We visited with Philippe Beaulne, Canadian Ambassador to Romania to tell him about our work and to find out if there were any Canadian humanitarian efforts going on in Romania, with whom we might partner. No photos allowed in the Embassy.
That's where we learned about Paul Katz. Originally from Ontario, Paul has been in Romania for 15 years working as a humanitarian missionary. He met his wife here and they now have 4 children. Among other things, they have "adopted" the little village of Filipeni where they provide clothing, school supplies etc. to the children there. He took us for a visit to Filipeni:
A little village up in the hills. Dirt roads, no running water (they get their water from a well).
The typical mode of transportation. Very few have cars. We see people travelling in these carts all over - carrying people or hauling goods or both.
This school (K - 4) is accessed by a long stairway up the hill. There is lots of property.
But this is the only playground "equipment".
The school's washroom facilities.
One of their new classrooms. The large red object is a ceramic wood-burning heater. You can see the small firebox on the side. They build a small fire in the box; smoke snakes up through the heater and out the chimney while the ceramic holds the heat for a long time.
Sorry for the glare in this photo. Here is a class of happy kids. Randy said to Paul, "These kids seem quite well dressed." Paul said, "Yes, we brought all those clothes to them yesterday."
Vicky meets Mayor Banu at his office while Randy uses the washroom in the park across the street:
Outside view. Wait for it......
Inside view.
We were charmed by the sweet kids in this village.
Randy's kabitzing gets some smiles. We hope to come back to Filipeni.
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