ve known Bill and Wendy from a distance for about 35 years. Last summer while visiting California, Mike and I had coffee with them. Bill mentioned the trip to Romania and to my surprise my husband jumped on board. He’s not big on travel but he does love working so a work trip was just his cup of tea.
Mike farms and he worked tirelessly to ensure everything crop-related was complete before we left, and I was able to use vacation time at my work. We took separate flights from the rest of the group due to our location. We didn’t know anyone on the trip other than Bill and Wendy and when we arrived in Budapest, we met twelve travelers that welcomed us like old friends. A few hours later we arrived to a warm welcome at Caminul Felix Romania.
Over the next week we were able to meet several of the families as each night we went to a different home for the evening meal. They were loving and generous and took time to share the joys and difficulties of raising large families comprised of wonderful kids in need of forever families - sometimes due to tragic or traumatic experiences. These parents take very seriously their role in raising these children as their own in a safe, Christ-centered home filled with love. Every day they are the hands and feet of Jesus, living out the Bible’s commands to love others and take care of orphans.
During my time at Caminul Felix several of us were able to work in Sunflower Designs. Sunflower Designs is a textiles company that provides a job and education in sewing and crafts to young people growing up in Caminul Felix, allowing them to learn a marketable skill. All of the items made at Sunflower Designs are hand cut and stitched, top quality products with fun designs and patterns. I spent the week cutting material from patterns, stuffing the arms and legs for toy bunnies, and cutting apart worn out jeans to be repurposed into stylish bags. While we worked these small tasks, the employees of Sunflower Designs were able to focus on the actual construction of items, all the while teaching us phrases in Romanian and telling us about their lives. Many hands made light work, and much was accomplished!
On our last day at Sunflower Designs we took a long break with the employees and each person had time to share their story. Many of the stories had tragic and difficult circumstances with many feeling lifelong effects of challenges they have been through. However, each story was a blessing, showing God’s call to each of us and His faithful work in the lives of those who trust in Him. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning: Great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
We chose to take a leap of faith and join the 2024 trip to Romania. God in turn blessed our time and showed us what He is up to half-way around the world. I encourage you to join in this ministry, whether it be on a mission trip, monetarily supporting the staff, or sponsoring a child. There is a place for everyone to join in God’s amazing work through Caminul Felix.
Amy Snider
