Project Romania 2012
St Paul’s International Project to Romania takes places between 5 – 12 February 2012.
Students Shane Fegan, Christopher Lynch, Matthew Campbell, Gregory McCabe, Niamh Rooney, Joanne McAnulty, Niamh McGovern, Chloe Mallon, Eimear Loughran, Ciara McDonnell, Marie-Clare Crilly, Maeve Morgan, Katie Byrne, Courtney Conlon, Andrea Shannon, Jordane Murphy, Aoibheann McGenity, Ann-Marie Ward and Claire O’Callaghan, accompanied by teachers Ms Christine Fearon and Mr Emmett McCaffrey will visit schools, clinics and orphanages in the Eastern European country.
The team will liveblog their experience in Romania and update this page with news, information and photos from their time there.
Please use the comments section below to post your feedback to the St Paul’s team in Romania. They love to read your thoughts and messages.
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(You can still leave comments below but the blog will not be updated.)
Day 8, Saturday 11th February
Last night went well, with some memorable awards presented!
We left the hotel at noon and made the long journey to Bucharest, where we spent the afternoon in a new shopping mall.
We’re now leaving for the airport. The weather is very bad and we hope our flight leaves on time…
Thanks to all who logged in and followed our progress all week.
Day 7, Friday 10th February, Evening
The meal in the Romanian Restaurant was an experience. We were welcome with a fire outside, hot drinks and traditional Romanian music. Inside, the waiters brought out roast chicken in flames, potato and rice and we all enjoyed a break from hotel food!
The Awards Ceremony has gone well. There have been great moments throughout the week and, in the words of a very famous person, the students were all ‘a credit to their parish!’
Day 7, Friday 10th February, Afternoon
After lunch in Deane’s in Brasov, we headed off for a bit of sight seeing and went to Bran Castle in the Transylvania Region. It was nice to get out into the Romanian Countryside; now we’re getting ready for the last night, which will involve a meal in an authentic Romanian Restaurant, a Talent Show and our traditional Awards Ceremony.
Day 7, Friday 10th February, Morning Visit 1
The minibus containing twenty of the group went to two orphanages based in Harman called Donalds and Casa Irlanda. There are about thirty children and teenagers who live here, most of whom have some form of mild physical or intellectual disability.
Riverdance and other songs got a blast and the groups danced with the children here. Those who had mobility problems were treated to getting their hair and nails done.
Morning Visit 2
The large coach returned to Codlea Albina, which was the first place we visited at the start of our week. The people who run this orphanage had invited us back and we felt it would be nice to revisit our first place and see some of the teenagers who live there again. We brought more gifts for them and they were very pleased to have had two visits in the one week.
Many of us got meeting some of the mothers on the top floor who stay here for a year when their babies are born. Many of them have mental health problems and this place provides them with additional support.
Day 6, Thursday 9th February, Evening
We’re all relaxing in hotel lobby, while students are preparing for tomorrow night’s ‘Talent Show’
It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day of visits. So much has been packed in!!
Day 6, Thursday 9th February, Afternoon Visit
After lunch and a bit of a sing-off in Deane’s, the bus was held up by Ms Fearon and Mrs O’Neill (Principal of St Pat’s) doing some shopping! They returned to a ‘bus disco’ led by Cathy, Leanne and Michelle…
The group went to two neighbouring orphanages called Cip and Dale, located in Secale. Twenty four boys live here aged 5 to 14. To say these places were lively is an understatement!
Like at home, music brings people together and we have all become very accomplished impromptu singers and dancers at this stage; with the boys being as good as the girls! An entertaining spectacle of hip hop and break dancing took place. Ms Hughes may have ‘birthday boy’ Mattie Campbell asking to join the Senior Dance Team upon his return….
We returned to the hotel tired, but in good spirits singing Bon Jovi at the top of our voices . It’s educational to show these young ones what good music really is. Just getting too old to show them how to head bang at this stage….
Day 6, Thursday 9th February, Morning Visit 1
The bulk of the group spent the morning in Tarlungei Orphanages for boys and girls. These are beautiful houses side-by-side where all thirty children are very well cared for and happy. The chainsaw and the shed purchased for there last year were checked on and were being put to good use in this cold weather.
After delivering supplies, we rotated between the two houses, distributing gifts, playing games and generally interacting with the kids here. Yet again, our resident guitarist was a big hit and Shane was very kind to allow all the children a turn at strumming the guitar. It was special to watch how, with patience, Shane took time to show them how to use the guitar; they all experienced a sense of achievement when he helped them make the notes sound good. The dance routine ‘choreographed’ by Maeve Morgan was another highlight of this morning, with everyone taking part.
