Two weeks at FAST

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For two weeks, Dean, Steve and I have been enjoying an amazing time as volunteers with FAST and in particular working with Better Homes. We came with all sorts of expectations, for me it was my third visit to Romania (but second time to Sacele with FAST), for Steve it was his second trip and for Dean, a first time visit to Romania. On our first Saturday, Daniel took us to visit Tarlengeni, the village where we would be spending our time. Having only been here less than 24 hours, I think the village and the situation that people live challenged all of us and left us wondering how we would cope. By Monday we had enough wood to begin fitting handrails in three of the new houses which were by now occupied. Firstly Simona's house where she lives with her family including her son Damien still recovering and undergoing further treatment for cancer, and only three years old! Then when we had completed we went next door to Forlica's house and fitted similar handrails.

In both these houses we felt that we had been warmly welcomed, allowed to learn something of the kind of lifestyle that exists, and also the needs of those who call Tarlengeni their home. By the end of our first week we had areal sense of achievement with four houses now with handrails fitted and new floors laid. Our second week started with us making 14 Wall Panels and 8 Roof Trusses at George's house, working alongside both him and Avram. It was great to see how Roma people like George and Avram are growing in confidence and bale to work on Better Homes to improve the lives of the people around them. Apart from being very knowledgeable about the construction of houses, they were both great fun to work with and we shared many happy times with them. Tuesday (day 2) all the woodwork at Georges was complete and delivered from Zizin to Tarlengeni by Avram's horse and cart. Day 3 saw the house constructed with Roof Trusses in place and with extra helpers from UK, quite quickly the inside walls were insulated and lined.

The family who are coming to live in this new house were watching all the work happening, offering to help and I think, waiting to move from their very simple house. We thank the team at FAST for their wonderful work amongst the Roma people, for the local people who made us so welcome, and we hope and pray that this incredible project continues to reach out and meet peoples needs, offering a new hope for the future.

Thanks to all and God Bless
Dean, Steve and Kevin