Journal from Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd December - Osana Children's Home and final catch up with friends

Monday, 21^st December, 2015

This morning we are off to the Osana Children's Home in Timisoara to meet the girls and  wonderful house parents and to distribute gifts.  It was so good to catch up with them all especially sisters Julie and Rebecca whom we have been involved with for the past 10 years.    On our return we joined Adina and 2 Italian volunteers plus children from the Tabita Children’s Home for a Pizza kindly given as a Christmas treat by Michael and his friend. 

Tuesday, 22^nd December, 2015

Sadly this is our last full day in Romania.  Today we visited dear Iasmina and her mum.  They are an inspirational pair in the way in which they cope daily with Iasmina’s disabilities.  Iasmina spends a great deal of time in hospitals but in between these stays she is able to go to school.  Sadly she has had to change schools twice as some cruel children have been mocking her because of her disabilities.  I find this all so very sad.  She is however happy in her current school and is doing very well academically.    We had a great catch up and gave them their shoe box gifts.  Thank you to her sponsor Julie for Iasmina’s box and I had great delight in making another up for a very worthy mum!!  They are precious – please pray for them both. 

Later we visited my dear friend Nina, whom I have known for the past 10 years when I moved to Romania.  We used to work at Pastor Jackie’s San Nicolau Mic Christian School together.   Nina is a great mum to 10 children – 5 still live at home.  Nina has suffered much hardship during her life and we give thanks that through working abroad her older children are now in a position to support her financially.    We were thrilled to hear that most of them will be home for Christmas. 

Wednesday, 23^rd  December, 2015

Last minute packing before saying our goodbyes until the next trip.  Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us with the 3 week mission – we could not have done it without you.  Special thank you to the Lucas for their hospitality once again and to Adina for taking us to the airport  - we look forward to seeing you back in Wales in January.  Finally this is God’s work and we are privileged to be used as His servants.  We give Him all the thanks and glory for a successful trip.

Journal for 19th & 20th December - Jesus Generation Christmas Party, Church Services and catching up with good friends

Saturday, 19t^h December, 2015

My chest is still bad – but mission work must continue – need strength today Lord and believing to receive answer to my prayers.  

First stop of the day is meeting with a Romanian gipsy girl called M who 10 years ago lived with me for a while.  She is now 30 and lives in a small one roomed flat supported by Pastor Jackie.  We go back a long way and despite many ups and downs we have always maintained a good relationship and bond.  We bought her lunch, gave her a specially made up shoe box and we spent some value time together.  We received a lovely Christmas gift from her and she was in tears at saying goodbye.  We will supply some shoe box gifts for the children of a poor friend. 

From there we went to the Jesus Generation Club for their Christmas Concert and Music competitions.  Wayne and I  were the judges – what a task with so much talent – there were many singers and musicians.  There were prizes for all the winners (we brought a large box of these over from Wales) plus chocolates for all those others who took part.  During the year the children are given out smiley faces for their attendance and good behaviour and these are totalled by the leaders.  Each child was able to chose gifts from the in-house shop to the value of their points.  The shop items consisted of: clothes, assorted toys, electrical items, sweets etc. Later Adina arrived with the Christmas food (hot dogs, biscuits and pop).   We also had the opportunity to spend value time with Alina, a social work student at a Christian University in Oradea.  She is doing very well, enjoying the course and is also involved in prison ministry there.  The Charity pays her tuition fees and donations support her hostel accommodation.   Thank you so much to Adina and her mum for shopping for the club food today and putting everything together plus delivering all the boxes.  It was a truly blessed day  seeing all the children enjoying themselves.

Sunday, 20^th December, 2015

Again up in the night with a congested chest and blogging.  Maria and Ioan took us this morning to the Resurrection Baptist Church in the city which is the Church Marius and Elena worship at.  Great lively worship and Word.  From there we walked to the Metanoie Church to catch the last of their morning worship.  It was indeed a blessed morning.  Home for a quick delicious lunch before going out again with Pastor Jackie to Vinga Church.  Today she lit the Love candle and preached on the subject.  There were more children gift distributions before we had to say goodbye to everyone. 

Home to catch on up on an hour's rest before being picked up by Marius and Elena for a meal and meeting at their apartment.  Our first ride in the second hand minibus they have purchased to resolve the transportation problem at the Jesus Generation Club.  They have incredible qualities, are great teachers and love all the children who totally respect them.  They have full time jobs but spend many hours per week preparing for the Saturday Club.  They also give of their time to assist other ministries.  We are blessed to call them our friends and the Charity support their ministry which is bearing much fruit.

Journal for 18th December - Back in Apple Way distributing aid

Friday, 18^th December, 2015

With the help of Adina's brother with the minibus and also her dad and uncles we loaded a trailer full of clothing aid to take to a very poor gipsy area on the outskirts of the city called “Apple Way”.    The area consists of families living in shacks along bumpy and muddy tracks.  I met some people I already knew from the past.  Everyone received something and the distribution went smoothly.  Thank you for answered prayer.  We entered the home of a family of 8 who lived in one room and had only one bed settee to sleep on.  Their request was for another similar one.  We will pray that one will be found.

From there we visited 2 friends of the Luca family on Oituz where we were so warmly welcomed.  It is amazing how God works.  When we told them about our work they asked if we could help with shoe box gifts for a children's ministry attached to a church in a very poor village on  route to Oradea.  We still have boxes left  – phone calls were made to establish the ages and sexes of the children so we could meet the need.  They will take photos of the distribution.  From Oituz we went to Sofronea to sort the rest of the shoe boxes and remaining items of our consignment.  Much work was carried out – further items distributed and the rest stored for the time being.  Pastor Jackie's back bedroom was returned to its former state because she has an American  missionary arriving  from Bulgaria for Christmas.