(Ionut and his 3 brothers)
Ionut was one of the lovely boys we met here. He and his three brothers stay in the boys’ house, while his four sisters live next door in the girls’ section. He was very keen that we met them all and was so proud standing beside them all for pictures. While looking through my camera he showed interest in the pictures of Codlea, where we went at the start of the week. This is because next year he will be moving on to there, but away from his siblings.
Day 6, Thursday 9th February, Morning Visit 2
St Patrick’s Lisburn went to a more remote orphanage while we were in Tarlungei. They also had a similar experience.
Day 5, Wednesday 8th February, Evening
While last night’s entertainment was the Waves of Tory, tonight was centered around the annual Romanian Quiz Night organised by the learned Mr McCaffrey. The obvious winners were the teacher team, aptly entitled ‘Alright Folks’ in honour of Ms Fearon….I wonder why the students laughed.
Day 5, Wednesday 8th February, Afternoon Visit
The whole group spent the afternoon in Christiana Nursing Home, which was a positive experience for all.
Like in nursing homes in Ireland, the residents here are no different in that they were happy to see young people and simply enjoyed sitting chatting and as Lynch would say “having the bant”!
Having brought in our supplies and spoken to all those who had gathered in the visitors room to meet us, we were formally introduced to the oldest resident there, a 91 year old war veteran who was detained for 4 years by the communist regime in the Caucaucian Region. We enjoyed hearing about his experience.
We all interacted with the residents there and then, as has become customary, we put on entertainment in the form of song and dance. I’m not sure that everyone knew the words of “The Boys from the County Armagh”, but we gave it a good blast and finished off with Amhran na bhFiann. Mr Burns would be so proud!
We all left here in a positive frame of mind and it was great to see pictures up of last year’s visit, with Niamh Gribben, Aimee Garvey and Shannon McCourt featuring in them. The display of these proves how appreciative these people are of these visits.
The brave and freezing leaders in Romania
Day 5, Wednesday 8th February, Morning Visits
We visited two different orphanages this morning and brought many of them out for their lunch in McDonalds. Both ‘orphanages’ are located in Timis and have adults with severe intellectual disabilities. It is sad to think of these people with no visitors or freedom.
It was a culture shock for all our students to see the severity of these people’s conditions and how excited they were to get out for an hour to McDonalds. In Romania, only the well-off would dine here and it’s considered quite expensive. Upon leaving for our outing one young woman took a particular shine to Jordane Murphy and wouldn’t let go of her hand; she wasn’t one of the ones selected by the directors of the orphanage to go.
In many of the rooms we went into the people were tied to their chairs and had bruises and cuts on their faces and bodies. Most shocking of all was how thin they were. No wonder they were delighted to get out to McDs.
Matthew Campbell was very happy to see some of them putting on his Celtic and Manchester United jerseys straight away. This certainly brought colour to the dullness of these places.
McDonalds went down well with our guests and Chloe Mallon provided great fun and entertainment for the guest at her table.
Fresh fruit, cleaning supplies and other food was purchased for these orphanages. However, the Happy Meals may have been the best purchase of the day.
Day 5, Wednesday 8th February, Morning
It’s minus 20 here today! Never felt anything like this.
We’re presently experiencing difficulties with our laptop screen. There’s a vague rumour circulating from the Equator direction that a certain Mr Murray has remotely disabled our screen visibility due to fear that our blog might outdo his! This means warrrr! Calling all Year 13 students, get commenting now!!!
Day 4, Tuesday 7th February, Afternoon Visit 1
After lunch we mcdonald’s, we made our way to the Day Centre in Prejmer which is a very poor village. The students were pleased to see some of the children who they had met at Luncan School yesterday again.
We brought about 50 pairs of new shoes, fruit, biscuits, stationery and then personal gifts and it was amazing to see how the children queued up here to receive their ‘parcels’.
The students then spent time colouring in, painting and making masks with the children – an enjoyable activity.
Next, the Romanian children did a traditional Romanian dance for their guests; Claire O’Callaghan and Helena Grimes returned the favour with some Irish Dancing. The leaders of the centre were very happy with the time we spent here and it was time well spent.
Day 4, Tuesday 7th February, Afternoon Visit 2
While the main group was in the centre, some of the teachers visited 2 of the poorest houses in the village. They were all given food parcels and the teachers were shocked at the living conditions, which were cramped, damp, dirty.
It was an experience, and indeed a privilege, to be welcomed into these homes.
Day 4, Tuesday 7th February, Afternoon Visit 3
Last stop today was the ‘gypsy village’ where we brought supplies inside the local church for distribution. To say the whole village appeared would be an understatement!
The parents and children queued to receive a packet of biscuits, an apple, an orange and a banana each. It was a manic hour and we eventually managed to get leaving the village at 5.30pm to head back to the hotel.
Day 4, Tuesday 7th February, Morning Visit
This morning we headed off in very cold conditions of minus 11; however the sun was shining and the sky was blue. Our bus driver tells us it will be minus 20 tomorrow!!
