My last day in Romania

My precious time in Romania is coming to a close.  It is 1.30 am and I am packed and showered and I leave at 4.15am for the airport, courtesy of a lift from Pastor Jackie. I thank Christine and the Luca family for their hospitalility and support during the trip.

This morning was spent at the baby hospital with Lynsey- bathing, feeding changing and spending value play and cuddle time with 2 babies. and then sadly it was time to say goodbye to little M and D.  They are both so beautiful and have individual personalities with beautiful smiles.  They were sleeping soundly as I left and I prayed God's blessing and protection over their lives because I may never see them again.  There is now a team of 7 volunteers (including myself and Christine when we are in Romania) who go into the hospital from 9 am to 1pm Monday to Friday and today we signed our official contracts following satisfactory medical tests and training.

After leaving the hospital Jackie and I met with a Romanian girl, M who many years ago lived with me for 3 months.  She is still being supported by Jackie's ministry and is currently doing child minding work so she brought along the little 2 year old and we had lunch together in a little self service cafe.  Later I took a short nap at Jackie's house before joining Jackie and fellow foreign missionaries for a Bible Study on Jonah  and Prayer Meeting.  This is an oppressive country and the work is very challenging which is why it is so important that missionaries regularly meet to encourage and hold each other up in prayer.  Im afraid I arrived home late to start organising my departure.

A big thank you to everyone for all the support I have received this trip.  In some ways it has been a time of discovery in what God has been showing me.  Always sad to say goodbye but I will be back in December, hopefully with my dear husband, who has been a tower of strength in the way he has been sending through encouraging scriptures by text.

God is good - an update on C and the story of A

As we work in poverty stricken areas there are many heartbreaking stories to tell.  However, it is also good to share good news about how the Lord is working in people's lives.

Last year I wrote about little C with the cleft pallet whom Adina had met through the course of her work.  Praise God that she was fostered by a beautiful family who love her so much that they are now adopting her.  We give thanks for Adina who found the surgeon to perform the operation.

Adina has also been involved with little A.  He too has been placed with a lovely family who love him dearly.  I have withheld pictures to protect the privacy of the children and families involved.

Congratulations to Marius and Elena

Our good friend Marius has been the leader of the San Nicolau Mic Kids Club and the Music School Teacher for many years. He plays many instruments. He is a truly anointed leader and teacher and loved by all.  He has such a gentle quiet manner that all the children respect so much and  has a true heart for God's work.  Wayne and I have always had such admiration for him.

For many years we have been praying for a lovely wife for Marius and our prayers have been
 answered.
Beautiful  Elena from Moldova has been brought into his life and I had the privilege of meeting her at the SNM centre today for the first time on the announcement of their engagement.  We could not be more happy for them both.  They get married on 13th October in Metanoie Church in the city.  Elena will be joining Marius in his ministries and I am sure they are going to be a wonderful double act!.  May God truly bless them both as they begin their new life together.

Mocrea Day and my friend Nina

It was the last visit of my trip to Mocrea and today we were a team of 5 visiting armed with drinks, biscuits and coffee sachets.  We split the team with 2 of us doing makeup for the ladies with the other 3 organising painting, all of which was a great success.  Bogdan and I visited the locked wards with staff.  The sessions finished with singing and prayer.

We then delivered Widows Mite food parcels to the remote village of Dude.  We currently only have 2 people on the programme in this village - Lena  and George known as Ghita.  Lena is aged 85 and is now looking frail.  She broke her leg two years ago and in many ways has not recovered from it.  Whilst she is mobile again she lives in pain from her rheumatism and has heart problems.  Lena has lived a very hard life on her own for many years having lost her husband and only child at a young age.  Bogdan, myself and Ceri, an American missionary all helped to clean Ghita's home - conditions were very bad.  Since his wife died many years ago he has been unable to cope with caring for himself and unless Bogdan goes in regularly to do essential cleaning and to change his bed and clothes his situation can quickly deteriorate.  Bogdan found mice in the food cupboard and whilst cleaning we found dropping everywhere.  Ghita also has a huge hernia but doctors say there would be too much of a risk to correct it.  During the next visit he needs his beard and hair cut.

