Journal - Monday 14th December and Tuesday 15th December-"Visiting Widows Mite" Arad, Project and Mocrea Psychiatric Hospital

Monday, 14^th December, 2015

Today we are out with Spencer, the leader of the Widow's Mite Project in Arad. We are delivering Christmas Food Parcels, shoe box gifts and new slippers. First we visit the poor village of Vinga where we support 4 widows and 1 widower. All are very poor but 2 live in very poor conditions and have serious health problems. R has gangrene in both legs and has a serious heart condition. She was baptised a few months ago and is ready to be with the Lord. Her sister Cati also has heart problems and has limited mobility following a fall. Pastor Jackie is doing all she can supporting with extra wood, food, medicine etc. A trusted neighbour is calling daily to ensure they are fed. Our prayers are that God's will be done in their lives because they are suffering so much and are both tired.

After finishing at Vinga we moved onto the 7 city widows - and 1 widower beginning with Ileana who has just moved to a state apartment on the 4th floor with no lift. What surprised me was that she had several cats! Dear Ana is now 94, still sewing but failing. Anton is sick and so lonely since his wife died 2 years ago and is ready to meet his Lord. Ecaterina spends most of her time on oxygen now. Each one has individual needs and has a story to tell. They loved their shoe boxes – knowing all of them personally I ensure that they get the things they really need and also treats that I know they would appreciate. Before we leave we pray with each of them.

Tuesday 15^th December, 2015

It's Mocrea Psychiatric Hospital Day and we are among a team of 8 carol singers touring all the wards with gifts for all the patients. Our charity provided: plastic slippers, socks, hats, scarves and hairbands for the ladies and sweets. Pastor Jackie provided chocolate Santa Clauses. tangerines and more sweets. We were blessed to spend time with the patients, many of whom we had got to know over the years. We are simple humble servants and we say thank you for using us to bring a little light into their dark worlds. We also ensured that each member of staff got a box of chocolates.

Bulk Flip Flops ready for
distribution

Journal for Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th of December-Visiting Children's Homes with Christmas Gifts

Thursday, 10^th December, 2015

Today thanks to Adina's connections we have purchased 100 pairs of plastic flip flops for patients at Mocrea Psychiatric hospital. They can be used on the wards and also in the showers. Adina is a bargain hunter and is invaluable to us in stretching charity funds. She got the bulk slippers for 8 Lei per pair (£1.30). She also managed to get us reasonable priced good quality boxes of chocolates for the staff there and at all the children's homes... Today we visited two of the Christian Homes – Tabita and Felice in Arad. Both Adina and I have worked at Tabita and we all had a great welcome with lots of cuddles and then carol singing. The Christmas boxes were a great delight and they gave Adina and I beautiful hand made Christmas Pudding like gifts made from coffee beans – what creations – must have taken hours. I treasure all my hand crafted gifts from them – they are always on display in Wales at Christmas at our home..

Later we visited Felice Home in another part of the city. There are more children at this facility and the decorations there are so very beautiful. Again a great welcome with carols and the director came to meet us. The children at this facility are older and Wayne and I worked with some of them when they were younger. It was great to catch up. One is now in her third year as a medical student – a great start in life.

Friday, 11^th December, 2015

Up early, breakfast, sandwich making and out on the road with Adina in her Peugeot with 24 shoe box gifts for children at the Maranata Children's Home in Hunedoara – a 2 and half hour drive away. We were met by Pasta Hada, his staff and children who again sang carols for us. Most of the children at this home are around the same age. There was shrieks of excitement and laughter as they opened their presents. We all sat on the floor with the children going through their boxes. Pasta Hada's wife cooked us all a nice meal before we left for a treat arranged by Adina – a visit to Hunedoara Castle built in the 15^th century and so well preserved. We so enjoyed our visit - like going back in time – Thank you Adina for your heart. Later we visited the Home of 2 friends of Adina, Summer, her Pastor husband Aurel and their adopted Romanian daughter. We had a great time of fellowship, learned about their ministry at a day centre in the city and their testimony. We arrived home late and just crashed out. Thank you Adina for all the driving.

