Nations in Transition

I read Romania by Mark Sanborne, a book that is part of the Nations in Transition series, last week. Sanborne provides a detailed account of Romania's tumultous history, beginning with the earliest Greek colonists who settled at the mouth of the Danube in the 7th century BC and culminating with Iliescu's return to the presidency in 2000. Not only is the country's history fascinating, but Sanborne's insight into the mindset of the Romanian people because of their history was enlightening.

Reading about the Ceausescu regime was particularly horrifying to me. Before I read the book I had watched several United Streaming videos that examined what Communist rule has done to Romania's economy. The images continue to haunt me--crumbling factories that pollute the air and endanger the health of workers, and imposing, menacing Communist apartment buildings, devoid of decoration, sterile, and ugly. I have to admit that I envisioned medieval castles and green, rolling hills when I thought of Romania--a pastoral paradise. They are there, of course, but I did not know that Ceausescu systematically destroyed so much beautiful architecture and replaced it with such horrors. I am astounded that one man could do so much damage to his country and to his people, and I wonder what would possess someone to destroy his own culture and oppress his own people. He must have lacked a conscience; I don't understand how he could live with himself.

I just finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel last night. I have no words. This is the most powerful, horrifying, painful book about the Holocaust that I've read. It is a story that everyone should read so that no one will forget, deny, or incite such acts again.

Two months from today I leave on my trip. This will be a life-changing experience, and I'll always be thankful to have this chance to grow, to learn, and to serve.