ACF Pig Roast a Big Success!

On Sunday, September 13 Another Child Foundation held our first summer Pig Roast. ACF served freshly roasted pork, apple sauce, baked beans and many other goodies. The highlight of the day for the children was the castle bounce house for them to play on. ACF also had some live praise music from members of the Walnut Community Bible Church along with door prizes. Between 75 and 100 people attended this event. But the big news was the announcement of the Breaking through Barriers campaign. The Breaking through Barriers campaign is a capital campaign to raise funds for the renovation of the 3rd floor of the Point of Hope Development Center. The supporters who were at the pig roast got the first look at what a totally remodeled life-skill teaching classroom night look like. These are exciting times at ACF and if you want to be a part of this ministry fell free to email me at director@anotherchild.org

Director Tim starting to cook the pig

 

Dacian and Ryan enjoying the
beautiful weather!

              

The Castle Bounce House

  

July mission team reunion picture

 

Looking over new ACF apparel

Everyone enjoying the food!

Mural

This year people all over America painted squares as part of ACF’s “Do Something Beautiful” events.  Each square was part of a much larger mural that was to be hung at Point of Hope.  Only one person knew what the final mural would look like.  The individual squares had lines on them and a key to tell you what colors to use to paint it.  Each person was able to color it any way they wanted.  The result was 108 unique squares!  Two members of our June 11^th mission trip carried the squares with them.  Gabi was so excited to put the puzzle together that she couldn’t wait and we had to lay out the mural on the floor.  The final piece was amazing!  We were awed at how all those unique squares came together to form such a beautiful picture!!  Now to just find a wall big enough to hang it, and figure out how to get it up there!!

It took some hard thinking, but Mr. Libero, director of Point of Hope, figured out the best way to hang it.  He recruited a friend of his to help and together they worked on hanging this masterpiece.  Since the only wall big enough was located on the stairs, they first had to figure out how to hang everything safely.  They brought in cinderblocks to place on certain stairs to make a large enough surface for the ladder to stand.  Then they screwed in particle board to the wall to create a surface strong enough to hold the squares.  Finally, they carefully glued the back of each square and placed it on the wall.  It took them two days to put up, but the end result is beautiful!

Final Blog post from the Summer Mission Teams

“Wow! What a privilege it has been to come and serve God and HIS children here in Romania.  To see the conditions some of the children live in day to day makes me so sad.  To hear different children tell me their story of a sibling taking their lives because they just can’t take it cuts me right through the heart.  I thank God each day for the life I live.  I pray that I never complain about anything I have.  For they have barely the necessities for each day, yet they still have a smile or a huge hug.  There may be a language barrier when an interpreter is not around, but we still can communicate.  No words necessary… Through Love.  Thank you God for your grace.” – Terri Molln

“This trip has really changed my perspective on what I have in my life.  It has shown me all the things I have I take for granted.  Phone, TV, internet, but the biggest one of all… family.  Working with the kids has shown me nothing but love for friends and family.  I can’t compare everything to these kids but what I can compare is the love they give and share.  They share it with everyone just as if everyone was family.  There is nothing in this world I want more as long as I see their smiles and receive their love.” - Bradley Davis

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!