We recently held our inaugural two-part training session for our new volunteers in Romania, and the energy in the room was truly inspiring. Sixty passionate individuals gathered, each brimming with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. From the outset, the atmosphere was filled with promise and determination, as we all came together with a common goal: to contribute positively to our community through our work with Livada Orphan Care.

During our time together, we ensured that our training was not just about learning but also about connecting on a deeper level. We organized interactive activities that allowed us to break the ice, get to know each other better, and build strong team bonds. Laughter echoed through the room as we engaged in creative and fun exercises, sharing moments of joy that brought us closer together. These interactions were not just enjoyable; they were instrumental in laying the foundation for a cohesive and supportive volunteer team.

Our discussions began with a heartfelt exploration of the importance and impact of our work with these children. Volunteers shared personal stories and experiences, highlighting meaningful moments and lessons learned from past interactions. Each story evoked strong emotions and reinforced our collective belief that every act of compassion and support can profoundly impact the lives of those we serve.

With open minds and hearts, we delved into planning our upcoming summer camps. We discussed a range of activities, from recreational to educational programs, all aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for the children. Every volunteer had the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions, ensuring that our camps would be a memorable and beneficial experience for all participants.

As the day drew to a close, we left with hearts full of positive emotions and a renewed confidence in our ability to make a real difference. The connections we made and the motivation we felt were palpable. We are ready to embark on this journey, sharing joys, inspiring others, and serving as role models for those in need. With each passing day, we are determined to bring more light and hope into the lives of the children we serve.

This is just the beginning of a beautiful and meaningful journey with Livada Orphan Care, and we are ready to embrace every moment with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we will make a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time.

During the Easter holiday period, we had the privilege of organizing a special activity with orphaned children in our community. On a sunny spring day, we gathered to celebrate the spirit of Easter through play, creativity, and meaningful discussion.

We started our day with an egg hunt brimming with joy and excitement. The children eagerly searched for every hidden egg in the garden, their lively laughter filling the air. Through this activity, we aimed to promote team spirit, exploration, and a celebration of life’s simple joys, regardless of individual circumstances.

After the egg hunt, we continued with an Easter egg painting session. Each child used their imagination and creativity to create unique works of art on plaster eggs. This activity not only developed the children’s artistic skills but also provided an opportunity for them to express their emotions and thoughts in a colorful and lively manner.

But our experience didn’t stop at play and creation. We gathered in a circle to discuss the profound meaning of Easter. We talked about the death and resurrection of Jesus, sharing ideas and questions about the hope and reassurance this event brings to each of us. Through these discussions, we encouraged the children to reflect on their values and discover new and deep meanings in our religious traditions.

In the end, our activity was not just a day of fun and games but also an opportunity to share valuable lessons and strengthen our community bonds. We left with hearts full of gratitude and joy, blessed to share hope and reassurance with those who need it most. We hope that these moments are just the beginning of a deeper bond and continued collaboration for the benefit and support of vulnerable children in our community.

Paste Ferecit means “Happy Easter” in Romanian.

This weekend, Easter will be celebrated by those using a western calendar.(Like in America) In Romania, even Protestant churches celebrate Easter using the eastern calendar. Therefore, they will be celebrating the Resurrection on May 5th. The good news is that we celebrate the meaning of Easter all year round through Livada Follow Up clubs and After-School programs. We are grateful for this freedom to consistently plant seeds, nurture them, and watch them grow in the lives of these wild kids!

We rejoice in using the platform of practical care for orphans and vulnerable Roma children and teens to share the hope of Easter. Thank you for providing the prayers and resources that give us this daily privilege. Please pray with us that we will not lose sight of this mission. We will pray that for you and your family too.

Paste Ferecit,

Bruce, Rodica, Mira and the rest of the Livada/LOC staff

The career of Viorel Gaga, deeply rooted in faith and service, began in the early 1990s through a meaningful collaboration with Bruce Thomas, the visionary founding president of the LOC Foundation. This partnership blossomed in Târgu Mureș, Romania, amidst a collective of youth pastors and local church leaders, all united in their quest for a deeper understanding of scripture and a shared commitment to cultivating Christian leadership across local, regional, and national spheres.

This era was characterized by a profound spiritual awakening, as Vio and his colleagues felt a divine call to dedicate themselves to the youth. Their efforts were marked by intensive Bible study sessions, fervent prayers, and meticulous planning, laying a strong foundation for a mission that would define Vio’s life.

In 2009, Vio’s journey took a pivotal turn when he became intimately involved with the LOC Foundation. Assuming the roles of executive director and president of the Board of Directors, he embarked on a mission that was not just a professional commitment but a personal calling. Driven by a verse from James 1:27, Vio devoted himself to “care for orphans and widows in their distress,” embodying the essence of pure and undefiled religion before God.

For 15 years, Vio tirelessly served the foundation, pouring his heart and soul into supporting vulnerable children and upholding the biblical mandate that had guided him from the start. His tenure at LOC was more than just administrative; it was a testament to a life lived in service to others, driven by faith and a profound sense of purpose. As Vio steps into retirement, his legacy continues through the countless lives he has touched, a beacon of compassion and dedication in a world in need of both.

From all the assignments Vio has had, he has enjoyed the opportunity to mentor the team and the beneficiaries of the organization.

At the end of these years of service, Vio is thankful to the Lord, who has been good and blessed all the work.

We appreciate Vio for his kind heart, his dedication to working with vulnerable children, and always having their best interests at heart.

