“Sorin’s father had stomach surgery in the past year and had to be hospitalised for more than a month. After his release from hospital, he wasn’t able to work for a while, and even though he really wants to improve his family’s living conditions, it never seems to happen, as their income is very low.
“For a few years, the father battled alcohol addiction. He’s doing much better now, but he’s still not completely over it yet."
“The family’s living area and outbuildings are in a terrible state and not a good place for children to live. The family keep pigs as livestock and sometimes the pigs even go into the house to find shelter.”
The summer camp Sorin attended was held in Poarta Oilor, Alba County, ringed by green forest and hills and sunflower fields. Here, children like Sorin – enrolled on MWB’s sponsorship programmes – had the wonderful opportunity to learn about God, play table football, sing new songs, enjoy swimming and water balloon fights, play fun games, and eat lots of delicious food.
Like the other children, who also come from backgrounds of poverty, Sorin was amazed by all the comfort and activities at summer camp. Bathrooms, toilets, showers; a bed for each child all to himself; plenty of living space and places to play; nourishing meals and creative activities along with lots of love and care.
This year, the theme of summer camp was Joseph’s life – and Sorin enjoyed learning all about Joseph and what the Bible shares about him.
“Joseph was a good man; he was wrongly accused and imprisoned. What I like most about Joseph is that he was very courageous and kind. I learned that I must love others and be gracious towards my siblings,” Sorin said. “I also learned more about praying. I do pray, especially in the evenings before going to bed. I believe that God is good, and that Jesus died for our sins.”
Alexandra, a MWB volunteer and small group leader at the camp, said, “I met Sorin for the first time this summer camp. It was a joy to meet him and all the other children. Even though he was a bit shy, Sorin got easily involved in everything we did and had interesting questions about God, from his childlike perspective.
“One of the things I noticed about him and that saddened me is that he rarely smiles. He has a beautiful smile which unfortunately he doesn’t show often enough. I wish all of God’s blessings on him and I hope to meet him again soon.”
At summer camp, Sorin forgot about the difficulties he has at home – and fully enjoyed his childhood. He played ping-pong, which he loves, did lots of diving into the swimming pool and tried rock climbing for the first time. He spent time with his lifelong buddy, Darius, and even made a new friend, Denis, that he hopes to meet again after summer camp.
Constantin said, “At summer camp, as well as having lots of fun and getting to spend some time away from home and the challenges there, children are cherished, spoiled, listened to, valued, and taught about God’s unconditional love. This has changed the lives of so many children – for eternity.”