True Education: Development of the Mind, Body and Soul.
Brașov
We are located in central Romania about 24 km south of Fagaras. We are on over half a hectare with a creek running through and bordered by a thickly wooded forest. We run a small leadership school for students who wish to develop missional and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Our "True Education" curriculum focuses on Gardening, Construction and Business.
In our main garden we grow vegetables (corn, tomatoes, carrots, beets, radish, beans, peas, greens, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, etc.) , in our second year food forest we have young trees (apples, pears, peaches, plumbs, etc), we also have a few nut trees (hazelnut), berries (blackberry, elderberry, raspberry, gooseberry, current) and herbs (for medicine, tea and cooking).
THE CULTURE/VIBE:
I am looking to attract early risers (or those who wish to start new healthy habits), nurture optimism and positivity, seek harmony, be empathetic and think of how we can serve each other, lift one another up, hug often, ultimately form a community of "Doers" fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. I believe that love originates from God and so I invite God to be present with us throughout the day. While we have just built additional infrastructure (5 cabins, a laundry room, a kitchen, a community room and a media room) we intentionally cook outdoors over a fire when possible and embrace a more primitive lifestyle. We do ask that you help us maintain our culture by keeping the atmosphere peaceful and conscientious of noise levels (we prefer volunteers use the opportunity to detox away from devices when here). Ultimately, just be kind. Help contribute to a community where Heaven's angels would want to visit.
THE SCHEDULE:
The work week is from Sunday to Friday, estimate 25 hours per week.
We meet at 6:45 for stretching, 7:00 we have prayer to Jesus and read a passage from the Bible (we are not looking to push our beliefs, only maintain our authentic culture), 7:30 is breakfast (usually cereal/foraged berries or bread/hummus) and morning chores then by 8:30 all hands join for a silent hour of garden maintenance and meditation and 9:30 we break to discuss object lessons we learned. 10:00 we pick a "problem" to solve (this concept is core to developing an entrepreneurial mindset). We break for lunch at 13:00 and take turns cooking. We gather again in the evening to talk story (we enjoy deep conversations about existence and purpose through a monotheistic lens) while we share some fruit and nuts but you can also prepare yourself a meal if you require something more significant to eat (please always clean up after yourself should you use any of the common areas). Quiet hours start at 9pm.
To show respect for the group, we wish to instill the importance of bring on time for 7:1:7 (Morning Worship, Lunch and Evening Worship)
THE DOWN TIME:
The remainder of the time is yours to do as you please. While community activity is encouraged, alone time is also important so getting away to explore the nearby woods, relax at the river which runs through our property, finding a peaceful hideaway in the garden, napping in a hammock, doing remote work/classes or take on a creative project for the community, as you choose. Throughout the week I hold office hours to discuss goal setting, entrepreneurial mindset and authority building; you are also encouraged to organize a sharing sessions where you teach others a skill you have. On Sabbath (Saturday) we often have a group meal with the neighboring homestead with a Bible study group should you wish to participate)
THE METHODOLOGY:
Expect a range of daily activities based on a methodology around respecting the past, present and future.
# Respecting the Past:
Honoring the time spent in planting and building through preservation and improvements. A well maintained and manicured yard honors the time and sacrifice invested to acquire and develop the homestead. This means a portion of the day is spent maintaining and preserving what we have already developed, such as pruning, weeding, mowing, repairs and clean up of the garden, lawn & orchard. Next focus is improving the homestead, this includes watering, mulching and fertilizing.
# Respecting the Present:
This includes harvesting and preserving the ripe ingredients to savor when out of season. We aim to preserve as much as we eat but should have an abundance of fresh ingredients which are the star of our meals.
As critical as hard work is living in the moment and appreciating the result of our efforts and God's blessings. In your free time you are encouraged to sit and be present in the garden, sample and savor the fruit and connect with our Creator.
# Respecting the Future:
This means being proactive and planning ahead to ensure future harvests as well as the future health of the homestead and our planet. We strive to be intentional with the methods we use as not to stress or contaminate the soil, working towards moving off of the supply chain and public utilities in order to be more self and God reliant. Next, refining and creating clearly identified zones each with a set purpose, identifying underutilized space or resources, expanding to maximize harvests in order to have something to share with the community.
THE HOST:
I was raised vegan and as a child I can remember from an early age canning, cooking, preserving food but as I grew older I became interested in the online world and grew distant from nature. My journey over the next 20 years took me through the military, corporate America, entrepreneurship and vast experience in cloud based software development and acquisition marketing.
I have been a mentor for multiple venture accelerators and an instructor for various training institutions including the University of Hawaii's outreach college architecting their digital marketing certificate. I have over 30 hours of course curriculum including business/startup ideation, entrepreneurship, location independence, software development, digital marketing, theology and more. My passion is in training/mentorship and I am most proud of my mentees who I have helped break free from the debt trap and polarizing mind control that is the new reality for most.
Existence is fascinating to me so I have taken the time to learn about history, politics, world religions, alternative government/living, futurism and even well versed in conspiracy theories as I enjoy good dialog. I have been writing a book "Theological" where I am working on a framework for "common ground". While I am most closely aligned with Libertarian Socialism and Seventh-Day Adventism, I am able to remove my "lenses" and suspend disbelief to engage in any productive dialog/thought exploration.
I am very experienced in vegan meal preparation and food preservation (canning, dehydrating, fermenting, etc), I have started to learn beekeeping from my dad, have a second year food-forest and integrating hugelkultur and other permaculture learnings.