We have a deep appreciation for his unwavering dedication and kind-heartedness in working with vulnerable children. His genuine compassion and tireless efforts have not only impacted the lives of these children but also inspired those around him.

We also deeply admire Vio’s unwavering faith in God, which guides his actions and brings a sense of purpose to his work with vulnerable children. His commitment to fostering peace among staff members, even in challenging situations, is remarkable. His ability to cultivate a harmonious work environment while staying true to his values is truly commendable and has left a lasting impact on all of us.

For 15 years, his commitment to making a difference has been truly admirable and has left a lasting impression on all of those he came into contact with while working at Fundatia LOC.

Happy retirement, sir! Your legacy of kindness, faith, and service will continue to inspire us all.

NOTE: Vio is still with LOC serving as our European Director of Development (Fundraising).

As spring beckons, Romania embraces a unique and heartwarming tradition that symbolizes the rejuvenation and hope that the season brings. Known as Mărțișor, this tradition is celebrated at the dawn of spring, specifically in the month of March. It is not only a cultural hallmark in Romania but also holds a special place in the hearts of those in Moldova.

Mărțișor – a term derived from “marț,” the old folk name for March, encapsulates the essence of “little March.” This tradition involves the creation and gifting of a small, yet significant object – typically fashioned from two intertwined strings, one red and the other white, culminating in a hanging tassel. This simple, yet profound symbol carries deep meanings and is a representation of spring’s arrival.

The tradition of Mărțișor is deeply rooted in Romanian culture, with the practice of wearing this symbolic ornament during the initial days of March. It is customarily worn on the chest, akin to a brooch or a lapel pin, commencing from the 1st of March. Historical practices varied, with some wearing it from the first new moon of March until a significant local holiday, which could range anywhere from March 9th to May 1st, or until the blossoming of the first tree flowers, depending on regional traditions. Previously, it was also common to wear the Mărțișor tied around the wrist or as a necklace.

The intertwining of the red and white strings is symbolic, with red representing life and vitality, like the blood of Jesus, and white symbolizing purity and new beginnings, much like the cleansing snow of winter giving way to spring. This symbolism reflects the cycle of life and nature’s rebirth, making Mărțișor a poignant reminder of the beauty and hope that spring brings.

For the children in Romania, especially those in orphanages, the tradition of Mărțișor is a beacon of joy and a symbol of the care and warmth extended by the community towards them. It is a time when the simple act of giving a Mărțișor can light up a child’s face with a smile, making them feel loved and part of the community’s embrace of spring.

The Mărțișor tradition is a beautiful expression of cultural identity and communal solidarity. It is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Romanian people, who cherish and uphold their traditions, passing them down through generations. As we celebrate Mărțișor, we are reminded of the power of traditions to bring us together, foster a sense of belonging, and spread happiness.

This spring, as we embrace the spirit of renewal and hope, let us remember the significance of the Mărțișor and the joy it brings to the hearts of many, especially the children who look forward to this gesture of love and inclusion. The Mărțișor is not just a symbol of spring; it is a symbol of our collective hope, care, and the enduring spirit of community.

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is more than just a commercial holiday filled with chocolates, flowers, and heart-shaped cards. At its core, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection between intimate companions, a day dedicated to expressing love and appreciation for those we hold dear. This tradition, rooted in both Christian and ancient Roman tradition, has evolved over the centuries into a global celebration that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, reminding us of the universal importance of love in human connection and well-being.

However, Valentine’s Day also offers a unique opportunity to extend our expressions of love beyond the conventional boundaries of romantic and familial relationships. It invites us to consider those who may not regularly experience the warmth and care most of us take for granted, such as the high school students Livada works with in Ogra. This year, during a group therapy meeting for those same high school students, we asked “What does love really mean?” Love means getting involved. Making a difference. It’s something you don’t just say, but something you do. Livada Orphan Care works tirelessly in Romania to provide love, support, and care to orphans, ensuring they have access to the essentials of life and the opportunity to grow in a nurturing environment.

Through your support of Livada’s work with teenagers, you not only adhere to the true essence of Valentine’s Day but also contribute to a cause that has a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. This act of kindness and generosity embodies the love and compassion at the heart of Valentine’s Day, transforming our celebration into a meaningful gesture that reaches across borders to touch the lives of those less fortunate. So, this Valentine’s Day, expand your understanding of love by supporting Livada Orphan Care, making a difference in the world one child at a time.

Every journey has a beginning, and mine with the LOC Foundation commenced in 2002. This initiation coincided with my employment at a special needs school that had a collaboration with the Ludus orphanage. At that time, having just completed a specialization in special psych pedagogy, my focus revolved entirely around working with disabled children from the orphanage. My commitment to this cause persisted, encompassing various educational institutions and organizations, until a moment of realization prompted me to aspire to more meaningful impact—something that could prevent these children from reaching dire circumstances.

This pivotal moment unfolded when Providence presented a new opportunity through the LOC Foundation five years ago. I seized the chance to work with abandoned babies in pediatric hospitals, an experience that served as a breath of fresh air for me—an opportunity to recharge and actively contribute to the healthier development of these forsaken children.

In 2021, I was afforded another enriching opportunity within the LOC Foundation: to work in the Prevention of Abandonment department within a Roma community, specifically in an after-school program. It brings me immense joy to support these children on their learning journey and to impart whatever the Lord has placed in my heart.

Beyond being just a job, I consider myself blessed to play a role in God’s work in this manner.

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We appreciate Loredana for her serving heart and dedication to helping every baby or child reach its full potential. She is a great colleague, flexible, and dedicated to our Foundation’s mission.