Forget Me Not Ministries Mission Trip Blog

Christmas in Romania Updates & Afterthoughts

2011-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

What a blessing it was to be part of Christmas in Romania again this year! The week went so fast and we were able to do so much, and that is with the help of the rest of the team here in the United States that made this possible. Between schedules and limited internet, we were unable to share as much as we would have liked while in Romania, so we’d like to take this time to share some updates and afterthoughts.

Our team of five did two fundraisers as a group through First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville, as well as asking individuals and/or families to sponsor a child for Christmas providing a toy and an outfit. The response was AMAZING! Kindergarten through fifth graders at Northside Christian Church contributed over $3,000 which was collected through their weekly offering and were pumped to be able to provide for the children in Romania at Christmas! Despite the state of the economy, many gave generously to be part of our team, and we can’t thank you enough. We were able to do more than we could have imagined.

The lodge is an awesome gift from God! It is designed perfectly for the ministry. It has five bedrooms, each with a bathroom/shower. Each room has at least two sets of bunk beds, and one larger room holding even more, making it possible to accommodate a team of about 15 or 16 comfortably. We were blessed to be the first team to stay at the lodge. The FMN team has worked so hard to make guests feel welcome, and we did; we felt right at home! It has a great room, so to speak with a large kitchen and huge living room area where teams can come together to prepare meals and projects and/or to process what all has been experienced in Romania. The biggest blessing is that teams will be staying at the lodge rather than a local hotel, which will generative revenue back through the ministry, and it’s close to the Isaiah Center and to the village. It sits on a huge piece of land that will be used for outreach, a larger garden to provide even more fruits and vegetables along with providing jobs for adults, and future construction projects.

The FMN staff is amazing, and together we worked as one big team! Rachel Ross formed FMN and oversees the entire ministry and has vision that is incredible for now and the next steps of the ministry. We have seen the respect grow each year as we go into the village that the Roma have for Rachel and the FMN staff. Dave, from England, is good at doing anything and everything from repairs, working with the families, the children at the center, working with the boys in the village through the soccer ministry and much more. Monica is the main caregiver for the children and is awesome! The kids love and respect her so much. Alina tutors the children and does a great job! They can’t wait to do their school work. Mariana does the cleaning/laundry at the center which is a full time job in itself, and Rodica does the cooking, and she is an amazing cook! Mihai helps with picking up children and families, repairs, coordinating projects and anything else needed. Urb and Michelle, from Charlestown, have made a two year commitment to work with FMN and are a huge help! Michelle works with the ladies at the center and does whatever is needed, helps to bathe and dress the kids, helps with meals, and is working with some of the teen mothers in the village. In their culture, teens marry when they are 13 or 14 and begin having children right away. Michelle is an awesome mentor for these young ladies. Urb works with Dave and Mihai very well on whatever is needed and planted and managed the “Eden project” which is a huge garden that was planted this past summer. It provided jobs for some of the adults and provided fresh fruits and vegetables for the Isaiah Center and for the families in the village.

We celebrated Christmas parties with each family, where they would be brought to the center. First they would have their family portrait taken. In Romania, it is not as traditional or even an option to have family portraits because of income. In the Roma gypsy community, it is something they’d never be able to do, and we love watching them each year come to the center, dressed in their best, and love to see their family portraits proudly displayed hanging on the wall in their huts.

Then they would come into the center and into the kitchen where one of the FMN staff would pray with them and their family would sit down for some special treats. In their huts, they don’t have a table to sit around, so this pulls them all together. We had lots of fruits, mititei (which is some processed meats making sausages that they love!), popcorn, pretzels and bread. Of course every meal has to be topped off with sweet treats, and they LOVE cupcakes! They enjoyed this very much as they very rarely would have these special treats.

Off to the living room area at the center for the program that Monica, one of the FMN staff had prepared for the kids. They practiced and worked so hard and couldn’t wait to share it each night for their families. They sang songs, did a special presentation of a gift that each one of the children would give to Jesus. One gave a blanket in case Jesus was cold, one gave shoes for Jesus’ feet, a toy truck in case Jesus would like to play, some candy for some sweet treats, etc. Then at the end of the presentation, the last child had nothing (material) to give to Jesus. He gave what was most important, his heart and his life . The night we had the party for Abel and Samuel’s family was so moving. As Abel, the oldest at the Isaiah Center, shared about giving his heart to Jesus, the grandmother, aunt and mother all were moved to tears. That’s what we want to share, the true meaning of Christmas and even if we have nothing, we still have something to give to our Lord and Savior, our heart and our lives.

Then the excitement of bells ringing from the other room could be heard and guess who showed up? Mos Craciun (Santa Claus) of course! It’s so fun because not only do the kids light up with joy, so do the adults! They are like children themselves. This experience is something that they had never, or probably would ever, get to experience if it weren’t for these celebrations made possible by so many who give generously to make this happen. We were able to provide gifts for all of the children at the Isaiah Center, for each of their families, with every child getting an outfit and a small toy. We were even able to bless the staff, and were able to provide gifts for all of their children as well; some little ones and some all the way up through college. The staff works very hard. It is not just a job for them. They love the children and get the purpose of the ministry. Rachel said, “We are so blessed to have such an amazing staff!”

Simona has refused to sit on Santa's lap or get her gifts from him the last three years. She would hide behind Rachel or her mom with fear all over her face. This year she said, "Mommy, I'm going to do it this time!" And we were so excited when she marched right up to Santa and posed for her picture and to get her gift, TWICE! She was so proud of herself and just beamed and giggled as she walked away from Santa!

Oops......I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus!

We had a special day just for the ladies on staff. They work so hard and do an amazing job, and work so well together as a team. They are very conservative with their clothes and their jewelry. Last year we did a mini spa and they loved it so much, so we told them this year we were going to do glamour shots! They couldn’t wait. It was so much fun, and it really drew us all closer together after this fun and special day that we spent together.

Glam Team

On our last day in Romania, we went to the village to make food deliveries and to pray with each one of the families cared for through the FMN Isaiah Center. Because of the overwhelming response of sponsors for Christmas in Romania, we were able to provide each family with a load of wood to use for heat and for cooking. The only way they have to get wood is to ride their bikes or if they have a cart, go into the woods to get wood. It’s illegal unless you have a permit, and of course they can’t afford the permit, so they take a chance of getting beaten if caught taking the wood. Unfortunately, this is the only way they can heat their huts and cook. We were also able to have lean to’s built connected to their huts to keep the wood dry, and with a door so they can keep their wood locked up to not be stolen.

Each family also received a large food package, more than we’ve been able to do in the past. It is a tradition in Romania for families to have cakes and special treats, drinks, so that when others come, they can have to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, because of the extreme poverty in the Roma gypsy culture, they are not able to afford any extras, and barely survive on just basic needs. The food packages included extra flour, eggs, oil and corn meal so that they’ll be able to celebrate like never before. In their celebration too, if they have a pig, they process it and have pork as part of their celebration as well. Again, because of the poverty, very few families in Tinca will have a pig. Exciting news........each family was blessed with the gift of a pig, delivered yesterday! They were overwhelmed and so thankful. All pigs were sponsored by individuals and/or families.

For the Isaiah Center, a long table with two benches was purchased that will be used for the kids when they do their homework and tutoring, and also for group activities. A water/sand table was also purchased. Educational supplies, paint for the kids' rooms and repairs/renovation of the storage room will also be accomplished through Christmas in Romania funds. Last year we purchased several items for a playroom dedicated in honor and in memory of Jerry Ashabranner. While in Romania, we helped to rearrange furniture/rooms to make the center more functional. The playroom/activity room will have stations including the sand/water table, a kitchen, a ball tent, dress up corner, and other fun activities to keep the children busy, especially during the winter when it’s too cold to be outside. The current storage room will be made into a workship to use for a bead shop. This will provide jobs for the women in the village, have space for Bible study and sewing classes, etc. Is that awesome or what!?!

Jerry’s memory lives on in Romania, as the Santa suit that Jerry used for many years to bring so much happiness to children in our area, was donated by his wife, Peggy, for Christmas in Romania. The children and families were so blessed with the visit from Santa, and we were blessed by being able to deliver this very special gift. Peggy and Jerry traveled to Romania in 2007 with First Baptist Church and were forever changed by their experience. Love you Peggy!

We were also able to purchase some necessities for the lodge including glasses, silverware, and blinds for all of the bedrooms. The chimney is not safe, as smoke would come in one of the bedrooms and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Of course, just like home, the cost was more than expected, but will be covered in total through the Christmas in Romania funds with a brand new chimney.

There was money left over that may be used to purchase a washer for the lodge, along with providing Christmas bonuses for the FMN staff. They work very hard and salary in Romania is very minimal, so this will be a huge blessing to them and to their families in appreciation of their hard work, and the love that they pour out into the kids. Depending on pricing, there may be enough left over to purchase an additional refrigerator for the lodge, that teams will be able to use as most will be preparing their own meals.

We are in awe of how much the children at the Isaiah Center have changed in the last four years as we celebrate Christmas with them and their families. They are so full of life, full of love, and with hope of a brighter future. They know and love Jesus, through their teachings and the role models in their lives through FMN. They pray together and play together, and care for one another. Abel is the oldest at the center. He and his brother Samuel were abandoned by their mother, who comes in and out of their life. They are cared for by their grandparents. When we first met them, about five years ago, they were living in a hut by themselves (around age 3 and 5) because the grandparents thought that they were possessed. They lived in a hut with no roof and no floor until FMN provided that for them. There are no laws that protect these children, especially in the Roma gypsy culture, and most all have been sexually molested, physically and emotionally abused. Their mother continues to be in and out of their life. This is a harsh culture and they only know what they know, and what they have seen for generation after generation.

Through the outpouring of love, and the hope of Jesus, Abel is a totally different little boy now than he was when Rachel first me him. He loves to learn, has beautiful handwriting, and looks after all of the other kids. He got attached to one of the team members from England who came over earlier this year. When the team left, he was devastated and was sobbing. Most of us would hug him and tell him that it’s going to be okay, he’ll come back or something like that. Rachel told him, and it still gives me chills, “Abel, God has healed your heart! You were so angry when we first met and wouldn’t let anyone near you, would kick and push, and spit. You wouldn’t let anyone hug you or love you. (He has scars from head to toe.) But now, you’re able to love and feel loved because God healed your heart!” Just beautiful and priceless…………what a teachable moment and so moving in the way Rachel explained this to him. While in Romania this time, Abel hugged us every time he came through and repeatedly would say, “I love you.” His smile used to be forced and now his smile just beams, is so genuine and true. He loves to help and be part of the team. He loves to be loved, and that he is!

So………….we’re back now in the comforts of our own homes, having more than we deserve and preparing to celebrate Christmas with our families and friends. Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle bustle of Christmas with the shopping and the baking and the running around that we forget to stop and appreciate and be thankful for the reason for the season, and that is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While in Romania, we are able to share this message and the hope that can only come from Him. This is truly what Christmas is all about, sharing His message and reaching out to others in need, being with family and friends, creating memories that will last for years. We can tell you for sure, these families will never forget the blessings they have received, for the love and care they receive through Rachel, and the FMN staff, and by the many teams that travel to Romania to serve and love them.

Thank you God for what you are doing through Rachel and the FMN team, to change the lives of these precious children and their families. We pray that each one of these children will go out in their village and will shine their light to bring others to know Jesus. They have hope for now and for their future, through a relationship with Christ, through people who love and believe in them, through education and encouragement. We pray that they will be the first to begin to change the cycle of abuse, abandonment and neglect in their village, and will give back all that has been given to them through their words and their actions, and the way they live their lives, all to your Glory!

More pictures to share..............We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! Rachel sent an email with some updates and in it she said, "I'm so excited about how far all of the money went and how much were able to use it! Thank you, thank you!"

Notes From Rachel - Christmas, 2011

2011-12-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's so amazing how such a small team, which stays for a short time, always manages to have such a large impact! Again, Dave, myself, and the rest of the FMN team are so excited at the opportunities, blessings, and witness that this team was able to present, be, and bring to our families in the Roma (Gypsy) village, our children, our staff, and many others.