After calling to the Metro to purchase supplies, our first stop was Bradet Orphanage. The children here range from 7 to 17. Their conditions range from mild behavioural problems, to severe autism. All have been abandoned by their parents because of their conditions – so they’re not really orphans as such.
Those, who are able, produce goods for sale in their craft shop and our students were delighted to part with their cash here – while our resident guitarist entertained with the guitar.
Cleaning supplies, toiletries, fresh fruit and stationery were purchased for Bradet and we all feel they’re going to a deserved place. It was great to see many of them wearing the shoes we had brought with us a few years back.
Our autistic friend who was sent here by his well-to-’do’, social climbing parents who hadn’t the time or strength of character to cope with a disabled child. Money was not an issue for them, unlike many of the other parents who drop their children off here. The sad thing is that this child has never been visited by his mummy or daddy – despite their empty promises. In their absence and in an environment totally void of stimulation, his autism has become more pronounced and he doesn’t even play with the shoe lace which acted as his ‘security blanket’ when we first met him a few years ago.
Unlike in great places like Rathore in Newry, educationalists in Romania have yet to realise the benefits of music and other sensory techniques for the autistic child. One hopes this will eventually become the norm when dealing with conditions like autism and these children make some progress.
Our students were all keen to know why were so many autistic children abandoned and were shocked to hear that many families here were ashamed to have a child with any form of disability. Others simply leave them here because they are considered a financial drain, rather than a financial asset, to their families.
Day 3, Monday 6th February, Evening
All congregated in the hotel lobby sorting out the supplies that we brought out with us for further distribution throughout the week. Thanks to everyone who gave us gifts to bring out!
Day 3, Monday 6th February, Afternoon Visit 2
Our last visit today was the St Treime Shelter for older ladies. Ten ladies live here and they each live in one room, where they sleep, cook, watch television. Many of them do not have family in Romania as so many have emigrated.
They each received a substantial food parcel, which would last them approximately one month. They also received a cash donation of £10 each (50 Romanian lei); they were all so appreciative of this as many are in poor health & they said they can use this to put towards purchasing much needed medication.
Day 3, Monday 6th February, Afternoon Visit 1
The TB Clinic was the first stop of the afternoon & the students particularly enjoyed seeing the babies who were here. Shoes, nappies, toiletries and night clothes were bought for the children who are here. They were grateful for the gifts but, more importantly, they were very pleased to see visitors – as many of their parents live a distance away.
Day 3, Monday 6th February, Morning Visit 2
Peter Pan Orphanage is quite small, so five students from each school were selected to go there, deliver aid of nappies, food etc & interact with the children who live here. Niamh, Andrea, Joanne, Matthew & Greg were all very impressed with the way that the children here are treated. The orphanage is small, but clean & the workers were pleased to welcome our students. Greg McCabe, in particular, made a friend who was sad to see him go.
Day 3 Monday 6th
February Morning Visit 1
This morning we got our wake up call at 8.00am & set off from hotel at 9.00am. Conditions were really freezing this morning (-7) with heavy snowfall.
Our main stop this morning was our annual visit to Luncanulai School, where we always receive a great welcome. This school is well resourced by Romanian standards & the children who are educated here feel proud to be associated with their school – so much so many of them walk an hour to get here every morning. There is no such luxury as a school bus!
The older students here were well prepared for our visit & had prepared a range of both Romanian & English songs for our entertainment. Shane Fegan was serenaded by one of their stars, Sabrina, and one of our memories of the week may be the sigh of happiness from Shane at her attention!! Our own crew also returned the compliment & Maeve Morgan sang ‘Forget You’, while Bernadette Morris from Tyrone sang a beautiful song in Irish.
After the entertainment we then visited all the classrooms where, again, we received a warm Romanian welcome. During this time we got talking to one of the teachers there who explained that, due to the recession, they had suffered a 20% pay reduction. A regular teacher in Romania gets paid around 250 Euro per month & the Principal of this school receives 350 Euro.
After all the visits to the classrooms the groups went outside to play soccer with the Romanian students. Chrissy Lynch led the way proclaiming he would ‘do the Parish proud’….. Dromintee Abu!!!
Day 2 Sunday 5th February Evening in Hotel
It’s 11pm here and we have been entertained by Shane Fegan on the guitar and of course Chrissy Lynch charming the ladies. We all have a feeling that Chrissy will do his best to ensure that he either has a Tyrone or Antrim date for this year’s formal!!
Tomorrow we will visit a local school and then a small orphange, called Peter Pan. In the afternoon we will go to the TB Clinic and the St Treime Shelter where ten older ladies live. We usually pay for their heating every year to help them through the winter months.
