Romanian Information
Interesting Information

Gift Ideas

            You may want to take 2 to 3 small gifts for your interpreter and/or host family and/or local pastors with whom you will work. Think of items that will be meaningful; examples of handcrafts from yourlocal area or state. Other ideas are base ball caps, T-shirts, Christian books,scarves, tapes, etc.

Clothing

            What you wear overseas does make adifference. Make sure your clothing is modest in all circumstances. As you arepacking, remember you will need some basic types of clothing: travel, work,church and sightseeing. Be sure to take comfortable walking shoes as mostvolunteers will walk long distances. When you are with church people, women should always wear dresses or skits (knee length) and blouses. Women can wearslacks on the plane or in their room. Neither men or women should wear short sunless it is while doing construction work only. Men will want to take a shirtand tie but casual slacks and shirts will be appropriate in most all situations.

            It’s also important to remember thatin North America, the way we dress reflects our opinion of ourselves. But in many other cultures, the way we dress reflects our option of others. So do not over-dress, but at the same time do not underdress. Dressing down can send a negative statement to the national who know Americans have better clothing. Nationals in other countries often put on their best clothes even to go to the airport.

Do not take expensive jewelry to Romania.  Women,especially in the villages, do not wear jewelry or makeup at all. Clothes are typically conservative and darker in color. Be sensitive to the customs of the people in your assignment.

            A fanny pack may come in handy asyou carry tracts, money, camera, passport, etc. Make sure that you wear it infront of your body to protect the contents.

            Parts of the country can feel cool even during the summer months so be sure to take a sweater or jacket. Romanian summers are warm and sunny. The average temperature in July is 90 F.

Going Through Customs

            Prior to arrival in Romania the flight attendants will give you a declaration of entry card to fill out.This card should be completed before you deplane. Proceed to “passport control”.There you will need to present your passport and the declaration of entry card.Then proceed to “Baggage Claim”. After retrieving your luggage, proceed to customs. In customs you may be asked to open your suitcase, but there should be no major problems there.

Travel Tips

            It is important that you feel good when you arrive in Romania.The time change can cause you to experience jet lag. Get as much rest as possible before the trip. During the flight, elevate your feet as much as possible to prevent swelling. Removeyour shoes as much as possible. Walk around the plane several times duringt he long flight. Drink a lot of liquids. Sleep as much as possible. Some volunteers have taken Tylenol PM to help them rest better. There is not a charge for meals or soft drinks served on the plane.

            The National Sleep Foundation has compiled some helpful tips from the experts on how to minimize jet lag and get quality sleep on the road.

• Anticipate time zone changes. Get up andgo to bed earlier a few days before an east-bound trip and a few hours later for a west-bound trip.
• Set your watch to the destination timezone as soon as you board your plane and start matching your schedule to the new time zone.
• Bring items from home and unpack when youarrive so you feel more at home.
• Bring ear plugs or blindfold if you aresensitive to unfamiliar sounds or lights.
• Go outside in the sunlight wheneverpossible. Daylight is a powerful stimulant for regulating the body’sbiological clock.
• Eat light snacks when you arrive, rather thanheavy meals.
  
• Engage in some light, outdoor exercise,such as walking.
• Drink plenty of fluids before bed and keepa glass of water by your bed.
• Stay awake until 10:00 PM local time.
• Take short naps to help acclimate yourselfto the new time zone. But do not take them close to bedtime.
• Do not drink caffeine for three to fourhours before bedtime.
• Do not stay indoors. This can worsen jetlag.

Security

            No matter where you are, you have to be aware of security needs and adjust accordingly. You will have someone withyou most of the time that can advise you of any potential problems. A woman carrying a purse should wear the purse over her shoulder and hold it close toher body. (A fanny pack is much better) Men should carry their wallets in their front pocket. Wear inexpensive jewelry. Do not walk alone.

Photography

• Take plenty of film and extra batteries.(Film is expensive in Romania)
• Do not take pictures of people withouttheir permission.
• Do not promise to send copies of pictures unless you will do so.
• Romania still prohibits the taking of photographs of seemingly plain subjects, such as train stations or factories. Look fora sign depicting a camera with an “X” through it; this is an international symbol for “No Photography Permitted”.

Healthy Advice

Medicines

            Make sure you take extra medicine for special medical needs.

Diarrhea

Travelers to other countries are susceptible to this problem. Be sure totake Imodium,  Pepto-Bismol or similar drugs for this problem.

Other Drugs/Supplies

            You should take an adequate supply of the drugs which you regularly take.

Immunizations

As of February 2000, no vaccinations or certificates were currently required;however, please check with your local health department for any recommended immunizations.

Food precautions

The item which requires the most care is water. Bottled water will be provided and it may be purchased in stores. The water in all major cities issafe to drink from the tap. Sodas are readily available, but may not be refrigerated. If you use artificial sweeteners, you should take a supply withyou.

