An Ode to Our Journey

Our group of eleven from the west coast.
Traveling with Baker a mighty fine host.

All representing 501 Collective.
Doing good everywhere can change your perspective.

For those traveling from Portland plans went awry.
Leaving three behind it was hard to not cry.

With some hope and some prayers things came together.
But holy moly did Frankfurt have some hot weather.

Landing in Bucharest late at night.
Hello Hotel is where we tucked in tight.

A crack of dawn train ride where we caught up on sleep.
Six hours later John and Alec made out group complete.

The Dobsons and Newell shared the apartment in the city center.
An abode with one bathroom for the others, knock before you enter.

We met up with Ghita, a giant teddy bear.
A birthday celebration with pizza we shared.

Our new best friend Paul transported us through Suceava.
It seemed like we were always stopping for java.

We distributed food bags in Ukraine.
The line of trucks at the border was insane.

The young girls got a ride with a Ukrainian dude.
We ate the whole restaurant of Georgian food.

With help from the neighbors Samy’s house was torn down.
A new home will be built on the same ground.

Samy is a good guy is all that was said.
It felt really good to help with his new homestead.

Pizza for lunch with flowers in bloom.
Mahogany buna’d himself on the way to the restroom.

At Fight For Freedom, we loved on Ukrainian orphans.
Playing with the children upped our endorphins.

In assembly line fashion we packed food bags.
Unloaded boxes from trucks with donated swag.

Ribs with Anastasia were really yummy.
The cuisine at Antique overfilled our tummies.

Lebanese hummus and pita was the best.
Prayers before eating so we would be blessed.

While Google Translate helped us communicate.
Ali and LeAnne told us what colors we each illustrate.

Up in the mountains another family needs our assistance.
A view of the Carpathians off in the distance.

Melanie spoke about her book, Catching the Wind.
With the help of antibiotics Steph’s snot finally thinned.

As our mission journey comes to an end.
We are so grateful to have all become friends.

We wave goodbye to the Babushkas in the Romanian community.
We say “multitask” to 501 Collective for this opportunity.