Once back in Arad I visited my good friend, Nina who lives on the end of San Nicolau Mic Village.  It was good to just sit down and catch on our family life and reminisce on the time we worked together in the SNM School.  Nina was the full time teacher and I came in to teach English and Cooking.  We had many hard but good times together.  We were such good friends and we flew her over to Wales for our wedding in 2007.

Babies, previous Iasmine and catching up with old friends

Its been another busy busy day as I enter the last few days of my trip.  The morning was spent with Adina and Lynsey caring for babies at the city hospital.  This really is a blessed time - today we give thanks that little M aged 15 months overcame her fear of being bathed and then proceeded to chatter most of the morning.  She was definately on a high and was not ready to take her afternoon nap after being fed!  This is a very rewarding ministry.

Iasmine and Adina

After leaving the hospital we went to meet little Iasmine and her mother in a park.  She is aged 7 and  very dear to my heart and I have nothing but admiration for her mother, Adreana who devotedly loves and cares for her.  Iasmine has spinabifida and many other health problems and is in an out of hospital all the time and is often at the point of death.  I have never a little girl with so much joy and determination to live or a mother so devoted to her daughter's needs.  We shared some cakes and an icecream in the park and Iasmine was facinated by the fish in the lake.  We will continue to offer some financial assistance towards the huge medical costs of her treatment. I always find it hard to say goodbye to Iasmine and Adreana.

Adreana, Iasmine's  devoted mum

Then it was out shopping for food for 2 poor families out in the village of Vladimirescu.  First we visited Leontina (with dwarf syndrome) and her husband..  Sadly the couple lost their only child, Rebecca last year and they are still grieving.  We had such a warm welcome and we sat around in the shade outside chatting for a while.  She was thrilled to show us 10 pairs of socks she had knitted for the widows.  They are very poor and we had made this arrangement last year to help them financially. They are lovely thick knitted socks and we buy them off her for 2 pounds a pair to give to the widows in their Christmas boxes.  We have ordered more.  Later we visited another couple with a physically and mentally disabled daughter.  The father is a wonderful songwriter and his group of 5 men have recently recorded another album.  Some of you may recall that last year I brought back a carol CD of theirs which we gave away as Christmas presents.

Leontina and the socks she has knitted

The evening ended with a delightful meeting with 2 girls from a Children's Home we are involved with in Timisoara.  There are 7 girls in this home who are so well cared for by Christian friends of ours.   I have known both girls for many years and one of them is sponsored via our Charity thanks to Anne, who is a friend of ours too.  It was great to meet up with them both and to share what they have been up to since my last visit in December.  Their mother has psychiatric problems and I will be meeting up with her later at Mocrea Hospital.   For reasons of privacy I have not included pictures in this blog but have sent them through to the sponsor.

Church services, Vinga babies & news of prison ministry

 I have been truly blessed with 2 Church services today.  This morning I went with Adina to Harvest Metanoie Church in Arad.  There were around 500 people present - the worship was awesome and the senior pastor spoke on Praise and Worship.  He always gives an excellent Word.  I left feeling really lifted and encouraged.    You will find this Church on the internet.

Then it was home for a delightful Luca lunch before being picked up by Jackie for the Vinga afternoon service.  It is always a blessing to be back among my brothers and sisters in Vinga and we enjoyed a great service - today Jackie gave a very challenging Word on Caleb.  Afterwards we visited some Church families in need in one of the poorer areas of the village.  There were 3 babies who required a supply of milk formula and pampers which I had purchased yesterday.

God plants many people in our path and yesterday whilst out with Adina I was introduced to a lovely lady called Daniella, who runs a prison ministry in Arad.  We often hear news of what foreign charities are doing in this country but there are too many Romanian Foundations who do incredible work in the name of Jesus.  Daniella has 6 volunteers who go into the womens' section of Arad prison daily to befriend, build relationships. do crafts, learn skills and give the ladies the gospel.  I was greatly inspired to hear of this incredible ministry and I hope we meet again.

