And the marathon is over. The shoeboxes have been delivered to the schools and the food parcels have been distributed in the villages. It has been a non stop week with around 3000 shoeboxes given into the hands of children in Romania. I cannot express the joy and delight they experienced receiving such a simple gift. In one class, Grace and I walked in and they came running up and just put their arms around me. The only gift many of the children will receive this Christmas.
Wednesday Shoeboxes:
On Wednesday afternoon we handed out food parcels, blankets and hats in Seleus.
As usual we had many of the children watching the entertainment!
This wee family had no carpet, bed or chimney. We were able to bless them with additional gifts this Christmas. Little Denisa was born two weeks ago into this community on a hillside tucked away from Romanian society. At least one of the babies on Seleus hill will not survive the Winter. And that s just how life is for them. The gypsy families are used to it and just accept it as normal. Please do pray that the little ones will be kept safe, warm and free from illness during the next few months.
Due to malnutrition the children have stunted growth and this isn't really noticed as they are all small for their age. When we did the clothing program it became so much more apparent when dressing a ten year old in 5-6 or 7-8 clothes from the UK. It was much more obvious the day Grace came to join us on the hill and was playing with the other girls her age. The stunted growth and lack of nourishing meals was then very clear to see. It was brilliant to have her with us and able to play and chat with them.
Thursday shoeboxes:
Food parcels in Rora:
Shoeboxes on Friday in Venitor. A school that we were able to bless unexpectedly with left over boxes.
Grace brought a massive bear she found in the store.
Two boys in the kindergarden receiving the teddy.
At Tigmandru church children's program we were reunited with Hordu's children! We saw them briefly in their school earlier in the week but spending an hour with them was so much fun. These are the children from the family that stayed with us for a couple of days in summer. They are beautiful, fun and being brought up by parents who know and love Jesus. It was a special time with them.
And then we headed home. Shoeboxes delivered. Christmas parcels delivered. A multitude of blessing poured into families in need. And now to tidy up before heading home tomorrow...
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