A Life Changing Experience

This year made my 3rd trip to Romania. Each and every year its a new, yet always life changing experience. We've been back home a week now and I'm ready to go back. This year was a little more special because we got to work with not only the children but some of the mothers and grandmothers. I wanted Jill and Kim to share their thoughts after working with the ladies. It was their 1st trip to Romania and I wanted to hear and share their perspective.

Thoughts from Jill Trick
When I first heard I was working with the woman’s group I was a little apprehensive. I wondered, what I would have in common with these women, what would I say, would they understand me, would they have a good time.
All these fears quickly disappeared when I got to the Point of Hope. I met the staff, who are wonderful! I was paired with a translator who was unbelievably patient and kind. Then I met the women and they were incredible. I worked in the Arts & Crafts room. We had a blast. We made tiles with each woman’s child on it, weaved crosses, decorated bags, and made button bracelets. They were simple crafts but the women loved it. They joked about the fact that they feel like children but they enjoyed it anyways. And if a women happened to miss a day they wanted to make up the craft that they missed. After the three days working with the women, I was changed. These women do so much and sacrifice so much for their children. They are so proud of their children. They want to give their children the opportunities that they were not given. I don’t know how to express how grateful I am for these experiences. I have a new perspective on so much, I can’t put into words how much this trip has affected me. So much good has come out of this trip! I cannot wait to come back and work again!


Thoughts from Kim Bradford
There have been a lot of ups and downs with the ladies the last few days. The language barrier along with not wanting to let them down made it even harder. On Tuesday, I led the devotional with them, and if anyone knows me, it's not something I like to do ( just talking in front of people makes me physical ill). I got through it with Gods help, but also with the prayers of my new and old friends. All three days I was in the beauty station doing nails, face, and yes even hair. We laughed so hard most days. The worst part was saying goodbye. I cried like a baby. Too see them walk back to their homes broke my heart. They have nothing, and I have way too much. I have been changed forever. I went to help them, but in the end, they helped me even more. I WILL never forget my time here and would very much like to come back next year.

Summer Intern Brett Sums Up the Experience!

 "My experience at the Point of Hope was truly a blessing!  Coming back into this culture and community was eye-opening as I saw the children day after day.  I got to know them and build relationships that will last a life time.  Part of my heart will forever be with those kids and their families!  I can't wait to come back again!  God has made this experience more than I could ever imagine!  These kids that I have been working with have transformed me in ways that I can't explain.  All I know for sure is that the love that I have for these kids will never fade and will keep me coming back for the rest of my life."  - Brett Kepner 

A Captured Heart!



Aubrey "all in" with the kids she is serving!

 "Wow, what a beautiful, wonderful, love-filled day to put it simply.  But honestly, how can one put into words an experience so impactful that you know it has changed your life forever.  Now, I am not just saying this, I can feel a difference, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally because of these kids. They are so kind, generous, loving kids who have been dealt more sorrow and suffering in life than many of us can even imagine.  Yet, they look out for each other and are so willing to give love to us, only strangers a few days ago.  Even though we don't all speak the same language, I have found that love is universal.  I can see God and His love in these kids.  They are the perfect example for love and hope.  They have captured my heart in the best way possible that I don't want it to end.  I did not know one day, one week, could be filled with so much happiness and love.  I Thank God for every second that I can be here.  I absolutely love these kids.  This has been an exciting and eye-opening adventure so far and I cannot wait to see what God still has in store." - Aubrey Molln

 

 

Cherishing Each Moment!

Sydney & Kayla at the Point of Hope
Development Center

 "Hello from Romania!  Our trip is about half over now and I am just absolutely loving it!  So far, we have been sightseeing, helped at the point of Hope, got to talk with some of the residents living there in Tarnaveni and got to visit some homes.  I loved helping at the Point of Hope!  Currently, we are doing a VBS camp for about 40 orphans.  They are all so sweet and generous I have noticed that each and every one of them look out for each other.  They love giving hugs, laughing, playing, and dancing.  A lot of them are starting to open up more to us and expressing their feelings.  I've also had the pleasure to get very close with a few of them.  I think it is going to be very difficult to leave.  Until then, I am going to cherish every moment I have with these kids!" - Sydney Sweenie.