Rozalia and Mira

Yesterday we called with several people in need.  First there was Rozalia, a 66 year old double amputee.  I first came across her during my December trip.  She is a widow and has been a diabetic since she was 15.   She also has heart problems.  Sadly she has had both legs amputated above the knee.  She lives with her son and grandson who take care of her food needs.  However, they are not able to provide for her sanitary needs and so she has been added to the Widows Mite Project supplying just one pack of incontinence pads each month which does not meet her total needs.  The Lord has laid it on my heart to buy an extra pack per month which will provide additional help.  If there is anyone out there who can help with a further 2 packs to meet her total needs - then please contact me.  By shopping around we are able to buy a pack of 30 for 59 lei - equivalent to just under 12 pounds.

When I met her in December she was so depressed - having just had the second amputation.  I was so pleased to see her spirits lifted yesterday when Adina and I called.  She was a different person despite her continuing difficult circumstances.  She was outside in her wheelchair and had acquired a dog who clearly adored her.  They have such a close relationship and the dog is very protective of her.  I am giving thanks to God because I had prayed that He would bring people alongside her to befriend her.  She told me that not only had she acquired a beautiful dog who was her best friend but a Doctor and a Nurse that had previously attended to her needs were now calling in to see her periodically outside their professional role.    Bless her , she is now much more at peace with herself.  We prayed before we left and I asked if she had a Bible and she explained that she had problems with her eyesight.  An audio Bible would be the answer and so we will look at meeting that need.  For sensitive reasons I have not included a photograph of Rozalia.  I will revisit in December.

Yesterday we also visited Mira and her 2 daughters,  aged 13 and 11, who also live in the same neighbourhood.  I have known this family for several years. Mira's husband is institutionalised with mental health problems and she and her daughters lived with her mother and grandmother.  M has a full time job, but is not well paid.  However, with the small pensions of the mother and grandmother they managed to survive. Sadly the mother died last year and on Tuesday of this week the grandmother was buried.  The future is going to be financially very difficult.  We give thanks that M and her daughters are committed Christians and she relies on God for her provision.  Part of that provision was a food basket that we took along when we went to pay our respects.  They are such a lovely family and we will continue to support with food and Christmas boxes during future visits.

Update on Natalia and Tabita

Rosalia & Tabita on day of hospital visit

You may recall that last December I wrote about  2 girls that Adina was supporting with hospital consultations and who were being funded with growth hormone treatment via daily injections.  Both are doing well and can be seen here before one of their hospital visits.

Although I have not seen Tabita this trip, I did yesterday with Adina visit Natalia and her extended family.  Natalia is now 8 years old and shares one room with her parents and 9 siblings.  Another baby died aged 3.  Mum is seen here with the latest addition to the family aged just 4 weeks.  Mum by the way is aged 34.  The last birth was a C section and she gave consent to sterilisation at the time.

I love this water melon!

Baby No.11

The entire family, including gran and grampa and another 2 daughters and their families live under one roof, with each family having use of one room.  Last evening we arrived with 2 huge water melons which we cut up and shared with the family in their garden. It was lovely to spend value time with this family who are poor and live in substandard conditions.

A taste of Romanian culture

On returning to the apartment last night Adina and I called in at this festival in the city.  It is an annual celebration for "Arad Day" and each community hold their own event.  This is the Vlaicu one for the area in which I stay.  The dancers were very impressive and there was lots of barbecued food.

More widows

Here are a few more pictures of widows in the villages of Graniceri and and Dolat.  Notice 2 of the ladies are making boulion from fresh tomatoes to preserve for soups etc for the winter.  Others were making jam.  We can but imagine what daily life must be like for these dear people especially in the middle of winter -  having to dig themselves out through snow drifts to get wood, water from a well and to go to what we would call the Ty Bach in the garden.

Last December due to heavy snow, we were unable to make it to some of these remote villages - please pray that this will not be the case this December.  Back in Wales most of their Christmas Gifts have already been made up - see earlier article on Debbie from Seven Sisters. I will be making up the rest on my return as we now have 43 on the project. They also look forward to receiving new slippers each year so if there is anyone out there who can donate a pair we would be very grateful.  One dear lady, Mina reminded me that she needs size 39 (all noted in my book together with other needs).  I have also bought a supply of multivitamins for them all to come out with their Christmas gifts.   On returning to Wales we will also be busy making up lots and lots of Christmas boxes.

