Village Museum and Babies

On Thursday we had a free day because the painting team went up to the mountains. We went and visited the Village Museum (Muzeul National al Satului) and Herastrau Park. It was a nice and sunny day, with the temp in the upper 80's. We enjoyed learning more of the history of Romania and how life was before communism.

A House and Farm Buildings

Wooden House...I think they should go back to these!

Loom, work area inside

Living and Sleeping Area

Stove, probably good for making pizza...even though pizza isn't Romanian!

Mill

Wooden Church

Often I wonder what life was like 200-300 years ago. It seems much simpler, and although it was a hard life, I wonder if the lack of distractions was helpful to keep focus on what is important. Family values, community, and most importantly a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

A Smile from a Baby: Absolutely Priceless!

Mark and Rebecca with Ryan and Danielle

Mark Sweating it out with Two Babies

What a privilege it is to love God's precious children!

An Animal Kind of Day

Friday was the May birthday celebration at the orphanage. We had grilled sausage, pork, cabbage salad and cake! The food is one of the things the new director has improved, he wants the kids to eat healthy and get the proper nutrition their growing bodies need. As we have mentioned before, the monthly birthday celebrations are also the new director's doing.

Rebecca with Doina (a B-day girl) and Vic

Ana with her rabbit she got in her present from H2H

Mark and Lorentiu in front of the gazebo and music (new also)

Spring is here and that means: puppies! Kids with a puppy and cat.

Another new thing is the chickens and pigs. The new director wants to teach the kids responsibility, so they get assigned chores such as giving water to the animals.

Petrisor and Costel with the pigs

Who can resist an animal and kid photo?

I think the dog says "lasa-ma in pace!" Leave me in peace!

Ana and Mark monkeying around.

We are very thankful for the new director's enthusiasm and vision for the kids. Pray with us for endurance and guidance for him (Domnul Matei) and continued great relationship between him and H2H. We really enjoy the new atmosphere at the orphanage, it makes it easier to have fun with the kids and do our programming there.

Canadian Tenderfoot

This past week and a half, we had the opportunity to serve along side a Canadian tenderfoot team. We enjoyed getting to know them, serving with them, and telling some of our story and H2H's story. We did a variety of different activities. One morning we went out to the Girls Transition House to prepare the garden. We also served at the baby hospital, helped at the orphanage and had a special girls day for the graduates. The many hands were much appreciated, they help hold the babies, play with the kids, and help us spread the love of Christ.

Corni and Mark getting pulled around by the rototiller

Debbie giving Mila a summer doggie-do

Janie officiating the arm- wrestling match

Coloring in the heroes class

Music Class

Beam walking

Old friends being reunited (Andrea and I met in 2007)

Ulica goofing off at the Botanical Garden

Eating ice cream, part of the art class's reward

Short term teams are an important part of our ministry, and a great way to see and be a part of the many aspects of H2H. Come be a part of our life changing ministry, impacting the kids and our own hearts for eternity!

Back To It

It is hard to believe that it has been a week since our wee visit to Scotland! So many things have been going on, it's the start of the busiest ministry season of the year. We have a team from Canada here now and are working with them, translating and helping them to help us minister. We have been really enjoying having them here and have been enjoying playing a larger role in working with them since we don't have language classes to go to.

The baby hospital was quarantined again for a week and a half, due to an isolated case of a bacterial infection in another hospital. We don't know all the details but it was due in part to a doctor's negligence. Because of that all the hospitals in Bucuresti were closed. Thankfully we have been able to get back in again because we are supplying a large amount of diapers since the state cut off funding for diapers.

We helped out with the wedding of two graduates of the transition programs, the wedding was at the team house on Saturday. We did lots of work on the house and yard, including laying sod in the front because the grass was so bad. The wedding was great and the weather was beautiful, everything went very well.

Florin gave me a flower for my birthday and all of the kids told me "La multi ani" which means happy birthday. They also asked where the candy was because when it's your birthday you are supposed to bring candy for everyone. I was going to get some but totally forgot, so I sent some along later and it was handed out in my name.

Rebecca and Krista playing games with Ana.

I had a birthday party where I received lots of chocolate. Jenny made earthquake cake which is one of my new favorites.

We took a group of kids out for a reward challenge. At class they can receive points for attending, paying attention, not disturbing the class, etc. We took them to McDonald's for lunch and then to a park for some play time. They were all very excited and had a great time.

Alina showing off her happy meal prize.

Vali enjoyed the slide.

All the kids had fun on the play set, and they even wanted us to join in. It was a beautiful day and it was a great way to reward the kids for their good behavior in class.

Scotland Lochs

On Saturday we had the opportunity to travel to some of the countryside and see three different lochs (lakes). First we went to Loch Lomond. The weather was quite overcast at this point. We stopped to have some tea and scones (yumm!) and have a view of the town.

Luss Church, Loch Lomond

Mark and Rebecca in Loch Lomond

After every stop we changed cars so that all the Americans could ride with different Scottish hosts, it was a good way to get to know each couple.

Loch Long (Ship Lake)

Arrochar Church, Loch Long

Loch Fyne, city of Inveraray

Inveraray Castle

Laspic, Maggy, Kirsteen, Jen, Jenny, Rebecca, Mark (Krista)

We took a tour of the castle. Mark was impressed by the large armory.

Inveraray Bridge on Loch Fyne

A wee bit of snow atop a ben (mountain)

Black goats, the wee ones were adorable!

After our road trip we had fish and chips at Wilma and David's flat. We had a great day, it was a wee bit chilly, but it didn't rain. We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay in Scotland. Everyone we met was so friendly and we enjoyed all the hospitality we were treated to!