Iasmine and mum Adreana - a true inspiration

I was so tired last night that I decided to wait until morning to write this blog from my last visit of yesterday.    This is a story that touches my heart so much that I knew I needed time to write it.  After finishing at the detention Centre I went with Adina to visit Iasmine and her mother Adreana.  Some of you will recall my writing about them both last Christmas.

Iasmine is aged 5 (the same age as my grandson, Morgan) and mam is 35.  Iasmine was born with 12 serious medical conditions including spina bifida.  She was not expected to live and was told by doctors to "to let her die".but her mother refused to give up.  She told me that she had experienced problems to have her and that she believed that if God had given her the gift of a beautiful daughter then He would not take her away.  I have never met anyone with such strength, devotion,  determination.  She was told that Iasmine would never walk yet she is a living testimony because she not only walks (with some difficulty - she has specially made shoes) but she now  runs.   Iasmine's father who was a violent man left soon after she was born and Andreana was left to care for her daughter alone because she has no family.

Mum and daughter have lived in and out of hospital since Iasmine's birth and we visited late last night because this morning they were leaving at 2.30 am to go to Cluj (a large hospital in a city many hours drive from Arad).  They are expecting to be in hospital for a month - which means spending Christmas there.  In the past month Iasmine has undergone 3 operations on her brain and bottom of the spine to drain off fluid.  Mum said she nearly died again but God answered her prayers.    Iasmina currently has an open wound on the bottom of the spine which mum dresses and a bag which is still collecting fluid.  With a wound in her head and the rear of her spine she can only sleep on her tummy.  These emergency operations had to be performed in a hospital in Hungary.  With Adina's help 1,300 pounds was raised to cover the cost.   The bravery of this little girl and the strength of her mother touches my heart so much.  They both have such love, warmth and humour in the face of adversity.  Adreana smiles and says her strength all comes from God and she evangelises to other patients during her frequent visits to hospital - she says that Iasmine also tells other children about Jesus.  Iasmine has a very limited diet due to her many health problems.

But the story does not end there.  After having Iasmine Mum decided that she wanted to help not only her daughter but also other children with similar health problems so in among all the hospital visits she decided to train as a physiotherapist.  She had to miss a lot of lectures but studied at home and when I met her last year she was determined to finish the 3 year course so she could be more self sufficient.  Well praise God she passed out in August with A grades.  She will now work for a year as a volunteer to gain experience and then she is hoping to work from home so she can take care of  Iasmine and also help other children.  One thing I neglected to mention is that Mum is unwell herself.  She has a blood disease that causes clots and she almost died herself following an operation on her knee last January.

 They are a real testimony of walking in faith and placing their lives in God's hands.  Iasmine and Adreana never complain and are full of joy.  God sees their hearts and continues to have his hand on their lives.  They struggle hard financially but only a few months ago someone gave her an apartment rent free for 4 years (what a blessing that has been).   Jackie's foundation helps monthly and our Charity has also been able to bring support.  If you would like to help this worthy little family - then please contact me.  They were both thrilled to receive a shoe box gift (I made one up also for Mum because she has so little and so deserved it).  Iasmine was soon opening all her gifts and trying on her new clothes.

I came home last night humbled and giving thanks.  Great to receive a phone call from my precious husband.    He said that Church members are being so kind and cooking for him. Jodie and Kathleen left at 5 am this morning - I shall miss them both.  We enjoyed great fellowship around the breakfast table and when we both came in at nights.  We give thanks for the indredible work that they have been doing here - making such a difference to the lives of many vulnerable and disabled children.