Dear Family and Friends,
What an amazing week we have experienced here! The first part of the week, I was in a beautiful town, Belis, in the mountains of Romania. I have attached a picture of the stunning lake and surrounding mountains. This area has more natural Christmas trees (more correctly known as conifers) than I have ever seen. I can’t wait to go back after it has snowed (with approximately 34 layers of clothing, of course) to see what I am sure will be a gorgeous display of winter beauty.
Barbara and I have many praises for the abandoned baby program at the children’s hospital that I am now calling, “Arms of Mercy.” Many of you may remember Vandana, a failure to thrive baby that I wrote about a few months ago. We have been collaborating with another ministry that does foster care and on Monday, Vandana was placed in a Christian foster home! Additionally, thanks to Abby, the young woman from Florida that has been working with the babies, Vandana left with a double chin under her once taunt face!! This is a HUGE blessing to my soul and I am so thankful for the prayers that were uttered on her behalf. (Abby returned to the US this past Thursday…we already miss her!)
Barbara continues to do an impeccable job caring for babies. She is now working on the 9th floor of the hospital with babies that are considered to be unsalvageable because of various problems (clef palates, extra digits, neurological, etc.) so no one wants to hold them or care for them. Attached is a photo of Barbara caring for two of them at a time! The one in her arms, who Barbara named Stephan, was abandoned in the hospital elevator three weeks ago. We are so excited that there is a Romanian couple that are coming to visit Stephan because they want to adopt him!!! We ask that you join us in praying for the 17 other abandoned babies on her floor. (Barbara wanted me to let you know that if you would like to write her, her email address is bgreenie@gte.net)
The babies that Allie worked with this summer are doing wonderful and most are fat!! The doctors are now permitting us to feed the babies formula and other baby food. There is another young woman from a local ministry that is doing a spectacular job with all of them!
After I re-read my email update from last week, I realized that I omitted an important detail regarding Elana, Crizantina’s eighteen year old cousin. Her mother had unexpectedly died three days before my visit and that trauma had exacerbated her heart condition. I will visit Crizantina and Elana tomorrow night to take food and other supplies.
I have a major prayer request to share with you. A couple of months ago, I wrote telling you that I received a $8,000 donation for a van. Since my return a month ago, we have been looking for a van to meet our ministry needs here. After investigating different models, it was clear to me that we need to purchase a VW Diesel van. Today, we found a 1992 VW Diesel van in excellent condition that has plenty of cargo and passenger room. The price, however, is $1,000 more than what I have. I ask that you please pray about this need. The seller has agreed to hold it for me until next Friday to allow me time to raise the extra money. I have attached a photo so you can see the van that I could buy for $9,000. (The man on the ground looking under the van is Pavel…my ever-so-faithful friend/Romanian missionary. After SERIOUS inspection, he has given his stamp of approval on this vehicle!)
As always, I am grateful for the letters of encouragement and prayer I receive each week. May God bless you abundantly wherever you serve!
Basking in the Son,
Michelle
Posted on October 16th, 1999 by Michelle
Filed under: Michelle's Journal