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.