THE DETAILS:
Accommodation:
- (1) Private cabin: full sized bed, suitable for couple, with power
- (4) Shared Cabins: twin bed, suitable for solo visitor, with power
- Tents (seasonal) ours or yours; available queen & twin air mattresses
- Spaces for travel trailer or camper
NOTE: Availability listed is based on the private cabin. If you have your own sleeping situation (e.g. RV/vehicle) or willing to sleep in a tent (I can provide tent/sleeping bag/mattress) it is likely we can make any availability work.
Bathing:
There are two bathhouses with showers and two outdoor showers.
Laundry:
Washer & dryer are available for use once a week. During summer months it is asked you use the clothes line instead of the electric dryer.
Internet:
WiFi is in most areas of the property.
Meals:
We are a vegan community, avoid caffeine and processed sugar (instead us honey from local bees)
The kitchen is stocked with breakfast food (e.g. granola/muesli and fresh fruit) and we eat lunch from the garden when in season, the kitchen is stocked with snacks (e.g. hummus, veg, etc.) on weekends/special occasions I will also cook a large breakfast and also love to cook Mexican, Thai, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian and healthy/tasty versions of American classics and can be talked into making frozen fruit bowls pretty easily. If you have dietary restrictions or are a picky eater please be sure to mention this so we can discuss if we are able to accommodate.
Transportation (Getting Here):
We are willing to pick up volunteers from the bus station in Fagaras (30 minutes away) schedule permitting.
Transportation (Around Here):
My goal is to leave the homestead as little as possible, so if you want to explore the local area or go to town frequently you will need to have your own transportation as there is no public transportation to Fagaras. That said, we have several bicycles you can use in the local and there are great walking paths and trails.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
1.4
Hectares
|
3.5
Acres
Accommodation
Rob
Member since 2023
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 2 days
Brașov
Fagaras Train Station
Reviews
Harry
United Kingdom
•
November 2025
The Advent Center at Berevoi is special. Oozing with compassion, reflection, and dedication, it's a great place to be if you're seeking catalysis for growth or change in life. Or, otherwise, it's a great place to be - to just be. Rob is a real furnace of ambition, which is a wonder to behold (and get caught up in), so there is never a dull day under the watch of the Carpathians. He maintains a healthy, encouraging attitude, spurring activity and conversation, challenging views and beliefs and asking the questions that force a deep dive to discover the answer. Above all though, he is incredibly kind and attentive and has a great sense of humour; a most gracious host. There is a strong spiritual undercurrent at the Advent Center which, though drew me and is insisting on my coming back for more, may not be everyone's cup of tea. As it is the budding community's backbone I'd suggest anyone considering a visit to weigh up their values and intentions before arriving. If there is even slight alignment or willingness to remain open and curious, as in my experience, the resonance will ring out over the river and through the mountains like a clear bell. Yet even putting all of the above aside, the food is colourful and made with love, the air is fresh, stream clear, beds warm, wifi fast, and people happy—what more is there to want? Thank you Rob and friends, see you all again soon.
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Assaf
Israel
•
October 2025
When we arrived at the Advent Center in Berivoi, we were welcomed with a big hug and a huge smile from the people at the center and from Rob himself.
We learned so much about Christianity, community, a bit of construction, and many other things — all thanks to the genuine generosity that is so present in the place, in Rob, and in the other people at the center. Rob has a tremendous amount of knowledge and the ability to share it in a clear and simple way.
We participated in a workshop that Rob gave, which really helped us understand what our vision is and how to bring it to life.
This place will stay in our hearts, and we are so grateful for the precious time we spent there.
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Kati Sucely
Romania
•
August 2025
This experience exceeded my expectations. Rob is a very kind and attentive person, always making sure you're well and comfortable. He's a great host.
The activities are simple and easy to do, and you also have the opportunity to learn new skills. In the afternoons, he gives you space to continue working on yourself or get to know the area.
Something else I want to point out is that the food is super delicious and varied.
Being here made me feel at home. The other volunteers are friendly, and over time, you become part of this great family.
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Anca
Spain
•
August 2025
I had a truly peaceful and enriching time with Rob’s community. Ros was incredibly generous, and the kindness and openness of everyone made the experience feel very special. The conversations around religion were thoughtful and meaningful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their garden and the beautiful projects they’re nurturing. I also received some insightful advice for my small business, which I deeply appreciate.
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Antonia
Belgium
•
July 2025
I very honestly had the best experience at Advent Center Berivoi!
I stumbled upon this place a bit by chance and in a rush, but I was then extremely pleasantly surprised.
As soon as Magda came to pick me up at the station and with the super warm welcome from Rob and the other woofers, I felt incredibly good. The atmosphere is so kind-hearted and energetic, the people are really open, and the exchanges are incredibly enriching!
Rob makes a special effort to ensure everyone finds their place, and you can really feel it!
Since I left, all I can think about is going back!
My only regret is not being able to stay longer ;)
I recommend this unique experience 1000%!
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Matic
Slovenia
•
July 2025
Staying in Berivoi was far better than expected. I just wanted to go somewhere to learn something new during the holidays, but I came back home with a more open mind, full of beautiful experiences, with new knowledge and a different way of looking at the world and its problems. The atmosphere there is very relaxed, spontaneous, and friendly, and the schedule adapts to the needs of the people. Sometimes you work a little more, sometimes it's just free time with a presentation or two, and sometimes it's a nice trip to the mountains or a nearby city. I recommend staying with Rob if you want to learn about gardening, construction work, tree net weaving, cooking, or anything related to religion, or if you enjoy deep and interesting conversations. You can only end up being a better person than you were before.
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