It's time to say goodbye

Our time here is drawing to a close.  It's been a different day without a heavy schedule -  a time to spend with friends and a time of reflection about the whole trip.  This is not our work but His and we are just His humble servants.  We give thanks for the privilege of being used - we endeavered to bring honour and glory to His name in all that we did. 

Pastor Jackie summed everything up at the Church Meeting last night by reminding us that we need to fill ourselves with the Light of Jesus in order to shine for Him and pass that Light to others. We can do nothing without being filled by His strength, power and grace.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this trip in any way.  We give daily thanks for your prayers and support throughout the year.

Leaving Romania is always an emotional time for me.We depart for the airport at 5am  in the morning and pray that there will no flight cancellations or delays at Luton airport.  When I left Wales my Internet was down and so I apologise if you don't hear from us over Christmas.  This is a time to devote to our families, who are so special to us.

May God Bless You all

Have a wonderful Christmas
and a Blessed New Year full
of His Peace, Joy and Love

San Nicolau Mic Church and more

Monday night was spent at San Nicolau Mic Church where Jackie always closes the Christmas communion service with everyone lighting candles.  This signifies the receiving of the Light of Jesus so that we can go out into the world and give of that light to others.  It was a time of reflection and giving thanks for all that He has done for us in addition to the celebration of His Birth.

After leaving church we went with our hosts, the Lucas to deliver Christmas gifts to 2 Children's Homes, one of which was Tabitha, where I have a long association. Have you every seen Father Christmas in full costume driving a minibus through the city? - seeing the faces of people at the traffic lights was a picture!!  The 30 children were all excited and it was a blessing to spend a little time with them.  We also had gifts for the staff, who are so dedicated.

Then the Lucas took us to visit a lovely Christian family in Vladamirescu where we met a grandmother, her son and his 2 young children.  They have a third child, aged just 1 who is in hospital in Cluj accompanied by her mother so the family will be separated again over Christmas.  Cluj is a city several hours drive away and Danny has been helping with transport.  This little girl is seriously ill and needs a valve in her brain to survive.  Danny was delivering a supply of donated Christmas food and RR will give shoebox gifts.  Please pray that God will heal this little girl and give the family daily strength. They are  under considerable financial pressure due to the medical costs so if anyone feels it on their heart to help then please contact us at RR and we will supply all the details.

Our last few days

Last night was the first time I failed to do my daily blog!  We came in late from a full schedule and after eating I flopped into bed.  It was a special day out again in freezing and slippery conditions.  The morning was taken up with delivering some more Christmas presents to widows in the town. Vilma is now in very poor health and ready to meet her Saviour - we pray that God's will be done.  We also met for the first time Ana, who is paralized and has  recently been added to the program - she was in mourning for her sister and a friend and was really distressed.  After a prayer it was good to see a peace enter her heart.   We also called in with a little fruit and sweets for my previous neighbour, Buna and delivered Christmas boxes to 2 former orphans now being cared for by his daughter and Pastor son-in-law.

Then it was back to Ana and Lavi (see report from our first day here) with a further supply of wood and a gift box for the imminent arrival of their baby.  We give thanks for their metal room heater made  by the old gentleman we visited previously in Apple Way.  Jackie had also delivered them a Christmas food parcel the previous day.  They were giving thanks to the Lord.

Without the weight of a truck full of wood from Jackie's own home and her experienced driving we may not have made it to some of our destinations! Every day we pray protection over ourselves and that He will go before us.

View from the apartment

Just wanted to share a few other special pictures from the day.  The first is this morning's view from our host's apartment.  Also here is a photo of Pastor Jackie and the 2 beautiful grandaughters that she raises - Sarah and Elizabeth who not only participated in the Nativity Program today but are often present on the mission field alongside their grandmother. They are a real blessing.

