Just when you think everything is settled...

we receive some unexpected visitors. Monday, noonish someone from Casa Nadia comes to tell us that Claudiu and Zorro's mother and 2 of their older siblings have shown up. First of all, visiting protocol requires the setting up of an appointment through the office and never just showing up at the house. And if you will remember Claudiu and Zorro have abusive pasts and ran away from home to get away from their father. To make a very long story short, they took taxis to the office (bringing Septi along in case Dad was hiding somewhere) where the fam tried to convince the boys to come home. Zorro's response was something of the effect of, "No way, no how." However Claudiu's oldest brother whispered to him in Hungarian, "you can run away and come home." Their persuasions were strong, "Dad doesn't hit us any more; he has changed." In the end Claudiu said he would think about it and everyone went their way. I was actually surprised by Zorro's behavior. I think I thought he would be a little more traumatized and affected, but he had a great afternoon and played outside for a while (he has the tendency to always look over his shoulder and doesn't like to be out at night for fear that his dad will come). He did however tell the night mom, "Make sure the curtains are closed and the gate and the doors are locked." Claudiu on the other hand was deep in thought and pretty upset when he got home. He wouldn't take his medicine, wouldn't talk to anybody, but eventually shared with Cristina that he might want to go home. Bruce came out for a little visit and they came to the conclusion for Claudiu to call home and talk with his dad and the rest of the family. They continuned to try and persuade him to come home, that things are different, but for the time being he is sticking around and making phone calls every Saturday. Later that evening he and I sat on the couch and he shared about the day and about some of his past. I had heard most of the stories, but never from his mouth. I can't even imagine being in his shoes--leaving behind those I love, but also abuse and choosing a life with a future. Pray for this kiddo as he will be continually pressured to "come home." Pray for God's will to be done in his life.

Spring Break 2006

Well, it's not really spring, but the kids did get a week break from school after the official end of their semester. Each day was filled with activities as well as the normal life things. Becky and I tag-teamed the week so it was great to participate in most things, but I was also free some of the afternoons. Monday started out with games. I've noticed that ALL of the kids enjoy setting up the dominoes and knocking them down, so we set up a space for everyone and gave them 30 minutes to work. Their creations were original and they were all engaged. We played several other games and ended the day with twister and then movies.
Wednesday was our big outing. We took the kids to Brasov, a three hour drive each way and saw Bran's Castle (built by "dracula" Vlad Tepish--he only slept there one night) and went sledding at Poina Brasov. Some kids enjoyed going on their own, but many of us linked up and went down as a train. The hill was a bit bumpy and I think we all came home with a few bruises.

Psalm 91:14-16

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I swwatisfy him and show him my salvation."

Sometimes the work of the Holy Spirit really catches me of guard and surprises me. I know it shouldn't but I still just shake my head and smile at this one. I can take no pride in it AT ALL (thank you Lord) because I did nothing. I came across these verses on Monday morning when I was reading a devotional, then in staff meeting Bruce had us all choose a verse to share that we could apply to our lives. I chose these because they were fresh on my mind...praying them for myself mind you. Then Tuesday as I was making plans to meet with my educators--scratch that--as God was feeding me verses to share with them about not worrying about tomorrow but focusing on today, "I" decided to share these verses with them so we can pray them for our kids. In the moment after they were read, out of my mouth flew the words, "If our kids love God, look at what promises He has for them. But they don't know who God is so we need to be aware and start teaching them the truth about Him, about His character." So that's all and good. One of the stresses of my life is, "Will I have to come up with day camp curriculum like I did last year?" It was torture; not in my list of spiritual gifts, my unique ability or the top 10 or even 100 things I enjoy. But Wednesday as I was reading in 1 Peter several chunks of Scripture jumped out at me, especially those concerning the character of God/Jesus and the phrase "day camp" was blazing through my mind. So I jotted some notes down in my journal. That evening I just randomly shared with Bethany, "If we have to do day camp, I think God's given my an idea that we talk about who He is with our kids." Her response, "Oh then you'll really like the book I just ordered about the characteristics of God." Well isn't that interesting. THEN I said, "and I think we can call it something like 'taste and see that the Lord is good'" and she walks into the living room and brings in a book that we have already Incredible Edible Bible Fun. See what I mean...I'm still shakin' my head and smilin'. Now we may not even have day camps (slim chance of that) but we definitely have options to teach our kids about who God is and I believe He will continue to give us great ideas. Pray with us-that we would only teach Truth and that our children would learn who God is and then fall in love with Him.