After we returned to Germany from our aid trip from the Roma camp in September last year, I knew I would be back for the aid transport in summer 2024. YES, and that’s what happened.
Over the course of the year, donations in kind were handed in again and again and I was able to gradually pack these items and store them in our cellar.
After I put up an appeal for donations, it wasn’t long before gifts were being brought in almost every day … the most beautiful things.
I am touched and infinitely grateful for the generosity of so many people from Cochem and the surrounding area. Yes, a huge parcel even arrived from the island of Usedom.
We are also very grateful for the generous financial help of many people.
On the afternoon of August 2, the time had come. First, the large truck had to be loaded with all the donations and then we drove to the Benedictine monastery in Maria Laach to load the gifts that had been collected there by Father Basilius.
After the travel blessing from Father Basilius, we first drove to Linz am Rhein. From the nearby town of Unkel and further on from Bad Honnef, we were able to invite more donations that had been prepared for us, and on the way, near Nuremberg, Dr. Mirek, a doctor from the Ukraine, joined us in the car. He is supporting us and wanted to take the opportunity to meet his mother in Secovce, who had come there from the Ukraine.
Our journey then took us to Heiligenkreuz Abbey in Austria. There we attended the Sunday service and after a coffee break we went on to Liptovany Miklas to spend the night.
On Monday morning we finally arrived at the Roma center. It was full of life, with lots of children enjoying themselves on the lawn together with a group of artists – with all kinds of activities. Mothers with their babies, small children and also the two new employees Anna and Veronika were there. We were delighted to be joined by Sister Bernadetta and our interpreter Rado.
After a break, strong men were ready to unload.
Throughout the day, there were always nice encounters … yes, even with “already” old friends!
And as in previous years …. EVERYONE likes to be photographed.
And the newborn children: the youngest is 5 days old and the twins are now 1 year old.the children who come to the center are doing well during this time. They can play, eat and drink and are also encouraged and guided in the social area.
But they live in two worlds; in the beautiful surroundings of the center … but everything is different at home.
On the way from the center to the children’s HOME… I have never seen so much dirt anywhere else.
And then the little chapel there: Father Stephan, a priest from the Greek-Catholic church, knows how to talk wonderfully about God and inspire the children.
The chapel was overflowing with all the children, who sang, prayed and clapped from the heart.
Yes, and of course every child received a small sweet – because when you visit someone, you take a small gift with you.
once again
for their great support –
together we have
together we were able to give a lot of joy!
Thank you very much!!!
Sister M. Felicitas