"It has been an amazing 6 days so far!  Its neat to see how close you can get with these kids in just a few short days.  Its sad to think that we will be saying good bye soon.  It is so neat to see how unselfish these kids are - they are always offering to take your plate at dinner for you.  They are always giving kisses, hugs, and 'I Love You's' - Kayla Sweenie

Getting to Really Know the Children!

Melissa Sweenie getting to know the kids
at the Point of Hope Center

 " Hello from Romania!  We are about halfway through our trip.  So much has happened in such a short amount of time.  We have been here at the camp with the kids for 3 days and each day bonds become stronger.  The children are beautiful, inside & out.  They are so loving, kind, funny, and sweet.  We have been given a challenge on this trip to find out the "story" of a child and get to know them better.  I was blessed to talk with 2 young ladies yesterday.  I learned about their families, their background, likes and dislike, and their faith.  I was glad to hear that both girls are believers, and I pray this week strengthen s their faith.  Both girls have obstacles and problems they are facing - broken homes, issues with boys, trying to fit in, etc.  One of the girls didn't own a Bible, so this morning I found her and gave her mine,  We made a deal that if I gave it to her, she had to promise she would read it.  The other girl told me about her struggles and after listening to her, she said "I wish you were my mom." It broke my heart.  If I could I would bring them home with me.  Although I may never see these kids again, They have made a lasting impact on my life.  Sitting together watching a movie this afternoon, I looked around and had this sense of family.  All of us - staff, kids, interpreters, have all bonded so strongly & so quickly.  Our mission team - all 16 of us - have had so many memorable experiences together that we've grown into our own little family.  Each one of them brings their own talents and gifts.  Together we make a complete team.  Love them all.  It will be hard to leave Romania, but I feel confident that God is using us to minister and show His love to these precious kids.  Please keep the rest of our trip in your prayers as we carry out the rest of our mission." - Melissa Sweenie

"This Trip is Amazing"

Julie Keegan sharing God's love!

" Romania is amazing!  First we toured and learned the history, and my heart aches for what they have gone through in the last 30 years! Current history that our children learn in school!  Now we've met the products of the destruction they have gone through. The little ones from the Point of Hope - A family that lives in a 1 room apartment, smaller than a railroad car!  That family told us they were blessed to have happiness because they were all healthy!  Now the orphans... They laugh, play, dance, sing, give hugs & kisses.  Just like a child should.  They have the beset sense of humor. The thing I've notices that breaks my heart is when they are told no, they are over it and moving on like nothing else.  I find that very sad.  I want them to fight for what they want.  I want them to be able to stand up without being afraid.  These kids are so unselfish. Tonight a little one at our table won a marshmallow. Yes! a marshmallow.  He took a bite & handed the rest to the child next to him. They take care of each other - always!  I see it all day long - they cheer each other on, help each other know where they should be and are there to give hugs when needed.  Funny thing about this blog.... when I was approached to write one, my stomach went to my feet and I was promise I only had to write one paragraph!  SO much for thinking I couldn't possibly do this!  I have met very amazing dedicated people - they love what they do - taking care of God's children.  I am amazed how blessed I am to be here working along side will each and every one of them.  God's love shines through all of them. " - Julie Keegan

 

Morning devotions at the VBS camp!

 

Pictures Galore! A Recap of the First Three Days!

 

The Truth

Another Truth!

Team members from Walnut Community Bible Church

 

The team arriving in Romania

 

Josie, Katy & Sydney posing next to a suit
of armor at Peles Castle

 

The team's first taste of Romanian food

 

Beautiful Brasov

 

The team in front of the Black Church in Brasov, Romania

 

Katy and a beautiful little girl!

Tricia and her new friends

 

A lone child in a building across from the
Point of Hope Development Center

 

Kaitlyn and Angel her sponsored child

 

Julia and some boys during the Sponsor's Day activities

 

Aubrey taking some precious time to pose for the camera.
I know she wants to get back to playing with the kiddos!

 

Bradley and some new friends!

 

Donna and 4 kids enjoying some ice cream

 

Julie playing with some of the younger children
at the Point of Hope!

 

Melissa playing a get to know you game with the children!

 

Sydney having fun!

 

The Mission Trip Just Keeps Getting Better!

Donna with children from the Point of Hope
Development Center during the ACF Sponsors Day!

