KEEPING ONE'S PROMISE
Many years ago with the help of our beautiful friends from Bridgeport, Conn., my family and I were able to go to my native land of Transylvania, Romania to begin the Sunshine Farm Project. Mrs. Nora Spurgin, then the president of WFWP USA, wholeheartedly supported this project.
The vision for the Sunshine Farm is to help alleviate the suffering of orphans who face the challenge of living without the love and guidance of their own parents. It is also to bridge the historical animosity between Hungarian, Romanian, and Roma people. Through this project, hope for the present and future is being kindled for a brighter tomorrow.
Looking back at that time, I can't believe the many big and small miracles that took place. For instance Mrs. Karen Smith organized a gathering of United Nations ladies and they donated $1,000 to help this effort. Eventually the Romania Chapter of UNICEF contributed substantially to our program. Local women's organizations were amazed that we cared enough to launch this project, considering that particularly at that time the Romanian and Hungarian people bristled with animosity toward each other. With our Bridge of Peace signature project, we were able to give substantial hope of reconciliation to those involved. Many women contributed to this event, donating the money that enables this project to continue and even expand. They have kept their promise to help out through the years. One man I definitely need to mention is my husband's best friend, who lives in Australia and still to this day talks about the village folks he met while visiting the project in Romania. He enthusiastically donates money to maintain our efforts there. All those special people are always in my thoughts and prayers. More importantly, they are in the hearts and the lives of the poor and the orphans of Transylvania whom this project has served.
As we are entering 2014 I think we need to renew our promise to God that we do what we can to help others. Sometimes we might be discouraged because it seems such a Herculean effort is required, but if one person is able to carry the torch, others willingly help out. This has been my experience.
I still have many relatives living in my native land, and they are also helping out. They are deeply inspired that people in the United States and Canada care about them. Even though at times it seems like a "drop in the ocean" effort, the promise we keep resonates throughout the world. Thank you all for not giving up; you are the saints of this era!
Click here to download the brochure for the Sunshine Farm Project.