Full Day in Tinca!

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