Day 2 Sunday 5th February Afternoon Visit
After lunch in Brasov we went on our visit to the now infamous Vulcan Psychiatric Hospital. For this visit we purchased fresh fruit & biscuits to be distributed by the students to the adults here. Upon our arrival they all lined up in eager anticipation of this rare gift – there are no visitors to this ‘hospital’.
This was a very different experience for the students. While they were upset this morning out of sadness; they were upset this afternoon out of a mixture of sadness and fear. The adults here were very poorly dressed and there were around ten to most rooms. They were very different in terms of age and condition – some of them suffering from mild depression to our favourite Simon, who has schizophrenia.
To all who have visited before ‘skateboard man’ is still here moving around on his skateboard, observing all that goes on!!
Day 2 Sunday 5th February Morning Visit
We were up this morning at 8.30am for breakfast & got leaving at about 9.30am. All the students were very excited about their first set of visits on what will be a week long of highs and lows.
First stop was Albina Codlea, which is one of the nicer orphanages we visit. There are different floors here; the bottom ones contains about 20 babies, toddlers and younger children with severe disabilities. They are in a structured routine & so we rotated all the groups in,so as to cause as little disturbance as possible. All the students were very upset in this part of the orphanage – the upsetting thing being not only their frail conditions, many of them were so thin, but the fact that their faces lit up with the students simply holding their hands or stroking their faces. They do not have the luxury of such attention & really appreciated something which so many of us take for granted. In one the rooms sat six children, of mixed ages, watching television. There was an older boy there who had both physical & intellectual disabilities. He was delighted at the attention given to him by Shane Fegan & Matthew Campbell; they shook his hands & ‘high fived’ him – he most definitely fely like one of the ‘lads’, regardless of his disabilities.
Another of the floors here is dedicated to children who have sexually abused. They have been placed here by social services who have found them abandoned on the streets. One of the boys here stood patiently at the window with his sister, waiting for his mummy to come and visit him – he had no interest in the lollies or sweets that were being distributed.
The other floors were for girls who were abandoned or placed in care; many of them have behavioural problems – ranging from mild to severe. They really enjoyed meeting our female students & reassured the many who were crying that they really loved the orphanage & had no desire to leave. Our girls were very upset that their families did not provide the love and comfort that their own did – there may be some parents in for big hugs when these students return!! Ciara McDonnell, Niamh McGovern & Katie Byrne got a big send off from the girls here.
The aid that was purchased for Albina Codlea included two microwaves, two water boilers, bins, cleaning materials alongside the gifts from home that people had donated.
Day 1 Saturday 4th February
We have arrived safely in Poiana Brasov. The three hour transfer from the airport to the hotel was long in heavy snow. Despite arriving here at 1.00am (11.00pm Irish time), the hotel had a hot meal ready for us. All rooms have been allocated and we have a ‘lie in’ tomorrow with breakfast being served at 8.30am. Much needed rest tonight….
View of the snow
77 comments
Glad everyone has arrived safely. Snow looks lovely. Looking forward to following the blog over the coming wk.
by Philip McGovern on 05/02/2012 at 12:46 am #
Hello from Kenya. We’re delighted to hear you’re all safe and sound in Romania. Have a great week experiencing life in another country. It’s 35C here today and we’re all in shorts and tshirts. We hear it’s a bit different where you are… 🙂
by Dáithí Murray on 05/02/2012 at 9:38 am #
WEEEEEEEEEEEL JORDEN SO WA HAVE YOUS BEEN UP 2 ITS SNOWING AN RAINING OVER HERE 🙂 🙂 😀
by tadhgmcmullan on 05/02/2012 at 11:30 am #
Hope you are all having a great time in Romania. From everyone in Cloghinny!! 🙂
by Cara & Aoibhe on 05/02/2012 at 11:44 am #
gd thing u all arrived safe courtney took my done as san iPod i nned it!!! have a great time in the snow
by katie boyle on 05/02/2012 at 6:11 pm #
So glad every1 got there safe,well done 2 every1 of the students 4 bein so brave,and espically proud of my wee sis claire,take care see u soon!!xx
by kathleen ocallaghan on 05/02/2012 at 6:39 pm #
Good luck to everyone especially Marie Clare Crilly from uncle Fintan. xoxo you are all doing a good job> xo
by Fintan Kilpatrick on 05/02/2012 at 7:05 pm #
Glad to see you have all arrived safe and sound. Photos are class! Great to see Shane is ok. A wee txt wouldn’t go amiss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great time.
by Josie and Adrian Fegan on 05/02/2012 at 7:07 pm #
hello everyone over there 🙂 .. just great to see all the photos and knowing those faces and seeing that their doing well 🙂 am sooooo jealous of all the visits u are going to make … one thing am not jealous about is cathy waking ya up at like half 7 in the morning :L .. keep up the good work and keep the photos coming and enjoy yourselfs 😀
by sinead dowdall on 05/02/2012 at 7:15 pm #
Hi everyone, glad you’ve all arrived safely. Looking forward to tuning in to the blog all week. I bet Niamh & Jordane see some difference between Romania and Sweden!!!!
