Dear Family and Friends,
I must start this email by telling you that I just rode in a Ferrari Testarossa (I have no clue if the spelling is even close). Yes, in Oradea, Romania, there exists such a vehicle. Now, before y’all start raising your eyebrows, (I can see yours, Daddy) let me explain that the driver was the property owner of the house that we are renting fore New Life House. He was taking me to see another property that he has for rent. We hurled down the streets at approximately 100 miles per hour (these are 30 mph streets) with EVERY person gawking. If he was trying to scare me, it didn’t work! I was DYING to drive the car but I dare not ask. Or, should I? 
I am sure that you now have a FALSE picture of what the last two weeks has been like here. I can tell you that the car ride was the highlight (although it would have been better if I was driving). I know, I know, this is really hard to believe, huh?
The meeting at Bucharest was less than pleasant. It was predominantly a lesson in politics. Many of the organizations had agendas that were program focused rather than child focused. Esti and I did have the opportunity to visit a model center for New Life House where we did learn some VERY helpful information regarding the international adoption process. Esti has been working on the process for getting our agency licensed since we returned. Please pray for her….this is a TON of paperwork.
After the meeting, we decided to focus on our “county” and to start collaborating very closely with other ministries here that have an emphasis in child welfare. We had a meeting today at our office which was excellent and produced many positive outcomes. I feel that all of the Christian ministries here now have a better sense of support and strength in working towards a common goal of protecting children.
Some of the toughest days of this ministry have occurred over the past two weeks. Last week, we found out the Crizantina’s family has been lying to us. They have been selling some of the food and clothing that we have been giving them and buying cigarettes and other items for various family members. The worst part is that they would not admit that they had done these things when we had over 5 consistent reports. Finally, on Monday, they admitted that maybe they had done some of the things. We have drastically reduced the amount of aid that we are giving them and we are even considering hiring a cook in the village to feed just the children. I firmly believe that children should not pay for the mistakes and poor choices of parents. Pavel has been very hurt and upset by the news. I ask that you pray for my employees. I detest seeing them get discouraged. I will let you know what the outcome of this is next week.
New Life House is almost all completely painted now!! We had to hire two guys to finish it because of the 20 foot ceilings but they were well worth the money. It looks super!! Now, we are waiting for the furniture and supplies to arrive from the US. The local child protection has told us that they only need to see it furnished. Praise God…we’re almost there!!
Okay, now for some REALLY good news…..Anca may be transferred to a burn specialist here next week for her first surgery. Can you believe that?!?!? Two weeks after I made an email plea to a list serve that I am subscribed to for American non-governmental organizations here, I received several emails from people that were contacting people they knew. And the next thing I know, I am told that Anca can be transferred!! Think maybe the prayers were answered??? We have to get her parents approval next week. We ask for you to please pray about this. We have no information regarding her parents except for an address WAY out in the country.
For those of you that have asked, the House of Grace project (for juvenile delinquents) is on hold until we get New Life House operational. We pray that will be VERY soon!!
I have so much more that I could write but I am certain that those of you that are still reading are weary. Thanks for your interest in what God is doing here. I appreciate the support that you give me!
Basking in the Son,
Michelle
