I first want to thank each of you for reading this blog during the last 10 days. I hope it inspired each of you while bringing those of you who have loved ones in Romania comfort. The last full day of ministry went very well. The team spent time with the little ones at the Point of Hope Center in the morning while finishing up the painting project and the floor in the classroom. The team then enjoyed a great lunch of sarmale (cabbage rolls) followed by visiting 2 homes of children in the Center. This was a very moving experience for the team members. The first home was a family of nine children and two parents living in a 1 room 7' x 12' apartment. The family was cracking walnuts for a local company for 20 lei (lei is the Romanian currency which has the value of 3 lei equaling 1 US dollar) for 7 dollars per bushel. The entire family was doing this and walnut shells littered the floor. The conditions were a very sad sight but it was nice seeing the family earning some money.
The team then went to the Buckner Group home to do some "girly" things followed by a trip to an Emergency Center where children are left for emergency care. The team ministered to the 13 children ranging from 2 to 14 years of age by playing games with them. The team finished the night by enjoying a dinner attended by the entire Fundatia Buckner staff and team.
The final two days of the trip will include sightseeing and driving back to southern Romania to get ready to depart on Sunday morning. I am hoping to make one more picture posting tonight to recap the final three days of ministry.
The biggest thing the team would like to communicate to you is the need for Another Child Foundation to gain sponsors for these precious children. Currently, we have eight children in need of sponsorship. The process of becoming a sponsor is very quick and easy. Just let our Missions office know that you have interest in becoming an answered prayer for one of our children. The phone # for the Missions office is (815) 303-1725 and the email address is director@anotherchild.org
Thanks for your support!
Another Child Foundation Blog... reaching, teaching, and transforming the lives of Romanian children
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Pictures Galore!
Here are some pictures from the last 2 days of ministry in Romania...enjoy!
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| The Bike Rally |
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| Tim & Debi |
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| Dennis & Kaitlyn at the Group Home |
The kids at the TM airport
Getting ready for snacks at the picnic on Tuesday
The mural getting started
Dawn and 2 young girls. Pictures at the zoo!
The monkey cage was great!
Grill master Dennis?
The slides were popular for all the kids
The mural taking shape
Crafts during the VBS
Tricia and Iacob!
Kaitlyn the artist!
Dennis and Rita
The final touches on the mural
The finished product!
Dawn Cook, Tricia Danley. Kaitlyn Danley, and Dennis Huston. Team CUMC
VBS Day at the Point of Hope Development Center
I first want to apologize for not making a timely posting to wrap up days 5 & 6 so I am now in catch up mode. On Monday the team was to meet the children at the local airport so the children could see some real live jets up close. Once again the day could not have had better weather. The team once again woke up to cool air and bright blue skies. Temps eventually got up into the low 70's. God has blessed up with glorious weather so far but the forecast for Tuesday and the zoo trip seemed in danger with a not so good forecast. The team started off going to the Fundatia Buckner office here in Targu-Mures to start the week off in their weekly prayer meeting with the Romanian staff. Upon arrival at the office we met another staff member for the Buckner Group Home by the name of Lili. We all talked about what the prayer concerns of each of had and then prayed in our native languages to God. The largest portion of the prayers was for the imminent rain to hold off until we could complete the trip to the TM zoo on Tuesday afternoon. After the prayer meeting the team headed off to buy the paint supplies needed for the work project at the Point of Hope. Once the team got those supplies we headed to the airport to meet the kids. While we missed the landing of the airliner coming in the kids did get to visit a fighter jet and see the WIZZ AIR jet from the windows of the terminal. The kids were amazed at the size of the plane and just how many people could actually sit on such an aircraft.
The team then enjoyed a picnic lunch with the children before finishing the day at the Center painting the Noah's Ark mural on the wall. All 3 (Dawn, Trisha, and Kaitlyn) did a great job with this while Dennis and I did a fabulous job supervising the work. The night ended up at dinner with another Buckner staff member Ali. Ali has been with Fundatia Buckner for 7 years and has done a great job translating and working in the office and the Point of Hope Center.
