Greetings!,
There has been a lot of adjusting going on around here lately! After arriving back in Romania, adjusting to the time difference seemed to take forever. Soon after this,
we began adjusting to having Patronela, a 25 year old adult orphan, and her 8 month old daughter living with us. Big adjustment! Next, Leslie rushed back to Texas to be with her family during the illness of her little nephew, Luke. Wow! This is definitely a good time to find stability in the Lord, because everything else is like shifting sand!
Working with Patronela has been really challenging. Trying to teach an autistic woman to be a mother lends itself to unexpected issues arising on a daily basis. She understands concrete issues such as feeding times and diaper changing, but more abstract issues like
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Alexandra enjoying her first bath in the big tub
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nutrition, discipline, and "connecting" with the baby are out of her grasp. We are looking for a family that will be willing to care for both of them.
When I talk to Romanians about this, the typical response is "You really think you will find a family to do this?". Good question...and the only answer is that we need a miracle! It seems, though, that when we are willing to get in over our heads, this is where we find God working! So, we wait for His answer. As for now, we are glad that Alexandra is not in foster care and Patronela is not on the streets.
Another recent change is that Dana and Emil, two adult orphans that
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Dana and Emil
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moved to Sibiu from Braila, got married! It certainly did not seem like the best timing since both are unemployed and Emil lives in a homeless shelter, but this is what they chose. They are happy, anyway. Emil has now found a job and will start work tomorrow. Dana continues to look for work. We are hopeful that she will find something soon.
As I mentioned earlier, Leslie is in Texas with her family. Her 8 month old nephew, Luke, has been diagnosed with Gaucher's Disease, a metabolic disorder. He has been in Texas Children's hospital in Houston for several weeks. His condition is more stable now, but he continues to face many challenges. I know the family would appreciate your continued prayers for his healing and for wisdom and peace during this very difficult time.
We are thankful for friends like you that pray for us! More and more we are learning that our abilities are so limited and our need for God is bigger than we ever realized. May He use our simple efforts to His glory!
Sincerely,
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