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