In a Gypsy village

How would you like to stay for two weeks in a gypsy village? Some would see it as a romantic idea – the worry-free attitude, the sanguine music and beautiful people. For others this will be a scary thought – what would they do to me, will it be safe? Having the privilege to spend some time in Momaia (Romania), I can understand both.

The gypsies, like most nomadic people across the world, are seen as the outcasts, those far-removed cousins that you prefer not to talk about. They are good to do the hard work that we sometimes are to lazy to do, but we would prefer that they stay out of our way, out of sight, out of mind. But they are humans like you and me. They may be different, but they have the same needs, same fears, same hurts and same hangups.

Being treated as outcasts in Romania for many years, being forced to settle down in villages by the Communist regime and being treated with contempt by many, it is understandable that they do not trust other people.

But the gypsies (as well as the other nomadic people) are not unique. Most people are entangled in some sort of hurt, habit or hang-up. We all need acceptance, love, care and respect. We all want to be acknowledged as a human beings, we all want something better.

Listening to the witness of Christians in the village, I begin to have some hope. Despite their conditions, despite the hardship and rejection – some are finding the answer in Christ.

Images of Momaia Gypsy Village

Live Life

I love to travel, and especially to Europe. The history, the culture, the food, the wine - everything is just so amazing! And even more so in the summer, the long warm days where everybody is outside, enjoying the sun and the holidays. People love to live!

But there is more to life than just living. Listen to what Jesus said: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). There is more to life - do you want to have it all?

Spending time in Budapest with missionaries from CrossRoads Church was a blessing. Getting to know them better by enjoying the city, it's people and the great food! It was living life to the fullest.

Enjoy some of the photos of Budapest:

Budapest from my perspective...