 "Wow!! This has been quite an experience! And each day keeps getting better!
After meeting all of the children Sunday when they arrived at camp, it didn't take long for them to steal my heart. They have such loving, giving hearts - they are very unselfish - always looking out for one another and their needs!  Even the team members - they think of us first - giving us items that are meant for them and serving us in any way they can by something as kind as clearing our dishes off the table to splitting a bite-size candy in half to share with us - God has given me an opportunity to learn some valuable lessons from these kids!  This evening Noemi gave me a gift - her craft that she just finished making - signing it on the back: "Noemi Love". It will certainly be hung on my frig when I go home. :)  I have received so many hugs and realize that God's Love isn't confined within boundaries - it is universal - and at this camp it is shared constantly - no words needed :) We have a unique way of communicating with each other! God has a way of making everything possible! I am very blessed to be here in this place at this time." - Donna VonHolten"

 

The team enjoying their first Romanian meal

 

School Kits Have Arrived!

4 of the nearly 80 boxes of school supplies
to be sent to the Point of Hope Development
Center in Tarneveni, Romania

Today the school kits donated by many of our loyal supporters arrived on a large Fed Ex truck at the ACF Mission's office in Princeton, Illinois. These boxes of school supplies along with many shoes, boots, socks, blankets, and other humanitarian aid will be loaded onto a 40 foot shipping container in early August. The aid is being sent to Fundatia Buckner where staff and volunteers will distribute all of the aid to the needy children and families in which God has entrusted to our care.

The aid collected during the 2015 Project Respond aid drive helps ACF reach our mission of reaching, teaching and transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Romania. Because of our generous supporters we will meet the needs of the teachers in Romania who need these vital school supplies to be able to properly educate the children in their classrooms.

The kits are customized to meet the exact needs of the teachers at the Point of Hope Development Center. Each kit includes: large pack of construction paper, water colors, filler paper, 8 piece marker set, colored pencils, 2 pocket folders, erasers, glue stick, highlighter, dry erase marker, pens of 3 different colors, metric ruler, and scissors. The actual retail cost of all these supplies is over $20. Even at sale prices the value of the kit exceeds $18. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

You can learn more about Project Respond here and see last year's results here and here.

Reflections from the Heart!

"Today was full of memories that I'll carry with me forever.  Its an amazing feeling to make great friendships in such a short amount of time.  At the beginning of the day I was just learning some of the names of these kids and by the end of the day we were glued to each other's sides.  Its really heartwarming to have people you just met and can't even speak the same language as, showing you such unconditional love." - Julie Edlefson
 


"Today was overall a wonderful day and I built some strong relationships.  One boy in particular I bonded really well with and I had a hard time saying goodnight to him. It amazed me how easy it was to connect with the kids even when I couldn't speak their language.  It really shows how God can do wonderful things." - Kaitlyn Danley

God can do, is doing and will continue to do amazing things through the people He send to Romania to minister to the children He has entrusted to our care. Over the next 6 days the team will be proclaiming Gods love through the activities they have planned for these 40 children and young adults.

Please keep this team in your prayers as they reflect God's love by using their hands and feet as God commanded them to do. Another Child Foundation is blessed to have these 15 people representing us and Jesus! 

A Happy Return!

"So Happy to return to the Point of Hope Development Center today! Our morning began with play time! A sponsor day to meet the children attending the school was so fun! I went upstairs to play with a group of older kids, 3 girls instantly meet me with hugs and kisses.  A beautiful girl named Othelia would not let go of me.  She had a smile that lit up the room.  Then went and found Kaitlyn's sponsored child, Angel.  Was great to see how much he has grown since we met him.  (Also saw little Dennis!) After that, a home visit with a kindergarten student and her family.  Had a few minutes to play with her and meet her brother and beautiful baby sister. So sad to see the poverty.  Not sure where the father was, and her brother suffered from epilepsy.  My heart broke for this family. 
      As we left that home,  I found Rita! She is the cleaning lady at the school and reminds me of my Grandma.  I gave her a haircut the last time I was here, and had never had such a happy customer! When she was coming down the road, I flew into her arms and we hugged and cried and giggled!
     A very special stop came next and there is no way to expect what was coming.  We visited a girl to deliver a gift sent by her sponsors, Dave & Kathy Ramp.  This little girl had been hit by a car a few months back, and was paralyzed.  She can't really see and can't talk.  But today, her parents had her standing up and she was trying to walk!  God is so good. As we were leaving the neighborhood, Othelia was there and I got more hugs and kisses! Then after we left, Jim tells us that this was the same family he had visited on his last trip here with Dennis Huston & Kevin Sack.  God sure does know how to work things, don't He?! 
     Now we are at camp preparing for 40 children who are all orphans, and I do not know how I am going to leave here.  These kids are going to get my heart and I can't wait to see what this week will bring.  And this setting in the mountains is unbelievable!  Thank you God for warming my heart today! So grateful to experience this with my daughter again. And AMEN."  - Tricia Danley , East Moline, IL