Vinga Church Christmas Program

Another bitterly cold day as we ventured out in 6 inches of snow to catch the tram to the Metanoie Church. We were filled with incredible Praise and a wonderful Word and it was good to meet up with Marius and some of his team from the San Nicolau Mic Centre.  We were so pleased that a young mother and her 3 daughters who need support joined us again this week and we are praying that they will make this church their spiritual home. We explained that their Christmas food parcel and shoebox gifts was God's provision.

We returned home and thawed out to a superb meal prepared by our wonderful hosts, the Luca family.  Then it was a quick visit to the 6th floor of our apartment block with another food parcel and Christmas boxes to a lovely family of 10 who worship at the local Pentecostal Church.  After driving in treacherous conditions Pastor Jackie arrived to collect us for the Christmas program at Vinga Church.The Nativity Play incorporated into the Service was a production to behold as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Saviour. All the excited children left with pocketfuls of sweets and mandarins.  For us it was time to say goodbye to our Church friends until the spring.  We have been blessed in being part of their lives for 3 weeks.  Pastor Jackie encountered a few problems trying to get the truck out of the village in the heavy snow but God was with us and we made it.  Sunday is my night for being in floppy mode but I give thanks for a blessed sabboth.

Delivering food parcels in the snow

God is good and we give thanks every day for his love, strength and the way that He equips us to go about our daily work. We must never forget that this work is His and we are merely His humble servants.  We also give thanks for those who come alongside us in His service.

Today we set out with 3 vehicles on route for Vinga loaded with Christmas food parcels, costumes and a set  for the dress rehearsal for the Children's Christmas program at the Church tomorrow.  I have never known such icy winds and our team were wrapped up in layers with hats, scarves and gloves.    Despite the weather whole families suddenly appeared alongside the frozen snow covered dirt roads full of potholes waiting for their food supply.  All were grateful to receive a parcel of food sufficient for making a delicious Christmas dinned and more.   The rehearsal went well and we returned to Pastor's Jackie's house late afternoon dropping off a few more food parcels for poor families on route.

Our good friend and fellow missionary, Walter joined us at Pastor Jackie's for a delicious dinner tonight followed by some prayer time which we all felt the benefit of.  Several inches of snow had fallen by the time we set off back to the city.  We give thanks for Walter, who is from Colorado and is used to driving in such conditions.  It has been a blessed day and I give thanks for our quiet intimate prayer time.  I used Pastor Jackie's camera today and so am not able to download pictures tonight.  You may have to wait for a few days for me to insert them.

More celebrations at San Nicolau Mic Kid's Club

On return to Pastor Jackie's house this afternoon we quickly loaded up the truck again and were back on the road to the San Nicolau Mic Kid's Club for another Christmas program. Marius and his team are committed to raising up in Jesus these wonderful group of almost 40 children and they shine. His Music Club is producing such talented young musicians.

There were carols, a Bible verse and story, solo acts and a sketch. Pastor Jackie provided the Pizza and hot chocolate which went down a treat!! This was followed by the shoebox distribution. We have further gifts for the adult team tomorrow. I am having problems with my camera today - there is a shimmer on the screen and some of the pictures are blurring. I think I may need a new battery - please pray that I will be able to get one tomorrow - however my camera is Japaneze!!!!!

Festive celebrations at Mocrea

We awoke to fresh falls of snow and temperatures of -11 degrees. Pastor Jackie must be commended for even attempting the journey to Mocrea Hospital for the mentally disabled due to the road being compacted with ice with a layer of fresh snow over the top. Vehicles were sliding everywhere and we came across a lorry full of sand in a ditch. The speed at which many Romanians drive in such conditions never ceases to amaze me. We watched as one taxi driver skidded head on into a tree in the hospital grounds!!!! The journey took 2 hours mostly in 3rd gear - Praise God for Jackie's 4 wheel drive truck which was packed with gift bags , tangerines, chocolate bars and soft toys.