Saturday, 12^th December, 2015

First visit of the day – the Obor Flea Market in the city – a must for Adina to search out bargains.

Today she is looking for items for the Luca family shoe box gifts for poor children in Moldova. It is a beautiful day for the time of year. Wayne is intrigued by the tool and wood burner bargains – bit too heavy and big to go back in the suitcase!

By 3 pm we are at the Jesus Generation Club and Music School. Lots of good teaching, carol singing and music lessons. Everyone so enjoys the teaching via the weekly puppet show with puppets Marinela and Stropinela. Each week Elena cooks a delicious meal for the children complete with bread, milk and biscuits or fruit. Heat comes from the hand made wood burning stove with Marius and Elena stocking up their supply of wood at summer rates. Pastor Jackie kindly picked us up from the Club and took us out for a meal at a Christian Restaurant. It gave us all an opportunity to catch up with updates on the projects and forward planning. Prayers are required because our Team: Wayne, myself and Adina have all gone down with heavy colds and bad throats. There is much left to do and we are about to commence our busiest week. God knows our needs and is in control.

Sunday, 13^th December, 2015

We are all coughing and sneezing but it is the Lord's day and we are all out at Metanoie Church worshipping the Lord and giving thanks. Wonderful worship and teaching on Colossians 3. We love this church – there were around 500 people present and they are moving to a newly built Church on the outskirts of the city in the new year. The senior Pastor of the Church is renowned as a speaker in Arad and further afield.

Home for quick delicious lunch with Mama Maria and then Wayne and I went with Pastor Jackie's to her Church in Vinga. Today the Advent candle of Joy was lit and Bogdan preached the Word. Home later and straight to bed for a few hours as we are feeling poorly. Adina is also poorly and resting.

Journal for Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th of December-Visiting the Widows Mite Project in Timisoara

Monday, 7^th December, 2015

We leave today in the minibus with Adina at the wheel for 3 days in the State of Timisoara visiting the Widows Mite project and delivering Christmas boxes. This project is very dear to my heart and I have had much joy in Wales making up the individual boxes taking into account the needs of each widow. We are staying for 2 nights with our good friend Ema's brother, Peter. Ema and her husband Mihai who live in Wales are Trustees of the Charity.  Peter and Vlad (who runs the project) are accompanying us. Today we are visiting 3 widows in the remote village of Varadia. Maria had no pension for many years but we give thanks that for the past 2 months she has been granted 400 lei (approx £70). Maria is so lonely - she has children but no support which is heartbreaking. Adelina was slowly recovering with her family after a hospital admission for a chest problem and poor Aurelia is bed ridden after a stroke a few years ago. She was being cared for by her devoted daughter in poor conditions. She received a supply of incontinence pads also.

Tuesday, 8^th December, 2015
Today we are visiting widows in the villages of Dolat and Graniceri – again a long drive from our base. We met with 5 widows – all with individual needs. Zenica is the youngest on the programme, has a disability with her one hand and lives in a house with high ceilings in total disrepair. She was widowed 2 years ago and struggles to survive. There were shrieks of excitement as she opened her box and pulled out a pretty hairband and manicure set. I could have cried at seeing her face. Parchita (we call her the sunshine lady) is tiny and has trouble with balance came alive when she saw her fur lined slippers with pretty flowers on them. Every year all the widows wait for their new slippers. Thank you to everyone in Wales who supports our Appeal for them.

After completing the widows visits we made our way back into the city in the dark but our day was not over.

We still had more family visits to make in remote villages. It was dark and Adina negotiated many muddy tracks with huge potholes. Turning was difficult in the dark but you will not find a better driver! At one stage we had to park up and walk a distance in the dark to get to our destination because of the mud. We were visiting poor families with Christmas shoe boxes – the children were overjoyed and one little girl asked “Is everything in the box for me?” We were blessed to see their faces. Last stop of the night was our Trustee and friend, Mihai's mam. She was in tears at opening her special shoe box gift and seeing photos of her son and dear Ema his wife. What a privilege it was to meet her and her 2 sons and a daughter plus their families By the time we hit the road for home it was 10 pm and so we made a quick sandwich before hitting the sack!!