The joy and sadness of visiting our widows

For the whole of Thursday and Friday I was out with Pastor Vlad delivering food parcels and spending value time with 10 widows in 4 villages in the Judet (State) of Timisoara.  Vlad lives in Timis (a larger city than Arad and about our hours drive away) and so to avoid excess travelling I stayed over.  For me this was a time of great blessing because this ministry truly touches my heart.  Most of these forgotten people are very lonely and just so appreciate a visit.  We are always so warmly welcomed and they love to just sit and talk.

The home of Magdalena seen below

They live in the most difficult of conditions with earth toilets, garden or street wells and homes in disrepair.  We currently have 5 widows on the total project who have no pensions at all and so they are forced to take seasonal work with neighbours or local farmers to survive.The highest pension we came across was 350 Lei equivalent to around 75 pounds a month.  Due to problems accessing adequate health care (due to cost and distance to nearest doctor) most have a multiple health problems.  I am always touched that these poor people who have so little always want to give us something in return such as fresh grapes from the vines,  pears, plums and eggs.    For the ones who manage to plant their own gardens, they preserve the produce and the fruit.  However, there was one lady with no pension  who needed sugar and so I was able to help.  I understood there was a lot of rain here in May and so the crops have not done well this here although there does seem to be an abundancy of plums. Others needed financial help with prescription costs - one lady was paying 150 lei per month - approx 30 pounds (out of her pension of 75 pounds). With God's provision I was able to help provide some financial assistance this trip.

The youngest person we have on the programme is aged 57, having lost her husband just a few months and the oldest is 90.   There were widows who had such a determination to survive and there were others who were ready to die.  Some had nursed their sick husbands for years.  On the one hand we met a son, very poor himself, who was so devoted to his stroke victim mother that he left his village to move in to care for her 24 hours a day.   He really is doing the best he can under very difficult circumstances - little money, no sanitation or running water and his mum is incontinent and losing her mind.  On the other side of the scale you have widows with children who do nothing to help, some even robbing their own mums, which is so so sad.  It is hard to explain the pain that these widows feel.  However, some of this is a legacy of communism when people were encouraged to go out and work and not worry about their parents because the state would take care of them at large residential homes and we are all aware of what the media found after the overthrow of the communist leader in 1989.

I would add that the food baskets provided are only a supplement and not sufficient to last a widow for a month.  The wood we are able to buy for them is only sufficient for around 3 months.  Winters here are long and hard with temperatures dropping to around minus 20.  Also I need to point out that on a monthly basis we  are only able to help with medical expenses for a few of the widows and so much more financial help is needed.   IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WHO CAN MAKE A DONATION TOWARDS THIS MINISTRY AND BECOME A MONTHLY SPONSOR (FROM AS LITTLE AS 5 POUNDS PER MONTH) THEN PLEASE CONTACT ME. I will be going back to Wales with a determination to raise more funds.    Here are a few photos - I will attach a few more in a separate blog.  I may do separate blog entries for some of the cases when I have more time.

Widows Mite Boxes - Thank You to Debbie

I am taking you back to Wales for a mo.  We are reliant on much support for our Christmas shoe boxes.  As most of you are aware the Charity Christmas Appeal begins in January of each year when I start buying up bargains, sale wrapping paper and begin looking for support from various sources.

Debbie from Seven Sisters pictured here, has for the past 2 years being working extremely hard with support from the residents of 2 Residential Homes in Bryncoch and Port Talbot making up almost 40 Christmas boxes for our dear widows and widowers. So much thought has gone into the fillers and they have been beautifully wrapped.  Debbie has a big heart and has also been instrumental (together with the leader Carol Westal) in obtaining support from the Seven Sisters Girl Guides.  

Thank you Debbie - we, the Trustees and all the poor vulnerable people you help really value your generosity.  During the next 2 days I will be visiting more widows in the state of Timisoara and hope to post an update and pictures.  

Joy with the babies and city widows

Today Adina, Lynsey and myself spent 4 hours at the baby hospital providing volunteer care for the beautiful babies.  I was warmly greeted by various members of staff and it was a blessed morning spending value time with 2 babies aged 7 and 13 months. We left after they had dropped off to sleep following their midday feed.  Respecting their Data Protection Laws we are not allowed to supply pictures.

Zina seen with Adina.

