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!

Journal for Saturday 24th to Tuesday 27th of October

Saturday 24^th October,

Today I drove to Neath because from 10 am I had an appointment for an interview to get my National Insurance Number! This was a very pleasant experience for God has been along side me, and I was interviewed by a beautiful lady!

After the interview was finished, we had a bit over 3 hours of shopping time in Neath – I got to shop in some wonderful Charity Shops! And on our way back home, we called into Rheola Flea Market – gotta say this made me feel like I was back home in Romania, at my Obor Flea Market!

Then we called in to see Wayne's parents, and also Irene's mother, and was great to catch up with them.

Once we arrived home, we started baking and cooking for we were gonna have a movie night and some company! We had Nicky, Mac and Mike over and we watched the movie 'The Longest Ride' – we all had to a blast!

Sunday 25^th October,

Lord's day! I cannot think of a better place to spend this day, than in the House of the Lord, and in the beauty of His creation! I went to the morning service in Elim Church in Brecon – beautiful worship and great word on being an Encouragement for those around us, for anyone that breaths needs encouragements – so very true! After the church was finished I made some hams rolls and was ready to climb the Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons – 886 M! I had a wonderful tour guide and company along! And I gotta say that the more I was hiking, the more speechless I was (and those that know me, know this is quite unusual!) I was overwhelmed by all the beauty God created for me/us to rejoice in! We do serve an AWESOME GOD! Thankful to God for all the sights He is allowing my eyes to see!

In the evening I went to Elim Church in Merthyr Tydfil and was again blessed by a wonderful service! Lovely worship and Pastor Charis had a great message on Joseph and dreams!

And to end the beautiful day we came home where Irene was waiting us with a beautiful home made dinner – so very thankful to Irene and Wayne for such a blessing to me! Asking God to richly bless them and have His hand of protection on their family!

Monday 26^th October,

Today was a computer work and administration at home. But today is my parents 41^st Wedding Anniversary! It is a bit harder being away, on a day like this, but earlier today I have talked home to both of them, and my heart is at peace knowing that my Heavenly Father is watching over them and holding them up!  
 

Tuesday 27^th October,

Today we had another computer morning, and in the afternoon I drove Irene to Hirwaun so she could do charity visits in that area and continue with shoe boxes. I went to Ema and Mihai’s home! I was gonna spend the day/night with them so I could again help Ema with driving, shopping and also to just spend some time with them! While there they had some good friends over and we all had a great time of prayer together! 

After our guests left we had a good chat and I also got to play chess with Mihai again. We had much fun and also gotta say that today it was a bit of a multicultural day - in the morning I had a welsh breakfast followed by a Romanian late lunch and finished 
with a Hungarian Goulash! Life is good indeed! So very happy and thankful for all the wonderful friends I have here!!!

Journal for Monday 19th to Friday 23rd of October

Monday 19^th October,

The week began with Irene and I travelling to Pontyclun Community Centre to meet with a beautiful group of elderly ladies who knit items for Romania. We did a presentation on the work of the Charity and saw how much joy these ladies have in putting together many knitted items for Romania. Asking God to richly bless each and every lady that we saw today! We again returned to Hirwaun to work on the shoe boxes and were there till late in the evening!

Tuesday 20^th October,

This morning I was able to apply by telephone for a National Insurance Number, and got an appointment for interview this Saturday. Shortly after, I went to meet with Julie Price, Iasmina's sponsor and pick up some filled shoe boxes and other items she had prepared for us! Every day I am amazed at how many people God brings alongside us with support! After my time with Julie, I returned to the house to pick up Irene before leaving for Merthyr Tydfil. I took Ema (my Romanian friend) out for some driving lessons as she needs to get used to driving on the wrong side of the road! We did manage to make a small stop at Garwnant, a Forest Centre, with a beautiful park!

After transporting Ema to her work place, I drove back to Hirwuan and joined Irene in making more shoe boxes.

Wednesday 21^th October,

Today I had a day off, and I was blessed to drive around

 in a lorry in the North part of Wales with a good friend of mine. I also got to visit Betws-y Coed - this is North's Wales most popular inland resort. It is where the river Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llungwy, the Lledr and the Machano. The beauty of the area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls, hill-top lakes, river pools and ancient bridges. And not only have I had the chance to see more of God's beauties from Wales but also had the company of a great friend. I am blessed! 

Friday 23rd October,

Hirwaun Library morning - love the card making part and the ladies that join us! Later we met with Sharon Thomas from Santander Bank - she gave us a cheque for £ 700 and a lot of supplies for the shoe boxes. From here we drove to Asda where we meet with a gentlemen who gave us a bag of clothing items - bless his heart!