Additional Advice

            Two to three months before your trip to Romania you should begin to condition your body by walking. If you are not on a regular exercise program.

            Take sunscreen and a hat forprotection. Drink plenty of water. Take a mosquito repellent that contains 30%DEET.

            If you happen to get sick, proper treatment will be available.

Government

            Romaniais about the size of Oregonwith a population of approximately 23 million people. The country straddles the Carpathian Mountains and the TransylvaniaAlps. Bordered by the famous Danube River on the south and the Black Sea on the east, Romaniaoffers a beautiful variety of scenery and culture.

            Around 100 AD the Romans conquered muchof ancient Romaniaand mixed with the populations to form a Daco-Roman people who spoke a Latintongue. Several European wars led to exchanges of Romanian territory amongvarious countries. In 1940, Romaniawas occupied by Nazi Germany, but in 1944 switched to the Allied side. Shortlythereafter, Russian troops occupied the country and Romania came under Sovietinfluence.

            In 1965, Nicolae Ceausescu came topower, and Romania adoptedan independent foreign policy, but never officially broke from the USSR.Communism remained strong and Ceausescu ruled with complete control as theRomanian people suffered inhuman poverty and brutality. Ceausescu had anobsessive desire to be an influential world leader.

            However, in 1989, as the democraticmovement was sweeping through Europe, demonstratorsand protestors formed a determined resistance to overthrow the regime. Afterseveral days of fighting, Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed and theNational Salvation Front took control. In May 1990, Ion Illiescu, the leader ofNSF, became president despite close toes to the former regime. The governmentcontinued to restrict civil rights and had difficulty moving toward freeenterprise and democracy.

            In December of 1996, a newgovernment was elected and installed in Romania. Illiescu was replaced byEmil Constantinescu. This provided the first democratic president since therevolution in 1989.

            Since the revolution, Romanians havenot had the economic and political freedom they though they would have.Economic troubles have led to greater poverty and disillusionment.

Religion in Romania

            Under communism, manipulation andcontrol of the churches was oppressive, with severe persecution for those whorefused to submit.

            The Orthodox church has a largefollowing which 40 years of official atheism fails to eradiate. Ceausescu’stacit tolerate of the orthodox church’s low-key activities combined with thesubtle diplomacy of its clergy to ensure the Orthodox church’s survival. TheCeausescu regime was less tolerant of Catholicism and Protestantism. Today, theOrthodox church still has a strong hold of much of the Romanian populationusing its political pull to enforce its influence on the people. It is veryresistant to ongoing Christian activities---telling nationals that Christianityis a cult. Religious freedom is a treasured, but threatened, gain. Millionshave grown up with no meaningful exposure to the gospel. Some leaders in theOrthodox church oppose Protestant and foreign evangelistic outreach, andOrthodox backlash is strong and aggressive at times. Romanian orthodoxy isbased on superstition, ritual and spiritism.

            The Romanian church experience willbe exciting for you. You will find churches that are very conservative andstructured. Most small village churches are of this type---the men sit on oneside and the women on the other. Married women wear scarves or at least a wrapof some kind over their head. The service is a somber and serious presentationof worship and few smiles will be seen until after the service and outside.Treatment of the Bible is very important;  “do not hold or treat the book lightly,” showreverence.

            The more progressive church doesn’temphasize women covering their heads, though some will still wear a scarf. Theseating is also not so strict; however, the treatment of the Bible is stillobserved.

            Generally, a woman does not standbehind the pulpit when asked to speak. When you speak, a Scriptural referenceis admired (especially if recited from memory). Men do not put their hands intheir pockets while speaking.

            Clapping in church is very rare andRomanians usually stand when praying and sometimes when saying grace. Two hoursor more are common for worship services which include testimonies and music.The worship leader will lead singing and congregational prayer for an hourbefore the pastor delivers his sermon.

Eating

            Eating in Romania is an adventure. The foodis most closely like that of farmland middle America.Stuffed cabbage, called Sarmalae (sur mah lee) are the same basically, but youalso have sarmalae in grape leaves. Mammaliga (mama lee guh) is similar togrits from the South. Meats are different by cut and texture due to feedingdifferences and they have few butchers as we know them. Salad is typicallytomatoes and onions with vinegar and oil, or cucumbers with tomatoes. Mashedpotatoes or French fries are common.

            Breakfast is a hearty mealconsisting of bread or rolls, butter, eggs, cheese and cold cuts. Jam ormarmalade is often served. Coffee (very strong) with sugar and mild tea are theusual breakfast drinks (bring creamer if desired). Lunch is the main meal ofthe day---anywhere from noontill 5:00 PM. Dinner is usually a later meal, after 8:00 PM. The main meal mayinclude appetizers, soup, a main course with side dishes and salad. A sweetdessert or fruit and cheese is served last.