Our team included Father Christmas, Marius on the guitar, Jackie's grandaughter Sarah and Cassandra, an American missionary, her little daughter, Caroline and Magda, a young girl that Jackie supports. Staff assembled the patients in the large hall where they joined us in Christmas carols and prayers as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Saviour. It was a joyous occasion as a few of the patients performed solo acts before we distributed the gifts. Singing carols, we later toured the secure wards with appropriate presents, sweets and fruit. Our goal today was to bring the Christmas message and festive cheer into the lives of these beautiful but vulnerable people. We were so touched by the way young Sarah joins in the ministry work and mingles with the patients. We respect the privacy of the patients by not showing full facial pictures.

Christmas joy at the Maranatha Children's Home

Further snow fell overnight onto the compacted ice from yesterday. Conditions on the pavements, country and city side roads were dangerous. We set off early to the town of Hundeoara near Deva., a 2 and a half hour journey, giving thanks for our experienced driver, Danny and the fact that the main roads had been salted.

We arrived at the Maranatha Children's Home to a warm welcome from Pastor Hada who runs the Centre together with his family. Each home now legally has to employ a teacher, social worker and psychologist. This coupled with the fact that the state allowance per child has recently been cut has put enormous financial pressure on many orphanages, some of which are being forced to close. The building also houses a Medical Centre.

Many of the children have extremely difficult backrounds and where possible, staff work closely with their families, some of whom joined us today for the Christmas Concert. It was a delight to see the children all dressed up to share the true meaning of Christmas. We later distributed Christmas boxes to the 19 children including the 3 that are supported through Reaching Romania. We give thanks for the individual sponsors - I will be writing to them on my return with up to date pictures of the children.

Due to weather conditions Pastor Jackie was forced to cancel the Youth Meeting at Vinga tonight. It has been important to me to keep you all posted on our activities here. Having come in earlier than normal tonight means that I can catch up a little on my beauty sleep!!! We give thanks for the blessings of the day.

Snow, babies, boxes and Christmas hospitality

Another 2 inches of show fell during the night and so we were slipping and sliding to the baby hospital where we spent precious time with the little beauties we have grown to love. We always take along a supply of soft toys, dummies, disposable nappies and wipes and there were a few babies that needed changing as soon as we arrived - hospital funds only allow for 3 changes a day. We give thanks that we have a good relationship with the staff and are always welcomed warmly. Please pray that volunteers will come forward to share in this ministry.

This afternoon we took a minibus out to Pastor Jackie's house (seen above) to sort out more Christmas Boxes for the San Nicolau Mic distribution on Friday. She later drove us into town where we all joined a fellow missionary called Spencer and his 2 young children. We visited 2 widows living in high rise apartment blocks to deliver their Christmas presents. Little Trinity, aged 4 had saved up the equivalent of 20 pounds to buy chocolate and sweets for the old ladies. She had accumulated this money by doing odd jobs for her dad. Her generous heart so touched us and we give thanks for parents who install these wonderful values in their children. Here is a picture of Trinity with Ecatrina, who is in very poor health.

Next stop was the Fantanele Children's Home run by our Dutch missionary friends, Hans and Mary. They have a family of 10 children to care for including their own. We were blessed by their hospitality - we sat down as a large family in God to a delicious meal prepared by Mary. This is a house filled with the love of Jesus. The children all enjoyed receiving their Christmas boxes from Father Christmas. We hope you enjoy these pictures.

We give thanks for Pastor Jackie who drove us home in treacherous icy conditions which led us all to reconsider our decision to attend the Bible Study in Siria tonight. It is definately a night for having our own Bible Study indoors in the warm. We give thanks for the blessings of another day and look forward to what He has in store for us tomorrow.

