I came home with a cold and mixed with the jetlag it took me quite awhile to recoup. It's always so much harder for me returning than going over. Then it seems like I was hit with many small and 2 large problems going on around me. I felt like I just couldn't get myself organized. The days were quite busy the last 2 1/2 weeks, but, now things are finally settling down. I thank God for His peace that guards our hearts and mind.
It was really great seeing everyone again. It actually seemed like I hadn't even left. That was so amazing to me. A whole year had gone by, yet, we all felt like it had been only a week. It was a good feeling. It did feel quite strange being there, especially at Caminul Felix, without John. Everyone missed him. It didn't help that John and Lois, our missionary friends from CA, had returned home in the summer. Last year we had the opportunity of staying with them, so this year, being in the hotel by the farm, really was a strange feel for me. It was a nice stay, the hotel is really quite charming with its rustic look.
As always, it was a thrill to go to the Piazza with Olga again for the children at Casa Lumina (Kindergarten & Mother/Baby program). The main vendor we worked with last year remembered us and was very happy to see us. I know that you helped greatly with her income for the month or more! It's such a double blessing buying the boots there. The children were very excited to get the boots. They would get them on and then prance around the room showing them off with wide-eyed smiles. It was such a joy to see. THank you so much for helping us to go and do this.
We had a great time with Pastor Danutz. It was our first year meeting with him at the Piazza for boots. He was very happy to be there. He had to hitch a ride and walk some to get there and then take the bus back (1 1/2 hr away). The time out to his village (Batar) was a good one. The children were so eager to have their teeth done. They were especially curious about the set up and watched with broad smiles as each child was done. Marcy and I spoke with some of the women of the church on God's love. It was evident when we were finished that God had spoken to some of them as they wept quietly and didn't want to let go of us as we went around and shared hugs. It was quite touching. It was also, a great time when we handed out the blankets. They were happy to have them.
The night we spoke to the group at Casa Lumina (with Olga translating for us) for the Bible study, Marcy and JoAnn both wondered what they had got themselves into! I will admit they do look like a harsh bunch when you first see them. But, everyone enjoyed each other and they were touched by our stories and lesson of God "seeing them right there in Romania and providing for them". Monica wanted prayer for getting a job, she has been turned down by the doctor for over 2 years because of scar tissue on her lungs (she had an appointment the next day). The next day she came to CL with a HUGE smile and proudly showed her paper work that was no longer pink!! She had been granted permission to work...she would be starting the following week. God is so good!
On Monday evening we met with some of the teen girls of Caminul Felix talking with them of God's love and forgiveness. Five girls accepted Christ into their hearts and five others came forward at the end for prayer to release them from anger and unforgiveness. It was truly a blessed evening.
We are so happy to be a part of God's work. It is because of people like you that make it come to pass. Without your help, these 75 children would not have warm boots this winter. You made it possible for families to stay warm with blankets and others to have extra food. John and I applaud you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. THANK YOU.
We look forward to going again next Fall and hope you will purpose to join us once again. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. God rewards a cheerful giver.
I have created 5 albums for you to look at in your leisure. Choose an album and when it opens, you can either click on the first picture and from there keep clicking forward OR after choosing an album, choose "slideshow" at upper left beneath the title of album and it will play for you and then you can click the X at bottom to stop, return to the page showing albums and choose another album...there are 6 altogether. I know you will enjoy seeing the pictures. The smiles say it all.
http://picasaweb.google.com/
God bless you richly in all you do,
John and Sherry
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