Wednesday, 9^th December, 2015

Early start – today we all set out for the villages of Comlosul Mare and Vizedjia to visit another 10 widows. There were bumpy roads but some improvements with European funds. The greatest gift we can give these dear old ladies is the good news of Christ and many have come to know Jesus through the programme. Most live in dilapidated houses with no water or sanitation. The houses are in disrepair and there is little or no money for maintenance. The widows are lonely and long to see someone just to have a chat. I love nothing more than getting to know about their lives. We always finish with a prayer.

I smile when I visit Catalina because she lines up her Christmas boxes from previous years on top of the cupboard – all are used for storage. Magdalena has no electricity and 2 have no pension so we gave them donations. Maria C lives in the middle of a field and it was not possible to drive there in the mud so her gift was left at the local shop. All the widows will receive food parcels nearer to Christmas.

Our last stop of the day was to Trustee Ema's sister and her family back in the city of Timisoara. What a welcome with lots of exchange of pictures and a shoebox gift for their disabled daughter. We finished the day with a cheap meal in the city to reflect on our 3 days in the state of Timisoara. After saying our goodbyes to Vlad and Peter we headed home to Arad somewhat shattered but giving thanks.

Journal for Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th of December-Purchase of flip flops, food parcels, first distribution of gifts and a visit to "Jesus Generation Club.

Saturday, 5^th December, 2015

First stop of the day is Piata Obor (a Flea Market) on the north of the city which is a favourite haunt of Adina's where  we are in search of 100 plastic slippers for patients at Mocrea Psychiatric Hospital. Boxes of socks, hats, scarves, hairbands etc have already arrived with the consignment. We managed to find a few but a good contact was made with a trader who will supply us with a bulk for 8 lei (roughly £1.40 each) – excellent value for money. The plastic slippers can also be used in the showers. As always Adina managed to pick up a few more bargains.

Later we visited the home of Mira and her 2 teenage daughters with shoe box gifts for them all plus a nice Christmas food parcel. They are a beautiful Christian family but their circumstances are difficult. They were 4 generations living in the same home but the grandmother and great grandmother died during 2013. Mira's husband is sadly in a long term psychiatric hospital and so she is the only breadwinner. She has a low wage working in a factory and so we are pleased to help a little. Mira was working during our visit but the girls were overjoyed with their gifts.

Next stop of the day was another very poor family from Gai. Natalia is aged 8 and we have been supporting her via Pastor Jackie's ministry with growth hormone treatment which is proving successful. In this house there are 4 families living in different rooms. The grandparents are in poor health and Natalia's family living in one room consists of the parents and her 9 siblings. Conditions are very bad. There was much excitement as we moved around the families with gifts for all the children.

Last stop of the day was to the Jesus Generation Club and Music School in San Nicolau Mic. It is always a joy to join leaders, Marius and Elena and the children at the Club. We have a long connection with this fruitful ministry and are are happy to continue financially supporting the running of it. We joined in with the varied programme of carols, teaching and puppet show giving the gospel. Elena kindly provides hot food, milk and biscuits weekly to the children. We stayed many hours and joined in with the music class as they rehearsed for the Christmas Programme. There was a huge band of musicians playing keyboards, drums, guitars (including base), mandolin and accordion. Marius is a great teacher and it was a joy to see how much the pupils love their music. They regularly visit churches with Marius and Elena to participate in programmes. We ended with a meeting with Marius and Elena.

Rather a full day but exciting. A Happy Birthday to my daughter, Caroline back in Wales.

Sunday, 6^th December, 2015

It is the Lord's day and we will rejoice and be glad.

First Church service of the day was at Harvest Metanoia in the city with Adina. There was awesome worship and a great Word on Submission. After lunch we went with Pastor Jackie to her Church in the village of Vinga. This Church was founded by Jackie in the early 90's. Today the Advent Candle of Peace was lit following the Hope Candle the previous week. Spencer gave an excellent Word on Hope. We later visited a poor family through whom Pastor Jackie arranged a further supply of wood for 2 poor sick widows in the village.