            Romanians drink a lot of “fizzywater” (apa minerala), so if you order water during your meal, ask for “apaplata” (flat water), it will be served without ice.

Other Differences

            Telephones are mostly cardfunctioned public phones. A telephone card is available that allows 30 minutesof use.

            Many Romanians smoke and“non-smoking” sections are not usually available.

            Roads are an adventure in Romania.Though there is extensive and continuous roadwork being done, methods and materials have not been brought to the Western level. Potholes and craters keepone from becoming bored. Cows, geese turkeys, chickens, bicycles and Carutas(cah root zahs), horse and wagon, share the roads.

Romanian Customs

Physical contact is important. Everybody shakes hands upon meeting---even friends who saw each other  few hours earlier. The handshake is not just an introduction---it is a gesture of trust and peace.

Romanians areextremely proud of their country. Therefore, it is not wise to offer condescending criticism about Romanian affairs.

Only odd numbers of flowers are given, and flowers are carried blossom side down.

Always respect lawful authority.

Refrain from“constructive criticism” in the form of “In America we…”

Always get consent before taking anyone’s picture.

Always take off shoes when entering a home. It is impolite to put your feet on tables.

Areas of danger orcaution (for example, a deep hole in the middle of a sidewalk) will sometimes be marked by a tree branch sticking out of them.

As a sign of friendship, men hold hands with men and women with women; but not with the opposite sex.

Romanian people arevery forward in asking questions of financial matters---“how much did that dress cost?” They believe that all Americans live like the casts of the“Dynasty” and “ Dallas”television programs.

Romanians believe that the “current” (the wind blowing outside or through windows) makes them sick.You will rarely see windows open anywhere and if they are, someone may come along and close them.

Hitchhikers do not usethe traditional American sign (thumb up), but hold their hand outstretched,faced downward, and opening and closing their fingers like they are grabbingsomething.

Romanians say that dogs go “hum hum” (instead of “ruff ruff) and ducks go “mac mac” (instead of“quack quack”).

There are wild dogs that travel in packs---just be cautious, they do not have the rabies shot that exist in the states.

Culture Shock

            Learning about local customs and practices can lead to a much richer appreciation of the people. The timeinvolved with reading and asking about local customs will be repaid by a more enjoyable trip, because you will be more at ease.

The Best Preparation Is:

1. Keep sharp spiritually.
2. Keep your sense of humor.
3. Relax your grip on your own culture. Beflexible.
4. Do not belittle the host culture.
5. Major on relationships with nationals.
6. Do not lose faith in yourself, the essential good of your host culture, your mission, and the positive outcome of your experiences.

Asking about customs also can make you more sensitive to people’s needs and thus a better communicator for Christ.

Picture yourself as a builder of bridges between cultures. By tryingharder to understand the other person, you will make yourself understood better.

The ultimate aim for Christians on mission is to lead people to a savingknowledge of Jesus Christ. The best way to accomplish this is to avoid letting cultural considerations muddle communications.

                  Tobe different is not to be wrong---just different.

Taboos

If you smoke or drink, you Must abstain from these practices while you are in Romania. Your witness will bedestroyed by these actions since Romanian Christians think that a person whosmokes or drinks is not a Christian. Furthermore, you will damage the integrityof your missionaries and the church leaders who have invited you to work withthem.

Interpreters

You will discover that interpreters process varying degrees of skills depending on (a). their grasp of the English language, and (b). theirexperience in actually serving as an interpreter. But no matter what degree ofskill an interpreter possesses, you can improve that skill by following certain rules and procedures.

Your interpreter should be treated as your best friend and working partner.

1. Learn all you can about your interpreter and allow your interpreter to know you.

2. Pray for your interpreter, and pray with your interpreter.

3. Share with your interpreter the information you are planning to use.

4. Identify any printed materials you propose to use and the Scriptures you expect to read or refer to during your presentation.

5. Identify in advance for your interpreter any unusually or difficult words or numbers you intend to use.

Every participant should be prepared to speak through an interpreter. It is not difficult. In fact, lay persons usually adapt quicker than preachers,because the break in speaking allows them time to formulate their next statement. Here are a few suggested guidelines for speaking through an interpreter:

1. Speak slowly, distinctly, and in complete and short sentences.

2. A good interpreter will translate a complete thought and not every word.

3. Develop a rhythm.

4. Always look at and talk to the listeners or audience.

5. Always speak directly in the first person.

6. If the interpreter has trouble translating a word or sentence, simply repeat the sentence slowly, exactly as you said it the first time.

7. Avoid using jokes, poems, long stories, etc.

8. It will take twice as long to speak because of the translation.

9. Do not take time to read long Scripture passages in English, just letthe interpreter read the scripture in the audience’s own language.