Enjoy this life changing trip.
Take care
by Mary Mc Mahon on 05/02/2012 at 7:19 pm #
Well done to everyone today it must have been very difficult and quite a shock. Keep up the good work, looking forward to more news and pictures through the week.
by Paula McGovern on 05/02/2012 at 8:21 pm #
Your old year group are doing you proud Mrs McMahon!!
by Christine Fearon on 05/02/2012 at 9:18 pm #
Glad to see all arrived safe and sound.We look forward to following blog all week !!
by Brian,Lorraine,Conor and Eimear on 05/02/2012 at 9:45 pm #
Hey christine and emmett, just thought i wud pop in to say hello, looking at the pics is making me feel very jealous -i want to be here sharing the tears and of course craic along the way. Hope u all have a fab time. Take care. Bronagh xxx
by Bronagh mc curru on 05/02/2012 at 10:14 pm #
Great to see you all bringing a bit of happiness, we’re very proud of you. Makes you realise how lucky we are in Ireland.
by The Crilly Family on 05/02/2012 at 10:14 pm #
Miss you as always!!
by Christine Fearon on 05/02/2012 at 10:15 pm #
Its great to see all those familiar Romanian faces… havn’t changed a bit! i think some of them still have the same clothes as last year!.. Enjoy your week, take every opportunity yous get to experience both the ups and downs.. the memories will stay with you! 😀 stay warm!
by Aimee Garvey on 06/02/2012 at 12:12 am #
Glad to see you all arrived safe. Enjoy your time and we look forward to hearing all the craic when you return. Take care.
by Mrs Branagan and the AS Religion Class on 06/02/2012 at 12:57 pm #
Great to keep up to date via the blog! delighted all is going so well….would love to be there, sharing all those special moments!!
hope the lisburn crew are behaving themselves. Keep up the tremendous work! Shauna x
by Shauna Hurson on 06/02/2012 at 12:57 pm #
Greetings from the silence of the study!
I once read that life is all about creating and building great memories for yourself and for others. You seem to be having a life changing experience whilst enriching the lives of those you meet. What a fantastic trip to be part of!
I’m jealous!
by G.McMahon on 06/02/2012 at 1:12 pm #
Hi to everyone!
Hope you all have your woolies on as you probably will need it.
Make sure you look after each other as you are all making a huge difference to all those people you meet on your trip.
Take care
Ps. I hope Ms Fearon and Mr McCafferty are joining in on the sing songs at night!!
Mrs Donnelly
by Eimear Donnelly on 06/02/2012 at 2:39 pm #
Hi to everyone!
Hope you all have your woolies on as you probably will need it.
Make sure you look after each other as you are all making a huge difference to all those people you meet on your trip.
Take care
Ps. I hope Ms Fearon and Mr McCaffery are joining in on the sing songs at night!!
Mrs Donnelly
by Eimear Donnelly on 06/02/2012 at 3:04 pm #
Alrite lads
by darragh on 06/02/2012 at 3:21 pm #
heyyyy having fun ? laura how are your vest tops helping in romania ?
by Caoimhe on 06/02/2012 at 3:25 pm #
glad to see your all having a good time, well done everyone especially marie-claire!
by Cliodhna, Emer, Catherine, Megan and Amy on 06/02/2012 at 6:48 pm #
Thanks for the comments everyone. good to see you all following us. Having a great time here.
by Marie-Clare Crilly on 06/02/2012 at 7:34 pm #
Glad to c ur all having a grt time and enjoying ur experience can’t wait to hear all the craic wen u get home. Hey boss 😉 missing u about for the gossip lol I c cara and aiobhe r keeping an eye on u!
by Caroline Mc Shane on 06/02/2012 at 8:14 pm #
The group are just brilliant. Craic great with them and their health & social care skills coming in handy.
by Christine Fearon on 06/02/2012 at 9:46 pm #
Ahh use are all soo lucky I’d do anything to be back over there even if it meant Cathys early morning wake up calls 🙁 …. Romania is absolutly amazing its such an eye opener take every opportunity it offers because its a once in a life time chance. Miss it soo muc but the memories you will be able to take homes work all the tears + heartache it causes. Hope no T.Vs go missin + no bodies are found under ur bed this year mr mc caffery 😛 lol …. Enjoy the trip guys + take care xx
by Niamh Gribben on 06/02/2012 at 10:35 pm #
Hello all. Delighted all is going well. The news and photos are great. I am so proud of each of you and the great work you are doing. Keep up the good work. God bless you.
by Kathleen on 07/02/2012 at 9:19 am #
Im glad to hear all the skills we have been teaching you are coming in handy! i hear Jordane is keeping everyone is craic :)Ms Fearon no pics of you yet?????
by Caroline Mc Shane on 07/02/2012 at 9:26 am #
Delighted to see you are continuing the great work of St. Paul’s in Romania.