Back on the mission field - Journal from Tuesday 1st to Friday 4th of December

Tuesday, 1^st December, 2015

Wayne, I and Adina arrived safely in Romania just before midnight. It felt good to be back on Romanian soil and there was much excitement in our hearts at what God had in store for us for the 3 weeks ahead. Great welcome from our hosts – Adina's parents Maria and Ioan.

Wednesday, 2^nd December, 

After a great sleep and good breakfast we were out and about exchanging money and sorting phone credit before dropping in at Tabita Children's Home and then the home of American Missionaries, Spencer and Lynsey who are involved with many of the projects we support. .

Thursday, 3^rd December, 2015

We drove out to Sofronea to take delivery of our huge consignment of boxes from Wales. They arrived much later than expected and we ended up unloading in the dark which was not ideal but God was with us and we accounted for everything. Pastor Jackie kindly fed the drivers (Glyn and Jeff from Support from Romania) and the entire unloading team. It was a great time of fellowship. All the boxes are stored in Pastor Jackie's back bedroom and there is much sorting to do tomorrow. Unfortunately we had to miss the Vinga Children's programme tonight.

Friday, 4^th December, 2015

After breakfast we set out to Sofronea to begin sorting the shoe boxes ready for distribution. We loaded Danny Luca's minibus with Adina at the wheel and set out for Kechechi to start our distribution of shoe boxes. This is a very poor gipsy area with many families living under the same roof in very poor conditions. The family we are visiting are known to the Luca family because they daily visit the garbage area outside their apartment block searching through the bins for food scraps or anything they can sell for money. There was much delight as the children opened their boxes and Adina distributed tea shirts she had received from a consignment of aid from the States.

Journal for Wednesday 25th November to Tuesday 1st of December

Wednesay 25^th November,

Tonight was my last night attending Bible Study in Elim Church. I sure enjoyed listening to the teaching of the Pastor but my heart was sad thinking my time in Wales is drawing to a close.

Thursday 26^th November,

I left the house at 8:30 am for Elim church to help serve at a conference they were hosting for 80 people. I found great joy to be of help and work along side some beautiful women. I shall really miss my time and fellowship at Elim Church!

Friday 27^th November,

Today was my last day at Hirwaun library – normally I so enjoy my time there but today my heart is sad because I will miss everyone so much.

In the afternoon I managed to take Ema Christmas shopping and just spend some value time with her before I return home.

Saturday 28^th November,

Today was a beautiful day spent in the company of dear friends and it was hard to say goodbye. However the day ended in a happy spirit as I went out to watch a movie 'the dress maker'.

Sunday 29^th November,

I did not sleep much during the night thinking of how hard this day will be! This morning I will have to say goodbye to my church family at Elim – who have embraced me with much love. Pastor Malcolm invited me up front to say a few words and had the entire church pray for me! My heart was so heavy and eyes full of tears and I am praying God will bring me back to this church again some day!

After the service I went out for dinner with some very dear friends of mine and spent a wonderful afternoon in their company!

In the evening I went to Park Baptist Church and enjoyed my last service in their congregation. At the end, we went up for a cup of tea and cake, and I again had to say my goodbyes! I also managed to have a beautiful time with Pastor Andy!

Monday 30^th November,

This is it – this is my last day in Wales! At least for a while! Only God know what He has in store for me, but I will miss everything about being here! Irene, Wayne and I have been busy getting our suitcases ready, but also preparing for going out to a Christmas Party hosted by our good friend Wendy! The Christmas party was a blast, I enjoyed singing carols, listening to the word Jeff shared with us, and also the beautiful traditional Christmas meal we were served! Not to mention the beautiful Christmas gifts we received at the end! My last evening was a special night – I went out to a nice restaurant and enjoyed a beautiful Indian Meal!