I was so excited to see our families, who struggle to survive, receive such an abundance of assistance through the team and all that the sponsors had provided to make this winter a little less harsh for them and our children. Each family was able to receive a horse cart full of wood to burn for their small wood stoves in their huts, a large food package that will last them for quite awhile, repairs on their huts to extend and provide a lean to in order to store the wood, plus a beautiful evening together celebrating the birth of Christ and enjoying time with the team, staff, volunteers, and their children.

We work to guide our families, train them, disciple them, live life alongside of them, and love on them. To be able to watch a team work hard to raise money to meet many of our families' needs and then provide more than planned brings such joy to our team.

This year, I was excited to see the team share gifts for our staff children as well. Our staff is so amazing, loving, hard-working, incredible Romanians, and we always want to bless them and their families...encouraging them in all they do for our Roma children and families (ignoring the prejudice and hatred that society has created between these two people groups).

A huge thank you to all of you who were involved on the States-side as well! I know that none of this would have been possible without your generous partnerships with us and the team. Thank you to First Baptist in Jeffersonville, and Northside Christian in New Albany!

You all have made this an unforgettable Christmas for many children and families in Romania who are not used to being shown love and compassion from others. While society may toss them aside...you all cherished them with Christ's love this Christmas.

Have a very blessed Christmas!

Many thanks,

Rachel

Last Night in Tinca

2011-12-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

Oh there are so much that we want to share but our time is running out, and fast. Today was a busy day in the village and then time spent at the Isaiah Center rearranging rooms/furniture. It's late and we're all packing, cooking a late dinner, and spending our last night with Rachel, Dave and Iza.

Tomorrow morning is church, then we'll meet Paul to take us to Budapest. We'll spend the night since our plane leaves at 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning. We tentatively will arrive around 7 or 7:30 Monday night.

Once we get home, we will load a ton of pictures, some video and share our experiences for the last two days, and also share some afterthoughts.

Thanks for your prayers, for your support, and thanks be to God for Forget Me Not Ministries and for being able to be here this week to celebrate Christmas in Romania.

Love, Kim, Missy, Alan, Paula & Lois
Rachel, Iza and Dave
Michelle & Urb
Samuel and Abel

Christmas Parties All A Huge Blessing, For Families & For Us!

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today we finished the last of the Christmas parties, and they were all so much fun! The families are so grateful, and had a blast! We're taking some time out to hang out tonight, planning to watch a Christmas movie and chill. The Christmas tree is up at the lodge and it definitely feels like Christmas! There was even snow in Oradea this morning!

Tomorrow, we'll be delivering food to the families in the village and will take lots of pictures. Then we'll go back to the center to rearrange furniture/rooms to make more functional for the needs at the Isaiah Center. We'll update the blog at that time, and will have tons of pictures from the last couple of days, and hopefully some video, along with some updates from our time in Romania. Thanks for all who are part of our team, and for those who have prayed for us and those who have been blessed this week.

Love, Kim, Missy, Alan, Paula, Lois, Abel & Samuel
Rachel, Dave & Iza
Michelle and Urb

Fun Times In Romania on Wednesday

2011-12-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

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Glamour Shots of FMN Staff

2011-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Full Day in Tinca!

2011-11-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

Today was a very busy day. Paula and Missy went to the center to help with the kids and get ready for the two parties that we had this afternoon. Alan, Kim, Lois and Rachel stayed at the lodge and brought the four ladies on staff, Monica, Mariana, Rodica and Alina to do glamour shots. This is something that they would never do for a couple of reasons, one of which is that they are very conservative. But......they were so excited to have this experience. It was like a salon here, up do's, make up and lots of laughing, then off to their personal photo shoot! They laughed, "like little school girls" as Rachel said. The LOVED it and so did we. They can't wait to get their pictures. We brought special folios to put them in, and hope to get them printed and delivered on Friday when we see them at the center. These ladies deserve this and more. They work so hard and the best part is that it's not just a job. They get the ministry and the love the kids! They really are a huge part of the ministry.

Urb and Michelle too are such a blessing. They do anything and everything. They love the kids and they love the families. They each bring so much to the ministry and are doing what they've been called to do. Dave of course never stops, does whatever is needed, is amazing with the kids and the families, and he loves and cares for Rachel and Iza.

Back to the center we went and it was party time! First Naomi and David's family came for their party. Their mother is paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair. What makes this even more sad, is the fact that she was perfectly fine until about a month after she had David nearly five years ago, when she lost feeling in her legs and became paralyzed. She's seen a couple of doctors and had some tests, but they say nothing but "paralyzed." We've asked for her records and any tests that have been done, to bring home to America to see if there is anything that can be done. Pray for that please........

They were excited for their party. They started out with their family portrait, and they looked so nice. For all the parties, we cooked sausages, had fruit plates (they rarely get fruit) pretzels, popcorn and drinks, and of course sweet treats of cupcakes. They LOVE cupcakes! The kids did their program and there were lots of smiles and giggles. Monica worked so hard with the kids getting ready for their program, and it was all about Jesus, and Christmas, and all that He gives us. The kids each brought a gift for Jesus and shared as they put them in the gift box. It was awesome! Santa came and the kids were just beside themselves until their names were called! Their families are so appreciative and come filled with excitement and joy, and it gives us great joy to spend this time with them.

The next party was for Simona, Florica, Maria and Calina's families. They too were so excited to be at the Isaiah Center, and were thanking everybody before anything even started. They ate like crazy, which we love to see, and then the program and the visit from Santa. Simona is five and has never sat on Santa's lap, has cried every year. This year she said, "I'm going to do it this time, Mommy!" And she did! Each child gets two gifts and we take a picture of each with Santa when they get their first gift. She even posed for a second picture!

This is such a special gift to share with these families at Christmas time. Thank you to all involved, whether you are a sender, those who pray for us, or those who support FMN. This is not possible without all of you.

We're having internet issues again, but hope to get this worked out to load the pictures from the day. There are many that we want to share with you.

Love,

Kim, Missy, Alan, Paula & Lois

Pictures From The Christmas Party

2011-11-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for a busy day. Missy and Paula are helping at the center this morning while Kim, Alan, Lois and Rachel are treating the four ladies who work so very hard at the center, with glamour portraits. They are so very excited and so are we. Then we have two parties, the Isaiah family picture and staff picture. The sun is shining and we're so thankful! Pictures from last night finally loaded, and you will love to see the smiling faces!

2011-11-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! We went to the center and got to see the kids. They've grown so much and were so happy to see us! It's amazing how much they've blossomed. They are all very loving, very energetic but behave very well. The staff is amazing and really love and work with the kids which is such a blessing for them, and for the ministry.

We had our first Christmas party with Mariana's family. They were so excited when they came. They got their family picture, then the kids put on a great program! They all had on their new outfits for the family picture and looked adorable. Mariana's family enjoyed the party, had some great things to eat, the program, sweet treats and then a visit from Santa! They were all so excited with their gifts. We were supposed to have two parties, but one fell through because of work schedules so tomorrow we'll have a full day, with three parties, plus the Isaiah Family picture and staff picture, and glamour portraits as a special treat for the ladies on staff. They work so hard and love the kids, and this is something just for them.

Internet seems to be slow and we're having trouble loading pictures. We'll give it one more try and if no luck, will try again tomorrow. We really want to share the fun pictures that were taken today.

Thanks for your prayers and for all who made this possible. We'll update again soon.

Love, Missy, Kim, Alan, Paula Lois

Mous Craciun (Santa Claus) Is Coming To Town - TOMORROW!

2011-11-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

We cannot tell you how excited we are about how God has blessed FMN again this year. There are so many of you that are part of our team, and we've said it before, and we'll say it again, we couldn't do this without you! We've wrapped and wrapped, and baked and iced, and laughed and shared memories of the last three years being in Romania to share the birth of Christ! We have two parties planned tomorrow and we can't wait, and can tell you without a doubt, the families can't wait either! We are so blessed to be the delivery crew, and thank you all! Thank you too for your prayers, because they worked! Keep sending prayers and praises up, to the one we celebrate at Christmas, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Love you all!

Kim, Missy, Alan, Paula & Lois
Rachel, Dave & Iza

Santa's Bags Are On The Way!

2011-11-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the prayers for our bags to arrive for the Christmas parties! After several calls, we talked to Paul tonight and he's on his way with all 11 of our bags! We're so excited because the kids and families have been asking when we are coming for a while. They knew we arrived, and we didn't see them today for two reasons.......one because we really didn't want to come empty handed, and know they wouldn't understand that our bags didn't come with us. And, we needed to shop for food items for the parties and for items needed for the Isaiah Center and for the Lodge. Soon we will be playing Santa's elves, wrapping, wrapping and wrapping and getting ready for the first two parties tomorrow!

Some of the team went to the gypsy market that comes every Monday, where gypsies come from all over to sell anything and everything. Then we all went to do the shopping. Paula is with her Romanian family spending some quality time and should be home later tonight.

We'll load some pictures that were taken today to share with you. We can't wait to share many happy faces tomorrow when we begin our celebrations of Christmas in Romania!

Love, Missy, Kim, Paula, Alan & Lois

Note from Lois - Special Prayer Request for My Sister Donna

2011-11-28T01:37:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my sister Donna, as she will be traveling with a team to Liberia, leaving on Tuesday, the 29th. They are working with an orphanage for special needs. In this culture, they believe these children are considered outcasts and are believed to have been witched by the devil, and some are left to die. Donna and her husband Everett adopted a beautiful little girl, Alice, when she was three from Liberia (now in the 1st grade), and Donna will be meeting Alice's biological mother and sisters, and seeing firsthand, the poverty and hardship in Liberia. We are so thankful for Forget Me Not Ministries and missionaries here at home and all over the world, who love and to care for the "least of these" to bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

Donna, I know that God will use you in a mighty way....you are such a blessing to all you meet. Praying for your safety, good health and for God's light to shine through you this coming week.

Love you! Lois

P.S. Still waiting on our bags, Santa's bags to arrive from the airport....keep praying please!

We're in Romania!

2011-11-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

We arrived save and sound today around 11:30. Paul and Dana were there to pick us up. Unfortunately our bags didn't make it. We hope they will be delivered tomorrow or Tuesday. Pray for that please........that's all of the Christmas gifts and supplies needed for Christmas in Romania!

We're at the lodge, looks great and feels just like being at home! We're excited to be here! We hope to get some rest tonight and be ready to roll tomorrow.

Please pray for all of us, that everybody stays healthy and that God will shine His light through all we say and do this week. And, please PRAY for those bags to arrive ASAP!

Love, Kim, Missy, Alan, Paula & Lois

We are almost there!

2011-11-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with getting on all flights, no problems and no delays. An extra blessing from Missy, we were able to fly on buddy passes saving a lot of money...plus all five of us were in business class on the nine hour flight! We stayed in Amsterdam last night and saw some of the city which was beautiful! We will update again once in Romania.

Leaving for Romania on Friday - Can't Wait!

2011-11-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

Five of us are leaving Louisville on Friday for Romania to celebrate Christmas with the children and families cared for through the Forget Me Not Ministries Isaiah Center. This is the fourth annual Christmas trip, and it has been a huge blessing for all involved!

Even though there are only five people in the team picture, there are so many more that are part of our team! We have been blessed with many individual, family and corporate sponsors, along with First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville and Northside Christian Church’s K-5th graders! This could never happen without all of you, and we are so grateful to each and every one!

Please pray for our team as we travel, that all of our flights will be on time, and that we arrive safe and sound in Budapest on Sunday morning. Please pray too for our families, for health and for safety while we are gone. We are excited to be the first team to stay in the new FMN Lodge! We can’t wait to see Rachel, Iza, Dave, Michelle and Urb, and all of the kids!

We will update the blog as much as internet permits, sharing daily activities with lots of pictures. Several people had problems commenting on the blog last year, and this should not be a problem this year. If you choose to comment, all you do is write your comment and then choose name/url, and sign your name. We love it when we hear from those at home, and feel that this is a way that you are part of our team, and in following the blog, you’ll know what to pray for, and what to PRAISE for!

Our prayer is that the true meaning of Christmas is shared and felt in Romania, and that is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He IS the reason for the season!

