We asked Joanna Frith, first timer on short-term mission, to give us her initial thoughts about her experience in Romania:
1. People aren't always what they first seem
My first experience of Romanian people was at arrivals at the airport; I was struck by how people were very eager to push me out the way, and look at me in a disapproving manner, as if I was stopping them from getting home or continuing their journey. This was drastically changed as I got to my accommodation, where the workers were so lovely and welcoming, and the Rroma people very grateful and friendly. It just goes to show what a busy (and task focused) mentality can do to your patience, and view of the world. I learnt that I shouldn't have made such a quick judgement on the people and a country that I had only been in for 45 minutes!
2. Immersing yourself in the culture is key
It can be so easy to surround yourself with an environment where you are totally at ease, but mission has to be different to have a profound effect. I have found it is when I have been pushed to my limits that I have been most blessed and most able to do God's work. It was great to experience completely new things, even down to the food. I'm so glad I made that choice to say to myself "I'm so comfortable in a situation I know, but I want to step out and have faith that God can never give me anything I can't handle". In the end, these were also the times when I had the most fun!
3. Don't go flat out
I did manage get the opportunity to see the sites and eat out, but I tried not to let those affect my work ethic. I found having the first two days to rest important relaxation time, and it made me more eager to work harder throughout the following days. Even then, as tiredness set in, the encouragement I received from my team and the support I was able to give back to them was so essential. It was great to have a small part of my church family with me, having a laugh and encouraging each other. This helped us to keep going and God blessed us with energy and grace.
4. Be hope in the midst of despair
A smile can make someone's day. Sometimes you can never know or comprehend what people are going through, but something as small as a smile or a selfless gesture can change their whole perception of you and what you represent. I tried to be friendly to everyone I met, and I hope that helped people to understand that we and the charity we worked with were there to help them, and that our mission was to show them the love of Jesus.
5. Be real
Don't feel like you have to act like everybody else. Naturally, as quite an introvert, it was hard to be around the same people all of the time. I tried to find some time to be by myself every day and to seek God in that time of quiet. I found it hard to convey this to the more extrovert members of the group who didn't need the space that I did, but by the end of the week I think it helped us all to accept everybody else as equal and willing to do God's work. Even just sitting and reading helped me to process my thoughts and recharge myself.