We’re all following the blog.
Jarlath Burns
by Jarlath Burns on 07/02/2012 at 3:23 pm #
Hope u’s are all are having a great time..been 2 years since i’ve been and still would love to do it all again..hope u’s all have a time and experince because tyere is nothing like it
by Adrian O'Grady on 07/02/2012 at 4:33 pm #
It’s class looking at all the photos, brings back brilliant memories of when I was there. So jealous looking at them. Glad to see everyones having a good time, and enjoying Shane’s guitar. I’m loving having peace and quiet from it for a week 🙂 Make the best of this week because it goes so fast, but the memories last forever 🙂
by Aideen Fegan on 07/02/2012 at 7:51 pm #
It’s great to be able to read about all you are doing and to see the photos. I hope you are all keeping warm and “enjoying” the trip. Don’t forget to help out your teachers, remember they’re old and feeble. Everyone in St Paul’s is keeping up to date with your blog. Have a great time and be safe.
by Oliver Mooney on 07/02/2012 at 8:24 pm #
Hi Niamh hope you are good missing you lots. It is sad to see some of the pictures of the children and their houses. Make sure to give the children all the sweets you brought over with you. How cold is it hope you are not freezing. Hollie says hi. lot of love from your brother and sister x x x x.
See you soon.
by ciara and cahal mcloughlin on 07/02/2012 at 8:38 pm #
Dia daoibh a chairde,
I have been reading the blog every night and I feel like I am there with you. It is lovely to see some of the familiar faces of the young boys and girls we met last year and the ladies in St Treime Church. I hope you enjoyed Bradet today, it was my favourite place last year and I found it very difficult to leave.
I hope you all know how proud we are of you.
A special hello to Christine, Cathy and Emmett who I know are probably in desperate need of a good night’s sleep by now.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Enjoy the rest of this wonderful experience.
Slán go fóill, agus beannacht Dé oraibh go léir
Miss McCoy
PS Very proud of the Irish dancers.
by Miss McCoy on 07/02/2012 at 8:50 pm #
Hello everyone again hope your all doing well especially Marie Clare Crilly, miss you keep up the good work uncle Fintan xoxo.
by Fintan Kilpatrick on 07/02/2012 at 9:24 pm #
Hi this is alannah hope all is going well did you have a snow ball fight yet or did you bulid a snow man good bye 😀
by tadhgmcmullan on 07/02/2012 at 9:55 pm #
To all In Romania/Kenya
Hope all are enjoying the trip. The school this week is living up to it’s motto ‘caritate in radicati’.
Good luck with the rest of the trip
by Anthony Fearon on 07/02/2012 at 10:28 pm #
Hi Marie Clare we are all proud of you and are glad to see you all out there helping people in need.Kisses from Colleen and Alicia.See you soon XXXX.
by O'Boyle Family on 08/02/2012 at 10:26 am #
hope use are having a great time can’t wait till u come back too hear the crac! Miss u M-C!
by cliodhna, emer, sarah on 08/02/2012 at 11:13 am #
love use. bring me back somethnig nice
by Alice Tavey on 08/02/2012 at 11:22 am #
Am enjoying following your activites. Did you know Mr Mc Caffrey has been mistaken for our old Librarian, Seamus? It’s amazing what a beard can do. Glad to see you are evidently enjoying the trip, despite its hardships. You are lucky to have such good teachers to make it all possible. Maeve, good to see you entertaining; Chloe, we will show granny the pictures tonight!!
by amallon on 08/02/2012 at 11:31 am #
Keep up the good work on the blog romania, Kenya is loosing the battle
by pmcg on 08/02/2012 at 11:43 am #
lovely to see yous are all well and are well wrapped up in your thermals. any good snow ball fights yet come on girls get a good oul fight going their. enjoy the experience and keep the good work up you’s are all brillant 🙂 🙂 bye for now keep warm
by aine gregory on 08/02/2012 at 12:13 pm #
Well, Jordane,Andrea,and Courtney hope yous are all getting on grt and not too cold lol.Cant wait to hear all the craic when you get home.
by Double Award HSC class on 08/02/2012 at 12:50 pm #
Mrs Fearon, where are you?
Having bad hair days, or the snow clothes not this seasons!! Go on send us a couple of photos so that I can squash that rumour that you are in fact in Hawaii.
Adrian seems so grateful for my visits and phone calls.Your children have welcomed me and made me feel so much at home. I am sure Daithi said Ma ma to me yesterday. The snow looks fabulous and our pupils are so well kitted out. I am impressed.
Every one seems so happy even though it is not the most pleasant of environments.
