The first week in Romania was full of joy and love. Being able to see the same kids from last year was so special because we were able to recognize each other and be reunited. Right away a few kids I had created friendships with last year came up to me remembering my name and giving me a hug. It was so cool to see how they'd grown up over the past year. Being able to reconnect with the same kids but also create friendships with new kids in the orphanage, was so significant. We led a VBS for the kids from a Nenciulesti orphanage nearby and each day the kids were taught a new lesson and bible verse with crafts and games. One of the kids I really connected with this past week was a new girl at the orphanage named Teo who was full of love. She was always giving everyone hugs and I saw her interact so kindly with the other kids from the orphanage. I noticed her always sharing her food, offering a fan in the heat, checking on others and of course giving hugs. It was so cool to watch someone who has gone through so many trials in her 12 short years of life be so loving and caring to everyone around her. It was so inspiring to watch her throughout the week and be able to give her so many hugs! Another experience I had this week was at a vbs camp in a gypsy village near the Nanciulesti house later in the evening after the kids from the orphanage left. Last year our team attended the same camp and I had connected with two little girls that was really difficult to say goodbye to. I was so excited to be reunited with them this year, hoping they would remember me. When we walked into the camp, one of the girls from last year ran up to me and asked my name and as soon as I told her she screamed and yelled to the other girl from last year to come over. They both remembered me, gave me the biggest hug ever and were so excited! I loved spending time with them at that camp, worshipping together, playing tag and giving piggy back rides. I was only able to go to the gypsy village twice this past week but each time was so memorable and eventful. On the last day it was translated to me that they want me to stay with them and they are going to miss me so much! I translated back that I wish I could stay, I'm definitely going to miss them and am going to try my best to see them again! They gave me lots of kisses on the cheeks and hugs goodbye. It was a hard goodbye but I was so thankful I was able to see them again and I'm hopeful I'll see them again one day! Overall, this week was so impactful and I am so thankful for what the Lord has done through the H2H team. I can't wait to see what He has in store for this second week! I'm so grateful for everyone who has been praying for me and donated to make this possible. The pictures attached are with Teo, the little girls from the gypsy camp and another little girl+boys I was able to connect with from the orphanage!