A full day in the snow

We awoke to a carpet of snow with treacherous driving conditions. Our first stop was the city of Timisoara where we met up with our friend, Pastor Vlad and Pastor Timis who runs a Charity called "Jesus Hope of Romania". Their work incorporates the Onesimus Brothers House which houses 19 boys who were former street children, residents of the gutters, train stations and garbage dumps. The Bethany House Project provides a home for 21 elderly and 5 girls. An HIV Centre has also been adopted by the Charity (seen here). Hot meals are provided to 38 old people who are in desperate need. Today we had the privilege of visiting the various projects. Like many charities in Romania it is struggling to survive due to the economic climate.Pastor Jackie helps to support the work and today Reaching Romania also planted a seed in this Foundation's work. RR provided shoebox gifts to the aids victims and hand made blankets/knee rugs for the old people (kindly made by a Knitting/Croceting Class from our home village of Banwen)

After narrowly missing an accident in icy conditions due to the reckless driving of a police office, we proceeded to deliver Christmas presents to 7 old ladies from the remote villages of Vizejdia and Comlosul Mare. There was heavier snow in these areas and we give thanks that, due to the generosity of many who support this project every lady had a supply of wood to keep them warm. Each has a story to tell - their lives are so very hard and our heart reaches out to each one of them. We desperately need more funding for this project.

The journey home took 2 hours and we give thanks for the expert driving of our friend, Danny. Thank you Mamma Maria for the wonderful hot meal awaiting us in your warm and cosy apartment. We witnessed much need today which reached the depths of our soul. Sometimes it can be overwhelming - all we can do is what God places us on our hearts with great love.

This is home to one of the Widows and Catlina loved her new slippers kindly donated by a lovely lady from Hirwaun.

Bringing joy to the Mocrea Hospital

It's been a woolly hat and gloves day with snow on the mountains and icy pavements.We were out and about early photocopying lots of Christian Christmas prints for the Mocrea patients to colour. We travelled with Pastor Jackie in the truck, taking along crafts, snacks, hot coffee and cold drinks for the patients. It had been a month since anyone had been allowed to visit due to the swine flu epidermic. A few of the patients were initially upset with us thinking we had simply forgotten about them but they later understood and their whole mood changed. Soon the crayons and glitter were out and they created some wonderful Christmas pictures to the sound of Romanian Christmas Carols. We felt reluctant to leave but assured them we would be back on Friday for their Christmas program. Sadly our locked cupboard at the hospital had been broken into and a lot of materials have been stolen. We respect the privacy of patients by not taking full facial pictures.

After leaving we bombed along bumpy roads surrounded by open fields and snowy mountains to the remote village of Dude. It was just getting dusk as we arrived at Lena's house, one of our dear ladies from the Widow's Mite project. She loved her Christmas present and we left armed with her own free range eggs and some black home made sausage. Like many Romanians she had killed a pig. On Saturday when I went to the outside earth loo of one of the dear old lady's I had to walk through the blood of another that had been slaughtered the previous day. Then it was on to George who was also touched to receive a present. It is always difficult driving at night on the country roads because there are bicycles and horses and carts without lights but Pastor Jackie did a brilliant job of getting us home safely. We had a blessed day.

The Lord's Day

We awoke to a light carpet of snow on the cars but which had melted on the roads - however it has periodically sleeted during the day and is still very cold. We arose early to meet with a young Romanian mother, Irina and her 10 year old daughter who accompanied us to the Metanoie Baptist Church. Irina is a challenging case in many ways and we hope that she and her family will settle in this friendly and supportive church. We would so appreciate your prayers on this. We so enjoyed the praise and worship and the Word on the Good Samaritan. This young family had not eaten for 2 days and so on the way home we purchased them a supply of food.

The afternoon was spent at Vinga Church (about 15 miles away) where Pastor Jackie preached a great Word on Joy. After the service, we distributed around 85 shoebox gifts to excited Sunday School Children. On route home we called in with our good friend Nina and her nine children. We were overjoyed to see each other and to catch up on what has been happening in our lives.

I confess to being very weary tonight and pray for a good night's sleep to face the busy schedule of the coming week.