Day 6 ended better than we had hoped or prayed for. After some big thunderstorms on Monday night the team woke up to a gloomier morning. Clouds were thick but the rain was holding off for now. Since the zoo trip wasn't until noon the team immediately started painting again. The mural is looking very good and I am sure the kids will enjoy it tremendously and it sure brightens up and brings life to the room. After cleaning up the team was told that the trip to the zoo was still on because the rain was still holding off. The children and the team loaded the bus at noon and off to the zoo we went. The zoo was very impressive with many of the large jungle animals able to be seen. From an elephant, to lions, bears, tigers, snakes the kids loved it. However, the monkeys seemed to catch the kids attention the most. The laughed as the monkeys swung from limb to limb as if there were showing off for our kids. After the 2 hour tour the kids enjoyed another picnic lunch courtesy of ACF's long term missionaries Dennis & Swanna Lofton. After the kids played on some very nice playground equipment it was time to head home. As the whistle blew to round the kids up it started to rain. By the time we all took a bathroom break the rain had us all wet but it did not take away the fun we all enjoyed. It was as if God said to us "I am in control of all of this, even the rain." After the team did some more painting we finally got to go to the local feeding hole called Pizza Motors. Pizza Motors has been a favorite stop for many of the ACF teams who travel to Romania. The team enjoyed some good pizza before retiring for the night. Wednesday the team has prepared a VBS for all 90 kids at the Point of Hope Center. Please keep the team in your prayers, Things seem to be going smoothly and God is obviously with us as we continue on this exciting journey of bringing HOPE to some children who desperately need it. We all have to remember that HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING! So, please pray that we do not get complacent in our work and also that God may move your heart to consider helping ACF continue to make a difference by sponsoring on of the 8 children who still need sponsors. Thanks for reading!
The team then enjoyed a picnic lunch with the children before finishing the day at the Center painting the Noah's Ark mural on the wall. All 3 (Dawn, Trisha, and Kaitlyn) did a great job with this while Dennis and I did a fabulous job supervising the work. The night ended up at dinner with another Buckner staff member Ali. Ali has been with Fundatia Buckner for 7 years and has done a great job translating and working in the office and the Point of Hope Center.
Day 6 ended better than we had hoped or prayed for. After some big thunderstorms on Monday night the team woke up to a gloomier morning. Clouds were thick but the rain was holding off for now. Since the zoo trip wasn't until noon the team immediately started painting again. The mural is looking very good and I am sure the kids will enjoy it tremendously and it sure brightens up and brings life to the room. After cleaning up the team was told that the trip to the zoo was still on because the rain was still holding off. The children and the team loaded the bus at noon and off to the zoo we went. The zoo was very impressive with many of the large jungle animals able to be seen. From an elephant, to lions, bears, tigers, snakes the kids loved it. However, the monkeys seemed to catch the kids attention the most. The laughed as the monkeys swung from limb to limb as if there were showing off for our kids. After the 2 hour tour the kids enjoyed another picnic lunch courtesy of ACF's long term missionaries Dennis & Swanna Lofton. After the kids played on some very nice playground equipment it was time to head home. As the whistle blew to round the kids up it started to rain. By the time we all took a bathroom break the rain had us all wet but it did not take away the fun we all enjoyed. It was as if God said to us "I am in control of all of this, even the rain." After the team did some more painting we finally got to go to the local feeding hole called Pizza Motors. Pizza Motors has been a favorite stop for many of the ACF teams who travel to Romania. The team enjoyed some good pizza before retiring for the night. Wednesday the team has prepared a VBS for all 90 kids at the Point of Hope Center. Please keep the team in your prayers, Things seem to be going smoothly and God is obviously with us as we continue on this exciting journey of bringing HOPE to some children who desperately need it. We all have to remember that HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING! So, please pray that we do not get complacent in our work and also that God may move your heart to consider helping ACF continue to make a difference by sponsoring on of the 8 children who still need sponsors. Thanks for reading!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Day 4...The Journey Continues
Sunday was day 4 of the 11 day mission trip to Romania for the Another Child Foundation mission team. The day started with the team helping Fundatia Buckner with a bike rally in promoting safety for all types of road vehicles. Fundatia Buckner is partnering with Heineken in this 4 week project. The team enjoyed helping the 300 bicyclist pedal through the city of Targu-Mures. The team handed out t-shirts, water, and brochures. The team then enjoyed a great lunch at the Tempo restaurant. This is a restaurant that Dennis Huston and I have looked forward to since last years trip. They specialize in a great bean soup served in a large bread bowl similar to Panera but much better.
