Spent much of the past couple of days catching up with families and folk we know. I think all of the families are being affected by the financial and political situation in Romania and many are finding life even harder. Despite all of this it is amazing how tough and resiliant the children are, pictured above is Chris and Peter with Georgi a 3 year old with hydrocephalus who was looking better than we have seen him for many months. We will be visiting all of these families again over the next couple of weeks as we have the great job of distributing 400 Christmas shoe boxes and other donated presents and supplies.

Photo on the journey! It was just amazing to see this horse in the back of a pickup leaning into the corners as they wound their way down the mountain roads.... Caption competition??
Was it a Hyundai Pony?..

We have arrived

arrived safely in Dorohoi late Monday afternoon. Tried out Chrs's alternative route on one of the last legs, which was rural and interesting!
called in to see one of the families in a HoH house at Cobila on the way to Dorohoi, it was lovely to have such a warm welcome back and we look forward to seeing everyone else tomorrow. our apartment was all spick and span and our friend Helen had pt fresh flowers and fruit on the table to welcome us.
Chris & Peter did numerous trips up and down the stairs to unload the pajero while i cooked tea. the apartment is now full of bags and boxes and the Pajero is sighing with relief. we reckon we came out with well over half a ton of aid etc. Now looking forward to distributing it all.

Family time

Smooth journey off island and down to Dorset. Enjoying a few days with Chris's parents. Leaving UK from Dover on Saturday. See you soon Romania

53 hours

Pajero has new tyres-Chris eventually tracked down some more "grand trek", think we got the last 4 in the UK. they are chunky and good for general use but brilliant off road. the old ones served us very well, but had seen about 100,000km service.
off now to pack the car and very thankful that we have a dry and sunny afternoon, so will get it all sorted and just leave personal bags to put in on Tuesday. and oh yes MUST remember, leave some space for Peter who we collecting on the way through UK.

7 days

A sure sign we are leaving soon, the house is full of bags and boxes and the list of jobs to do before we leave is getting longer.
in 172 hours time we will be on the ferry, looking forward to a few days with family in England then ferry from Dover on 21st.

A sad week

On Wednesday we were devastated to hear that our good friend Dru had been killed in a road accident. Dru was a fantastic person and huge support and encouragement, she touched the hearts and lives of many people.
Thank you Lord for giving us the privilege of knowing Dru, and we lift her family and friends to you, praying that you will give you them your comfort and peace.

14 days and counting

14 days until Chris and I leave the Isle of Man. We are so thankful for all the donations.
we already have bags and boxes ready to be loaded in the Pajero.
Ramsey Baptist Church have been a great support to us personally & the charity. Next week at the family service folks are being asked to bring items for us to use in the Christmas family parcels that we will be distributing through December.
Chris's brother Peter is driving out with us to Romania and will be with us for a few days, we are looking forward to showing him our Home in Romania and introducin him to the work of Hands of Hope.