Kaitlyn & Angel Bosa

 

 

A Very Bitter Sweet Day!

Jim and friends 3 years ago!

"A Very Bitter Sweet Day:  Traveled to Point of Hope Development Center to be with the children.  I remember approx.. 3 years ago being here in December visiting with the children and taking photos of them.  They would call out 'Posa' and want their picture taken and after taking the photo they would run to the back of the camera to see them and their friend's pictures.  It made me sad that I would take these pictures home to East Moline, IL and have printed out and they had a fleeting second to view their Pictures.  This time I was prepared and purchased a portable photo printer and with donations from Dennis and Marcia Huston and Christ United Methodist Church Wesleyan's Group to purchase photo paper , I was able to give pictures to the 100 students and teachers and helpers at the Point of Hope School - a big thanks to all.
  

Jim and the rest of the team in 2015!

   Also at my last visit we visited a home of one of the students at Point of Hope.  This family had 2 children going to school there and at that time had 7 in the family with one on the way.  The home was spotless with everything in its place.  A tower of blankets almost reaching the ceiling folded perfect.  This turned out to be the same home of a child who had been sponsored by some of our fellow church family, Dave and Kathy Ramp.  This little girl had been hit by a vehicle and is now paralyzed and blind.  We were asked to deliver a gift to their child.  I was too sad when I discovered that their child and the home I had visited the three years previous was one and the same.  As Tricia & Kaitlyn Danley & myself walked up to the home, the father recognized me which made me feel great but very sad for the tragedy in his family's life.  He had a great smile and the family was all there, all surrounding him.  He was very proud of the improvements his little girl was making, some walking with helping hands to steady her.  Continued prayers for the family on recovery of their precious little girl."    - Jim Power,  East Moline, IL

My Second Time to Romania!

"Today I have re-toured Brasov and the Peles Castle, which is great, they are both places worth experiencing twice, but I'm really excited about tomorrow. Last year I felt that we didn't get enough time in Tarnaveni and this time we will get to spend almost a whole day. We met very few children who attend The Point of Hope last year, but this time we will get to take pictures and play games with all of them. I have faith that God's going to bring glory to himself in ways I would have never expected and I can't wait. After tomorrow's visit at Point of Hope is over, we will leave Tarnaveni to begin a week at Camp Harghita where we will be reunited with some of the orphan
kids we met last year, as well as meet some new kids this year. We have an AWESOME V.B.S. and other camp activities planed for the camp kids and even though I know for a fact that there will be plenty of things that just won't go just the way I thought it should, I know that God is in control and will work in amazing and unexpected ways and I'm so super excited to see what he has in store for the us these next few days. - Katy Anderson"

 

 

 

An Amazing First Day!

"We're in Romania! Long airplane rides, long bus rides, very little sleep, you can only imagine the amount of jet lag going on here.  Today we toured at the Peles Castle and the Black Church, and then we traveled... a LOT.  After we travel, we will be working at the Point of Hope which is the school in Tarnaveni.  There, we will help with the pre-school through 7th grade, and then we will get to meet the kids who we sponsor and give them gifts.  I am super excited to meet a little boy names Denis! He is five years old and he is so adorable!  I am looking forward to creating a bond with him and making this sponsorship a more personal one.  I believe these mission trips are all about relationships.  I hope and pray that each and every one of our team members and children gets out of this trip what I did last year and more! Please be praying for all of us to make life-long friendships with each other!  Thank you for all of the prayers up until now as well! See you all in a little while! - Josie Lind"