First Day on the Job!

March 29, Sunday

Caracal, Romania | 150 km South of Bucharest, 50 km North of the Bulgarian border

The route from the town where our hotel is located to the work site goes through 40 km of low lying farm land, some of which looks as though it has not been farmed in years. Periodically we come upon areas where trash has been piled or dumped. No garbage service here. There are low lying hills and woods in the distance. Stray dogs show from their demeanor that they are not treated kindly. The houses in the small towns are all surrounded by brick walls, many topped with barbed wire or tin cut into a spiked scallop making it clear that they do not trust their neighbors. Our bus, traveling 60 mph, overtakes horse-drawn wagons. A small, one-man cart pulled by small, fuzzy donkeys ambling along, slowing down the busy highway.  

The outskirts of the town are poorer houses, tiny lots. None are well kept. I feel I am looking at a depressed nation. The main street is paved. Side streets are not. There are few cars, mostly taxis or commercial vehicles with their logos painted on the side. The side streets are rutted with large potholes. Most people walk or drive horse driven wagons.  

Our first day on the job.

We were met at the Kindergarten by the teachers and the founder, a college professor who has devoted his life to the eduction of the Roma people.

Dinner was  the most interesting part of the day because Theo arrived and told us the story of giving up his job with no secure support and three children to raise. He worked with the BFA team last year and all the kids who were here then were delighted to see him.