It was time to get ready to get the food packages ready for delivery. The packages were larger than ever thanks to the generosity of many, double the size that the families normally receive. Even the grocery store was overwhelmed with the amount of food that we were able to buy. Both vehicles were packed from top to bottom!
Off to the village we went. We were able to go to each of the families huts who are assisted through the work of FMN. This is a Christmas tradition that our team has been blessed to be part of since 2007. We shared with each family about all of those who are part of Christmas in Romania, and because of the generosity, we are able to share these amazing gifts. We feel so blessed to be able to be here to deliver the gifts, but could never do this without so many of you! Each family was so appreciative and were overwhelmed with the amount of food they received. We were able to pray with each family, to let them know that they are loved by Jesus Christ and by us, and by so many that they may never meet (unless you want to be part of a mission team and be part of this amazing ministry)! There were many tears shed, as the Roma people are always shunned and not accepted. Through the work of FMN, they have found that they are loved and accepted, and also encouraged, to know that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and that He loves us all!
We went to Samuel and Abel's grandparents hut. Their mother abandoned them when they were young, and they were left in a potato cellar with a mud floor and no roof. These boys were very young. FMN put in a floor and a roof, and began working with Samuel and Abel, and bringing them to the Isaiah Center.
We ask for your prayers for Abel, specifically. He is 12 years old now, and facing peer pressure. All preteens and teenagers go through this stage, but in the Roma culture, and the poverty and being considered outcasts, many end up as alcoholics, have other addictions, and some are sold in child trafficking. Abel is trying to fit in. He has been given so much through the FMN Isaiah Center, including a chance at a better life. Today while delivering food to his family, we were excited that Abel wanted to pray with all of us. He is at a pivotal point in his life. We ask that you join us in praying for Abel and for so many others who struggle to live day to day in this very dark place.
We also ask you to pray for the teenage girls in the village, who are being forced into marriage at a very young age, and who end up having children when they are still children themselves. One of the boys in a family assisted by FMN recently married a young woman. She became pregnant. Her parents are deceased. Her aunt raised her. The aunt took her, had her beat until she lost the baby, so the aunt could sell her for prostitution. Praise Jesus, she is now back with her husband and his family who love her very much. There is also a huge problem with marital rape and STD's due to lack of education and medical care. Please pray for healing for the victims of this horrible crime, and for God's protection over the many innocent and vulnerable children in this village.
The wood was ready to be delivered after we delivered the food packages. The wood was delivered by several loads by a horse and buggy, two cart fulls to each family. We thought it would be fun to ride on the buggy of wood, so we did! We laughed and carried on, and all of the kids came running and waving. What an experience! We have pictures to prove it!
We got to see some of the hut additions which are awesome! Some families needed an extra room because of having so many living in one small room. Some of the families are getting a bathroom with indoor plumbing. Mariuta is in a wheelchair, paralyzed since right after the birth of her last son. She recently go a new wheelchair. They are working on a bathroom, and will end up with a shower and/or tub that will help her to be more self sufficient. This will be huge! We also saw many of the kids with their new outfits on that they got at the Christmas party.
Rachel always has one, two, three or more kids staying with her. Some stay because their sick, or problems putting them at risk at home, or just because they want to stay with Rachel. Simona, Maria, Samuel and Calina have been with us all week. They are so sweet! They play so well together and help with chores, and are so well behaved. Iza is amazing with all of the kids. They look up to her, and she is an excellent role model. They love Rachel sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo very much!
We had the "bakery" going tonight after returning to Katartizo. Mammy (Kim) and the kids made Christmas tree cookie cakes. Rachel and Stephanie made their first made from scratch cinnamon rolls. SWEET! They did an awesome job and are excited to make them for Christmas!
What a blessed day!
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