I don’t know if an aching heart has a sound, but if you hear an unusual crackling sound, it probably is my heart absolutely breaking upon my having to leave our precious orphans here in the ‘other’ land that I love.  I’m supposed to fly from Bucharest via Frankfurt to Boston on December 3.  I would so appreciate prayer – prayer on so many levels.

My heart is beyond breaking/cracking, also, because of our friend, Oleg, being drafted into Ukraine’s army.  When I learned of this, I felt like I had been stabbed in the stomach.  PLEASE pray for this modern-day Stephen (Acts 7) who has lived to serve – and who has been, and still is so needed by the elderly and physically challenged ones in his area.  I still cannot believe that this precious man would have to leave his so very needed act of service – and his wife and children!!!

Alexia, who either jumped off the bridge or was thrown off continues to heal.  She has her casts off, is experiencing less pain, and so wants to get back to a normal life.  There is still no information on what truly happened to her.  However, she will start back to school on December 2 using a wheel chair.  PLEASE pray for this precious child.

I’ve had such a good time doing crafts with our ‘kids’ at Barza Mica – teaching them a couple of new songs – having their most delicious snacks – and just laughing ourselves silly.  Of course, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, BUT in homage to my country of birth and my love for Thanksgiving, I made them pumpkin pie (sans the crust).  Since they don’t have the ‘Fall spices’ here in Romania, that flavor is such a treat to all who get to taste it!

Half of the veggies we bought for at least five months (to the tune of about 6000 USD) have been delivered to Barza. The other half will be delivered mid-January, or so.  THANK you to all of you who shared in this expense.

Also, we have done enough work on Bradet  (orphanage) that whenever the State gives their final approval, we will be able to move at least six of our boys from Barza there.  Word is that the more ‘able’ girls will move down the mountainside to Casa de Jos until a couple of houses can be built for them at Bradet.  It’s all so confusing – SO frustrating working with the Romanian government!!

I’ve loved on our ‘littles’.  They are so precious – and so starved for affection.  It seems that Gabriela is not long for this world.  I pray for the Lord to send His angels for her.  I haven’t seen Valentin in a couple of weeks.  He’s been in hospice – for better care.  Franz is a unique little one.  One day he was fine – and then one day, he wasn’t.  So much brain damage occurred that he is little more than a vegetable.  I have to wonder what else has gone on with him.  For a 5 year old, he has developed a lot of hair on his legs (more like a 13 year old’s body . . . ).

Finally, we got all the ‘squares’ bagged up – making enough for twenty-four afghans.  They will go in a van to Ukraine when, Lord willing, ‘we’ will make another ‘run’ to Ukraine before Christmas.  Our Sisters and Brothers in Christ are already suffering from the cold hiding in the basements of their blocs (apartment buildings).  It’s going to be a long, cold and hungry winter for them.  They are in  desperate need of foods, water, OTC meds, blankets, plastic to cover their bombed out windows – and so much more!  Please if any of you would like to help with this trip, you can send a check made out to Love From Above to:

Love From Above    19 Berry Street     Norton, MA 02766