Still feeling unwell we were rather tired at arriving home.  Later 3 children arrived at the Luca apartment to receive  gifts.  First there were 2 boys from Maria and Ioan's church who have very difficult home circumstances.  We so enjoyed their company catching up on what they  have been doing during the past year and discussing their hopes for the future giving thanks that they are grounded in the faith.  Next to visit was little E who lives in another apartment in this block with her mother and twin older siblings.  Her mother is divorced but contrary to British law the father got to keep the family home and the mother and children had to leave and rent accommodation – so their lives are hard because maintenance does not appear to be enforced in this country. Our host Maria helps with taking and fetching E from school.  She sang us some carols and we were blessed to spend time with all the children. 

Journal for 17th December - More shoe box gift delight

Thursday, 17th December, 2015

Please Lord we need healing but give thanks that we have the strength to carry on. We are working on our accounts and blog this morning while Adina goes to Sofronea to collect the shoe boxes for the Placament de Copii on Oituz in the city as there is no room in the car for us.  This establishment was previously a Detention Centre but now houses children who are considered to be at risk.   Bogdan who works for Pastor Jackie's ministry visits the centre weekly.  The programme began at 12 noon with. Representatives from the Child Protection Department and sponsors of the Establishment present.  The children performed in National Costume – there were lots of carols, recitations and wonderful performances  from children from a Music School in the city. We are unable to supply pictures of the children due to data protection.

After spending value time with the children  we distributed shoe box gifts  much to their delight.  We then accompanied Adina to a Boarding school for the visual impaired where she supports a blind boy called Nicu who is 20 years old.  As we help fund her ministry it was good to meet Nicu for the first time.  We also met his 2 room mates and had shoe boxes for them also.  It was a joy to  see them feel over their gifts.  Nicu asked Adina to write a message to his girlfriend!  As we left I met a teacher there who immediately recognised me.  We had worked together at the Tabita Children's Home 10 years ago.

Next stop was a family at Gradite to deliver boxes to 2 autistic teenage children known to Adina.  We had nothing but admiration for the parents who care for them full-time with no support.  It was  joy to just sit with them all  to share the joy of Christmas.

After returning home to a delicious meal our good friends American missionaries Spencer and Lynsey and their 2 children Trinity and Jonathan called with an update of what is happening in their ministries which the Charity supports financially.  Today we were due to attend their Vinga Children's programme followed by distribution of shoe boxes.  Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled because it clashed with the village school concert.  They had all gone along to support the children there, many of whom come to the programme.  They are such a caring family and it was a joy to hear that even though some of the children's parents did not attend they were supported by people who love and care for them.  The children were asked to meet them outside the church afterwards where they distributed their shoe boxes.  We were disappointed to have missed the event but it is impossible to be 2 places at once.  They will distribute the rest of their boxes around the homes of the children and supply us with pictures.

Journal for 16th December - Feeding the hungry, clothing the poor and bringing joy with Christmas gifts.

Wednesday, 16^th December, 2015

Early start and out food shopping for a poor family in Curtici.  The Father died 3 years ago from cancer leaving his wife and 3 children with a lot of medical expenses.  D has a job cleaning for  4 hours  a day.  Every Christmas we take along a food parcel and shoe box gifts for the children and this year I made up one also for mum which she so appreciated.

Then it was sorting the rest of the consignment at Pastor Jackie's for distribution at more Christmas Programmes.  Also every large box has the air pockets filled with much needed items such as medication, soft toys, slippers, woollens etc.  And Adina's car is filled to capacity all the time with just enough room for us to get in.

On the way back we called in with Rozalia,who is supported by the Widows Mite Project in Arad.  Her need is not food but incontinence pads.  She is a double amputee and has been diabetic since she was young.  She is younger than me and also has a heart condition.  She was delighted to see us all and overcome with her Christmas Box items and blanket.  We also take along a gift for her teenage grandson.  Her dog is very protective and has to be locked up before we enter.  We ended our visit with a prayer.

On return home we met with our British friend, Mark Wade at the apartment.  He joined us for a meal.  Mark is a missionary and has worked in Eastern Europe mainly Romania for around 20 years.  Since last year he has been volunteering at the Russian and Ukrainian border war zone helping deliver medical supplies, food and other equipment as well as building tents and repairing homes.  He has also been planting churches in the area.  Working so close to the front line of fighting carries enormous risks but God is protecting him.  He has also been spreading his time during the Autumn helping refugees and the police at the Hungarian and Serbian borders following the much reported influx of thousands fleeing for their lives.  His work has made headlines.  He is returning to Ukraine early in the early hours of the morning.  Please pray for him.

At 8.30pm we visited a Night Shelter on the outskirts of the city.  There were almost 50 homeless people to feed and minister to.  Adina brought along her dad and a group of singers with a guitar from her church and we all sung carols.  We provided hot dogs and hot tea for everyone present – big thank you to the Lucas for helping us with all the preparation.  We mingled with all the vulnerable men and men – everyone had their own story and there was much sadness and despair but also smiles of joy breaking through here and there.  We had beautiful toilet bags for them all – Bless you Elizabeth from Brecon for  all your support and hard work in supplying them all.  She spent hours buying items and making them all up during a time when she was experiencing so many problems with her health.  They were so appreciated.  We also brought along hats, scarves, mitts and blankets from Wales – thank you. to our many knitters.  Home to more medication as we are all still  feeling poorly with  colds.

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.