Mission Trips
Medical Mission - Romania, March 2008

I am Sydney Campbell, RN, and my husband is Dr. Michael Petrosky, a chiropractor in Abita Springs, LA. We do most of the sorting and packing of medical supplies donated to Fairhaven Ministry. We went on a medical mission to Arad, Romania on March 21, 2008, through April 4, 2008. It was my first trip and Mike’s third. Our goal was to tour the medical facilities and see what their needs actually were at each place. We met doctors and nurses at each hospital who were very gracious and receptive to our wanting to help.

The first few days, I had the privilege of working with Jodie Davies, a missionary from England who works at the baby hospital. I was shocked to see the number of abandoned babies and the condition of the hospital. The babies were dirty, wet and depressed. I learned later that the parents have to supply their own diapers and anything else the baby needs. There wasn’t even soap for the nurses to wash their hands. Jodie and her fiancé, Chipri, supply baby items for the abandoned babies, feed and bathe them every day. I never did figure out exactly what the nurses do, but their responsibilities are nothing like our nurses in the States. They had no formula, no IV pumps, little medicine — none of the basic supplies. The babies were all beautiful and respond to love just like all babies do. Loving arms is really their biggest need. The doctors and nurses didn’t really care who was working with the babies as long as Jodie knew who we were. Mike spent some time at the hospital checking a few of the babies who had mobility problems. It’s hard to do a lot in a few days, but he was able to give Jodie some instruction on how to do some physical therapy with some of the children to rehab their tight little muscles.

Mike was able to spend quite a few days with a physical therapist, Angi, who works with the elderly at a day center. He has worked there before and was able to bring supplies for some specific people, such as braces and splints. He also had the opportunity to teach Angi some rehab techniques.

Anton took us to a different hospital each day and through networking, we were able to meet an administrator or doctor in each facility. He also took us to several nursing homes, children’s homes and a clinic. Each elderly person was so glad to see new faces. Abigail Foster was on the trip and everyone was happy to see her. She is 12 yrs old, and the old folks never get to visit with young people. On one of our long journeys, we took an older woman with us to drop her off to visit a friend who lives far out in the country. On our way back, we stopped at a McDonalds (yes, there was one), and she wouldn’t accept any food.  But Anton’s wife, Anne, bought her an ice cream sundae. The old woman had never been there before or had an ice cream. It was such a luxury for her! What a lesson in humility for all of us.

We went to the Municipal Hospital and had such a wonderful experience. We met two surgeons and showed them some of the types of instruments we get donated. We had brought some along just for examples. These two doctors almost broke down and cried; they were so thankful for what we had brought. They showed us around the operating area of the hospital and it was definitely bleak. They had only one set of surgical instruments. We told them that back in the US, in Fairhaven’s storage building, we have soooo many of those types of instruments and would send them on the next container. We have e-mailed back and forth pictures of what we have and what they use. It was such a blessing to us to make these doctors so happy!

God truly does work in mysterious ways. The day we left that hospital, we walked across the street to the market to eat, and our camera was stolen by gypsies. Mike and the translator, George, went to the police department to file a report and in the course of talking to the officer, Mike found out he had a problem with his back. Also, the policeman’s baby girl had had problems with her arm. That night, the policeman came to the servant house with his family and Mike was able to work on all of them. That was the purpose of the trip—to help people. Now we have a new friend in Arad and purchased a better camera.

One of the biggest blessings for me was meeting twin boys with a genetic disorder that is very debilitating. Their biggest need is specialized bandages and two electric wheelchairs. I have been working hard on those projects since we’ve been home, but the laughter and the love from these two young men will stay with me always. Their mother didn’t speak a word of English, but the bond between mothers needs no words. She knew we were there to help her boys and both parted with tears in our eyes.

When Mike went on the other two trips to Arad, I had no desire to go. I felt I could be of service at home. Thank God He touched my heart and I had the opportunity to go to Arad and experience this for myself. I couldn’t possibly imagine the conditions in the hospitals and how great their needs are. Now we have good communication with someone in each facility and they can let us know exactly what to send or try to find.

This has been a life changing event for me as my priorities are different. I spend a lot of time trying to find items to fulfill the needs we’ve learned about. It is so very rewarding and feeds my spirit. I was the one who received the biggest blessing from this trip. If God touches your heart to help with this ministry, don’t ignore the call. Holding babies, visiting with the elderly, giving someone a hug is something we can all do. It will change your life.