Tuesday 1^st December,
DEPARTURE DAY from Wales and arrival back in Romania. Handing the blog back to Irene for the duration of ministry work up to Christmas.

Journal for Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd of November

Thursday 19^th November,
We left the house at 8 am and drove straight to Hirwaun. Once Jim (a good friend of Irene and Wayne) arrived we started loading the boxes into Mike's huge trailer. We drove about an hour away to Port Talbot were we unloaded the consignment into a warehouse. We were told that the consignment would arrive in Romania on the 4th of December, which is 2 days after we arrive there! Praise God all the boxes are packed and on their way to those in need – I so look forward to being in Romania and start the distribution!

Tonight we went to a farmer Christian meeting in Bronydd Mawr, where there was a speaker name Nigel Butler who gave his testimony which spoke to my heart. Not only was his testimony amazing, but at the end he stayed to pray for everyone. I asked him to pray for me, and God spoke through him - he sure told me things I didn't exactly wanted to hear! That night my life changed – God spoke to me clearly about my future!

Friday 20^th November,

It is Friday and we are back in Hirwaun Library, it is a great privilege to meet new people every week and also to make cards to raise funds for the Charity!

Saturday 21^st November,

Today was special – I got to experience a Welsh wedding. I was invited to attend the wedding of Rob and Jemma, the Pastor's son from Elim church! I was very impressed by the whole event starting with the church ceremony, continuing with the reception in a beautiful hall set in the countryside with beautiful views , amazing delicious food and wonderful disco late in the evening! It was a beautiful day, a day that I will always cherish!

Sunday 22^nd November,

Elim church Brecon in the morning and Park Baptist church in the evening. Another beautiful day in God's house and His presence!

Journal for Saturday 14th to Wednesday 18th of November

Saturday 14^th November,

Today was a super fun day firstly seeing the local hunt in the village – lots of horses with riders dressed up and a pack of hounds who hunt foxes in the countryside/

Later visited Rheola market – got some bargains! Visited some friends and made some new ones! Enjoyed the company of some beautiful children!

In the evening I attended a Christian Concert in Cardiff – it was 100 years of Elim Church movement!

Sunday 15^th November,

Elim church in the morning followed by Matthew's Baptism Reception which Irene and I helped cook for. Visit to Elim Church, Merthyr Tydfil in the evening – Thank you for their support with shoe boxes and donations.

Monday 16^th November,

Today was a work at home and computer day.

Tuesday 17^th November,

Started the morning with a visit to Brecon to bank Charity funds and shop for Irene followed by a visit to her mum. Drove down to Hirwaun with Irene and was there till late in the evening working on the shoe boxes! And tonight was another movie night – Brooklyn!

Wednesday 18^th November,
This was the last day of packing the shoe boxes for the next day we have to deliver the consignment to Talbot Green for loading for Romania. We were in Hirwaun until late afternoon working. In the evening from 7 pm I went to Elim Church to a women study combined with Jemma's bridal shower – we had much fun! 

Journal for Sunday 8th to Friday 13th of November

Sunday 8^th November,

Another blessed Sunday! It is unbelievable just how many people God is planting in my path! Going to Elim church, feels like going to my church now! I'm starting to feel at home– I like the worship, I like the preaching and I love the people there! I am so very blessed by have a church family, away from home and sure know that this is going to make my departure day a sad day....

After church we came back to the house, and enjoyed a two course Romanian meal – soup and Sarmale (cabbage rolls) and some Romanian cakes! We spent a quiet afternoon at the house, chatting over a nice cup of tea!

In the evening we drove down to Merthyr Tydfil to Pastors Charis's Elim Church, where Irene and I gave a talk and showed a slide show of our ministry! Pastor has asked us to take along 15 empty boxes, so she and her church can help support our charity!

Praising God for people like her that come along and support our work!

After church, we went down for some more fun time in Merthyr– air hockey again!

Tuesday 10^th November,

Spending value time plus a sleep over at Ema and Mihai's home – pizza and movie night! We sure had a blast!

Wednesday 11^th November,

Driving with Ema and shopping. From here I went to see some friends! Visited with Debbie, running into Betty on the street and later stopped by Wendys home!

