Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year!

From all of us at Firm Foundations Romania, we want to thank you for your love and support this past year. God has truly blessed this work and we are humbled by his everlasting goodness to us. You are all a part of the team, and we value your love and support more than you know. 

Keeping Smiles Bright & White!

Each month we teach the children in the After School Program a different life skill.  For December we taught the children how to brush their teeth.  All of the children were really interested in learning the proper way to do this.  Even our teenagers were very attentive while Juliana instructed them how to do it and why it is so important!  Afterwards we were blessed enough through donations to be able to give every child a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste!  They were very excited to receive these special gifts!

Christmas Cookie Cuteness!!

 

This past week we kicked off the Christmas activities with a Christmas cookies decorating party at our Kids Club meeting. It anticipation of St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. Each child was able to decorate enough sugar cookies for their whole family, and eat a few in the process.

We also decorated a tree with the children and listened to some festive music. 

What a fun time, and what cute kids!

Warm Water and Warm Hearts

Long term volunteers and married couple, Kyle & Faith Maynard had a great idea. They wanted to show Christ's love for the children of Budila by once a month coming to Kids Club to wash the children's feet. In the Bible washing one another's feet was exemplified by Jesus when he stooped to wash the feet of his disciples. It is an incredible example of humble, selfless service and one that we want these young children to be blessed by and learn from. 

Here's an update on how it went from Faith and Kyle!

"Last Tuesday we had our first feet washing meeting at the Kids Club meeting in Budila. It. Was. Awesome. All of the children got their feet washed and were given winter tights, socks and underwear. At first some of them were shy, but after we got started they were lining up and eagerly peeling off their socks and shoes. It was really special to see how excited they were to get their feet cleaned.

We had 2 bowls of warm water; one for washing and one for rinsing. We kept a kettle of hot water nearby to keep the water warm. I washed and rinsed, and my husband helped dry them and put on their new, clean socks. While I scrubbed their feet, they told the Romanian speaking volunteers how nice it was.

My favorite part was seeing the kids' eyes when they put their feet into the toasty water. Some of them were very pensive and quiet, while others giggled and wiggled their toes. The whole experience was a blast and we're looking forward doing it again next month!"

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 

John 13:14-16

Shop & Give at Amazon Smile!

It's only a month until Christmas day, and for most of us that means the start of a busy shopping, baking and decorating season! We wanted to let you know that Firm Foundations Romania is registered with Amazon Smile. Which means that 0.5% of every purchase you make on Amazon can go directly to FFR. All you have to do is click on the link below to get started!

This is not only for the Christmas season but all year round. Spread the word to your friends and relatives that they can help contribute to FFR by simply shopping in the right place. There will be many smiley faces in Romania from your generosity! 

They're Growing Up So Fast! ...And We're So Proud!

A Teen Update from Project Coordinator Juliana Timofte

The four boys and two girls who were in 8th grade last year have now passed on to another stage in their lives. The've gone from just walking to school to taking the train to school every day, from being with the same teachers and students that the've known for many years to meeting new colleagues, new teachers, new styles of teaching and new material a lot harder than the elementary. Nevertheless they keep the same enthusiasm and joy for learning.

The boys are volunteering every Wednesday to help with the 6th graders in the after school program with math. It's fun to see them trying to explain an exercise instead of just giving the answer. The other seven teens are doing great! They are faithfully attending school as well as coming out to our weekly meeting.

The girls apartment is now hosting 4 teens in a three bedroom apartment. The oldest girl has graduated and her place was taken by a 9th grader. Having a bigger flat gives them the opportunity of having a study room instead of using the kitchen table for homework. The relationship with each other is very transparent and this is very healthy. Every time there is a problem, the issue is addressed, if necessary, and each person is seeking God's will and love for the situation and not wait for the sun to go down before the issue is resolved.  

Thank you for your prayers and support for this program. God is giving a big increase in the lives of these young men and women.

Happy Harvest Time ...From An Interesting Cast of Characters

Its fall again here in Brasov, and what does that mean? Another Costumer Karaoke Party, what else could it be! FFR loves an excuse to dress up, and belt out some tunes. Whether your halloween was spent trick-or-treating, baking, pressing some apple cider or doing any other fall tradition, we here at FFR want to wish you a Happy Harvest Time! 

Here's a look at how we celebrated the season...

    

   

And here's a look back at last years karaoke party...can you spot who's who?

SARAH VIENNA: Germany Pre-Tour Favorite Moments!

Sarah and team have just arrived home in Romania from their tour through Germany, sharing music, stories of what God is doing in Romania and a message of hope. Many hearts were touched, and doors opened. What an amazing journey it has been! Here are some pictures of our favorite moments from the past two weeks!

Left: The two Sarahs! Meeting with Sarah Brendel, one of Germany's most successful Christian recording artists. Right: Meeting with SCM-Haenssler, a top Christian publishing house and music distributor. 

Thank you to everyone who hung posters all over Germany! Right: Our first concert location, a church built in the 8th Century in Meimsheim. 

Radio interview at Antenne 1 in Stuttgart. 

Meeting and singing for Ralf Wieland, top booking agent.

Coffee with Judy Bailey and her husband patrick. So great to get advice from someone who has been in the Christian music scene for 20 years!

And of course the entourage! 

Stay tuned for more clips and updates from the trip, and check out Sarah's website for more.

www.sarahvienna.com

Jump on the Band Wagon, the Sarah Vienna Train is Leaving the Station!