The Widow's Mite Project

Today was spent with Pastor Jackie visiting 7 beautiful old ladies in the remote villages of Graneceri and Dolat, near the Serbian border in the Judet of Timisoara. It was a full day's travelling and as we approached the villages it was like stepping back in time as Danny, our driver negotiated muddy tracks to reach our destinations. It was a real blessing to spend value time with these beautiful women of character who lead such hard lives - all with their own set of difficult circumstances. They were thrilled to receive their Christmas presents and we prayed for all of them before we left.

Among the ladies we visited today was Smila (aged 88) who cares for her physically and mentally disabled daughter Aurelia (aged 66). Both are very sick and Aurelia was in her large cot fast asleep. Smilia, who is almost bedridden herself has told us several times that they are ready to meet their Maker and we continue to pray that God's will be done.

We travelled back tonight in heavy sleet and snow is forecast for tomorrow.

A day with God's children

Today we stretched our time between our little beauties at the baby hospital, the Tabitha Children's home and the San Nicolau Mic Kid's Club. We ensured that each baby had a soft toy but we need to take in more dummies on the next visit. We intercepted a young gipsy mother from trying to steal from our rucksack - theft is common in the hospital.

Next visit was the Tabitha Children's Home where we shared in the carol rehearsals for the Christmas Program at their Pentecostal Church. We had a joyous time with all the children, most of whom I have worked with since 2005. The girls were asking when I am coming to teach them to make pizza - each Christmas when I lived in Romania I invited them to my home for a meal and a film - on one of these occasions I made home made pizza and chips. I recall also making a trifle for afters and they viewed it with great suspician, as it is unheard of in Romania! These children are such a blessing to be around.

After an overloaded tram and "bendy" bus ride, followed by a long walk along muddy pavements we arrived at the San Nicolau Mic Kid's Club. They too were in full rehearsal for their Christmas program and it was such a blessing to see the light of Jesus shine out of the faces of all the children. What a welcome we had and we give thanks we were able to share some encouraging words with them. Then it was a quick dash home to join Jackie and the girls in our own celebration of Adina's return from the States - she is such a blessing to her family and indeed to all of us plus all the ministries that she supports. We give thanks for her and her wonderful family, all of whom support us in so many ways.

The Economic Climate and Romania

Since my first visit to Romania in 2001 I have witnessed first hand how many people struggle to survive - very little has changed since that time, despite the fact that the Country was accepted into the European Union in January 2007. Yes, factories have sprung up around the city, the road networks are improving, pretty fountains have been built and the city is this year full of Christmas lights but what is happening in the lives of the average Romanian. Well, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The cost of living has soared but sadly wages have not arisen in line with inflation.

Add all this to the World Financial climate and there is a major problem. The health service has never worked effectively in practice but now children officially no longer get free prescriptions and very few old people get compensated medicine. Earlier I wrote that the hospital had no money to supply essentials for the baby wards. Today we learned that the schools are closing from tomorrow for the Christmas holidays because the State can no longer afford to pay the teachers until the end of term. Allocations for orphans in Children's Homes have been cut resulting in some having to close. There is indeed much ongoing hardship here which requires support. Here is a picture of the Town Hall in Arad at Christmas and in contrast life in an area where God uses us.

Vinga youth stepping out in faith

The weather has turned somewhat colder today and at one point the sky had the look of imminent snow - temperatures have really dropped tonight. Our morning commenced with a brisk walk to the Baby Hospital, stopping en route to buy some baby oil and cream for sore little bottoms. There is no hospital funding available for these essentials. I was really glad of Wayne's help and we ensured that each little one had a cuddle and a portion of our time. Today there was a new addition in a back ward - a month old little girl whose one leg was secured to a board which was tied to the cot rail. This was to ensure that the other leg did not interfere with an antibiotic drip into her foot - sadly she had contacted syphillus from her mother. All I could do was to bend over and put my face close to hers, sing to her and pray over her.

