Ah, I can't believe a week ago I was spending my last night in Romania. Time flies way too fast these days... Trying to get back into the swing of things around here. Lots of weddings, engagement shoots, and adventures coming up in the next few months!
While I'm settling in, know that one of my dearest friends got married the day before I left for Romania. I was blessed to shoot her wedding and looking forward to posting it soon. For now, here's three shots from that special day:
: record-number of visitors in one room, all given equal attention from superwoman and NFS field director Mama Mariana (Unfortunately we weren't able to fit in the room with all 15..a photo of 6 will do )
Today we wrapped up our last day in Timişoara. A big thanks goes out to one of our cameras , which bailed on us midday. I guess we can truly be thankful that it happened on the last day and not on day one!
At the safe house (where we've been spending most of our time) are not only the living quarters of three victims, but the neighborhood hangout for several other regular guests, including refugees from Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, Tunisia, and Iraq. American cartoons, a game of chess, milk pasteurizing on the stove, cigarette smoke, Train ringtones,... every sense is overwhelmingly foreign yet the feeling is somehow harmonious and global, always pregnant with smiles and laughter... surprisingly, I imagined this is somewhat similar to what heaven will be like.
Here's an adorable photo by Audrey:
Thinking back on the last four days, we realize that it's impossible to film enough footage or take enough photographs that can exactly capture life in Romania. We'd advise you to come see for yourself if you want the real deal! But we know we've done our best at de- pic-ting Romania through the eyes of our lenses and we hope that you've enjoyed our journey as much as we have. Ciao and multsomesc!
Well, time to fly home.
P.s. A huge thanks goes out to my wonderful travel comrade, Audrey! You've played a very dynamic roll on this trip. You have a way with words and interacting with others during interviews that could give Anderson Cooper a run for his money. Thanks for being you.
: number of prostitutes slaughtered on the streets of Timişoara in the past 4 days.
The farm in Călacea is situated 25km from Timişoara. The 30 minute trip routed us through Romanian countryside, a combination of sinuous pavement and gravel roads, eventually pouring us into the small-town kind, the type with goats tied to trees and free-range geese and roadside fires. Here, NFS partner has purchased property and, seven years ago, has begun building a safe house for men rescued from situations involving unjust lawsuits, immigration, indecent pay, and prostitution. Currently there are three men living here, including one staff member. The caretaker, who is the same age as the others, sees himself as a father to both, one an African immigrant and the other a former farm worker under depraved and unjust conditions. In one interview, the staff member expressed his sold-out desire to the betterment of the lives of others, especially those in situations that recall parts of his past. I don't know about you, but one of the most beautiful things to me is seeing a smile that communicates self-denial and sacrifice, where the importance of others' lives lapse your own. 
On a more climate-related note, weather in Romania has remained hot and sunny, highs in the mid-90s. It seems to be peak plum season since both of us average about 20 plums a day. I'm surprised the superfruit hasn't caused any undesired side effects...
Our final full day in Timişoara is tomorrow.
Well, time to soak it all up.
: for all you burgernomics folks out there, this is the price of a Big Mac in lei. (equivalent to $3.5 USD)
Today's scavenger hunt began in the outskirts of Timişoara. We found one of the program's beneficiaries, now working full-time at a langoserie (eastern bakery serving langoš, a deep fried flat bread garnished with cheese). Nina* is now in the final stage of after-care, saving to buy her own apartment within the year. This is a success story that makes the challenge of bringing a girl from a rescued state to full independence so rewarding. Here's to you, justice-seekers of Romania!
We realized that our pre-trip ignorance had us fooled when that "quaint village of Timişoara" turned out to be a great big town of half a million. Downtown, la centra, we found a canal, an opera house, a cathedral, and a restored brick wall that used to surround the city before the revolution erupted in the late 1980s. It's hard to fathom the beauty of the city intermixed with the blunt and casual reality of prostitution, which we discovered first hand at night. Without an intentional interest, it is almost too easy to be unaware and oblivious to the crime.
Never mind cultural idiosyncrasies, language barriers, and dietary preferences, we all have equal status when it comes to dignity. How has the distribution of it become so disproportionate? And why should Romania be an exception?
Well, time to disagree.
* other name used to protect privacy of beneficiary
: beneficiaries ("victims") that NFS partner in Romania has reached since its inauguration in 2001.
Today we met with a few individuals involved with the program. Each had their own part in the stories of redemption. The manager at the Quick Lunch: Servim cald! (which are, deceivingly enough, served hot) catering company employs and houses rescued victims to give them a head start in skill building. The psychologist stands alongside girls and boys as they try to figure out purpose after a life void of hope. Finally, the doctor sews together broken hearts, using psychoanalysis and therapy to restore dignity. 
Two girls, brought in by the police less than one month ago, shared stories of rescue and transformation. The word "hope," speranta, produced tears, each girl wondering whether hope was in it for them or not. How can you convince somebody that they can have a hopeful future when each day of their past has been a reflection of the opposite?
Well, time to think.
