Mira
Born in 1983 in Voineasa, a village in the beautiful valley of the Lotru River in south-central Romania, Mira had many adventures swimming in the local river and exploring the forests and mountains nearby.
Times were happy at home with her parents and siblings, though Mira reflects that life wasn’t easy for her parents, who cared for her older sister who needs intensive additional support.
In recent times, Mira is thrilled to be able to share the things she enjoyed so much as a child with her own children when they visit family in Romania…
Mira was worried about moving her children away from the opportunities of big city life in London, but they as a family are so happy to have found an amazing community and sense of home in their local neighbourhood in Basildon, Essex.
Having grown up in Voineasa in Romania, Mira moved to the UK and at the age of 22 recalls working with a lovely family in London, taking care of their 4 children from 9am-7pm everyday for 7 years.
Mira remembers the beautiful countryside surroundings when growing up in Voineasa, with mountains for skiing and the river Lotru nearby.
Mira went to university in Romania’s capital city București (Bucharest). It was through the university that Mira then got the opportunity to come to England for 6 months to work on farms near Maidstone in Kent when she was 22.
Baby Mira with her parents and older sister
Mira and her family are so happy to have found such a strong sense of home, belonging and connection in their community in Basildon, Essex.
Young Mira (right) with friends, in traditional costume.
For a long time, Mira did not enjoy P.E. or sports because it was very pressured and competitive when she was growing up, but since getting involved in fun family activity sessions with ATF, she now really enjoys it.
Food, and taking care of people is an important way of life in Voineasa and Mira’s Mum has been known to invite delivery drivers in for something to eat before their return journey! Mira loves making traditional Romanian recipes like Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls) with her boys.
A street scene from Voineasa, where Mira grew up. Mira remembers sliding down snowy mountain slopes in winter and getting into trouble for ruining her clothes!
Mira was worried about moving her children away from the opportunities of big city life in London, but they as a family are so happy to have found an amazing community and sense of home in their local neighbourhood in Basildon, Essex.
Mira has always been a passionate supporter of her favourite football team FC Rapid București (Rapid Bucharest).
Mira remembers the period towards the end of Communism in Romania and having to queue for hours to get bread for the family.
The countryside around Voineasa is beautiful and Mira recalls many happy times of swimming in the local river and exploring the forests and mountains nearby.
Mira is so happy to now be able to take her own children to visit her parents and experience all the things that she was able to enjoy as a child.
Mira’s hero and inspiration is her Mum, who always made time to play with Mira and her siblings and make them laugh everyday despite working hard throughout some challenging circumstances. Photo: Mira (right) with her brother and Mum.
Everyday at around 7pm, Mira’s Mum would call her to come in from playing outside, to watch cartoons together as a family. Mira especially loved Hello! Sandybell, Power Rangers and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
Mira often swam in the Lotru River when she was growing up
Young Mira (left) enjoying time with her family in Romania
Mira remembers being around a variety of animals at home in Voineasa, including cows, horses, ducks and pigs.
As part of her chores when she was young, Mira remembers milking cows and is thankful for her experiences and upbringing. In more recent times, Mira loves to visit Voineasa with her family, but she is also happy to return home to the vibrant buzz of Essex.
Mira (left) with her older sister
At the age of 12, Mira moved 73km/45 miles to rent a room with a family in Râmnicu Vâlcea, because her village did not have a High School.
Mira reflects that she might make different choices now as it was such a young age to be away from home, but it did mean that she quickly developed in her abilities and independence which was a benefit.
Photo of Râmnicu Vâlcea by L. Kenzel used under licence
Mira and her younger brother in their home town of Voineasa.
Being surrounded by such beauty, Voineasa became a popular holiday resort
Mira is thankful to be able to share the beauties of Voineasa with her children