The afternoon was spent at Sofronea sorting the next assignment of shoebox gifts to Vinga Church and Fantanele Children's Home. This evening we accompanied Pastor Jackie to a Youth Meeting at Vinga, which was well attended. The subject tonight was The Prodigal Son. God has placed on Jackie's heart that she should take the group to Germany on a Mission Trip sometime next year and she was keen for them to take some responsibility for raising part of the funding. We discussed the possibility of a sponsored walk in Romania involving all the children and Jackie asked me to speak to them about what was involved. There was much enthusiasm and Wayne and I offered to lead the walk in possibly May and to obtain some sponsorship from home.

There is much excitement in this apartment tonight as our host's lovely daughter Adina will be arriving home after a year in the States where she worked as a nanny.

Christmas gift preparation

We had another early start today stopping by the supermarket to buy sweets and bars of chocolate for the Widow's Mite presents. We had considered buying them Christmas Chocolate Father Christmas's but I promptly reconsidered when I saw the cost. They were approximately 2 pounds each and I managed to get a bar of chocolate and a nice packet of boiled sweets for 41 pence each. It is called stretching the money which is a way of life for me on the mission field and in private.

Afterwards we went by Minibus out to the village of Sofronea (about 5 miles outside the city towards the Hungarian Border) to the home of Pastor Jackie. We spent the day making up 160 presents for the Mocrea Hospital patients and 27 gifts for the Widow's Mite Project - we give thanks that the Havens Sheltered Housing Complex in Hirwaun had already provided us with 8 beautiful Granny boxes. We had already sent the items out in bulk from Wales and so it was a matter of sorting them and packing. We completely took over Pastor Jackie's house with boxes and packets everywhere - however we completed the task in time to catch the last train home at 7.15pm. We enjoyed a beautiful meal, courtesy of Jackie's neighbour and helper Vio, who has the most beautiful little 4 month old baby called Richy seen here in his teddy bear suit.

It was great to have a chat with the family tonight. We are very weary and hope to have an earlier night.

Christmas Joy at Galos Petreu

We are trying to make the best possible use of our time here in Romania and so this morning we were out early to stock up on Christmas food parcels for 2 local families in need - then we visited Vacuta and Caterina, 2 widows from the program. They were thrilled to see us armed with some yogurts and bananas which they consider luxury food. After a good chat and prayer time it was back to the apartment to be picked up by our good friend Danny in his minibus. We collected Pastor Jackie, Christine, Peter and Magda plus 80 shoe boxes on route and then travelled on bumpy road for 3 hours to the poor northern region of Galos Petreu where their first language is Hungarian.

As we entered the village lots of excited children came running down the muddy road to greet us. After unloading and sorting the boxes the distribution began. When we saw the number of children we prayed for loaves and fishes provision and gave thanks that we had a box for every child. It was such a blessing to see their little faces.

Spiritually this area is not doing well but we felt strongly that we should visit to bring light into the darkness. After praise and carols Pastor Jackie preached a strong Word on Justification and Sanctification. We prayed it would penetrate the hearts of those present and give them a renewed thirst for the gospel. We gave thanks for the experienced driving of Danny because the journey home in the rain and darkness along treacherous roads with few markings was not easy.

The Homeless Ministry

On route to the city this morning we encountered Susanna and her 4 year old son Ionut who were begging on the street. We were thrilled to see each other and had some time in prayer. They live in nearby Kekec, a very poor run down gipsy area. WhenI first met Susanna in 2001 she was living on the streets. She formed a relationship with Vali and they had little Ionut. They broke up 2 years ago and sadly Vali died last year from TB - Wayne and I attended his funeral here in Arad.