Such a great opportunity for the pupils. I know they will appreciate all your hard work and effort in organising this trip.
See you soon
by Mrs O' Hare on 08/02/2012 at 1:45 pm #
Delighted all is going well. So proud when I read all the wonderful work you are doing. No snow here yet, but very cold to-day. In touch soon. God bless.
by kmoore on 08/02/2012 at 2:07 pm #
Hi Niamh, Joanne and all the gang, you all look so happy and content on your fantastic and unforgettable experience, your work has made such a big difference and made many people smile.. enjoying the rest of your trip. We love all the photos so keep them coming. looking forward to seeing you soon. miss you loads xxx
by Marion and Philip on 08/02/2012 at 2:08 pm #
Well done to everyone out there for all the great work that you are doing. It is so interesting to see it for real and amazing what you are all doing for people of all ages and stages of life. my heart oges out to you all in the bitter cold. Mind you! You are all looking very well and like you are having a good time. You are great. Keep up the good work. This will be a life changing experience for you all. Looking forward to the next blog. Good work Christine, I am impressed with your blogs. Enjoy the rest of the week. thinking of you all. xo
by Mrs Mackin on 08/02/2012 at 2:45 pm #
Hi everyone….the blog is great and we are following the blog in the library! I bet that Ski Wear is being put to good use….still no snow here! Have a great week and look forward to all your comments for the Yearbook!
by Michelle Morgan on 08/02/2012 at 3:15 pm #
I look forward every evening to reading the blog to see what you were all up to during the day. The photos and videos are great. Makes you appreciate what you have… You are all doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work!!!
by josie Fegan on 08/02/2012 at 5:20 pm #
Hi everyone, REALLY enjoying the blog. Had tears in my eyes several times. You are all a credit to us!!! Keep sending the news and take care.
God Bless
by Mary Mc Mahon on 08/02/2012 at 5:39 pm #
christine noelle is on her way over lol
by Caroline Mc Shane on 08/02/2012 at 6:28 pm #
Hello again from Kenya – love reading the blog every night. Your experiences are very moving, and the photos illustrate the suffering and poverty so vividly. Keep up the good work – and enjoy the last few days.
All your colleagues here in Londiani send their best wishes and love.
by Dáithí Murray on 08/02/2012 at 6:31 pm #
well mc shane & mc namee.. Yeah having a brill time, we don’t want to leave.. Yeah we have pleanty of craic to share when we get back lol
by Courtney conlon & jordane murphy on 08/02/2012 at 7:08 pm #
Been reading the blog the last couple day sand running through the pictures! think they’re all thats keeping me going because not being there this year is hitting all last years ones hard! Special shout out to our Cathy yous better be treating her good 😀 Keep up the good work guys you can see how much its appreciated! x
by Niamh Ní Chealligh on 08/02/2012 at 7:10 pm #
Hi everyone!! Dia daoibh go léir!
I must say that your photos look amazing and so inspiring – you all seem to be having a ball of a time while greatly enriching your own and others’ lives. Well done to you all, I’m proud to know you.
It’s interesting to see your choice of song – I was telling Maeve Morgan (Meabh Ní Mhuirgeáin) that I was recently listening to her performing Amhrán na bhFiann in my classroom, all of three years ago. If it was anything like that then you guys all had a treat.
On a more somber note, I had to cover one of Mr McCaffery’s classes. Only joking it was a pleasure!
Take care of each other out there and continue to do a great job for us at St. Paul’s – thanks for representing us so well, I can’t wait to hear how you all got on when you come back!
An Máistir Ó Coinne
by Mr S Quinn on 08/02/2012 at 8:31 pm #
Hello all (Marie Clare) how you’s getting on?
Hope you all enjoy your last days, your making a difference good luck Uncle Fintan xo.
by Fintan Kilpatrick on 08/02/2012 at 8:47 pm #
Hey jordane andd every1 else doing great work over der….. Look 4ward 2 reading ur blog every evening… Brings back so many memories of when i was der…. Can tell from d pictures that use are having a good time when doing great work…. Yas are working in cold weather but keep up d good work yas r doing urselfs and d school very proud 🙂 x
by patrice gallagher on 08/02/2012 at 8:53 pm #
Hello to all and a special hello to christine,great following the blog the pics make you feel so grateful.A special thanks to siobhan for all the help,couldnt have got through it without you,a true friend. Caroline my 5 year old wants a word with you. You have spelt her name wrong “oops”. Well done christine but as they say behind every good woman is a good man.
by Adrian Cara and Aoibhe on 08/02/2012 at 9:29 pm #
Glad to see you are doing well. Get Mr McCaffery to download the photos from his camera!!! I hope my A-level maths pupils are getting in some revision in the evenings and are not partaking in any social activities!!!
