Full Day In Tinca

Today was a full day in Tinca! We started out at the Isaiah Center and got to play with the kids and spend some time with them. They each have their own personality and each year we come back, they are more loving and interactive, and that's because of all of the love, security and nurture that they receive at the Isaiah Center. Through Rachel, Dave, Mihai, and the four new ladies who work at the center, God is doing amazing things with the kids at the center, with their families and out in the village shining His light and bringing hope.

One of the highlights of the morning was watching Alex. He was two when he first came to the center, with Down's syndrome and unable to even sit up, abandoned by his mother and being raised by his grandmother who has 11 other children including Alex and his brother. She loves them and cares for them but was unable to give Alex the extra attention that he needed. Through physical therapy and through much work with Alex, he has blossomed! He's such a happy little boy, laughs and smiles all the time, loves to be cuddled and loves music. He's five now, little for his age, stands up and walks holding your hands, and today he amazed all of us when he scooted across the floor, pulled himself up to the chair (for the first time on his own), hiked his leg up on the chair and climbed up on it all by himself. He stood up, hands in the air and giggled with excitement as to say, "look at what I just did!" It was so awesome!

We then went to the village to make food deliveries and to make home visits and pray with the families. Each family was so appreciative of their food packages and a pot for cooking. Each family either have or in the next day will receive a full cart of wood for heat. We were able to see the new roof on one of the huts that FMN just finished and a new hut that was built for a family because their old hut was caving in through the roof.

David and Naomi are now part of the Isaiah Center family and have been there for a short time. Their mother has been paralyzed from the waist down since David was four months old. They're not sure why, but with lack of medical care, and denied medical care for Gypsies, there has been no medical treatment or change. We were able to meet their mother and a few of their siblings and the time we spent and the amazing prayer time was such a blessing for all of us. She is cared for by her husband, who is a strong Christian and a hard worker, but he is unable to afford the extra care she needs, and through the help of FMN, is provided some of the necessary items she needs including diapers. It's so sad because they are so young, and we can only pray that God will heal her. We can't wait for them to come to the center on Monday for their Christmas party. This will be their first Christmas at the Isaiah Center and know they will be overwhelmed and overjoyed because of the generosity of people they may never meet who are part of Christmas in Romania.

Back to the center we went to get ready for the parties. First was Alex's family who is so special. The kids did their poem, the activity to share the birth of Christ and special songs and did great! Everybody ate and had a great time, and Santa showed up! The kids smile and giggle with excitement, can't wait for their name to be called, and each one waits patiently until every child has their gifts before they open their presents. No matter what the gift was, each child beamed, and the parents as well, as they are not able to provide this for their children. Also, the parties are a great time to see the parents/grandparents see their children in a different atmosphere than the every day raw, abusive, emotionally and physically, prejudice and poor environment that they live each and every day. Rachel said she loves to see the pride that they see in their children that rarely is apparent, but again, that's because of the life they live. Abel and Samuel's family came later for their party and again, all were blessed!

After we cleaned up our mess, and boy, we had a mess, we came back to Rachel's house. Missy and Kim prepared brinner (breakfast for dinner) and Rachel and Dave were so excited. Rachel hadn't had brannier for about six years and Dave, from England, had never had biscuits and gravy! It was great! Dave just kept saying, "This is amazing!" We've had time to reflect on what's gone on this week and talk about how and what we can do next to support FMN. If you're not already a supporter of FMN, do you feel called to be part of this ministry? There are many aspects of involvement..........those who pray for the ministry, those who provide financial support, and those who travel to Romania to assist in any and all projects that can make a difference in the lives of "the least of these."

We'll update again soon. Thanks for the prayers, the love and the support!

Love,

Missy, Kim, Lois, Rachel, Iza and Dave