Blessings in Romania

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