Cleaning Day at The Center & Party Fun!

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