It was such a blessing traveling with TransGlobal Health to Tinca, Romania and serving the Romani community alongside Tinca Baptist church. Romani or Roma people have long been known by the exonym Gypsies, which some Roma consider a racial slur. They are characterized by a wide range of different customs and languages. Most of them are bilingual, speaking their native language and the language of the country they live in. Through the centuries, the Roma community experienced a range of social exclusions relative to the general population throughout Europe. These resulted in severe consequences to their health and level of education. Romania 🇷🇴 has one of the largest Romani populations in Europe, being the second largest minority in the country. Regardless of the disparity they face, it was amazing to see the transformation God can make in a person’s life.

This medical trip was unlike other medical trips but great and unique. We traveled with a small team of 7 people and saw about 100 people in the clinic. It seems like a small number but it gave us the opportunity to really listen, learn, experience the culture and build some trust. It was the first time they had a medical team come to their village. In this specific community, the Roma people almost lived as outcasts on the outskirts of the village. It reminded me of the people affected by leprosy in the Bible times. A lot of them are illiterate, cannot even write their names, do not have running water or electricity, do not have a bathroom or outhouse. On the other hand though, seeing the power of God and the way he transformed the lives of those who accepted him as their savior, it was amazing. We were hosted by the pastor’s family, such amazing and hospitable people. We stayed at their church complex, in a beautiful house. They really made us feel like home. We also got to celebrate Easter with them, witness baptism, and attend a vow renewal celebration. They really made us feel like family.

Thank you again to Upward Twist for making this possible and for investing in something that can truly make a lasting impact.