So blessed!

Kim and Missy Chappelle, Alan Combs, Paula Wathen & Lois Wadsworth

Christmas in Romania - Notes From Rachel

2010-11-27T08:57:00.001-08:00

Rachel has shared from her perspective what Christmas in Romania meant to her and to the children and families cared for through the FMN Isaiah Center below. More pictures and afterthoughts to come soon!

What an incredible blessing it is to have the children, families, employees, and village that you are working with be blessed with firewood for the winter, Christmas presents for all of their children, Christmas gifts for each of our children at the Isaiah Center, a new playroom for our kids, gifts for our incredible staff, spa treatment for the ladies on staff, new cooking pots for our families living in mud huts in the village, and food packages!

These are all things that we would not have been able to provide for them without the donations and dedication of Kim, Lois, Missy, First Baptist Church, and their friends and families. Thank you to ALL who allowed these special events to happen and made Christmas come early to Tinca, Romania bringing with it hope, smiles, and touching many hearts!

It is such a special time of year to celebrate together the birth of Christ, encourage one another, witness to our families, love on them (as they live very stressful lives...always in survival mode), and remind them why we are here lovingly guiding their children to know Christ's love and to walk in it daily.

It was so exciting to see the children's precious faces light up when their name would be called to go and receive a present. It was funny to see Alex light up when the special party food was brought out and grab hand fulls, so that he would have plenty on his walker. It was sweet watching Simona get so scared of
Santa (poor thing), but then have her hide behind me and clench on, making me praise God that this beautiful little child of His trusts me, and seeing how He is healing her heart even after enduring so much abuse from her family. Smiling as I watched Mariana giggle forever about her new Barbie doll and then saw her lovingly give it to her younger sister who was upset that she did not get the same one as well. Feeling so proud of Abel and Samuel as they were excited to recite their lines in the program for their family, and to show them all that they had learned. Feeling blessed as I watched our little Calina hug and kiss on Missy and Kim....seeing how she felt loved and special to these amazing women who continue to come and pour into our kids each year. Watching Florica and Maria both get so excited about the new dresses that the ladies brought over for them...excited to dress up and show their families. Proud as I watched Izabella patiently wait for her turn to receive a gift and then watch her enjoy it and play with all the other kids. Lastly, it was a special feeling to watch David and Naomi (this is their first Christmas with us) and the uncertainty and doubt on their faces as they weren't quite sure they would be receiving as well...but then the light and joy in their eyes when it was finally their turns.

I loved getting to help Lois do a special spa morning with the ladies on staff who help keep the Isaiah Center running each day. It was something they were a little uneasy with at first, but ended up loving every minute of. Lois did an awesome job of making them all feel pampered, loved, and encouraged.

I, personally, always enjoy Kim, Missy, and Lois' visits over to Romania, because they encourage us in all that God is doing through us. Sometimes it can get very weary working with people who often know no other way than to take advantage of you, beg, steal, and struggle to survive. However, it is a breath
of fresh air to be able to be surrounded by people who believe in you, believe in what God is doing here, love on you, and laugh with. I am so thankful for these ladies and for all that have made their trip possible! It was another HUGE success and one that we, our children, and our families will be talking about
for a long time!

Thank you again! You are a blessing!!!

Much love,
Rachel

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. ~ Psalm 105:1

2010-11-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Louisville late Tuesday night. God blessed us more than we could have ever imagined, and feel that He blessed the children and families in Romania, and those here at home who gave so generously to provide Christmas in Romania. He gave us a huge blessing, thanks to Missy who is a flight attendant and provided us with Buddy Passes, which cut the cost of the airline tickets and put is in Business Class on the flight home from Amsterdam! How much better can it get? We served and then were served. Thanks again Missy!

We'll update in a few days with comments and thoughts from Rachel from her perspective on what it means to her and the families that we share this special time with them.

We are more thankful than ever, and wish each one of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Kim, Missy & Lois

God Has Blessed Our Time in Romania

2010-11-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Our time in Romania is ending and we leave at 2 a.m. for Budapest. We will be home with our families tomorrow evening.

It has been an amazing week and we accomplished everything and more than we planned and have been so blessed. Today the playroom was finished. We had a mini-spa for the ladies who work at the center which was a blast and they absolutely loved it! The spa music was playing, spa products used, and it was a time of love and encouragement. We were able to pray with them too and thank them for all that they do for FMN and the kids at the center. We shared with them that we had been praying for God to bring those here in Romania on the field to serve with Rachel, and as always, God answers prayers and He has brought four amazing women to be part of the FMN team. Rachel said the spa was one of her favorite parts of the week, to spoil these ladies and pamper them because she absolutely LOVES them and is so thankful for all that they do.

David and Naomi's family came for their party and it was a great time. This was their first Christmas at the center. We were so excited that their mother was able to make it, paralyzed from the waist down that came on when David was three or four months old. She does have a wheelchair but doesn't get out much. They loved watching the kids do their program, had some great food and Santa blessed all of the kids with outfits and toys.

We have had so much fun with Rachel, Iza, Dave and all of the others at the Isaiah Center, and the kids have kept us hopping and we've received lots of hugs and kisses. The kids have learned some English that's fun to hear. Dave is doing an amazing job, is always moving and can do just about anything. The kids love him, and we teased him about every time we'd go to the village, it's like he's the mayor or something! Everybody is waving and calling his name. He is really pouring into the men and boys in the village, loving them and encouraging them and is also a great role model for the kids. Mihai goes all the time as well, helps with getting the kids to and from the center and works with Dave on different projects.

We thank you Rachel, for welcoming us in your home for the third year in a row. We love coming with our small team, but feel absolutely blessed that we are able to accomplish so much and at the same time, spend personal time with you and Iza. We LOVE you, we thank you, we pray for God to bless you and FMN, and know that He has so much more to come for this ministry. Your heart is pure, your vision is amazing, and your laugh is contagious! Thank you for everything!

Please pray for us for safe and on time travels to get us home to be with our families. As we said in our post from yesterday, we have more than ever to be thankful for........for great families, good health, stability and security, kids who have endless opportunities for a bright future. For the kids at the Isaiah Center and many others in the Roma Gypsy culture, this is not the case. With the cycle of abandonment, the poverty, abuse, incest, neglect, and alcoholism, it is hard for them to see that there is any other way of life as this has gone on for generations. Through the work of FMN, these kids have the opportunity to see that there is a different way of life, one in Christ, and one in love, that gives them and their families hope for change in the future. We ask that you pray for Forget Me Not Ministries, for God to bring more here in Romania to work on the field, and for mission teams to come to Romania to help with projects to continue to build into this ministry. As we shared with the ladies at the spa today, God brought them here for the reason, us and many others, and that is to be part of His team to further the Kingdom of God. He "connects the dots" with individuals to accomplish the work that He has planned and how blessed we are to be part of it!

Thanks again for the love, support and prayers. We'll update once we get home.

Love,

Kim, Missy & Lois

Playroom Dedication in Loving Memory of Jerry Ashabranner

2010-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

One of our goals while in Romania was to finish the playroom for the kids. With 11 kids and cold weather coming, the kids needed a place to release some energy. Rachel picked out several items for the playroom including a bounce house that almost fills the room, a tent, tunnel, and some other fun stuff for the kids. When we heard that Rachel wanted to do a playroom at the Isaiah Center, our first thought was to do this playroom in loving honor and memory of Jerry Ashabranner. Jerry and his wife Peggy traveled to Romania in 2007 with a team from First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville. Anybody that knows Jerry knows all about the kids and families in Tinca because he loved to share his experiences. His (and Peggy's) life was forever changed after spending time in Romania. Jerry's health deteriorated in the last two years, and it was the thought of coming back to Romania that he held on to, that kept him going through this time.

Jerry has gone home to be with the Lord, and what better way to pay tribute to him, his heart and his inspiration to many than to dedicate the playroom in his honor and memory. There are pictures of Jerry and some of the kids who's lives were touched by Jerry that will hang in the playroom as a reminder of his and Peggy's love and support. This playroom is another gift from all of those who were part of Christmas in Romania, and from those who gave money in memory of Jerry.

Peggy, we love you!

Pictures From Our Last Day In Tinca

2010-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

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"We Wish You A Merry Christmas"

2010-11-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday Pictures

2010-11-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Update From Our Day

2010-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

We went to church this morning which is always awesome! From the time you walk in the door, you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit! Before service, there is a time of prayer where people pray out loud if they choose, and you can hear the praises and you can hear the pain in their voices, hands raised and so much passion. The worship is very upbeat and again, you feel the Holy Spirit moving throughout the church. Rachel sits behind us and translates. The sermon was about being thankful, and for us, we have even more to be thankful for being here for Christmas in Romania and even more to soon be home with our families.

Colin, the children's minister told Rachel that he had come to America, and had been praying about helping with Forget Me Not in the village. He's been to the village a couple of times and is great with kids programs, and plans to start outreach in the village soon on a regular basis. He's working on getting others involved to be part of his team. God is "connecting the dots" and moving through FMN for sure, and can't wait to see what's in store!

Kim, Missy, Rachel, Iza and Dave took Albert, Atilla, his wife and new baby out to lunch and had a great time. Lois went to visit with Paul and Dana and went out to lunch with them. We have "family" in Romania and it's a special time to get to spend with them. Tonight the tree is being decorated and the Christmas music is playing. Potato soup is cooking for lunch tomorrow at the center.

We shopped for a freezer for the center which will allow them to buy in bulk to save money and time. It will be brought to the center later this week. The freezer was another one of the blessings from Christmas in Romania.

Thanks to those who have ordered cinnamon rolls for Christmas and prepaid to provide sponsorship for three kids in Paul and Dana's house at Caminul Felix, a separate ministry from FMN. This sponsorship is very special as it is given in loving memory of my parents (Lois), Hearld and Ginny Hammond. They raised 14 of us and sacrificed everything, and this is a way of keeping their memory and spirit alive, especially at Christmas. It's always a special blessing to hand deliver the sponsorship. We were also able to bring a polishing lathe from America that was purchased with money donated by several of you for Paul, that was recommended by his ocularist who made two separate artificial eyes for him after losing his eye to malignant melanoma almost six years ago. This will allow him to polish his "eye" for comfort and health, that will hold him off for another five years. God is good and provides EVERYTHING and more.

We were talking last night and were sharing that even though only three of us are here in Romania, through all of you and blessings from God, we have been able to accomplish so much. This has been a special time and we thank each one involved.

We have a lot to do tomorrow as it's our last day in Romania. We can't wait! We'll update again soon. Pictures coming soon!

Notes About Comments

2010-11-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

We just got the message that we have many following the blog but people are having problems leaving comments. It's been resolved now, and the setting for the word verification has been changed.

Low Key Saturday

2010-11-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today was time to take things slow and chill from the busy week. We stayed in our PJ's for awhile and just hung out talking about the week, laughing and taking in each minute as it's almost time for us to go home. While we can't wait to see our families, we always hate to say goodbye to the kids and our "family" here. That's why we don't say goodbye; we say "see you later."

Tomorrow we'll go to church and spend time with other friends and family here in Romania, along with some shopping for a few things including a freezer for the center.

With the help of so many who gave towards Christmas here in Romania, there have been so many blessed this week. Without you, Christmas wouldn't have happened for these kids. The parents want to give and do for their children, but living in poverty and with so many daily struggles, they barely survive. The playroom will be finished on Monday and we'll have our last party with Naomi and David's family. We also plan to have a special time with the ladies that work at the center to love and encourage them.

Love,

Kim, Missy, Lois, Rachel, Iza & Dave

Full Day In Tinca

2010-11-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

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

Lots of Pictures From Parties & Village

2010-11-19T10:59:00.001-08:00

Fun & Special Times!

2010-11-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

What a day! We got to the center and got to play with the kids but there were lots of things to do to get ready for two parties and the Isaiah Center "family picture." We were baking, cutting meats, and getting things ready, plus got the bounce house blown up and it's larger than large and almost fills the room!