Later on route to the hospital I encountered homeless Danny who is aged 25, begging for food. My heart reached out to him because I have known him since 2001 and his condition has deteriorated so much mainly due to the abuse of solvents. The majority of the homeless sniff a metallic paint thinners called auralec and Danny was high on this substance when I found him this morning. I spent some time talking to him and encouraged him to come to the Saturday Clubul Gara service for the homeless. He was hungry and so I bought him a Langos (like a huge thick battered pancake) filled with soft cheese and dill and a hot cup of tea. His expression changed into a huge smile. I reluctantly left him tucking into his food and prayed for his soul as I made my way to the hospital.

Tonight Wayne and I met with our good Romanian friend, Cipri who runs the homeless ministry which is dear to our hearts and which the charity helps to support. Cipri gave us an update on the vision which touched us. He is out on the streets most days building relationships and has formed a football team who hopefully will take part in a tournament on Saturday in Timisoara. This is a challenging ministry - Cipri was tired tonight but we had a time of prayer before we departed.

Back at Apple Way

Early this morning Wayne and I were scouring the second hand shops for some working clothes for his day. Today he joined a group of other missionaries at Apple Way sawing and chopping wood for the many residents. As Wayne and Pastor Jackie were approaching the site they came across a huge pile of tree branches on the road side which were quickly piled up on the truck to help one poor family. Then the group moved from home to home with their 2 chain saws cutting up all the long timbers that had been gathered. The weather is surprisingly mild here for the time of year but we understand snow is forecast for next week.

Wayne had the opportunity of sharing the gospel with many today and Mihai, a man with a large family gave his heart to Jesus. Time was taken praying with many and Wayne was touched to see disabled Claudia holding on so firmly to her faith. It was a blessed day.

Back with the little treasures!

Today it was necessary for Wayne and I to go in different directions on Ministry work. My time was spent at the hospital caring for the beautiful abandoned babies. However, after getting through the main security check I found the doors locked to the baby wards. There was a notice to say that the wards had been closed from 2nd November due to the swine flue. I was third in the queue - first a policemen was allowed in and out, so I felt there was hope. I got chatting to a young mother and child accompanied by the grandmother who told me they had been sent to see Doctor Janta. I knew that he was the chief baby doctor and we had always had a good relationship. I stuck with the little family and when they were invited in to his office I went along and asked if I could have a word before he went into the consultation. I explained that I hoped to be able to spend some time with the abandoned babies. He was pleased to see me and when I confirmed that I had not had the flue or been in contact with anyone with it, he assured me there would be no problem and if anyone queried my presence then I should refer them to him. I gave God all the thanks.

Between the 2 floors there were 20 abandoned babies. I spoke to the staff about the babies needs and was told that there was no funds available to treat their sore bottoms or dry skin. I give thanks that God is able to use us to provide such essential items.

I had such a blessed few hours caring for these beautiful gifts from God and as I cradled and fed each one the love in my heart just overflowed. I admit I sometimes struggle trying to understand how a parent can give them up but then I take a grip of myself as I realise I am at the point of being judgemental. This is an oppressive country that is on it's knees financially - many parents simply cannot afford to feed their children and so deliver them to the hospital sick. Many chose not to bond with them and simply sign the papers handing them over to the state. Other parents refuse to legally hand them over and the children are returned home time and time again only to be brought back in malnourished condition. In such situations the State can do nothing until the child reaches the age of 2. It is incredibly sad and of course there is always the other side of the coin where some parents neglect and abuse the children. I do give thanks that some are eventually fostered whilst others go into Children's Homes.

I respect hospital policy in not publishing any photographs of the day's events.

The Lord's Day

We were up like a lark to get to the 9 am Metanoie Baptist Church Service at the other end of the city. Around 200 people assembled for the 1st of the 2 morning services. We love this church - the band is anointed in leading the Praise and Worship and the Senior Pastor gave an incredible Word on relying on God through the difficulties of life. We were blessed in having the service translated and enjoyed bumping into old friends.

However as we left for Church I could not find my special NIV Bible and suddenly Wayne remembered that he had left it on the back seat of a taxi last night! We give thanks that we managed to eventually track down the driver later in the day who had kept it safe-Praise God because I could not have replaced it.

