To think almost a year ago when we first met, we didn't really know each other. We had a huge fundraising challenge ahead of us and thanks to so many people in and around Broxburn, we made it. Particular thanks go to Broxburn Parish Church, Uphall South Church, West Lothian Girls Brigade companies, Uphall Brownies and Councillor Boyle.
Valerie Heath (Auntie Val), Miss Duffin and I are extremely proud of the hard work and enthusiasm shown by the whole team. They have been a superb group of young people to work with who have made a lot of children in Romania very happy over the course of this week. They are a credit to themselves, Broxburn Academy and their families.
One more flight and our tired team will be home safe and sound. See you all soon.
Mr McIntyre
(26/06/15) - 09:13am
It's half five in the morning and no one is fully awake. The past week has been eventful and exhausting at the same time. Our last full day in Romania began with French toast (or Eggy bread as some would say). It was also raining, a little reminder of home. Despite the rain the day camp continued, we just had to alter our plans slightly to accommodate the weather. Our sports day became indoor races and circle games. Everybody had fun taking part in the egg and spoon race, carrying a balloon between their knees and even during the slightly dangerous chain race. Throughout the week we have had a team competition in which both the children and the leaders alike have been highly competitive. After the events of yesterday the green team came out victorious with the red team a close second then yellow with blue trailing behind. The excitement continued on our drive home when we were pulled over by the police for speeding, luckily for our bus driver he escaped with a warning.
Considering Mr McIntrye is celebrating a BIG birthday today we decided to surprise him with a party and cake yesterday when we were with the whole team. We also went out to a bar after dinner in which every member of our team was given an award ranging from 'if it ain't rap then it's crap' to 'utter nutter'. It was the perfect way to end this week which has been utterly life changing. The children here have been so happy and that in itself is reward enough for the work we have done.
Looking back at the awkward meetings we had previous to coming out to Romania it's hard to believe how close we have become as a team and how much some of us have come out of our shell. Most shocking of all how insane some of our teachers actually are (Miss Duffin).
Rachel
(24/06/15) - 10:40pm
This morning, after a breakfast of amazing pancakes made fresh for us we headed out for our third day at the camp. We learned about Elijah (Ilie) and sung some Romanian praise songs that have become firm favourites. Afterwards due to the rain we were stuck indoors so had a great time playing musical bumps with the children to live guitar music courtesy of the lovely Cristina and demonstrated some of our more bizarre dance moves much to the delight of the children. We even managed to squeeze in a game of fruit salad (a brownie classic) before heading outside to play team games which became extremely competitive and taught the kids to play Kings and Queens as well as bringing back a few favourites.
After lunch we made dream catchers (with mixed success) and all ended up with feathers in our hair. We then broke out the face paint and painted a variety of designs on the kids and each other whilst also having team races and football and volleyball tournaments (the red team won ... AGAIN!). Our major success of the day was managing to finally make a mushroom with the parachute and the kids piling up on Dariush whilst he was wrapped up.
Our day ended with us doing the Hokey Cokey and watching Miss Duffin create a contemporary dance (watch this space) and we ended our day having a quite night in since we are all tired after a busy three days!
Dariush and Sarah
Photos are available on the team facebook page
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(23/06/15) - 10:00pm
Today was the second day at the summer camp, we had eggs for breakfast (which frustrated some members of the team - eggs are weekend foods). We played a variety of games to wake the kids up this morning and as many of the games yesterday, such as 'shark tig', were such a success we played them again. After a busy morning outside playing games, we came indoors to make loom bands and friendship bracelets- surprisingly, the kids at the summer camp aren't as good at making loom bands as the orphans are. Whilst this was going on, other kids were out in the very steep forest making shelters from wood and leaves, both teams managed to fit 15 people into their shelter, after lots of squishing and piling up. Overall, today was a successful day at the camp under Kirsten and Courtney's leadership.
Tonight a member of the Romanian team, Alex, took us on a tour of the area we are staying in called Dej. He took us to a few historic monuments and some local places, such as the ice cream stand where the leaders kindly paid for our ice cream and slush puppies. We also visited the park, where Miss Duffin beat everyone to the top of the climbing frame. We then took our daily trip to the shop to stock up on our snacks for the night and headed back to Elpis to get a good night sleep before our busy day tomorrow.
