Celebrating Guila's birthday at the "Osana" Children's Home in Timisoara

After leaving the baby hospital, Christine and I accompanied Pastor Jackie and her grandaughters, Elizabeth and Sarah to "Osana" in Timisoara.  Well Timisoara is a city about an hour's run from Arad but is about 3 to 4 times the size - I believe it is the 2nd largest city in Romania.  Road signs are not good and this coupled with regular road closures due to ongoing maintanence usually means that drivers get lost.  Pastor Jackie has a good sense of direction and after a few u - turns and prayer we eventually arrived.

This was my first visit to this Children's Home and what a blessing it was.  It is run by a lovely Christian couple called Cerbu (who is Romanian) and Nadine (who is originally from New Zealand) who have their own Charity called "Mana".  They have 2 beautiful young daughters of their own, one of whom is disabled and their extended family are 6 girls whom they have taken in  from the State.  We were so touched to see the love flowing in this home and how close a family they are.   There is much joy, laughter and respect.  They all receive a good education and are taught life skills and values through the love of Jesus.  We spent many hours there and were reluctant to leave.  We had some yummie food and a beautiful birthday cake made by Nadine.  The children played simple games like pass the parcel and the dressing up game where you had to eat chocolate!! There was much fun and laughter!!  Guila loved the new coat we bought her.

Guila and Nadine

The chocolate game!!

Guila and sister Rebecca

Looking so happy!!

Guila with Nadine's sister, from New Zealand

A quiet moment with myself and Pastor Jackie

I felt emotional at being reunited with Guila (aged 12) and her sister, Rebecca (aged 14) and seeing how settled and happy they now are - a far cry from last Christmas when they were in such a difficult home situation. Jackie rescued them from the street in the new year. They had stayed in my former home in Arad several times during previous crisis situations and Pastor Jackie had taken them in for 3 months in 2009 so they have a close bond with Jackie's grandaughters.

They have integrated well into the family home and are now doing well at school. They are still in touch with their mam, who sadly does not want to change her life despite receiving much support.   However, we give thanks that she did send over (via ourselves)letters and gifts for her daughters. The greatest news of all about these girls is that they both gave their hearts to Jesus last Easter.  When they were babies a wonderful American missionary called Jennifer Phillips had a huge input into the lives of the girls and their mother. Even though Jen moved on to serve in Kenya she had continued to have an input in their lives.  Then Pastor Jackie continued the work so God has continually had His hand on them.   We also give thanks for the heart of Anne James from our Church who monthly sponsors Guila at "Osana" and regularly prays for her.    We will continue to look for a sponsor for her sister, Rebecca.  If there is anyone out there who has a heart to help then please contact me.  We give him all the glory that they are now settled, loved and committed to Christ.  We will see them again at a Concert at Vinga in 2 weeks.  Cerbu, Nadine and the children will put on a Christian evening Show for us for the whole village community.