The kids were all dressed in their coordinating outfits. The girls were so excited about their fancy dresses and the boys were just as excited with their outfits too. What a riot to get everybody looking at the camera and smile at the same time, especially with Alex, five years old now with Down's syndrome, because he kept pulling the girls hair bows out! We did a picture with the new employees and the Isaiah family too. We bribed the kids and told them if they did well on their family picture, they would get to see a surprise. They got to go in four at a time and oh what fun they had!

The first family was brought to the center at 1 for their party. They were so excited about celebrating Christmas. Monica did a great job with the kids with a program about the birth of Christ and they sang some songs including Romanian and even English! They had a great time and the parents and families loved watching them. We had some meats and breads, typical Romanian food, and some other snacks and cupcakes that they all loved! Santa made a visit and there was so much excitement in the room. Simona was not so excited to see Santa and hid behind Rachel. She did the same thing last year, but was willing to grab her presents real quick! We also did family portraits which means so much to the families. The second family party was later around 3 and again, too much fun! This was Mariana's family. Last year when we came for Christmas in Romania, Mariana was new to the Isaiah Center, and when she opened up an outfit and socks, and got so excited over socks, she stole our hearts. She couldn't quit smiling. She did the same today with her outfit and her barbie. What was so moving later was to see her hand the barbie to her little sister who already had a gift. Rachel said that her sister wanted it, so Mariana gave it to her. "That's the way Mariana is; she's so loving and giving, and always looks out for the other kids," Rachel said. When they were getting ready to be taken back to the village, Rachel and I walked out with them. They were so thankful for Christmas and appreciated everything so much. I told them that Mariana stole our hearts and that she is a special girl. They went on and on about how loving and kind she was. They told us (Rachel translated) that every night they pray and Mariana always prays for the Isaiah Center family, and also tells her family that "I have two mommies, one in the day and one at night." It was so moving to hear them talk about how FMN and the Isaiah Center has changed their lives; they shared that they had turned their life back over to God. They shared too that they are going to church again, which was so encouraging to Rachel to hear this.

Mihai, one of the FMN employees lost a sister to cancer and the visitation was this afternoon. In the culture here, the lost one is shown at home and people come to pay their respects. We all went for Mihai and it was a different experience. It meant so much to them that we all came.

We are wearing down, early mornings and late nights, and much more to go, but enjoying every moment. We have much more to come and very little time left as we'll be leaving for home on Tuesday.

It's Party Time!

2010-11-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Pictures From Our Day

2010-11-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Fun & Busy Day At The Isaiah Center

2010-11-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day but lots of fun. We went to the Isaiah Center early this morning and got to see all of the kids. They have grown so much and have really blossomed through all of the love and support that they receive. We met the new employees, Mariana, Monica, Mihai, Rodica and Svetlana. We have prayed for God to bring others to work alongside Rachel, and He answered and blessed FMN with loving people and hard workers.

The kids are very busy and have lots of energy. We cleared out the office today and plan to work on getting the playroom up and running tomorrow. This will allow the kids to have fun centers where they can channel some of the energy and have lots of fun playtime.

We shopped for family food packages and ended up with three huge carts. We finished wrapping all of the gifts for the parties and can't wait to have the first party tomorrow. The kids are all so excited! Samuel and Abel's grandparents and siblings were so excited when they heard they were going to get to celebrate Christmas with us this week, and the kids said, "they came back!" This is such a special time for these families, for FMN and for us. We thank one of you for helping to make this possible. This is our third year of being able to be here for Christmas in Romania, and we are truly blessed!

We Made It Safe & Sound

2010-11-16T11:57:00.001-08:00

Our travel today went great with no delays. Paul was at the airport to pick us up and we had a great time catching up on the three hour ride to Romania from Budapest. We were so excited to get to Rachel and Iza's house and were greeted with lots of hugs! We have lots of organizing to do, lots of presents to wrap and can't wait to get Christmas in Romania started!

Thanks so much for all who made this trip possible. We'll update daily and we'll share lots of pictures.

Pray for good health, safety for us and for our families at home, and for all we come into contact with to feel and see the love of Christ.

Love,

Rachel, Iza, Missy, Kim, Lois & Dave

We're On Our Way - Christmas in Romania

2010-11-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

Three of us will leave today for Romania and we ask for your prayers for safe travels, and for safety and good health for both us and for our families. We pray that each one we come into contact with will feel and see the love of Christ, and know that it is Him who makes all of this possible!

Thanks so much to all who are part of Christmas in Romania! We couldn't do this without all of you, and you are part of our team. Rachel has told us many times that FMN could not do these celebrations without us and that the families are so excited and blessed through this special time. We are even more blessed to spend this special time with Rachel and Iza, and the rest of the FMN team in Romania!

We will update the blog daily with lots of pictures. Please follow us along this special time in Romania, and again, thanks to all who part of our team!

Love,

Kim, Missy & Lois

Afterthoughts & Christmas in Romania

2010-06-06T16:58:00.001-07:00

As we returned from Romania to our families, our homes, and our everyday life, we count our blessings because we are abundantly, abundantly blessed. Even though we were extremely exhausted and sick when we returned, we will hop on a plane again and head back to Romania in a heart beat! We are all healthy and pretty much back to normal, whatever that is!

We wanted to share some afterthoughts and highlights from Christmas in Romania.

Seeing all of the kids at the Isaiah Center was awesome, and oh how they have grown, and so has their hair! They are full of life and energy, and can’t wait to get to the center each day. They love Rachel, Iza and Dave, and not only do they feel safe at the center, as the village can be rough, but they get to have a bath and clean clothes, have lots of yummy food, play time, and devotion time.

It is amazing how much more confident they are because they are loved, accepted and encouraged to be all that they can be. They love daily devotion time, prayer time, and listen to and watch Rachel as she shares, singing as loud as they can and doing all the fun motions to the songs.

They do GET it, and we pray that they will GET IT out in the village, and be light in this very dark place.

The birthday parties for Jesus were a blast! We did individual family parties so we could spend more time with each one. They loved the party hats, especially when we’d put them on the parents! Family portraits were taken. Pin the tail on the donkey was a hit, and each family listened intently as Rachel and Abel shared the story of the birth of Jesus. We sang (okay, they sang in Romanian) Happy Birthday to Jesus and the cupcakes were a special treat! Santa, with an English accent (Dave) did an amazing job and the KIDS and adults loved him! Each child received an outfit and a toy, thanks to many who were part of Christmas in Romania and donated money to purchase the gifts, along with Lafayette Academy Preschool who raised $675.22 in just two weeks (three, four and five year old kids!). What a blessing to be part of this!

Visiting and praying with the families is an opportunity to love and encourage them, and to reinforce that FMN will continue to come and bring others as they further God’s kingdom in this village. We went to each of the homes (huts) of the children from the center. They are all very excited when others come. It is something you can’t imagine if you’ve never experienced something like this. Small 8x10 or so rooms with anywhere from 6-10 and sometimes more people living in this small hut. No water, some with electric, and a wood stove for cooking and heat. We all huddled in, no matter how many, and talked with the families (through Rachel interpreting of course) and prayed with them. It was such a blessing for each family to receive a new stove that will keep their families warm this winter, and will be used for cooking and baking bread. The stoves were gifts purchased with money from contributions given for Christmas in Romania.

On the blog, Georgianne commented, “Thanks again for your work in Romania and for keeping us so informed. Your blog has made it possible to maintain a much healthier and happier perspective during this Christmas season.” The blog is a great way to connect all of the mission team, those here at home who prayed for us, those who made contributions, and others who want to be part of this mission. For Kim, Missy and I, we were abundantly blessed to travel to Romania to spend time loving and encouraging Rachel, Dave and Iza, and delivering the many blessings to the children and families cared for by FMN on behalf of all of you!

While the economy has affected many all over the world, and those here at home have been faced with challenges of losing their jobs, and dealing with every day life, we still are abundantly more blessed than those in third world countries. That doesn’t make it any easier, but we have resources and others who will come alongside to love us, encourage us and help. In Romania, and especially in the Roma culture, this is not the case. They get very little to no assistance, and most cannot find work because of discrimination. We are so thankful for Forget Me Not Ministries and those who partner with them as FMN has become the “resource” for these children and families, to assist in caring for families to avoid abandonment, and to further God’s kingdom by being Jesus with skin on in this village each and every day.

What can you do to help? Invite a representative from FMN to come to your church, small group or organization to share what FMN is doing, and form a team to go to Romania on a short term mission trip. If this is too big of a first step, consider supporting the ministry with a one time monetary donation or a monthly sponsorship of this awesome mission. Through the work of FMN and all involved, lives are being changed with HOPE for a brighter future.
Sponsor a child or a family for $30/month. This provides food, shelter, clothing, medicine, love and encouragement for the kids at the Isaiah Center, and monthly food packages for families.

Provide support for a special project. During our time in Romania, many projects were going on. New doors were being put on, security lights and a new security system were being installed, the center was being completely rewired which was needed as the wiring was hazardous, and new windows are a necessity and need to be replaced to make the center more energy efficient and safe.

An additional washer and dryer would be very helpful and would be a great gift! In Romania the washers and dryers are small and take forever………..and we mean forever to wash and to dry. There’s a lot of laundry to do at the center with all of the kids. The voltage is different in Romania so a set from the U.S. would not work or we’d figure a way of shipping a set over!

Pray for Rachel, Iza and Dave, and the work of Forget Me Not Ministry. Pray for authentic Romanian and Roma Christians to work alongside FMN, and to be role models of a life in Christ. Pray about God’s will for your life, whether it is serving in local missions or serving across the world, sharing your time, talents and resources to change the lives of others.

Before Christmas, in a sermon at church, George talked about “one less gift.” If we received or gave one less gift, we could help someone else in need, whether it is in our family, community or in another country. We have so much, and yet we are heathens and don’t realize it because it’s all we’ve ever known. In the Roma culture, they are in survival mode. They do what they have to survive, and even the kids at the center will put food in their pockets or eat until they’re ready to pop in fear that they won’t have anything to eat once they go home. It is sad, but there are Christians in the village, and in our own communities, that may not realize there are others in need, or are so caught up with their own “needs” that we miss the boat. Unfortunately, most of our “needs” are really our “wants” and there’s definitely a difference. If we all take a look around our homes or look at the way we spend our money, it would be easy to see that we could all receive one less gift or give one less gift so to speak, help those in need, and at the same time, share the love of Christ.

We are thankful for Rachel’s heart and the way she allows God to lead Forget Me Not Ministries. We are thankful Dave and see that God brought him to Romania for ministry, and expanded his territory to further the kingdom as a role model for the men and boys in the village.

A few powerful quotes by author John C. Maxwell that can be applied in any aspect of our lives.

“People don't want to be managed - they want to be lead.”
“You can love people without leading them, but you cannot lead them without loving them.”
“Leadership is casting visions and motivating people.”
“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Thank you again to all who were part of this team, bringing Christmas to Romania! It is such a special time to share with the children and families, and we are blessed to be able to be the deliver these gifts on behalf of all who were part of our team.

We are so excited to share that a court date in Romania of January 27th has been set to finalize the adoption! Rachel has had Iza in her care since she was a baby, has went through all legalities in Romania (which is a lot!) and after six long years, a lot of prayer and a lot of faith, the adoption will be final. Zorica Izabella Faith Ross is a true blessing and God has big plans for her as she is a mini me of Rachel, and a little missionary herself. She looks just like the Ross’ and she acts like them too!

We asked Rachel for praises, prayer requests and future project needs and they are listed below.

Praises
Just hired a new Christian, Romanian cleaning lady

Possibly hiring a trusted administrator this month

Prayer requests
Additional sponsors so we can continue to hire staff

Health and protection of the children

God's guidance and direction with the kids and their families this year

Future projects
Re-gutter the Isaiah center - estimated price: $3,000

Finish the attic of the Isaiah center...turning it into rooms for lodging - estimated price: not yet known

For more information contact:

Rachel Ross
rachelross@fmnministries.org

Sue Linn Ross
suelinnross@fmnministries.org
812/989-0663

Lois Wadsworth
loiswadsworth@fmnministries.org
502/291-7718

Notes From Rachel & Dave

2009-12-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

What a blessing Kim, Lois, and Missy have been YET AGAIN for FMN Ministries! They have done an incredible job raising funds, preparing gifts, and providing a beautiful and blessed Christmas for our families and children in Tinca.

