"Close the door firmly"

This morning, as we left the building, we noticed a new note posted on the door downstairs. It read "Please make sure door is closed firmly." The note was both in Romanian and English - a thoughtful extra from the anonymous poster. While for security reasons it makes perfect sense to not allow unwanted individuals in the building, the ultimate fear is of Rroma (Gypsies).

Though in much lesser numbers than in years past, Gypsies are still a sizeable minority in Romania. There are many types of gypsies - some have become mainstream while others have maintained their own cultural identity. Even those in the mainstream are easily identifiable, often by their colorful language, facial features, etc. But it is the traditional gypsies most people fear and denigrate. Just this past week as I've visited one of the major hospitals in the city, I noticed a rather large group of gypsies camped outside the main ER entrance, while a smaller group was pushing their way into the hospital, though unsuccessfully because they could not get passed the guards. I went there three times this past week and I noticed their presence every time. Daniela and Lexi accompanied me on Friday, as we stopped by after picking them up from school, and I could not help but become rather cautious and protective of them when we went passed them. But then I realized what major cultural baggage I carry that stands in the way of effectively making Christ known to this minority. Thankfully, we've met missionaries in Bucharest who are here to minister to the volatile Gypsi community. And this exactly is why it is the entire Church that has been given the task of making Christ known to anyone and all. When and where we can't go, there are others who will do it. When and where you can't go, we are going to fulfill that purpose.


Speaking of the major hospital that I visited several times this past week, this was trully quite an experience. As I walked the hallways of the hospital, I was passed by rolling gurneys with people laying on them, some dressed, some unconscious and half-dressed, some moaning in pain, some possibly gone. This being an emergency hospital, the hallways were packed with people. Many were visiting family members and were bringing the necessary: food, water, clothing, medication, bathing supplies, etc. Hospitals in Romania are terribly underbudgeted and cannot afford luxuries such as gowns, extra medication, toilet paper, or drinking liquids. These are brought in by the patient's family. This particular hospital must have undergone a renovation in recent years as half of it was modernized and half was not. Modernized in the sense that tiles covered the walls instead of pealing paint, it had new doors and windows, and a new elevator. There are no private rooms, only wards hosting up to 15 individuals. Between beds there is a distance of not more than two feet, exactly enough space for an individual bedside stand with drawers to put in the food received from home and a change of clothes. Sitting up at the side of these army field beds would most certainly cause someone to bump knees against the neighbor's bed.

- C