Susana 

Then Adina and I went shopping for the Widows Mite food parcels for the Judet of Arad.  There  are 16 people currently on the programme in this State  with the rest being in 2 other states which Pastor Vlad takes responsibility for.  After making up all the food parcels we toured around the city distributing them.    I met Toni, widower of Maria Talpos for the first time since his dear wife of 68 years died in the spring.  He was wiping away the tears because he misses her so much and we prayed with him.  I also met the 2 new ladies on the programme, Susana and Zena.  Susannah was upset because her old fridge had broken down and Zena was crippled with arthritis and started crying when Adina gave her some photos she had taken of her.  I am away in the State of Timisoara for 2 days from tomorrow visiting widows in 4 remote villages with Pastor Vlad.  Hence there will be no more blogging until my return and I have access to a PC.
These poor people lead such lonely lives.  I will write up their stories in due course.    I am afraid I did not make the Bible Study at Jackie's tonight,  We came in late tired and I wanted to do an update on this

Back at the Lucas and Mocrea

Christine and I were chatting until the early hours and she left at 4.15 am. I went along with Jackie for the ride to the airport and she delivered me to the Lucas apartment around 6.30 am.  I am always warmly welcomed by this lovely family and after a bit of unpacking settled down for an hours sleep.    After breakfast we left for Mocrea Psychiatric hospital, about an hours drive away.  Today we were a team of 6 and as usual the patients were overjoyed to see us.  The weekly visits make such a difference to their lives and today we were armed with drinks, biscuits and crafts to make smiley faces.  With the weather still in the 40's we were working in a covered area outdoors.  After the crafts they began singing Romanian hymns and action songs followed by individual recitation and singing items.  I was so filled with joy to see each one full of pride and confidence as they participated individually.  We finished with a time of individual prayer.  It was a special day enjoyed by all.

One of the things I love about being in Romania in the summer is the way everyone stays outdoors until late at night.  As I write I can hear shreaks of laughter coming from the children's playground outside.  You will also find hundreds of people out walking in the parks after the sun has gone down and the temperature drops a little.  People love to socialise outdoors in the summer.

Another thing I came across on Sunday.  After returning from Vinga church I took a nap, when suddenly I was woken by a loud brass band playing across the street from my bedroom window.  It was 5 pm and it was leading a funeral procession on foot to the orthodox church down the road.  Funerals here are quite different to back home.  They take place very soon after the death, especially in summer.  It is customary to have a wake and to take photos of the bodies and also their loves ones saying goodbye - a task I was once given when I lived full time in Romania.

Whilst blogging is not a problem since having use of Adina Luca's PC attaching pictures is but I am hoping to resolve the problem.  Tomorrow morning I am at the baby hospital with Adina Luca and Lyndsey, an American Missionary who lives next door to Jackie which I very much look forward to.

PC Problems but a brief update

The heat here is intense and sleeping is only possible with a fan.  Unlike the December trip, when our schedule is so tight with Christmas programmes and shoebox distributions it is important this trip that I get the balance right between spiritual time and project/ministry time.

Due to commitments with her son, Christine leaves early in the morning but I stay on until the 22nd.  It has also been important for me to be around her for support as this is the first trip she has made back to her house since Peter's death.  We have both really missed him but there has been a real feeling of his presence at the house which has been a great comfort to Christine.  I shall miss her company when she leaves tomorrow.  Its been great having a Bible Study and prayer partner.

Saturday we went to the Children's programme at Vinga taking pop and apples for the children.  Jackie is blessed with a truly anointed team running this ministry: Pastor Vlad, his lovely wife, Alina, Bogdan and his mum Delia.  Bogdan has married since my last visit and will become a dad in the spring.

Sunday morning we visited our good friend Nina.  Nina was my best friend when I lived in Romania.  She was the teacher at Jackie's School and so we worked together.  Nina has brought up 10 children - 6 have now fled the nest and she misses them.  Her mum died a few months ago.  Dealing with  grief and her ailing health has not been easy and she so appreciated our visit.  Chris took her a gift in memory of Peter. We accepted a kind lunch invitation from Christine's neighbours who adored Peter and supported him so much during his illness.  Afterwards it was on to Vinga Church.  The newly extended building is really beautiful. It was a blessing to be back among fellow brothers and sisters.  Jackie did a baby dedication and spoke a good Word on our eternal destination.

