Lavina

The unpaved road was so dirty, dust shifted onto the windows of the car. With the occasional hut we passed in the village, I saw hills and dirt. Everything was brown. It seemed there were more dogs than people. My mother and father warned me not to pet them for fear of diseases or, simply, the hostility of the animals. As we ventured further into the remote area, we saw staring faces. If the villagers smiled, I did not see teeth. They wore dark and dusty clothes as they worked around the fields or helped with the many tasks they were given. The unending road eventually turned into a compound and ultimately, a school building- it was time. 

My mother did not stop talking, I knew she was excited but within that eager resided a deep sorrrow and sympathy. An American woman stepped out of the building and welcomed my family. The lady introduced herself and guided us around what they called their "library". It had one room with few bookshelves, yet the woman was content with its apprently growing size. My family then spent the afternoon preparing the gifts and hiding the chocolate eggs around the room. I was anxious to meet my sponsor child and her family. Lavina was my age and was born in Romania. She was lucky to have been a part of the Mission of Mercy program which helped to care for her family. The program gave Lavina and her siblings the opportunity to attend school while allowing her parents to earn a steady income through jobs around the compound. 

Finally, I saw her. This girl I had only ever contacted through letters was now right in front of me. She was tiny; her whole family was of a smaller build. Immediately my adolescent mind became aware of the possibility of hunger previously in their lives. Yet the family met us with such happiness and love. It was the most sincere thankfulness I had witnessed in my life. The experience was almost heart breaking and I began to feel ashamed for times when I ignorantly may have taken my fortunate life for granted. The day at the compound was filled with activities such as an Easter egg hunt, crafts, games with the children in the school, and learning more about Lavina. The bond I felt with her and her family was unforgettable. 

A few years later, I was informed that Lavina and her family would be leaving the compound. When families become sustainable and self-independent Mission of Mercy encourages families to live on their own, without provisions from the program. My family and I were informed of this change, and the sadness was overwhelming. I still remember writing my last letter to Lavina, sending a small bracelet to remember me by, and sending my love and prayers for her.

The trip to Romania had touched my heart in ways I could not foresee. Experiencing the culture in which Lavina lived helped me to realize how lucky I am; it formed in me an aspiration to make a difference in the world.