Be a Gracious Guest

Flexibility and patience are key words when you are a guest in anothercountry. As you go, always have a positive attitude. Do not complain! Becourteous and thoughtful.

If serious problems arise, or events just do not go as smoothly as youthink they should, share your concern with your team leader and only with your team leader.

You are going at theinvitation of the Romanian’s.  Almost without exception youwill find that Romanians will be extremely gracious and friendly. They will do theirbest to make you feel at home. Always use good judgment in dealing with them.Remember you are a guest in their country. Avoid being demanding about anything---especially food and lodging. You should always treat them with proper respect and consideration. What you do, how you act, and the attitudes you have are more convincing than anything you might say, sing or preach. Goto serve and not to be served.Compliment them sincerely. Any temptation tocriticize must be shared only with your team leader. Go back home with the proper attitude, not complaining about inconveniences, etc.

Spiritual Journey

You must be spiritually prepared for the experience ahead of you. Do yout alk with the Lord daily and spend time listening to Him? Have you thought about His desires for your trip---or are you focusing only on what you want?You cannot know what He wants unless you spend quality time with Him.

Commit yourself to the spiritual disciplines of church attendance, Bible study and prayer. Spend time with the Lord daily.

Tips for Spiritual Readiness:

1. Maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Practice the disciplines of church attendance, Bible study andprayer.

3. Pray about every aspect of your mission’s experience.

4. Ask another person or group to pray for you and your trip.

5. Keep a journal of your thoughts and experiences.

6. Keep your eyes ears and heart open to what God may be showing you.

7. Remain open to any type missions work, even here at home.

Short-Term Tentmakers

The Great Commission was not given only to the apostles. It was given toyou! You have the responsibility to tell others about your faith, to share withthem how Jesus Christ is working in your life. Volunteers enhance theeffectiveness of the career missionary by serving as a vital part of the missionary’s field strategy.

Listed below are five actions you can take to make the most of your mission’strip:

1. Experience

      Experience the culture ofanother people.

      Plan to get to know thepeople as well as you can.

      You will be frustrated withthe language barrier but it is not possible to experience the culture without building relationships.

      Cross-cultural experience helps you to put people over things.

2. Explore

      Explore the work of the  missionaries.

      Explore the world of thenon-Christian, how do they perceive the missionary?

      Be ready for some surprises and disappointments.

      Above all, pray with the missionaries to feel what their concerns are.

3. Extend

      Extend the work of the Gospel.

      Try praying for one or two people to make radical steps toward the Kingdom.

      There is a lot you can do ifyou team up with the missionaries or the local nationals.

4. Exchange

      Exchange insights, strengths and love with national Christians.

      Do not talk so much---listen.

      Express interest in hearing their story, and the story of their family.

      Pray for your national coworkers.

      It is up to you to make the most of the team you work with.

5. Expose

      Expose others to what God is doing.

      How can churches ever become wholeheartedly motivated for the Great Commission unless they are challenged?

      Who can challenge them better than you?

      When you get a chance toreport to your congregation challenge them to take the Gospel to a lost world.

Do not go if you are not called by God andready for your life to change.

Ministry overseas does not work the same as ministry here in the United States.“Church” overseas does not operate like your church. Even the worshipexperience is different. In fact, do not expect anything to be like the United States.Every culture is different, requiring different ways of going about ministry.

As you prepare for your volunteer trip, remember that God has uniquelygifted you to serve Him. As you go forth in His power, sharing your faith andserving others, you will bring glory and honor to God.

GoodTeam Relationships

The only thing that will last for eternity is our relationship with Godand our relationships with one another. It should not surprise us thatrelationships are such a battleground. Jesus prayed that we would be brought tocomplete unity, so the world would know that we are one with Him and theFather.  (John 17: 23)

Be sensitive to the spiritualand personal needs of other participants. Pray for the other team members and tell them you are praying for them.It helps to know that you have spiritual support while in unfamiliarsurroundings. People have a tendency to get a little “grumpy” because offatigue. Do not let yourself get into a bad mood. Uplift one another and keep asweet spirit. A smile is contagious! Your attitude will infiltrate into the spirit of other volunteers and nationals. Your testimony will depend on your spiritual and personal attitudes. This will be the basic for a successful harvest of souls.

The natural rubs and scrapes of life combined with fatigue and emotionalstrain can lead to misunderstandings. Any relationship problems that arise onthe mission field should be dealt with in love. Your team leader has beenchosen by God to lead your team.

Relating well with your team leader and your teammates may tug andstretch you in directions you never imagined. Some of the ways you can build good team relationships are:

1. Ask yourself, “How can I be a servant?”

2. Look for ways to affirm, rather than criticize and intimidate.

3. Get to know team members in order to understand them better.

4. Offer suggestions and be available when work needs to be done.

5. Pray daily and specifically for each of your team members.