Sarah is half way through a pre-tour through Germany to promote her new self titled album! So far it has been so successful, meeting some of the most influential people in music distribution, promotion and radio. There are so many exciting things to share as she preps for her last two concerts. Stay tuned to hear more about it, and check out Sarah's website for more details!

www.sarahvienna.com

Something That Everyone Should Experience: Apple Pie!

Our hospital supervisor, Alisha Sidebottom, has many talents. However many of you may not know that one of her most yummy and appreciated gifts is her ability to create the most delicious pies! Cherry pies, berry pies and lets not forget the king of all pies, the not so humble apple pie! Surprisingly, for something so delicious the ingredients for a pie are not hard to get your hands on here in Romania, but pie is not something they are known to make.

Left to Right: Ramona, Estera, Alisha, Ana & Codruta.

Assistent chefs, volunteers Maria (Sweden) & Elizabeth (USA).

So Alisha thought it was only right that she share this mouthwatering treat with our teen girls who are living in Brasov! Whenever we have the chance we like to include the girls in a cooking lesson (something international, usually from all of our wonderful volunteers from around the globe). It's like international day at school, but with someone actually from the countries your studying! 

It is an amazing opportunity to broaden the world view of these girls. Even coming out of the village of Budila to Brasov is a huge change and experience, but then to experience different cultures and traditions is a great way to show them the world. 

A Bright Heart in a Dark Place

I think this video speaks for itself...is it any wonder we love these kiddos so much?! 

We would love to have you come and meet this little one, and the many others who touch our hearts everyday here.

Simple Acts of Love are the Greatest Works.

Thank you Sarah Wascom Dagley from Crosby, Texas for this touching look at what it's like to volunteer at the children's hospital. You and so many others, have become the hands, shoulders and soft voices that these children will remember. They may not remember faces, or names, they will never remember where you came from or why you were there, but they will remember how you loved them, how you were a shoulder to cry on and a warm hug to hold them when they were scared and lonely. 

And Just Like That, It's Back To Salt Dough and Bible Stories.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

The Romanian school year has officially begun this week, so we are super excited to kick off another year of our Budila projects. Kids Club began this week and it was so exciting to welcome new children to the group! 

Those who are still of age from last year remained and after speaking with families we have welcomed many little ones to start this preschool journey that will, Lord willing, continue through to finishing high school. What a long term commitment, but with the most life changing rewards.

What an amazing opportunity we have, to take these children out of their world for two days a week and begin to teach them, love them and show them how special and valued they are in our eyes, but more importantly in Gods eyes. The week began with the story of creation. For a craft the children made salt dough mountains and then painted their own little creation. 

On thursday the children learned the story of Abraham and Lot separating to settle a quarrel between the shepherds. They made pudding with crackers in it to show the rocky place where Abraham had to live, (we love using food as an illustration!). After such a successful year last year with this program we are thrilled to meet with these kids every week and watch them grow and learn. This project has been completely transforming for these little ones, through your support and your prayers. Words cannot expresses the gratitude we have to God for his faithful provision to make this all possible!

Project Coordinator Lidia Shade shares the lesson for the day with the help of a friend. 

Snack Time!                                                                                        Play Time!

Nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty.

One Volunteer's Inspiring Journal Entry: From China With Love

This is a direct quote from my very own travel journal written on the 5^th April, 2014.

The last time I was on the train with my giant backpack, I was about to begin my little adventure in Eastern Europe and my first stop was FFR Romania; not knowing what to expect, who I would meet, how I would feel  about it all, I felt uncertain with a tint of excitement. Just over 3 weeks now, I carry the same backpack on a different train heading to Sighisoara leaving FFR. 

Where should I begin?

Sorting donations for the Baby Closet.

I remember when I was still in Hong Kong, way back when I have decided to leave home and take on this challenge/adventure of mine I felt a bit lost and was opened to wherever my adventure takes me or lead me to. Funny enough I think I might have found something already in the past 3 weeks!! I don't know what it is but I loved what I did and everything that happened!! I have learnt so much! The power of LOVE! The people I have crossed paths are incredible; the babies at the hospital, the kids at Budila, they have taught me to love and beloved unconditionally, to believe in your beliefs, to chase after your dreams, to be brave, to be thankful for what you have. The list is endless.

Eliz teaching out teenagers how to make Chinese dumplings.

I really admire and love the FFR team! I still don’t get my head round it, how did they come to Romania and have lived here for 10 years purely from the desire of wanting to make a difference in these children’s lives? But they did it! They believe in their passion and faith and worked towards their goals. I love how passionate they are, I love how closely they work with the local people and be part of the community and culture. It’s super amazing and inspiring.

When I first shared the idea with my family and friends of wanting to volunteer abroad I have had responses such as “Well you could volunteer at home too!”,  “You can’t help everyone in need there are so many people in the world and the ones you are helping are only the tip of an ice-berg!”

I once cast doubts on the difference I am actually making too but then I remembered the ‘star fish

story’ and it reminded me the power of making a little difference. However after being with all these wonderful people in the past 3 weeks I have discovered something even more incredible, I realized that  the people whom I have met have made much greater difference in my life than me to them!

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything  as it was a truly life-changing experience and it made me believe that maybe the so-called impossibilities are possible after all and that I shall not be afraid to believe in what I believed in and sometimes thoughts may seem foolish to others but it’s not foolish at all! Missing you guys already.  Xxxxxx       

-Eliz Leung