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.