By the ladies providing a special Christmas for our families, Dave and I were then able to enjoy watching the families smile together, laugh, take pride in their children (which we work hard to encourage), and openly witness more about why we celebrate Christ's birth and what he has done in our lives. It's an incredible feeling to watch the parents/grandparents faces as their children pray or tell the story of Jesus' birth. When we started the center, the parents weren't sure they could keep their children, tired, worn out, without hope, and unable to provide for their families, so we praised God each night as we looked around the room at shining parents and grandparents who were thankful for stoves and presents for their children, and had such pride of their children.

The ladies also helped us get completely caught up with all of the laundry and cleaning that has needed some attention in this past month as it has just been Dave and myself running the program. Besides all the help the team provided and special Christmas gifts they brought much laughter! It has been kind of a rough time lately, so it was so incredible just to be with friends, to be encouraged, prayed over, laugh together (a lot), and have the desire to provide a great Christmas for everyone relieved.

Thank you to everyone who donated to make our Christmas so special! Hopefully you can see the pure joy on everyone's faces in the beautiful pictures and know what you all were a part of! We thank you for all you have provided. It has drawn us closer to our families and helped to continue building trust (which is vital in this ministry).

Thank you again to Kim, Lois, Missy, and all of our prayer warriors and supporters for making this Christmas another AMAZINGLY BLESSED one! The Forget Me Not family is MOST GRATEFUL!

Blessings!
Rachel & Dave

We're Home!

2009-12-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let everybody know we made it home safe and sound around 1:30 a.m. this morning. What a blessing to be in business class again! We can't thank Missy enough for getting us the Buddy passes that saved more than half on our tickets, and the ultimate blessing of being first class for the long flights! We said all along, that if we were supposed to be in Romania, God would make it happen! He did, and blessed us with more than we could have ever imagined!

We're trying to get our feet back on the ground and adjust after the time difference, long days and short nights. Romania is seven hours ahead of us. Kim was supposed to call the doctor and hopefully will get an injection to ease the pain, and will probably get an x-ray to make sure everything is good. Missy and I came home with cough and congestion, and Missy completely lost her voice. Allergies play a bit part in this, and also the dryness of flying for so long. We pray that we will be better soon!

Look for another posting by the end of the weekend with more pictures and some thoughts and highlights of the trip. We are so thankful for the time we got to spend in Romania.

Love,

Kim, Missy & Lois

We're Gearing Up To Head Home To America!

2009-12-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

What an amazing week this has been and we are so blessed and thankful that we got to be part of Christmas in Romania, and thanks to all who made this possible including little preschoolers at Lafayette Academy Preschool. The blessings that have been poured out this week have been abundant, and it takes all of us as a team to make this happen.

School supplies was delivered today that was collected last spring by Grace Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten. They do a mission project for FMN every other year, and raise money through the kids doing extra jobs and making sacrifices of themselves, just like Lafayette Academy recently did, and save money in banks. At the end of the project they brought in school supplies, which was able to be brought over this time. There is a lady who comes to the center for kindergarten for the older kids and the supplies were much needed.

How awesome.............kids helping kids! Maybe you have a group of kids, or your church, or small group that would like to learn more about FMN and raise funds to support the ministry, or form a team to come to Romania! We'd love to meet with you and partner with you to be part of the FMN team! You will bless many, and at the same time, be more blessed than you can imagine!

We were at the center early this morning. Rewiring has begun and there are a lot of projects in the works. The Isaiah Center has come a long way since it first opened in January, 2008 and the children have changed so much!

We prepared for the next party which was with Abel and Samuel's family. Before the party, we wanted to get a "family" photo of the Isaiah Center Family. WOW! It was pretty crazy trying to get everybody to look at the camera at the same time and smile. Dave was holding Alex and he kept grabbing Rachel's hair and eating on Dave's face! Bless his heart! He's blossomed through the love that he has received at the center and is a very active little boy which is a true blessing as he couldn't even sit up a year ago and is now pulling up on furniture and getting into everything!! When we look back to one year ago when the first "family" picture was taken, the kids have changed so much! They have security and love, nutrition and encouragement, and a father in Heaven who loves them very much, who has placed them at the Isaiah Center.

At the party, the kids were so excited, and they had a blast! The highlight of the party, besides Santa's visit of course, was when Abel prayed out loud again. At first he was embarrassed because his family was there but with encouragement from Rachel, he prayed and prayed, for his family, for others, for God's hand to heal and protect. When the prayer was over, Rachel said she looked up and Abel's grandfather was wiping tears from his face. It's so sad, but as we've said before, this culture is a hard culture, one of extreme poverty, illiteracy, abuse, neglect, alcoholism, and hopelessness. The Roma culture is not accepted into society and are looked down upon as being unworthy of life and unworthy of love. Abel's grandfather has been abusive to Samuel and Abel, and the boys live alone in a small hut next to the grandparents house. They were abandoned by their mother, and at one time, the grandparents believed the boys to be cursed and that's why they would not let them stayin the house with them. The hut for the boys at one time had no roof and a mud floor until FMN took care of that, covering the roof and putting in a floor. FMN will continue to work with these families, assisting to care for their children, and we can only pray that peace will come to these families, and the children will have what they deserve.........family and others who love and care for them. Abel has such a tender heart and has spurts of being aggressive sometimes, but most of the time he is helping and loving on the other kids. He prays like a little prayer warrior and is fueled by the fulfillment he gets from being loved, encouraged, and praised for his good behavior and his kind heart.

We're extremely exhausted. Some of us have developed coughing and congestion and Kim managed to go to the center today and yesterday but has been in pain with her shoulder after the surgery. She has a doctor appointment when she gets home. We ask for your prayers for travel, for little to no pain for Kim, for the coughing and congestion to clear, and save travel for us to get back home to be with our families! We miss our families and are ready to come home, but hate to leave our family here. We know that we will be back to do more with FMN!

Thank you Rachel, Dave and Iza for the amazing work that you are doing in Romania. Thank you for having us this week, and allowing us to be abundantly blessed by our time with the kids and families here in Romania. We will continue to pray for the ministry and pray for others to work alongside you, here in Romania and for short term mission teams (and long term too!)

We leave Romania at 8:30 in the morning. We drive to Budapest and fly into New York and then to Cincinnati, and then will be picked up from there and will arrive home about 1:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. We'll update the blog once we get settled with more pictures and updates! Thanks for your love, prayers, support and for making Christmas in Romania possible!

Love,

Kim, Missy, Lois, Rachel, Dave & Iza

P.S. A little delirious so think some pictures were duplicated on the last entry, but there just so dog gone cute!

Last Day At The Isaiah Center

2009-12-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

Busy & Fun Day!

2009-12-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

First thing this morning, Iza got up to find her boots filled with candy and treats. This is a tradition in Romania when Mos Nicolae comes this time of year, and the kids leave their shoes at the door, and if they are a good little girl or boy, Mos Nicolae fills their shoes! Apparently Iza has been awesome this year because her boots were filled to the brim! She was so excited!

Iza's cough was better this morning and Kim felt somewhat better and was able to go with us to the center! We missed her yesterday and were so thankful that she felt better. Anyone who knows Kim knows she's the life of the party! Thanks for your prayers.

Iza went to school and we did some shopping for supplies and then off to the center we went! Laundry has been going all week, and we are surely spoiled with technology at home! They do have washers and dryers here in Romania, but they only allow you to do small loads and take forever! It's all caught up now! We got ready for the kids and made pizzas for them for lunch, baked the cupcakes and made the snacks for the party. We also cleaned and organized some more in the kids room and in the kitchen.

A lot has been going on at the center this week. Some men from the village were hired to help load wood into the furnace room and cleaning up outside in the yard. The furnace man had to come and make some adjustments. A new security door was put up, rewiring is to begin tomorrow, some windows will be replaced soon and a security system put in place. Rachel and Dave their tails off running back and forth to the village and dealing with the electrician, the men from the village who have been working some this week which helps to support their family, and loving and caring for the kids. Please pray that God will send more workers who can work on a regular basis at the center with the every day duties so it will relieve Rachel and Dave to focus more on the kids and the future plans for the ministry. We believe in the power of prayer!

The kids came and as always, were excited to be back at the center. They all got baths and dressed in clean clothes, and then we had a PIZZA PARTY! They loved it! You can't imagine how much these kids can eat, especially when they get different foods that they don't get at home. They had a little play time, and then we were ready to get the party started!

It was Mariana's family party today, and oh how they were excited. This is the family that was the first to get the new wood stove that was posted on the blog last night. Snacks were served, and pin the tail on the donkey was a hit as in the other parties. They sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and LOVED the cupcakes. Then you know who showed up.............Santa! Its "amazing" how he has an English accent! The kids were all so excited to see him, except for Simona. She was crying and backed up on the couch with a look of fear. Santa kind of gave her a little hint of who he was later, and she felt much better.

The kids all received their gifts and the joy that was in that room was overwhelming! Mariana is the newest child at the center, and Rachel chose this family to work with because they have nothing. She said they are a great family and really in need of help. The wood stove is such a blessing to them and they are overwhelmed that anyone would do so much for their family. Rachel shared with us this morning that Mariana was in an orphanage for a couple of years early in her life and then back with the family. She does not know the details, if it was just a difficult time for them when they had Mariana or what, but said that it took Mariana a while to adjust to being at the center because of all she's been through. From what we've learned, in the Roma culture, and not sure if it's because they are considered outcasts and treated with such prejudice, but even in their own culture, they have nicknames for everybody in the village. We should all strive to build one another up, not tear each other down, but unfortunately these nicknames are not for fun. Mariana is called "orphanage girl" by the other kids in the village. This broke our hearts when Rachel shared this.

Oh how Mariana stole our hearts (you can probably tell by all the pictures of her that we've shared). She was so excited to see Santa, and when she first opened her Barbie, she was just beside herself. She was so overwhelmed with joy! She then opened her outfit that also included a pair of socks, and she said, "look Mommy.......socks (in Romanian of course)!" We take so much for granted and to be so excited over a pair of socks! She held up her top and just couldn't quit smiling! She was picking up paper on the floor and picking up without being asked. She had her outfit, socks and her barbie in a box and when we said something about her barbie, she looked up and said "Mult'umesc (thank you)!" What a blessing to be able to be part of Christmas in Romania!

Thank you to our families for managing without us at home this week, and for your love and support! Thank you Rachel and Dave for being faithful and honoring God's will for your life, as it is obvious that this is where you both are supposed to be. God is never late, always on time, and it's amazing how He "connected the dots" and brought you both together to work alongside one another and others through this ministry. Thank you God for Iza! While we anxiously await the adoption to be final which should be very soon, it is obvious too why you placed her in Rachel's life and in her heart, because you are using her as a mini-missionary in the center and in the village! She is beyond her years, has a heart of gold and is definitely a gift from God. It's amazing too that she looks and acts just like Rachel!

Tomorrow is our last day in Romania, and while we're tired and excited to see our families, we are sad to leave. We have had an amazing time. We've worked hard, loved a lot and have been blessed more than we can express.

Love to all!

Missy, Kim, Lois, Rachel, Dave & Iza

Christmas With Mariana's Family

2009-12-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Family Visits & Prayer Requests

2009-12-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. The weather has been a bit cold but not too bad. We went to church and love the passion of the Romanian people as they worship! The worship music was "amazing" as Dave says, and it's always great to see some of the kids from Caminul Felix and other people we have met on other mission trips. It was amazing, and emotional, to watch the teenagers from Caminul Felix worship with their whole heart, hands lifted high and fully looking to God to get them through the hard life ahead of them here in Romania. We talked with several of them, and told them how proud we are of them, and encouraged them to continue to let their light shine for Christ, as they are an inspiration to others.

We came home for lunch, changed clothes and then off to the village for family visits. We visited and prayed with each one of the families cared for by FMN. The kids are always so excited to see us again and all the kids in the village come running when they see that there are visitors! The love having their posa (picture) taken and love even more to see the picture!

There is a difference from last year with these families, and it was so awesome to see the kids loving on their parents and the parents loving on their kids. This hasn't always been the case, but through the work of FMN, love and encouragement, and assisting to care for the children, it has brought the families closer.