The team finally made it to the Buckner Group Home in the late afternoon to enjoy time with the 5 young ladies at the home. The team did a very nice craft project with the girls followed by the girls preparing a delicious meal for everyone. As always the girls did a great job of serving us. It is obvious that the staff is doing a great job preparing these girls for life after the group home.
On Monday the team will start the day buying the materials needed to complete the work projects at the Point of Hope. The team will go to BauMax which is a superstore like an American Lowe's or Menards. The team will then meet up with the thirty 4 and 5 year olds from the Point of Hope at the local airport for a tour. This is very exciting for the children who have hardly ever left their neighborhoods. After the tour of the airport the team and kids will enjoy a sack lunch and games. The team will end their day at the Point of Hope Center doing some painting of a classroom. Everyone seems to be doing well and are looking forward to the rest of the week. Below are some pictures from the previous days activities.
The team finally made it to the Buckner Group Home in the late afternoon to enjoy time with the 5 young ladies at the home. The team did a very nice craft project with the girls followed by the girls preparing a delicious meal for everyone. As always the girls did a great job of serving us. It is obvious that the staff is doing a great job preparing these girls for life after the group home.
On Monday the team will start the day buying the materials needed to complete the work projects at the Point of Hope. The team will go to BauMax which is a superstore like an American Lowe's or Menards. The team will then meet up with the thirty 4 and 5 year olds from the Point of Hope at the local airport for a tour. This is very exciting for the children who have hardly ever left their neighborhoods. After the tour of the airport the team and kids will enjoy a sack lunch and games. The team will end their day at the Point of Hope Center doing some painting of a classroom. Everyone seems to be doing well and are looking forward to the rest of the week. Below are some pictures from the previous days activities.
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| Beautiful Romania! |
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Day 3 Review! Some Beautiful Sights!
One of the best things about Romania in mid-October is the beautiful fall colors and yesterday did not disappoint! The team woke up to some fresh mountain air along with a crisp blue sky and the day got only better from there. The team enjoyed a nice European breakfast that included some fresh tomatoes, bread, salami, cheese, and other goodies. We were then asked if we would enjoy an egg omelet prepared by the kitchen and a few of us took advantage of that also. After some good conversation and a prayer for travel safety the team was off to our first sight-seeing stop at Bran Castle. This year I saw the castle in a different way. After 7 years of coming to this historic country and reading many books about Romania I am finally beginning to see the significance of these castles to their rich history. The castle once again did not disappoint. As always the castle provided a very real picture of what must have been like in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. After the hour tour the team took some time to do a little shopping for some souvenirs. Then it was back on the road for a couple hours heading North through the Carpathian mountains towards our final destination of the Point of Hope Development Center we the real ministry will happen.
But before we get to enjoy the ministry of helping some of God's most precious children we had the chance to eat some fresh fish at lunch. A couple of the team members took advantage of some fresh fish while the others took the safer route of chicken or some delicious Romanian soups. Once again the team was really enjoying the beautiful 70 degree weather God had blessed us with this day. The team then drove another hour towards the Rupea Fortress. This would be the first time a team that I was leading would stop at this majestic looking fortress. The government had received a large grant to renovate this ancient fortress and over the past few years a lot of work had been done to make this a sight-seeing stop. While the fortress still has some more work to do to make it a "must see" it was very nice and the view from the top of the tallest tower was breathtaking.
