I have been home for a few weeks now and know that you are all due for an update on the trip to Romania. Frankly, I have put off writing this because re-entry can sometimes be very hard and I have had to cope with a few things that occurred over there. Traveling with the family was amazing on so many levels, but left very little time for the processing that I need when dealing with deaths, poverty and abuses.
However, other than a few snags with bank cards, which played out like a frustrating comedy show, the trip went extremely smoothly! The children and Brittany did very well and Jack arrived safely! I had a packed schedule with working at the hospital, which really consists of just holding babies now, and visiting other foundations and meeting with Directors.
I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting the local group homes for handicapped children. I found the homes a lot nicer than I expected and although there was only one State Worker for 8 or more children per house the children seemed well cared for. A Canadian friend staffs 3 workers as well, to care for children that we had in the hospital for years and what a sweet reunion it was to see the children and my sweet friend Dorina.
I was able to tour The Beauty from Ashes Center where Orphaned young women can stay in a homelike atmosphere and find security, God's Love and learn life skills. They have a wonderful craft department and the girls sell their beautiful jewelry to raise money!
This year we were again able to help Romanian relief in purchasing a large amount of food for their Foster and Group homes for handicapped children. www.romanianrelief.org We also spent the day with our friends from Forget Me Not Ministries in Tinca! What a blessing it was to take part in their VBS outreach to the Gypsy children, spend time with the Joy Beadz ladies and enjoy a picnic with the staff and Gypsy families! *Note: we have more bracelets!! fmnministries.org What a privilege it is to work with these non profits.
This year, PHFTC has decided to partner with a new Ministry in a village outside Oradea! We are very excited about this opportunity, as they will be renovating a building to create an after school program for their Roma Gypsy population. They will provide a meal, showers, academic help and Bible teaching to these children in the hopes that their illiterate parents can try to find work during those hours. Eventually, they hope to add work programs and literacy programs for the adults. The town government is in complete agreement and partnership, which is truly rare and as I met with the Directors and Town Leaders, I was impressed by their heart and organized way of thinking. We toured the village and the building that will be renovated and it was a great day! www.facebook.com/Asociatia-Zambet-si-Speranta-Pentru-Viitor
We visited our hospital in Sibiu! We were warmly welcomed and held many of the babies there, who have no volunteer to care for them. We asked if we might place someone there that could hold and care for the babies, as well as bring a group over for a week to assist. The Head Nurse was open to the idea, but will have to check with the new Director. Please be in prayer that we would be allowed to further assist the hospital and the babies in this area! Our hospital in Oradea is doing well and we are doing our best to meet the demands of the Health Inspector and Hospital there, as well as serve our little ones. One baby, V, has been close to death for weeks now! It has been very stressful for us but because of prayers and Alina gaining permission to hold this little one she is starting to respond and grow. Please follow our facebook page for updates in this sweet one! www.facebook.com/phftc
Lastly, I wanted to tell you what a difference your donations and letters made for Lora, in our Special Needs Drive! I personally gave her your letters and told her about each person that wrote her. Our tears mingled as she read your encouraging words and she realized she was not alone. The tablet has been a huge blessing and unexpectedly has helped keep her mother entertained! The $1,000 donated has paid almost all her debt off and left her $100 to save for a "rainy day" . Her gratitude and awe that people across the ocean could bless her mother and her in this way was real and genuine. She thanks you from the bottom of her heart!
I know this has been a very long email,but I hope it gives you a look into the trip and what PHFTC does! Please, keep us in your heart as the Board and I make decisions on expansion and where best PHFTC can help. We are currently burdened for the Refugee Crisis and are considering doing a special financial drive to partner with an agency working there, as well as a Home Based Agency, serving babies in Onondaga County. In both cases, we would be supplying basic baby essentials to needy children. I welcome your comments and notes and appreciate your support in so many ways!
Blessings,
Mona
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Project Hope for the Children is a non-profit ministry that seeks to mobilize the generosity of donors to provide for the tangible needs of orphans, disadvantaged children, and at-risk families in Romania, Puerto Rico, and Beyond.
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