Then I drove back to Sennybridge, changed and went straight to church to Bible Study! Tonight I was home alone as Irene and Wayne stayed in Hirwaun.

Thursday 12^th November,

Spent packing the Romanian consignment with Irene – later a Movie night at the house  – Leap Year. A beautiful evening!

Friday 13^th November,

More packing plus our weekly visit to Hirwaun Library doing crafts and later meeting the Knitting group who support us.

Journal for Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th of November

Thursday 5^th November 2015,

Today it was a very busy day! We had many meetings to attend and speak at in the Neath valley – a distance away. We left the house early in the morning as we drove Wayne to his parents, and we also got to spend a little time with them. Our first stop was at Elim church in Port Talbot where we met with Denise Jones and also Liz, and a lovely crowd of people at their weekly coffee morning! From here we went to see Pastor Pat at the deaf church she is running. 

The ladies group were making hand made cards and I had a real joy joining them in their activities! They support our charity in many ways eg. knitting, shoe boxes and many other much needed items - we are so grateful for their love and help.  

Last stop was Sardis Baptist church in Resolven pastored by a Brazilian called Fortunato – another lovely bunch of people! After we spoke in this church, we were kindly given a monetary donation Also whilst here I was introduced to a Romanian Family from Sebis, a city nearby my city! Lovely getting together with them!From 5:30 pm we went to Connie's place for there was a fire work display for Guy Fawkes night.Around 7 pm I left to help a friend with his VAT paper work – this was indeed a long day, for I returned home real late!

Friday 6^th November 2015,

At 10 am we were in Hirwaun Library getting started on our Card making projects! Many people had joined us during our stay in there, and it is always lovely to make new friends! Thank you so much to Sheila, Claire and her friend Sarah who have been helping much. A special thank you to my new friend Sarah for her support of the Charity. She not only comes to help with the card making but she brings her own supply of materials! After the Library, we returned to the ministry house in Hirwaun and got started in making and packing shoe boxes!

We arrived home around 6 pm, and I was glad to be in touch with my niece Patricia who is now 14 years old and was enjoying a beautiful party at her home! Was glad I was able to be part of the celebrations, even if only online! I pray God’s hand of protection will be upon her always!!!

Saturday 7^th November 2015,

Today was a quiet day at the house, I was able to talk to my family back home (more than normal) did Romanian cooking and cleaning around the house! Also managed to do some work on the computer! Once in a while, days like this are just much needed!

Late in the evening we had dinner at the house – Curry (Indian, my favourite)! After dinner I went out to a movie – BURNT and after the movie I played air hockey for the 1st time - and yes, I love it!

Journal for Monday 2nd to Wednesay 4th of November

Monday 2^nd November 2015,

Today I drove Ema and Mihai to Cardiff, as Mihai had a morning hospital appointment for some check ups on his condition! I gotta say that today I was a bit down – and talking with my friends on the car about the weekend, it didn't helped me at all, but made things worse for me, and my heart was just heavy and hurting! However, I was praying hard, wanting to stay strong and not have anyone know what I was going through – BUT it didn't hurt less! 

After our return I drove Emma to work and picked up Julian (Mihai's brother) so he can help me out with Mihai. We did some shoppings for Mihai and Ema, and drove back their home. I helped to feed Mihai and then drove to Hirwaun to pick up some shoe boxes from Margaret, another lady that faithfully supports our work. But on my way back home I had to make a stop in a car park, for I needed to let my sorrow go and not bring it into the house! So thankful for the quiet time I had and for how God has strengthened me! Not just that, but this evening, just when I needed it most, I had a great uplift from one of my friends from here – What an AWESOME God I serve! I am amazed everyday by the love my God is showing my daily!

Tuesday 3^rd November 2015,

Today I had a bit more of a flavour of the farming life in Wales. A good friend of mine called me early in the morning and asked me if I would like to Sennybridge livestock market. I went with him in the lorry, watched the entire process of loading/unloading cattle. We then came back to my home for lunch and around 10 am we went to the market to see the actual selling process – it was all so very new to me, but I did enjoy every minute of it!