Finally, the team was off to Tarneveni where the Point of Hope is located. After another hour or so the team finally arrived. The team saw many of the children we will be ministering to right away as the children are never too far from the school. Gabi Szabo gave the team a quick tour of the school and gave them a good background of the neighborhood and the people who live there. After sorting through some of the humanitarian aid and VBS supplies the team toted over the ocean we were ready to head towards Targu-Mures where we would be staying for the night. After some pictures with some local children the team was off to the hotel where we would have dinner and settle in for the night. The team will be staying at the Hotel Continental for 2 nights before relocating to Hotel Iris in Tarneveni.
A big thank you to Dennis Lofton who safely transported us the past couple days. Also, a thank you to Gabi Szabo who was always ready to answer any questions the team had about Romania and always gave us some of the history of the places we were traveling through. Day 4 is a Sunday and the team will be helping Fundatia Buckner with a bike rally they are hosting to promote road safety for bikers in the city. The team will also be visiting the Buckner Group Home for the first time. Keep the team in your prayers. Getting the proper nutrition and sleep is always a big challenge the first few days of a trip like this. Jet lag is a very real thing for the human body to adjust to. Hopefully, I will be able to add some pictures of some of the sights tonight. Thanks for reading this blog and praying for the team!
But before we get to enjoy the ministry of helping some of God's most precious children we had the chance to eat some fresh fish at lunch. A couple of the team members took advantage of some fresh fish while the others took the safer route of chicken or some delicious Romanian soups. Once again the team was really enjoying the beautiful 70 degree weather God had blessed us with this day. The team then drove another hour towards the Rupea Fortress. This would be the first time a team that I was leading would stop at this majestic looking fortress. The government had received a large grant to renovate this ancient fortress and over the past few years a lot of work had been done to make this a sight-seeing stop. While the fortress still has some more work to do to make it a "must see" it was very nice and the view from the top of the tallest tower was breathtaking.
Finally, the team was off to Tarneveni where the Point of Hope is located. After another hour or so the team finally arrived. The team saw many of the children we will be ministering to right away as the children are never too far from the school. Gabi Szabo gave the team a quick tour of the school and gave them a good background of the neighborhood and the people who live there. After sorting through some of the humanitarian aid and VBS supplies the team toted over the ocean we were ready to head towards Targu-Mures where we would be staying for the night. After some pictures with some local children the team was off to the hotel where we would have dinner and settle in for the night. The team will be staying at the Hotel Continental for 2 nights before relocating to Hotel Iris in Tarneveni.
A big thank you to Dennis Lofton who safely transported us the past couple days. Also, a thank you to Gabi Szabo who was always ready to answer any questions the team had about Romania and always gave us some of the history of the places we were traveling through. Day 4 is a Sunday and the team will be helping Fundatia Buckner with a bike rally they are hosting to promote road safety for bikers in the city. The team will also be visiting the Buckner Group Home for the first time. Keep the team in your prayers. Getting the proper nutrition and sleep is always a big challenge the first few days of a trip like this. Jet lag is a very real thing for the human body to adjust to. Hopefully, I will be able to add some pictures of some of the sights tonight. Thanks for reading this blog and praying for the team!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Day 2 in Romania
Hey everyone...I just wanted to let everyone that we have arrived safely and the team is doing well. We all rested well last night (for the most part) and are ready for a day of sightseeing before getting to the Point of Hope Development Center. Today we will be visiting Bran Castle. It is promoted as Dracula's Castle but the Romanian leader Vlad Dracul only spent a summer there while he was in power. We will also visit an ancient fortress. The history of this part of the world in pretty cool. So keep the team in your prayers for safe travel and healthy bodies.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
October Newsletter
The October Newsletter was published today! It includes great articles, which include one student's summer mission experience, the Lafayette Golf Scramble and Women's Event recap and information about the progress being made in Romania!
Check it all out by CLICKING HERE!
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