Each family will be receiving a new stove for heating, cooking and a place for baking bread. The stoves are being hand welded by a man in the village which will help him care for his family, and will be such a blessing for the families cared for by FMN. Mariana's family was the first to receive their stove and Florica, the mother, was bubbling over with their new stove. The stove they had before had exposed flames and was very unsafe. You have to understand that their home (hut) is probably 8x10 and there are the parents and five kids that live in this house. It's one room with two beds, that can be used for seating as well, the wood stove, a small table and that's it! We are so spoiled at home with all of the modern conveniences. Honestly, we are heathens and don't even realize it because it's all we've ever known. They are so excited too as they will be coming to the Isaiah Center for their party tomorrow night. She thanked and thanked and thanked us...............and again, we're only the deliverers and representatives for so many of you who gave generously to provide Christmas, center and family needs. We prayed with them and it was very moving!

Dave and Rachel are absolutely amazing! Rachel has gained trust through the years and the people love her! and Dave is such a blessing to the ministry as the men relate so well to him. Their for the Lord and for the Roma people is evident as they talk with and work with the families. It is amazing how God brought them together to work in this ministry!

Iza is only six (Rachel's daughter) and she is a little missionary herself! She goes with the flow with what ever we're doing. She loves the kids at the center and in the village. She has great manners and has such a giving heart! She prayed a couple of different times today and is a little prayer warrior! We know that God has big plans for her, and because of the love she has been blessed with by her mother, her Buni and Boo Boo and the rest of the family, once an abandoned baby herself, she reaches out to anyone she sees in need. We have had so much fun with her, and love her tender heart, her outgoing personality, and her high energy! She loves to tell stories and sings a lot too!

We ask for your prayers as we are wearing down, but are excited about the rest of our time here in Romania. Iza has a cold and is coughing but is trudging along, but ask they you pray that the medicine will work fast.

We ask too for your prayers for Kim. She had surgery on her shoulder a while back for repair of a fracture. She woke up this morning in severe pain and her shoulder was swollen. She had this happen one other time after surgery and the doctor gave her a steroid shot. She stayed home today and has been in bed all day with heat and/or ice on her shoulder. We prayed over her tonight, lead by sweet little Iza and pray that she will have less pain tomorrow and the inflammation will be relieved.

Thank you for all the prayers, and for all who are part of Christmas in Romania. You have blessed the Isaiah Center, the kids and families cared for by FMN, and we too have been blessed to be here with Rachel, Dave and Iza!

Love,

Kim, Missy, Lois, Rachel, Dave & Iza

Family Visits In The Village

2009-12-06T12:52:00.001-08:00

Note from Lois - Cinnamon Rolls for Christmas Provides Sponsorship

2009-12-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Many of you have ordered cinnamon rolls for Christmas, a fund raiser I did to raise sponsorship for three children at Caminul Felix.

In 2001, Mike and I hosted two girls in our home, Cristina and Alina, when they came with the Caminul Felix Choir to raise awareness of the orphaned and abandoned children in Romania, and the ministry of Caminul Felix, a Christian organization that consists of homes with houseparents raising children who were brought in from orphanages and off the street. We got so close to them in a very short of time. Once we learned more about these children and the others in the choir, we were very moved and fell in love with these kids. Once they left our home, there was something burning in my heart, and a burden laid on my heart of what we could do to help.

In 2001, I came to Romania on my first mission trip and my life has never been the same. Visiting orphanages, seeing kids living on the streets, visiting families who live in extreme poverty and witnessing the hard life here in Romania broke my heart. I got to see "my girls" and it was an amazing reunion. Even though they were only in our home for a short time, we have a bond that has remained for years.

My mother passed away on December 11, 2001. My parents raised 14 children and our mother was a saint! The next Christmas, all of my siblings and dad began a sponsorship in memory of mom, planning to sponsor one, and ended up sponsoring three, Ciristina, and her two biological brothers Mihai and Julian. Mom loved kids and even when we had very little, she was always willing to help others in any way she could. This sponsorship has continued since then, and we've gotten to see the girls several times in 12 mission trips to Romania, and have also been blessed to have them they in our home a couple more times when the choir came to the states.

Cristina's family has become so very special to me as her Dad, Paul, and her brother, Adi, stayed in our home when Adi had surgery on a deformity of his ankle. We got to know them on a personal level, and soon after they came back to Romania, Paul was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma of his eye. He would have to have his eye removed. God provided for every detail, for Paul and his wife Dana to come to the states to have his eye removed and an implant put in. I truly believe that God "connects the dots." With the trauma of losing his eye, and the possibility that cancer could have spread, this was a scary time for Paul, 30 at the time, his wife Dana and all of their 13 children they are raising at CF. One thing he didn't have to worry about was where he would be staying while in the states, and that was in our home. They stayed for a month for surgery and recovery, went home for a month, and then came back for a month for the implant. All services were donated, surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospital fees, lab fees and the implant as well. I share this because God's hand was evident in every step, from the first time we had Cristina in our home to this day. Paul, Dana and all of their children are family to us, and we are truly blessed!

I got to go and spend time with Cristina, Mihai, Julian, the rest of the kids and Paul and Dana this afternoon. It was so fun and such an amazing time!

Thank you to all who ordered cinnamon rolls for Christmas, because you have provided full sponsorship for these three precious kids for the year, in loving memory of my mom and now also in memory of my dad, who passed away this past June. You have helped me to give back in honor of my parents for what has been given to me, and that is many, many, many blessings, including my 13 siblings, and a huge extended family of 104!

Love & Blessings,

Lois

Shopping Today & Christmas Tree is UP!

2009-12-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today was another good day! We went shopping for supplies for the center......security lights, sheets, kitchen supplies, towels and also looked at some windows. Most have been replaced but there's still some left to do. We also looked at freezers and got pricing. Rachel needed a Christmas tree so we got that too! We went out for lunch which was very nice.

Once back to the house, some rested, some cleaned and worked on the computer, and Rachel just couldn't wait to get the tree up. She was so excited to get lights and ornaments on, and garland up the stairs with more lights! Everything looks beautiful.

Buni, I love my new cashmere sweater that you sent me for my first Christmas! I didn't like it at first, but I love it now! I really like the built in scarf! You're awesome! (it's me Chloe, Buni).

Tomorrow we'll go to church and then home for lunch. We're going out to Tinca, to be out in the village to visit with the families in their homes. We'll update again soon!

Love,

Missy, Kim, Lois, Rachel, Dave, Iza and Chloe

Cleaning Day at The Center & Party Fun!

2009-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day at the center. We went early before getting the kids and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned! Rachel and Dave have their hands full and with eight very active kids, and there's only so many hours in the day. It didn't take long and everything looked great and smelled good too! The kids came and the daily routine began......baths, lunch, devotion time and of course play time!

Dave and a few men from the village put in a new security door and we got ready for the party, today with Florica, Simona, Maria and Calina's families. They were so excited! We had snacks just like yesterday, finger sandwiches, chips and drinks, pin the tail on the donkey which again was a big hit and then Rachel and Abel shared the story of the birth of Christ. Abel, 7, was just waiting for us to ask hiim to help share the story and did a great job. He is a sweet boy, abandoned by his mother, along with his brother, and has a very rough family life. He has a huge heart and just wants to be loved!

After they shared the story of Christ's birth, Abel prayed, and it was so touching. Of course we couldn't understand what he was saying, but when I looked up to take a picture of him praying, the family there for the party was watching his every move and listening to his prayer. You could see the amazement on their face, and what an inspiration Abel was to everyone in the room. We pray that the time spent together made an impact on this family, and as the parents have not accepted Christ in their life, know the God used Abel and his prayer to touch their hearts. Simona and Maria prayed too, and their parents were very surprised to see them pray out loud, but they do this all the time at the Isaiah Center.

Of course Santa came and the kids were excited to see him...........well, Simona and Calina, not so much! Simona hid behind her dad with fear on her face and her little nose wrinkled. Calina wanted no part of sitting on Santa's lap but was more than happy to take the gifts! Thank you to all who provided gifts for these kids! They sang happy birthday to Jesus and had cupcakes. We forgot to mention that yesterday they started eating their cupcakes before we could tell them to take the paper off. They didn't seem to mind a little bit of paper with their cupcakes! This is something they've never had.

We are so thankful to be here and share in the Christmas celebration. We are so proud of Rachel and Dave as they work so hard, with love, with patience, and with faith that God will use FMN to reveal Himself to the Roma people.

It's late and we're in need of some sleep. Tomorrow will be a shopping day to buy a freezer for the center, purchase kitchen supplies and other supplies needed at the center.

Love,

Kim, Missy, Lois, Rachel, Dave & Iza

Party Pictures!

2009-12-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Fun Times With Alex's Family

2009-12-03T11:46:00.001-08:00

Today was a busy day, but a great one for sure. The kids were picked up in the village, brought to the center, bathed and fed lunch. After lunch was devotion time, and it is so awesome to see and hear Rachel sharing with the kids, and their responses are priceless! They love it!

We decorated for the party and cupcakes were baked. Dave went to pick up Alex's family and brought them to the center. How exciting for them and for us! We first brought out the party hats, and the kids just cracked up when we put mom's on first! We told them we were having a birthday party for Jesus! They played pin the tail on the donkey. The kids obviously had never played and it was so fun! They each made a craft and enjoyed that too!

Rachel and Abel shared the story of Christ's birth and as they shared the story, they put the figures on a felt background for a visual. The kids all listened and watched and it was so sweet!

Soon Santa showed up! The kids were excited! Santa brought gifts to each child, an outfit and a toy. It was fun to watch the excitement, and they were so patient and held their gifts until everyone had received them from Santa, and then they opened up their gifts. They were so happy, and it was such a blessing for us, and we thank each one who who donated money that purchased these gifts, including all the kids at home who made sacrifices of themselves to bless these kids!

Alex is 4, has Down's syndrome and has changed so much since we first met him in 2008 when the center first opened. He couldn't sit up on his own, was weak and was always sick with repeated infections. The grandmother is raising him, along with his brother, and ten children of her own. She loves him and wants to care for him, but needed help. Rachel/FMN has changed his life, and his entire family as well. Alex is sitting up, scooting all over the floor and grabs at everything that is in his reach. He smiles and laughs and is much healthier! His grandmother is open and willing to learn new ways to care for her children and grandchildren, and that is the whole intent of the work of FMN, to assist families in caring for their children to avoid abandonment. Alex's grandmother and grandfather both gave their life to Christ this past summer, and the grandfather quit drinking which is very hard in this culture, as alcoholism is common in this culture with the hard life that the Roma (gypsies) live.

When we took Alex home along with all of the other kids, his grandmother came out to greet us and told Rachel that the kids were soooooooooooo very happy and she thanked us and thanked us, and for Kim, Missy and I, we were only the ones who delivered the gifts. It was so many of you who blessed these kids and these families. We are grateful to God for pulling us all together as a team! Grandma's name is Titiana, and she is due with another baby any day. She told Rachel that if it's a girl, she will be named Rahela (which is Rachel) and if it's a boy, he will be named George (which is Rachel's dad). How sweet is that, and it is all because of the love and respect that she has for Rachel/FMN, and the love and support their family has received.

Thank you for your prayers and for your generosity. We ask for continued prayers for good health, safe travels to and from Tinca and for Christ's light to shine so bright, as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the children and families cared for by FMN.

Love,

Missy, Kim, Lois, Rachel, Dave & Iza

Pictures of First Birthday Party For Jesus

2009-12-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

We're here safe and sound!

2009-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

God is soooooooo good, and oh how we felt his hand in every step of the way, from the planning, to the people who have generously given to provide Christmas in Romania, and to each step of the travel! We came on "buddy passes" which saved us lots of money but there was a risk that we would not get on the plane. Once at the airport, it didn't look good for the first flight, and a comment was made, "you might want to pull out your lucky card." We didn't have too! Seats were waiting for us! Plus our bags were over the limit in length, and we were told that it would cost us $575.00 to check the bags! Once she asked us what we were doing and where we were going, the fee was WAVED!