Around noon we drove to Hirwaun, where Irene and I got started back on the shoe box operation. We arrived home around 5 pm and to end the day, in the same way I started I went with my friend to collect sheep! Just one more experience of rural Welsh life!

Wednesday 4^th November 2015,

Today was a full day of shoe box operation in Hirwaun – early morning until late evening – getting back just in time to make it to church for Bible Study. I also had a small get away when I drove around to collect items from a few ladies that support our charity.

I did have a brief stop with Conni (Irene’s mum), and from there I went to church for a meal and Bible Study to follow! 

Journal for Wednesday 28th of October to Sunday 1st of November

Wednesday 28^th October,

Whilst staying with Romanian friends it is normal to start the day with a strong cup of Romanian coffee followed by a traditional Romanian breakfast! But there is no fun enjoying a Romanian meal without my welsh friends, so the previous evening when I went shopping with Ema, I bought some eggplants and this morning I roasted them, so I could treat my friends to a Romanian eggplant salad! Anyone that wants to come for a taste is welcome! Shortly after we went out driving with Ema at the wheel - and around noon I dropped Ema off for work! At 12:45 pm I met with Irene, as we had a meeting at Merthyr Tydfill with Rainbow Printers. We met with 3 wonderful ladies who had not only filled shoe boxes but also collated lots of other much needed supplies. We had such a great time with them all - asking God to richly bless each one of them!!!

After this meeting was over, we returned back to Hirwaun and started working on the shoes boxes! With everyday that goes by, more and more of the boxes are being put together, and we are getting close to the day we will send them out! When we finished our work for the day we drove back to Sennybridge and I went to the Bible Study at Elim Church, Brecon! And I know now, that things don't just happen, they are all planned by Our Heavenly Father – I had to be there tonight for God wanted to speak to me! We had great teaching on Being in a right Spirit and also beautiful singing! So very thankful for another beautiful day!

Friday 30^th October 2015,

If it is Friday morning and Irene and I are at Hirwaun Library, doing card making! I really do enjoy all the ministry work we do, and everything brings me much pleasure, and the card making is just the cherry on top of the cake for me!!! Thank you to all the volunteers who come to help and also the visitors who drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. More collecting shoe boxes and items to go to Romania in the afternoon. In the evening we had Romanian rice and chicken!

Saturday 31^st October 2015,

Early today I left for Southsea with a good friend of mine, to see Andrea, one of my best friends from back home. She married Ionatan, a Romanian man two years ago, and shortly after they got married they came to live and work in UK. This year, at the end of February, they had Ezra, a baby boy – unfortunately he was diagnosed with Pura Syndrome – a syndrome discovered in 2014. They are both strong Christians and I was amazed to see what wonderful parents they are. My time with them has really charged my batteries to the fullest – I cannot describe in words the joy I had by spending this weekend with them!

Sunday 1^st November 2015,

We started the day with a Romanian breakfast – and before going to church I had to say goodbye to my friend Andrea and her family as we were not going to see them after church! Our time was getting to an end and even thou

gh I had many hours of happiness with them, I was not ready to leave just yet – and of course the sadness took over me and I could not stop my heart cry out! I thought walking to church was gonna help....but it just got worse when I arrived to church! I was blessed by my 2 friends that were with me and covered me in love! I cannot thank God enough for all the wonderful things he is doing in my life! After church we had a walk around Southsea and also a bit of a shopping at a Romanian store! My other Romanian friend Anita invited us out for lunch at Wetherspoons, the restaurant she works at. Had a great meal and also great company!

Right after lunch we started our trip back to Wales, for we had to be in Victory church in Crickhowell by 6:30 pm. Pastor Jonathan and his church has made 23 shoe boxes for us! We so enjoyed the service but also meeting up with old friends whom I met on my 1^st trip to Wales while we were at Ffald-y-Brenin Christian Retreat Centre. I'm so blessed to have made so many wonderful friends!