Today we joined Jackie and 2 fellow missionaries on a trip to a working monastery in a remote area about 15 kilometres outside the city.  It was a place of great beauty and tranquility and we had some time in the gardens doing Bible Study before enjoying a time of fellowship around a meal on the way home.  After a short time at Jackie's home we returned to town to meet up with 2 good Romanian friends.  Peter had supported T during very difficult circumstances and had taken him into his home before being instrumental in reuniting him with his family.  His health is now much improved and it is always a joy to spend time with them both.

Tomorrow after saying goodbye to Christine, I will be moving to the Luca's apartment more in the centre of the city which is more accessible to some of the projects.   I hope to be able to attach a few pictures later.

Back in our beloved Romania

Christine & I arrived in Romania yesterday and I am staying with her at the house.  This is our first trip since Peter's death and we miss him.  Temperatures are in the 40's and mosquitos have already had some chunks out of me.  Yesterday we attended a meeting with the leader and new volunteer team who will be offering continued support at the local Baby Hospital and this morning we were up early getting all our essential medical tests done.  It was good to return to some quiet time with the Lord

An update on Charity Activities

What have we been up to in the past few months?  The AGM in  May was well attended and we were pleased that our friend, Christine accepted the nomination to become a Trustee of the Charity.  Christine has worked tirelessly with us in Romania for many years.

We also held a Sponsored Walk in the Brecon Area (Talybont to Brecon) along the canal route and were blessed with glorious weather.  To date £623 has been raised - more funds are awaited.  We also enjoyed a nice buffet on our return - thanks to my future daughter in law, Becs for rallying support and to her employers at the Play Barn for allowing us use of their conference room for the buffet.

Our friend, Christine Sansom also spent many hours making a beautiful Button Banner to raise sponsorship for the Charity,  A bit thank you to her - we are awaiting a total figure on the amount raised.  I have been out on speaking engagements also raising funds and Wayne & I had a stall at a Church fete in Hirwaun. 

I have spent much time sorting clothes at Hirwaun and we have raised over a £100 from sales of them.  We have worked hard at raising support for the Christmas Appeal and have already received 140 boxes.  Wayne has been working extremely hard at converting our premises at Hirwaun into a shoe box operation centre with Irene sorting all the items and putting everything in place in the correct order.  We have already began having RR mornings for our volunteers.  A big thank you to Sheila who again is covering hundreds of shoe boxes for distribution to schools, Churches and generous individuals.

Wayne and his nephew Eifion have started training for the Cardiff Half Marathon and need  as much support as they can get.  Please contact me if you can help.

A tribute to our dear friend Peter Grover

With Christine who devotedly cared for him

Our dear friend and loyal supporter of Reaching Romania, Peter Grover sadly passed away in May.  He is the brother of Kay Grover who founded the Charity in 1990.  Peter & Christine have a home in Romania, where during the past 15 years they have spent considerable time supporting Pastor Jackie with the various projects and ministries.

As Mus Craciun in Varadia

At  Vinga Chuch Dec 2012

There are many things that we will miss about Peter: his big heart full of love which was extended to all he met and the practical, emotional and financial support he gave to many in need.  He was never happier than when dressed in his Father Christmas (Mus Nicolai) outfit distributing gifts around the ministries and to the poor.  There are many examples of his generosity and compassionate heart but one in particular springs to mind.  T had been an alcoholic for many years and through it lost his home, his wife and twin sons.  In the absence of suitable state facilities being available for support he was placed in Mocrea Psychiatric Hospital and forgotten about for many years.  Through his weekly visits with the team Peter built up a close friendship with T.  Such was Peter's heart that with Pastor Jackie's support and through liaispn with the management of the hospital, T was released to Peter's care.  He encouraged and supported T in rebuilding his life.  He and Jackie arranged meetings with his former wife and children, relationships were rebuilt and the family were reunited.

Peter accompanied by Christine returned to hs beloved Romania for one last trip a few weeks beofre he died - it was important for him to say goodbye to his many friends there including T.  We give thanks for his life and that God made all this possible.  His memory will live on and we extend our sincere condolences to Christine.

Wayne, myself and Pastor Jackie all attended his funeral in May in Northampton and we will be priveleged to attend his memorial service in Norwich in September.

I will post a picture of Peter later.