Greetings from a slow warming Southern California Summer,
It’s been quite some time since I last updated my blog. It was right before my trip to Petrosani in April. Well, this update I have plenty of pics to share from the trip and others as well.
Starting with our (remember, I flew with Costel si Johanna) time in Petrosani. The time went by so fast, it felt like it was just a couple days. Spending time with the girls was the best. Each morning, I would be one of the first ones up, I guess I just didn’t want to miss out on anything. While the coffee was brewing, I would hear the girls wake up and ask “tati” daddy for “lapte cu ciocolata” hot chocolate. We would gather in the kitchen and just sit and talk. You know, some might think it’s boring, but when you are able to spend this time with loved ones, it’s the best time in the world.
I brought some Peanut Butter with me and the girls had never eaten it before. Needless to say, they liked it. We went into town, ate mici @ the “piata” market place. Some have said that Petrosani has some of the best mici around, I agreed!
One of the things I was looking forward to was visiting the kids at Betania Christian Orphanage. Before I was making trips out to Ploiesti and moved to Brasov, I was able to spend time with the kids…a lot of time. Again, just getting to know them and helping them with their school work was some of the best times. I just wanted to show them that someone cares. On weekends, I would bring home some of the kids and they would fit right in. Well, seeing them again was great. They all got so much bigger. Not in the stomach area like me, but taller and just growing up.
I am able to chat with Alex when he is online. I spoke to him last week and I was reminded of a conversation I had with the Administrator of the orphanage, “Fratele Crisan” Brother Crisan. He and the staff normally take the kids on a week or so long trip, camping once a year. He said he might not be able to do it this year as the funds that are coming in are low (as they are all over the globe). I know the times they have out camping are special to them. I really wanted to make sure this trip happened.
Then I came back to America and got caught up in my work schedule, things around the house, and the normal “stuff.” In order for them to make this trip, they need a total of $400.00. I’m not sure if this was the total amount needed or if this is the amount left needed for them to be able to go. I mentioned to “Fratele Crisan” that I would see if I could do something about it when I got back. I pray it’s not too late, I know they wanted to go in July.
If anyone would care to donate something….anything for these kids to go on their Summer Camping trip, you can make a Tax Deductible donation to Kelly Stark (just click on her name and it will take you Safe Harbor’s site for donations, please choose Kelly Stark from the drop down box.) she will personally see that Fratele Crisan gets the donations.
I would also ask that you use her “Contact” (or just click here) tab to shoot her an email letting her know you sent such an amount so she can dedicate those funds to Betania. I say this because there is NO special account for Betania, and she will have no way to know those funds are for them, if there is no email sent to her.
ALL funds which are dedicated to the kids and their Summer camping trip, WILL get to them. Thank you so much for any help, I know they will be greatly appreciative.
Below is a slideshow of our time at Betania and mostly of their 2008 Christmas celebration, Alex gave me the pictures…
Since our time in Romania was right in the middle of the Catholic and Orthodox celebration of Easter, we decided to have one while we were there. Basically we would be there when Easter was celebrated in America and we would be here when Easter was being celebrated in Romania. It was a small gathering, but it’s not quantity that matters….it’s quality!
In my last update, I asked for prayer for the development and delivery of Damaris, Alin and Catalina’s third little girl. Well, she was born and is growing already. Below are some pictures of her first day and some more recent pictures. Thank you for praying, I am still waiting to hear how her kidneys have developed.
Click on any pic to view larger.
Lastly, I would like to share with you the Verse of the Day I received in my email box this morning.
Today’s Verse
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
— Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
When we help those who can’t help themselves — those who have gotten themselves in trouble, those who have been falsely accused, those who are facing death — we are helping Jesus himself. What would Jesus do? He would be helping someone find God out of their hopelessness and despair.
My Prayer…
Father, please give me wisdom to see my opportunities to serve your people as I try to help them understand your incredible grace. In the name of my Redeemer, Savior, and Friend, Jesus. Amen.
Thanks for reading this long update. Hopefully next time won’t be so long.
Until next time…Pa!