Jackie picked us up at 12.30 to go to a friends house for lunch. She laughed when she noticed my small bouquet of flowers for the host - she suggested I remove one carnation because in Romania giving an even amount of one flower is associated with death!! There are an amazing amount of these old customs in Romania that they take very seriously but I have to be honest I had not heard of this one!! So as not to offend I proceeded to remove a flower from the bunch.

Afterwards it was on to Vinga Church where I attempted to do a head count of all the Sunday School Children in preparation for the shoebox distribution next week. I counted over 60 kids who are busy preparing for their Nativity Play. Jackie gave an amazing Word on Peace and lit the appropriate Advent Candle. Here she is with Bogdan, her translator who is very much part of our team. It's been a busy week- we are pretty tired tonight and are hoping to get in an early night as we have a busy week ahead of us.

A turn in the weather

When we arrived here on Wednesday temperatures were surprisingly higher than in Wales. However all that changed this morning with an icy wind in the air as we ventured out to buy medication for 5 widows. We searched for the cheapest pharmacy and joined a long queue, one of three. Eventually armed with our huge bag of medicines we set off back to the apartment to get our accounts up to date.

After a huge meal with Mama Maria's family we were out again to the Clubul Gara service for the homeless. It was a joy to meet up with the leader, Cipri, our Dutch missionary friend, Hans and his daughter who played guitar. The building is old and cold and we gave thanks that Hans had brought in a generator for the lighting plus some gas fires.

We enjoyed a lovely time of praise followed by a Word from Cipri, who gave us the opportunity to bring greetings from Wales and to give everyone an update on what God has been doing in our lives. It was a blessing to meet with many of our homeless friends again and to see them interacting with Cipri during the service. We met for the first time, Piciu and his 8 year daughter, who have been living on the streets for 3 years. We have arranged a meeting with Cipri for Monday to discuss the Ministry's needs. We respect his views that no photographs should be taken at the Club.

Later we made our way to the San Nicolau Mic Community Centre, but found it all locked up - maybe the music lessons had finished early due to the cold. We later enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship, courtesy of our good friends Peter and Christine, who live opposite the school.

Today I am giving thanks for my beautiful daughter, Caroline , who is celebrating her 36th birthday.

Vinga Youth Group

This evening we joined Pastor Jackie at her weekly Vinga Church Youth Group for teenagers. Once a month they have a fun night and tonight it was popcorn and a movie - next month it is ice skating in the city. Some of these children were saved at the Summer Camp and Jackie has a real committment in her heart in encouraging them to grow. As well as giving them sound Biblical teaching she is talking to them about Godly decisions that they face in every day life. Jackie has so much responsibility with her ministries and desperately needs a Youth Pastor to take on this work - please join us in prayer that the right person will come forward.

God has planted on Jackie's heart to take 12 of the older children on a Mission Trip to Germany. However this will need funding. After discussions with Wayne and myself she is contemplating organising a sponsored walk in Romania and has asked me to talk to the youth next week about what is involved. That way they get to take responsibility for raising part of their own funding and we of course will do all we can to help from the Wales end. We also need to help raise more funds for their summer camp. If you feel it on your heart to help, then please contact us.

Ana and Lavi's new home

Today before visiting Apple Way we took a supply of wood to Anna and Lavi. They previously lived in Apple Way and were desperate to find alternative accommodation before the birth of their first baby in February. They have found a very basic single room in the house of an old lady in the city. However they had no fire or wood. With Pastor Jackie on her case things are moving along.

Today we went along with Jackie's truck piled high with wood from her own home supply. She and missionary friend Walter have also found a tin plate maker from Apple Way who is building a fire and flue to heat the room (out of car bonnets and wings) - all for the equivalent of 9 pounds - spot the picture of him at work and Anna giving thanks for her wood.