Take care and be safe.
by Laura Hollywood on 08/02/2012 at 9:44 pm #
Hello Everyone
First of all i hope yous are all having an amazing time; which im almost certain yous are as its one of the best experiences yous will ever have.
Secondly yous have the best teachers in St.Pauls there with you… ha ha lick I know! Fearon & McCaffery there some pups 😉
Photographs look amazing….. A few I seen Ms Fearon showing off some style (nice high wedged snow boots) and her that told us it ‘wasn’t a fashion show; so sensible clothing!’ ha ha.
A few of the pictures brought back memories; sad ones at that. Even though it’s an enjoyable experience it has its moments, but yous should be so proud of yourselves that yous are giving those individuals a new lease of life by just yous visiting never mind playing games and bringing them sweets and gifts!
Fair play and keep up the good work!!
xx
by Nicola McCamley on 08/02/2012 at 11:21 pm #
hey everyone, hope use are having a great time, looks absolutely amazing, would have loved to go over and enjoy such an experience, cant wait to here all the bant when use are back…
enjoy and take care 😀
by me on 09/02/2012 at 11:38 am #
Hi all, you are doing a wonderful job. great blog, I just can only imagine how difficult it is to walk away and leave those poor kids -i think i would be arrested for kidnapping. Just heartwrenching.-20C! not even Katesbridge has experienced that! We think it is cold here at5C!keep warm and look out for each other. you are great ambassadors, safe home
by Bridget McConville on 09/02/2012 at 11:54 am #
It looks like you are all getting on well! Hope you win the war Ms Fearon. Watch that Adrian fellow with Mrs O Hare on the loose!
by oonagh mcardle on 09/02/2012 at 1:46 pm #
lynch, your doing you parish proud over there , seen the pic with you and them girls haha no better man. oh and hope your having a good time jordane since you are crying at me to write on this, and there will be a class cup of tea waiting on you when your back, but just not in my house lol
by conor on 09/02/2012 at 9:41 pm #
Conor, thanks for your kind and thoughtful enquiry about the work we are doing over here. Yes, Lynch is doing his parish proud.
by Christine fearon on 09/02/2012 at 9:52 pm #
Hello everyone just reading the blog has sent shivers down my spine and has sent a flood of memories back and a flood in general lol sittin here in tears!! can’t believe the skateboard woman is still there in vulcan!!! Keep up the good work this is an
experience that will never leave you all
for all the wrong reasons the poverty and sickness and
the injustice!! We think that the recession is bad here in Ireland … But really in comparision we are rich
in so many ways!!! Enjoy the
good times with the teachers and even that mad cathy one!! Safe trip home to all your doing everyone proud
by Ciara McCrink on 10/02/2012 at 10:25 am #
Hi All,
Your time is nearly up in Romania, and it looks truely amazing. Can’t wait to hear about your experiences, I bet the double award health & social care girls will have loads of primary research for their coursework.
Enjoy your last days, and safe travelling home.
Miss McNamee
by Miss McNamee on 10/02/2012 at 11:20 am #
Hard to belive the week is over….great to have kept up to date with the goings on of all the crew!! The memories from this week will stay with u all forever.
Safe travels home, take care and cant wait to hear all the craic
Shauna (St Pats Lisburn)
by shauna hurson on 10/02/2012 at 2:45 pm #
So a quick message. Enjoy the final night. Good luck in the talent show and awards. Christine, congrats with the blog you were fantastic. Have safe journey home. God bless.
by kmoore on 10/02/2012 at 4:30 pm #
Enjoy ur last night everyone and safe journey home.
by Caroline Mc Shane on 10/02/2012 at 6:16 pm #
Cant believe your week is almost over. Christine, your blogs were brillant!!. A big thanks to you and Mr McCaffery for giving Shane this opportunity!! It’s an experience I’m sure will stay with him forever. I hope you are all enjoying your last night and safe home tomorrow.xx
by Josie Fegan on 10/02/2012 at 11:08 pm #
All right folks…..
So that’s it all over for another year. I hope all the students enjoyed their first experience of Romania and keep it with them forever. Lovely group again from all three schools and as always I’m proud and privileged to still be a part of such a worthy experience. Thanks to all involved in making this such a successful week, you should all be very proud of yourselves…
Christine I’m sure you will be glad to eventually get setting that phone down, your constant charging will have caused a power surge in poiana lol, emmet gent as always look forward to seeing you next year.
Love Cathy Hamilton ( the blow in that can’t and won’t go away) xx
by Cathy on 12/02/2012 at 10:02 am #
Thank you to everyone who has made this trip to Romania possible for all the students. It will change them as people and will give them a baseline for their values for the rest of their lives. They can’t help but be changed by the experiences they have been so fortunate to have had. I sincerely hope that it can happen again next year for yet another group. Special thanks to Christine and Emmett for being so generous with their time.
by Oliver Mooney on 12/02/2012 at 9:53 pm #