Along the Ukraine / Romania border..

Shortly after the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the founder of Refugee 4 Refugees (R4R) arrived at the Siret border crossing in Romania with his top-team from Greece. Observing the situation unfolding in front of them and from their experience in Greek refugee camps, they made a decision to help and to focus their efforts on short-term accommodations, transitional housing for refugees moving into - and sometimes through - Europe.

R4R leased a recently built pensione (Casa Andra) and the outline of their project quickly took shape. Casa Andra was my home for the past month.

Before the war, the only queues at this crossing were Romanians' on day trips for cheap cigarettes and alcohol on theUkraine side. In February, that changed overnight. Today, Romania’s social service authority has command at the border (photo above) of aid agencies and volunteers who have descended from around the world. With little time to prepare, the authorities have performed miracles; organizing information, food, social, housing and transportation services, 24-7 .. all in the context of a safe border zone.

Many refugees arrive at Siret with a plan and move quickly onward. For others, translators and free SIM cards assist in starting the process of sorting out what or where’s next. They arrive in a steady stream by bus, car and on foot. For those without transport the EU offers free train and bus travel throughout Europe.

Our group's role at the border was unique to that of other housing services; a private room, clean bed, a chance to rest, shower, enjoy freshly cooked food and restock food & supplies -all unaffiliated with any religious organization. (my italics) Most guests at Casa Andra moved on within a day, some measure of confidence and hope restored.?

The local R4R coordinator arrived from Armenia with years of experience in this field. Other volunteers came from across Europe and North America; Finland, Norway, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and Italy to name a few countries. We stayed 4 to a room on bunk beds, cooked communal meals and thankfully for me, English the common language.?

Daily duties ranged from explaining our services at the border, to managing the constant flow of guests; making-up rooms, preparing meals, cleaning dishes, a never ending cycle of true hospitality. Our job was not to befriend, but be friendly and helpful. For the most part, we stayed a step removed from the lives of our guests, though there were exceptions.

During my second week a young family arrived one evening by car. The father, a professor, the mom lovingly in charge of four children, ages 4-12. Those of us on duty agreed - a modern day von Trapp clan had landed in our midst; bright, respectful, musically talented.

After dinner the first night the dad pulled me aside and asked if he could share their story. I was happy to listen - though mindful of our policies. I learned the family was forced to leave quickly as the situation in their city deteriorated. They crossed into Romania with no onward plan, every space in their car stuffed with clothes and the few other possessions that would fit. I thanked him for trusting me. He seemed relieved to have someone to talk with.?A dad with two daughters myself, I tried to put myself in his place and concluded I had to do more.

But what?

The next morning I messaged a close American friend in France. I had visited her family several times over the past 9 months including in early April, just prior to Romania. On my final evening as I sat in the town square I noticed a Ukrainian flag blowing in a light breeze atop the local City Hall. I remember feeling moved by this display of solidarity. Not surprisingly no sooner had I told her the story of this family than she sprang into action.

Within a day a house was secured along with a guarantee from the local prefecture for a minimum six months of education, medical care and relocation assistance. That second night a group video call assured the parents a safe, new home was waiting for them. Lots of hugs and tears a day later as the family drove off for France.?Fingers crossed and hopes high this proves the perfect fit, if even short-term.?

Yesterday their first photo arrived, a picture of a setting that could easily pass as a scene from the Sound of Music. I wasn't surprised.