Wheelchairs for Ploiesti

We took a 40-minute train ride early in the morning.  The station felt just like a scene from Harry Potter.

After a few introductions and short speeches, everyone gathered out in the parking lot to learn how to maneuver in their new chairs. There are very few places in Romania that are wheelchair-friendly.  Therefore it is essential that the recipients receive training and become very skilled in order to get around. The Church gives them the chairs; Motivation Romania gives the training - a great partnership.

The girl in the red jacket was born with her condition.  Two years ago, she was entirely dependent on her mother (standing behind her) to feed, bathe, and dress her.  Now, with the help of her physical therapist (the lady in the long gray sweater on the left) she feeds, and dresses herself and can even stand and take a few steps.

This man had a stroke 2 years ago that left him completely bedridden.  For several reasons, he would never have received a wheelchair without the help of the Church. You can see the gratitude on the faces of the recipient, his wife and son.

This man was picking apples up in a tree when he fell and broke his back. He is learning how to transfer from his new wheelchair to a regular chair.

This fellow was in a car accident.  He is learning to maneuver up and down ramps and even those stairs!

Today 15 wheelchairs were given to some grateful, deserving people- 15 out of 250 that will be distributed in the next little while.  This was the best day of our mission so far!