Hello All,

     I hope to be finally writing a more thorough update!

The first 1 ½ weeks of my stay here in Romania were spent at the summer day camp that is held yearly for the 20 individuals who are served through RHM- Romanian Handicap Ministries.  It was so exciting to see the faces of the students and their parents as the week of camp got started.  The first 4 days were filled with songs, games, crafts, etc.  The last day was a picnic.  We were also able to take the families to two historical monuments and visit with them.  The final two days that the entire team was in Romania, we made home visits.  We visited 10 of the students’ homes.  It was very interesting to see the family dynamic.  In the states…many families who have a child with a disability have a service provider that helps that child with independent living after high school.  In Romania…there are no programs like this.  The individual remains with his or her family indefinitely…unless there is no one to care for them and then the state institutionalizes them.  This can be very scary for some families who are worried about the future of their child after the parents are gone.  Please pray for wisdom on the part of the ministry leaders as this is a growing concern.

            The team left on Wednesday.  Myself and a women from the supporting church in Cincinnati, Ohio stayed behind to have the opportunity to see the day center  operation, that the students go to daily.  On Thursday the activities started again.  Monday and Wednesday girls come.  Tuesday and Thursday boys come.  On Friday it is more of a craft, games, fun day with all 20 students.  They separate the students in part because the facility is small, and also because more of the girls are higher functioning mentally than the boys.  This allows for more appropriate instruction.  The students were very well behaved, and most appeared eager to learn.  The staff persons give Bible lessons and also academic training on various levels.  

I can not express how refreshing it is to work with the people who the Lord has burdened my heart for in a Christian environment.  Even in the United States it is hard to find a Christian school who is equipped to educate students with varying disabilities.  I believe that many Christians are under the misconception that the main reason that disabled people are among us is to love them.  One of the historical monuments that we visited on our Picnic was an ancient monastery that is still in operation.  The people here in Romania are largely of the Orthodox religion.  It broke my heart to see one of the young girls from the center go and kiss an artifact.  She came up to one of the team members who spoke Romanian and said… “My daddy says, Now I am secure.”  If this child could be taught a lie…how much more could she be taught the truth.  How many more children and adults with mental disabilities could understand the Gospel if it was taught to them.  The same way that we teach academics…through much repetition and love.  I can’t help but think of how we as Christians can love on a person with a mental disability until they are blue in the face…and yet possibly not spend eternity with them…because we neglected to share Christ’s sacrifice and truth, along with his love.  I would appreciate your thoughts on this subject, it is one that has tugged on my heart for quite some time.  

I will return Friday, July 13…haha…My roommate Dorothy says, “at least there will be plenty of spaces on the plane!  Keep us in your prayers!  I am in charge of the English lesson on Wednesday.  It is supposed to last 2 hours…ah! More to come.

Love,

Johanna