News
Harrison Sisters visit Romania
We did not know how close we would become, as sisters, or how much closer our relationship with God would grow in the summer of 2008. We went into the trip with open-hearts and open-minds, but were never fully prepared for the emotional toll the trip would take on us.
The days leading up to the trip were filled with anxious thoughts, and prayers for the children we would soon be meeting. We were not expecting to find a deep spiritual or emotional connection with any of these children considering the language barrier and the few days we would actually spend with them, but we were very wrong.
On the first day we met the children, we found it difficult to open up. We were there to send God’s Word and His love to these children that desperately needed both, but we were unsure of how to deliver those things to children we did not know. That first night we talked, as sisters would, and wondered how we could make tomorrow a new day for not only us, but also the children. We were nervous, but knew that God would lead us where He needed us the most. We trusted His reasons for bringing us halfway across the world.
The days became easier, as well as the conversations. The little ones were fun to play with, but the older group of orphans who really seemed to keep to themselves intrigued us both. Paige and I thought that since we were both close to their age we could get them to open up and share their heart-wrenching stories. Luckily we met two marvelous young women who touched are hearts forever.
Judit is a young lady, who had an abusive mother, yet is hopeful to be with her again. Judit touched our hearts, not only because of her story, but also because of her overwhelming strength and trust in God. She taught us the power and importance of forgiveness no matter what harm was done physically or emotionally. Everyone could use a little Judit in his or her life.
Micki is a strong-willed young woman who did not have a family, until we “adopted” her as our sister. She taught us how to live, laugh and love. Simple as that.
We never expected to fall in love with any of the children, but we have been FOREVER changed by the two young women we met.
We did not realize the presence of God during the trip could be so powerful. The relationships we built, with each other as sisters, the children, and God, throughout our time in Romania have made us realize the importance of family, friendship, and love.
Romania 2008