Paul and Mihai picked us up at the airport and brought is to Oradea. So.......we're here safe and sound, with Rachel, Iza and Dave, and Dave has a hot meal ready for us!

We have to share that not only did God abundantly bless us with planning, and travel, we were bumped to business class which was amazing and such blessing!

We'll update daily as long as the internet is up! Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming!

Love,

Rachel, Iza, Dave, Missy, Kim & Lois

Kids Send Love and Gifts To Romania!

2009-11-30T22:11:00.000-08:00

We're On Our Way!

2009-11-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

We are so excited and blessed to be leaving on Tuesday for Romania to celebrate Christmas with the children and families cared for by the Forget Me Not Ministries Isaiah Center!

Thank you to all who "adopted" a child for Christmas and for those who gave monetary donations for items needed at the center and/or to provide for family needs in the village!

God is so amazing and oh how he works through children, as they learn that they too can make a difference in the lives of others, even though they are young!

Lafayette Academy Preschool in Floyds Knobs raised $675.22 in only two weeks to provide Christmas presents for children in Romania who otherwise would not receive gifts. The children did extra jobs around the house to raise money to put in their banks, and several children even gave up their own money out of their piggy banks so another child would be blessed!

Other children have jumped on board to make a difference as well, and we are so very proud of each and every one of them, and know they will be blessed when they see the faces of the children in Romania receiving their gifts! There's nothing better than kids helping other kids!

We ask for your prayers for safe travel to Romania, and will keep the blog updated daily, provided the internet is up and running! Please follow us along our journey and know that many of you are part of this team..........bringing Christmas to Romania!

We can't wait to see all of the kids, Rachel, Iza and Dave!

Missy, Kim & Lois

Notes From Rachel

2008-11-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

What an amazing time we have had this past week! I am so grateful for all of you who sent Kim, Lois, and Missy to the Isaiah Center, whether through financial support, supplies for their trip, or prayers of protection. They were a true blessing not only to us personally, the children and their families, but to the ministry as a whole. The kids were so excited to receive their presents, act out the story of Jesus’ birth, and to share the special evening with their family. Through each act of kindness that we show our families there seems to grow a new level of trust. This trust is what the team was able to help us to accomplish with all of their hard work and planning, and this will help to strengthen our ministry even more in this village of 3,000. Four evenings were created where we could bond and reach out even further to families who are rejected, mocked, outcast, and forgotten; showing them Christ’s love for them and encouraging them to love one another as well. I am so grateful to Kim, Missy, and Lois for giving up their time with family, work, friends and other activities to come and create a memorable Christmas for our children at the Isaiah Center and their families. Thank you to all who sent the ladies here and made their trips possible as well. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers.

Blessings!

Rachel

Our Last Day in Tinca and Prayer Requests

2008-11-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

We're so happy to be home and are trying to get rested up for Thanksgiving. We are so blessed and have even more to be thankful for after our time in Romania.

Friday, we had our last Christmas party with Tim and Rodica, who work with FMN, and their family. They both helped us for all of the other parties, and it was their turn to be served! Their kids were so excited as they had waited all week for this! We served them lunch and then the kids did the drama for them. Tim read from the bible the story of the birth of Christ which he had done at all the other parties, in the Gypsy language. They loved it! They loved it even more when Santa showed up! He brought lots of presents which is always fun.

After the party, we went to take them back to their home in Tinca. We were able to deliver a few of the family portraits we had done at the parties. It was such a blessing to see them open up their gift, and have so much pride with their family portrait. More than likely, they've never had a formal portrait, and for them, this is a special gift. When Maria's grandfather saw their family portrait for the first time, he kissed it several times and then put it up to the wall to see how it would look when it was hung. When Anna, her husband and son saw their family portrait, they too seemed to be so proud of their family and their portrait. Kim and I both noticed that Anna had softened in her looks and in her actions since the last time we saw her last January and last November, and that has come from the love and support that she and her family have been shown by Rachel, FMN and many teams. Rachel had told us that when they showed the Jesus film right out in the middle of the village in the summer, Anna was in her car with her and she told Rachel that they hear a lot about Jesus, but watching Rachel and the team that was there the week they showed the film, Anna said she and her neighbors talked and they think this is what Jesus was talking about. She gets it! She wants it! But life in this culture beats them down, but through continued love and support, she has changed so much, and we pray that she and many others will accept Christ, and learn a different way of life, a life in Christ.

For the children and families in Tinca, life is hard. The poverty is unimaginable for most to even understand. The abuse, neglect and abandonment effects almost every family in the village, and this life is all they know as generation after generation have lived this way. Because of the former communist rule and the prejudice against the Roma (Gypsy) people, they merely survive and are considered outcasts, unworthy of love, and even some say they have no souls. It is hard to find work, even if there is a job opening because of the prejudice that exists. In these conditions, how can they even see a ray of hope for change? It is only through love, humanitarian efforts, encouragement and example that this can happen.

We are so thankful for Rachel's heart for the Roma people. She shines His light with all she meets, and it is obvious that God's will for Rachel is to be right where she's at, to love these people, where they are and as they are. Family sponsorship helps to provide the basic necessities for the families, and also allows an open door for Rachel to minister to them. Through the Isaiah Center, child sponsorship provides food, shelter, clothing and medicine for the children in the center. Rachel, Tim, Rodica, and many teams allow these children to see and feel the love they deserve, from us, and from their Father in Heaven. It is through the love and support that they receive, we hope and pray, that they will be the start of a new generation, one with faith and hope, that will be the turning point of a positive change in this culture. We pray too, that as they grow, they will be shining for Jesus in their village, and ministering to others, just as they have been loved and ministered to through FMN and the Isaiah Center.

After our time in the village, we went back to the center and put up the Christmas tree! The kids loved it, and Rachel was just like one of those little kids. She is so excited about their first Christmas at the center. The kids helped to decorate the tree and were in awe when we turned out the lights to see the twinkling white lights on the tree. Abel said to Rachel, "all we need is snow." What a blessing to share this day and the week with all of them!

Through the group fund raising we did for our trip, through many who "adopted" a child for Christmas purchasing gifts or donating money to purchase gifts, and by many who made monetary donations so we could come to Romania, we were not only able to give the gift of the Christmas tree and decorations, but we were able to leave a monetary donation that will provide Christmas for the kids at the center, a refrigerator for Tim and Rodica as they have five children and no refrigerator! It will be a great Christmas gift. Some of the floors are being redone at the center and the money will help to purchase some of the flooring as well. The monetary donation will also be used to purchase reprints of the family portraits and the pictures of the kids with Santa for all of the families we celebrated with.

Please continue to pray for Rachel, for FMN, and for God to send others to work with FMN. A prayer request is for a Romanian social worker to be found and hired to work with FMN, to work with the children and families, and also one that will know the ins and outs of the laws in Romania, as they can be confusing and can be misinterpreted. This is an important position that needs to be filled, so please join us in praying for God to send the one He has for this job.

Please consider partnering with FMN through family and/or child sponsorship, or by a monthly donation to fund the ministry.

The Isaiah Center is in need of socks, for boys and girls, for 9 months and up. In Romania, you can only buy a pair at a time, not in packages like we have here. When the kids are brought to the center in the morning, the first thing that happens is they are bathed and dressed in clean clothes. The clothes them come to the center in are kept separately because of the possibility of lice, which is very typical to have in their living conditions. When it's time to go home for the night, they are dressed in clean, but not as nice of clothes, because the clothes never make it back to the center. As it gets colder, the kids need socks to go home in, and also for when they are at the center. Please consider donating packages of socks that can be taken over by mission teams traveling to Romania. Call or email and we can pick them up (Lois' cell 502/291-7718, or email to lois.wadsworth@yahoo.com)

Rachel would like to build on to the center, an area for storage of the donations of clothes and medical items she receives. For now, space is limited for donations, and the add on storage room will help to keep things more organized and more easily accessible when needed. Consider making a monetary donation towards the building of the storage room.

We'll close for now, and again thank you all for your love, support and prayers. We thank Rachel and Iza for letting us stay with them in their apartment and making us feel right at home. It was a great week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Kim, Missy and Lois

Pictures of Our Last Day At The Isaiah Center

2008-11-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

We're home.....updates and more pictures to come!

2008-11-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's great to be home tonight with our families! Travel was long but on time with no problems.

The internet was still down at Rachel's apartment so we didn't get to update the blog but plan to do so tomorrow or Monday. You won't want to miss the updates or the pictures, and cute video clips so check the blog when you can.

Thanks for your love, prayers and support!

Love,

Kim, Missy & Lois

Christmas At The Isaiah Center

2008-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hello again from Romania! Yesterday we started out our morning by going to get a few things at Selgros which is very similar to Sam's where things are sold in bulk. Rachel has been looking at this one particular Christmas tree every year for the past three years, a very tall one that wouldn't work in her apartment, but that would be perfect to have at the Isaiah Center as it has high ceilings. We wanted to purchase a gift for the center, and because this will be the first Christmas at the Isaiah Center, this was the perfect gift. When we looked at the tree and asked about the price, and we told her it was hers, she was like a little kid at Christmas! She was so excited and just went on to say that she wants the kids to have a special Christmas at the center, and knows that the tree will make it more special, and just like a "family" Christmas that these kids have never had. Her response made it worth every penny! We bought ornaments, tree topper and tree skirt along with some garland. This is a gift that will last for years!

We then went to the center and cared for the kids, and then cooked in the afternoon for another Christmas party. Abel and Samuel's family were the guest of honor. It was so amazing to see how excited Abel and Samuel were to have their families at the party. They seemed to enjoy dinner and were happy to be at the center. It is sad to say, but these two boys have had a very hard life, abandoned by their mother, and while the grandparents are raising them, they believe them to be cursed and they live in a separate hut, and stay there alone at night. They are sweet boys, Abel with scars from head to toe, and they love it at the center. As the kids did the drama of the birth of Christ, Abel kept looking and smiling at his grandparents waiting on that reassurance that they thought he was doing a good job. They did seem proud of the boys and had a great time. Santa came too, and of course there were lots of presents.

Today we went back to the center and worked on a storage room, organizing the donations of clothes, medicine, etc. We were able to go through winter clothes so the kids will be ready for the cold weather. The weather this week has been perfect, not too cold, and with sunshine most of the week. We got to play with the kids too, and then prepared the meal for tonight's party. This party was for Alex's family. Unfortunately, he is very sick and still in the hospital and won't be out until next week if all goes well, but his family came to celebrate with us. They enjoyed the meal, the drama was a hit, as it was on the other nights, and of course Santa was the man of the night!

We got to be with Dave today, who is here from England and has been working with the kids at Caminul Felix. He has also been helping Rachel in Tinca a couple of days a week. He is a great guy, learning Romanian, with his Brittish accent, and the kids love him! He is a great encouragement for Tim, who works at the center, and they have been tiling one of the apartments behind the center. They work together on projects and he helps to do whatever is needed at the center. We enjoyed our time with him, and will be with him again tomorrow.

We are so blessed and happy to be here to celebrate Christmas with the kids at the center and their families. We have not walked through the village of Tinca, only have driven through to pick up the kids to take them to the center, and to take them back home at night. We hope to deliver the family pictures that were taken each night at the parties and see the families in their homes, along with the others in the village.

Tomorrow is our last day here in Romania, and we are very grateful for all of the blessings that God has given us this week, and we feel that all of these families have felt the love of Christ as we have loved them, served them and celebrated Christ's birth.

The internet is still down at the apartment, but if all goes well and it's on tomorrow, we'll update again, and if not, we'll post something after we get home. We will be home on Saturday night. Please keep us in your prayers for safe and on time travels, and that we can all get back into the swing of things with the time difference, as it is seven hours ahead here from home.

Thanks for being part of our team!

Love,

Rachel, Iza, Missy, Kim and Lois

Christmas Party Pictures From Wednesday And Thursday

2008-11-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

First Christmas Dinner Party A Blessing For All

2008-11-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your comments and your prayers. There are so many of you that are part of this celebration, through your love, prayers, gifts and financial support. We feel abundantly blessed to be here and thank you all.

The internet at the apartment is still down so we will update every chance we get here at the center.