Zara and Lucy
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(22/06/15) - 8.36pm
Today was our first day at the Children's Summer Camp, as it was new there was only around 40 children there where as tomorrow we are expecting around 80. We started off with a bible lesson of Joseph and some songs. We then headed outside and played a lot of ice breaker games with the children. It was a scorching day and everyone underestimated how much sun cream to put on, everyone got burnt in the end. We brought out a huge parachute and played colours where everyone holds a colour and runs to the other side. We played sharks and lifeguards which was absolutely brutal, but the children got so enthusiastic and excited that the grass stains didn't matter in the end.
After burning off our energy from lunch, we then went inside to make coloured salt jars to put tee light candles inside. We also taught them heads down thumbs up. Activities didn't stop there we decided to play do this, do that which amused all involved despite being slightly confused by the Romanian. To end we all made fools ourselves singing Father Abraham and dancing along with actions.
After a day in the sun we returned home tired but satisfied with the work we done. We are very excited for the remainder of the week, going to bed soon after a fun game of heads up and cards, possibly even twister.
Ellen and Niamh
Photos are available on the team facebook page
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(21/06/15) - 9.45pm
This morning the teachers were faced with the task of feeding 10 hungry teenagers as the staff had the day off. We then all sat down to plan our activities for the day camp which starts tomorrow. We expect a day full of energetic children and exhausted teenagers. Since the place where we are staying was empty today Courtney and I made full use of the trampoline in the garden whilst waiting for our minibus to arrive. Whilst Mr McIntyre almost brought the rest of the group to tears with his ridiculously confusing mind games; "these sticks are not crossed" YES THEY ARE?!?!?!
We were all invited along to a barbeque by an American school who have been here for over a week now. There were a few confused faces after our group managed to convince a few of the Americans into a game of 'Inky Pinky Plonky Wonky'. The food at the barbeque was not what a traditional Scottish barbeque would include but it tasted fantastic.
After arriving back at the Elpis Foundation we then got a minibus to the day camp to meet the Romanian team. After we all introduced ourselves to one another we headed outside to play a few games- which some enjoyed more than others. For dinner we ate our weight load in pizza as the Elpis team brought enough food to feed a small army, with over 4 pizzas left over our team members did not hesitate to take them back for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Courtney Macdonald and Kirsten Fleming
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(20/06/15) - 07:10pm
Our first day began with an early start as we trudged towards breakfast with varied expectations, not entirely sure of what to expect. The cereal was up to our Scottish standards, however there were some upturned noses at the 'Tesco's finest' chocolate spread and the selection of cheeses. A three course feast of soup, chicken and fruit followed at lunch. After a day of play we had a lovely dinner of sausage and rice. Over all, the food has surpassed our expectations.
After breakfast the girls sauntered up to the local shop while the boys were sent to retrieve the boxes we previously sent over. We all had fun sifting through the boxes containing all manner of toys and games for the week ahead. After hours of making loom bands and friendship bracelets we decided to head to the children's home to let the children have a shot.
Once we arrived at the children's home, Ilisua, some of us were taken back by the condition of the building, however others were more intrigued by the horse that was wandering free. We played with the children, who were extremely happy with the attention and the simplest of games. One of the biggest hits was the face paints, however, the majority of it never made it to their faces. The children found it more fun to turn the team's arms and legs into works of art.
After spending time with the children and seeing the excitement and happiness that the smallest of things gave them we are all excited and looking forward to the week that awaits us despite the early mornings that lie ahead.
Rachel and Ellie
Photos are available on the team facebook page
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(20/06/15) - 01:20am
Broxburn has landed!
The team have arrived safe and sound in Romania and arrived at our home for the next week, The Elpis Foundation. Everyone is tired and looking forward to our first full day in Romania. More to follow.
(19/06/15) - 11:51am
And we're off!!
At Edinburgh airport and about to board the plane to Luton, everyone is very excited about getting there. We will keep you all posted about our adventures on this page and on facebook.
