Earning their wings

The summer camp in Romania

Two Hull teenagers have enjoyed a life-changing experience working with disadvantaged youngsters in Eastern Europe.
Sophie Mell, 14, and Sarah Patterson, 15, went on separate trips to Romania to work with orphans as part of projects run by Hull-based charity Wings International.
Sophie helped refurbish a halfway house which the charity has set up in the town of Suret. It helps orphans to make the transition from living in care to making a life on their own.
"I would go back tomorrow if I could. I like how they all stuck together," said Sophie, who also still stays in touch with people she met.
Sarah, who went on a summer camp with Romanian orphans, said: "Going there made me realise how lucky I am. I had a great time and keep in touch by letter with some of those I met."
"Both girls were a great help to our projects, and their trips helped their own personal development," said Mike Reade, from Wings International.

Sarah Patterson, aged 15

Connecting with culture

"I learned about Romanian culture - people there lead a very religious lifestyle. I liked seeing the orphans enjoying themselves when we played football, went canoeing and mountain walking.
"At the camp, we slept in a tent for three weeks and we got washed in the river. The toilet was a box with a board on top of it, so we would go in the woods instead. I had a great time and I still keep in touch with some of the people I met."

Sophie Mell, aged 14

A little is a lot

"I wanted to get to know something about the lifestyle in Romania.
I learned some of the language, such as the basics - "hello", "how are you?" and "goodnight".
"I also learned a Romanian song about a relationship between a boy and girl that went all wrong!
"I really enjoyed the food. The soup is different to ours – they put sheep in it! I also learned not to waste food, because over there even a little is a lot."