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.