A place that changed my life

This post is dedicated to a place (an organization actually) that changed my life, and that I was really thinking about lately. It is the first organization I interacted with, the first place where I was a volunteer, the first place where I discovered that this world is not only about us (me, my family, my friends and some acquaintances), but it’s also about the people and things that are around us and that sometimes we don’t see or don’t want to see.

This organization is LOC (Livada Orphan Care), an American Romanian organization that has some programs for orphans. I joined this organization in 2002 when I was in high school. At first I joined it because I just wanted to something extra school but soon the experience that I lived there changed my life. I realized how lucky I am of having a family, friends, food, cloths, a place to live, the possibility to go to school and other small stuff that for us seem normal to have. I realized how much joy 2 hours/week spent with them (the orphans) can bring in their hearts, how much it means for them to give them a hug, to smile to them, to play with them, to share our time.

Besides those, there was one thing that impressed me a lot: the people involved, the volunteers from USA and Romania, people always smiling and willing to help, always ready and full of joy, always putting the kids on the first place, always full of energy, dedicating their time and sharing their love.

I spent there almost 3 years, 3 great years of my life that helped me a lot develop myself personally. I miss that place, things there have changed a lot and many of the people I worked with are no longer there; some went back to USA, others are in different towns, others still in Tg.Mures but, like me, taking other paths in their lives. There are still many activities for the kinds every summer and I’m glad about that, I’m glad that there are still people willing to bring a smile on those kids’ faces.

I will never forget that place, a place that changed my life, people and experiences that brought a contribution to who I am today.