We do have a special prayer request, and that is for Ronelle Vandgrift and her family. Ronelle was planning to travel with us on her first mission trip but had to cancel because her sister was in the hospital about a week before we left. We are sad to say that she passed away and Ronelle and her family are in our thoughts and in our prayers.

We also ask for your prayers for Donnie, Peggy and Jerry as they too were scheduled to come on this trip and have been here before. Donnie's father had a stroke a couple of weeks before leaving for Romania and Jerry had surgery with complications of infections and several hospitalizations. They are part of this team as we all worked together on group fund raising and gaining sponsorship to pay for trip expenses and for extras for the kids. Donnie, Peggy and Jerry, we miss you and love you and pray fir God's healing and speedy recoveries.

The first Christmas dinner party was last night and it was great! We had another one tonight. Each night we have dinner, and Tim who works at the center, read from the Bible about the birth of Christ. The kids at the center dressed in costumes that we brought to play out the story. It was sooooooo cute and fun! The kids loved it, and the parents were so proud! They laughed and smiled and really got the message.

When we planned the dinner parties before we even left for Romania, we wanted to make sure that it was more than a Christmas party, but one that would leave an impact. Most of the families of the kids at the center are not Christian, but have been shown the love of Christ in so many ways by Rachel, FMN, and by many teams that have come to work with the children, the families and in the village of Tinca. Both nights, the families seemed to enjoy the meal. The Roma (Gypsy) culture is one that is not accepted and they are never, or hardly ever, even invited or accepted in society, much less invited to a party that was planned especially for them. They dressed in the very best as we planned to do family portraits. We served them the meal which was a blessing to us, and for them too. Everyone received Christmas presents and food. We felt the impact was made.

After we left the center last night, it was so amazing to hear Rachel talk about the ride home when she took the parents back to the village. They were very grateful and felt our love, and the love of Christ. Rachel said that she and others have been encouraging Tim to allow God to use him to preach to others in his village. He had already opened up a prayer meeting in his home and has been ministering to different families in the village. We had a script for the drama that we were going to use, but forgot it and left it at Rachel's apartment. It apparently was God's plan, as this opened up the opportunity for Him to use Tim, to read from the Bible the story of Christmas, and to share with the families of God's love for them. He also shared with them that God brought Rachel to Romania to love their children and to help them to take better care of their children through the support of FMN. She also said that this opportunity was something should wouldn't have been able to do by herself, and that it was so amazing for her to see the parents in a totally different light. In the village, it is a hard life, and the culture is raw and violent. At the center, in their best clothes, and while being served, they were different people. Rachel saw for the first time, the pride that each parent had for their children as they carried out the drama. It was amazing!

We are so blessed to be here and thank all who have made it possible. Rachel is amazing and is pure light in a very dark village. We pray that more short term mission teams will come to work with FMN and help to further the work that is being done. We also pray that God will bring others to serve long term alongside Rachel and FMN.

We are at Caminul Felix and had a great night spending some time with the teens that are 16 years and older. We did an ice breaker that was fun, and we started to lose them because there were so many, and because of the translation process. We had an activity planned but felt God leading us into open conversation instead. Our intention was to love them and encourage them as life in Romania is hard. From some of the responses we got after our time with them, we feel that God was in that room and even if one life was touched or encouraged, for Him, that it was worth the time. We have watched many of these kids grow up.

We have to go for now........it's been a long, but blessed day, and now after 10:00 p.m., we will go back to Rachel's apartment, eat some dinner and get some rest for another big day tomorrow. We will be at the center again, and will have another Christmas party with the biggest family, Alex's family, the little boy with Down's Syndrome in the Isaiah Center. Please pray for Alex as he has been in the hospital, and is supposed to get out tomorrow. We want to be able to see him and love on him. We were here in January, and we know that he has changed very much since coming to the center through the work of physical therapists, and the extra love from Rachel and others from FMN.

We are so thankful for Rachel and her heart. We are so thankful that she has given up her life for the will of God as it is obvious that He has called her to Romania to show His love and bring others to know Him. We are also thankful for Iza, as she lights up any room she comes into. She loves God, she loves people and she definitely loves the kids at the center. She is a doll! She's so much fun and we love being here with her and Rachel.

Love,

Rachel, Iza, Kim, Missy & Lois

Pictures of First Christmas Dinner Party -- And Santa Came Too!

2008-11-19T04:45:00.001-08:00

Blessings in Romania

2008-11-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

We are so glad to be able to get on the internet to share with you what is going on in Romania. Rachel still has no internet at her apartment, but she does have it at the center.

Yesterday, Sunday, we went to church and it was an awesome service. It was also baptism Sunday. We witnessed several who gave their life to Christ and were baptized. It was even more a blessing because two of those who were baptized were from Caminul Felix, and we have watched them grow up through the years. There were several kids from CF there and they are always so happy to see us return. It was a blessing. We went back to Rachel's apartment and had lunch, and some much needed rest. Later we sorted and wrapped all the Christmas gifts and shopped for food for families that will be given as gifts along with the presents at the parties later this week. We all had a good night's rest.

This morning we started out early, took Iza to school and headed for Tinca. We picked up Samuel first, and oh how our hearts were taken when he came running with a smile when he saw Rachel! He hopped in the van and just smiled and watched every move we made. We then picked up Simona and Calina. They too were so excited to see Rachel and were ready to come to the Isaiah Center. They were all dirty, and most with runny noses. Calina had just gotten out of the hospital because she has fevers and congestion. They were brought to the center, bathed and then it was play time! We got to love on them and play with them, and soon after the other kids, Florica, Maria and Abel would be picked up from school. You can tell by the pictures we posted that those sweet babies love it at the center and are more blessed than you can imagine. After lunch, the kids took naps and we sorted through clothes that will be given to the adults in the families we are celebrating Christmas with.

It saddens our hearts to look at these sweet kids, watch them play and laugh, eat and love us and each other, and to know that at the end of the day, they all will go home to horrible conditions. This culture is raw, and their life is hard, one of abuse, neglect and incest. They only know what they are taught, and it is our hope and prayer that through the work of FMN, these kids will be a turning point for the next generation for the life that God wants for all of His children. Rachel's heart and vision for FMN is one of faith and hope. We loved watching her doing their daily devotion and listen to them sing and do the motions to them. They sang one in Romanian and This Little Light of Mine.....I'm going to let it shine.......and shine they do when they are with Rachel and at the center.

Tim and Rodica who work at the center are great with the kids too, and help in the daily cooking and cleaning so that the main focus is on the kids. This job too helps them to provide for their own family. The Roma culture (Gypsy)is not accepted in society and they see and feel the love of Christ through each and every team that comes, confirming that God is in the middle of all of this.

We'll update again tomorrow. Thank you for your love and your prayers.

Love,

Rachel, Iza, Kim, Missy & Lois

Pictures of Our First Day At The Isaiah Center

2008-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

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We made it Safe and Sound

2008-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I talked to Lois this afternoon around 2:00pm local time and they were at Rachel's. They made every connection on time and got to Romania safe and sound. It was a long haul because both Kim and Lois did not get much sleep during the flights. The reason I am updating the blog for them is because the internet is down at Rachel's and has been for a couple of days. But they wanted everyone to know they had arrived safely. Lois assured me that as soon as the internet gets up and running, they will keep us well informed. Please continue to keep all of them in your prayers.

The Blogger's husband!
Mike Wadsworth

Christmas in Romania - We're On Our Way!

2008-11-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

We set out today scrambling around trying to make sure that we have everything ready to get on that plane this afternoon headed for Romania. We also set out today thanking God for all of our blessings, and for allowing us to walk along side Him to show others the love of Christ, and bring others to know Him.

We started out as a team of six and did several group fund raisers. Unfortunately, four of those team members cannot travel this time due to medical and/or surgical problems in their families. We pray for speedy recoveries for each and every one of them. This left only two of us, but we know that God has a plan and we are excited to be part of it! At the last minute, a third team member jumped on board.

We will be staying with, and working with Rachel Ross of Forget Me Not Ministries, at the Isaiah Center in the village of Tinca, Romania with the Roma (Gypsies). We are celebrating Christmas and have new clothes and gifts donated by many of our family and friends. We will be helping Rachel at the Isaiah Center loving on those sweet kids, and helping with different projects. We also plan to spend time with the older teens at Caminul Felix, a Christian orphanage, to do something fun and have bible study with breakout sessions to love them and encourage them.

We ask for your prayers for our health and safe travels, as well as for our families who will be here at home. We ask for your prayers for Rachel Ross in her ministry, and for the work that is being done in Romania. We pray that God will use us to bring His love, and hope, to everyone He puts in our path.

Please follow us along our journey and be part of our team as we will make entries daily with lots of pictures during our stay in Romania.

Because of Him,

Kim Chappelle, Missy Chappelle and Lois Wadsworth

Notes From Rachel Ross and Erin Nish

2008-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Talk about BEING BLESSED…..Erin and I have been AMAZED to watch the hand of God at work as He has orchestrated EVERY single detail with the opening of the children’s center. It has been a whirlwind of blessings from the time we found the house until the moment it was ready to be filled with the kids.

We cannot thank Donnie, Kim, Lois, George (Dad), and Sue Linn (Mom) enough for coming over to help us get the center off the ground and running!! We would not have been able to open without their support as well as all of you who have faithfully prayed over this ministry, supported us, and encouraged us along the way.

We are praying daily for Maria, Abel, Florica, Simona, Samuel, and Alex, and for the brighter future we know God is going to provide! We are praising the Lord for these precious munchkins that the Lord has entrusted to us, and we are asking for His guidance, love, and patience. Please join us as we lift up these little lives daily to Him and place them in His hands. For more updates feel free to check http://www.fmnministries.org/.

Thank you again for encouraging us and being a part of this journey!!

Because of Him,

Rachel and Erin

We're home!

2008-01-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Louisville on Wednesday night at about 9:30. It was a very long day. God blessed each one of us with two seats each on the long flight home so we were able to stretch out and get some much needed rest. The First Baptist Team from the November trip along with our families and some friends were at the airport waiting for us when we arrived. What a great way to come home!

Sue Linn talked to Rachel late last night. The second day at the center went very well. The kids were all more adjusted and even took a nap all at the same time. It was probably the first time they had ever had a bed all to themselves as in the gypsy community, they may have eight to ten people sharing two beds.

We are so thankful, and privileged, that we were able to be in Romania for the opening of the center. It is a day that we will never forget.

Please don't miss any of the entries on the blog. We were so excited on opening day, January 15th, that we posted four separate entries, one with lots of pictures, one telling about the exciting day, one with three short videos and one about sponsorship needs.

Thank you for all of the prayers, comments on the blog, and for all those who donated items needed for the center. We can't wait to see what God has in store next!

Child Sponsorship Needed!

2008-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Forget Me Not Ministries consists of many people. Rachel and Erin are on the field in Romania and many others in the US and Canada are part of the ministry. As Rachel has said many times, she could not do what she is doing without the help of others. It is a team effort. This includes mission teams coming to Romania to do special projects and those who support the ministry financially. There are also those who faithfully cover the ministry in prayer and God has answered many of those prayers this week!

Six kids were blessed today, and will continue to be blessed, through the efforts of FMN and the children's center. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these kids. We can give up something as little as a coke a day, or a trip through the drive through, and instead make a difference in the life of one of these precious children. Sponsorship is $30/month. That is less than it costs an average family to go out to eat one time. More children will be able to be in the center as more sponsors are received.

The ministry is also in need of general support that can be directed to whatever is necessary and can be a one time financial gift or monthly support. We can tell you first hand, that every dollar that is given to FMN is used for the children.

If you would like to become a sponsor or make a monetary donation, mail to the address below. You may write "donation" in the memo line of your check, or send a note stating that you would like to sponsor a child. We have included the six children's pictures on this entry of the blog.

Forget Me Not Ministries
PO Box 142
Sellersburg, IN 47172
www.fmnministries.org
www.myspace.com/fmnministries

God is using FMN in a mighty way and you will be blessed by supporting the ministry. We can tell you this first hand, as our lives will never be the same.

Samuel

Simona

Alex

Abel

Florica

Maria

As if the pictures weren't enough.

2008-01-15T16:04:00.000-08:00