Greetings in the Name of our Lord! We bring glory to Him for last two months who have been both fruitful and awful for us. But let us start with the good news in reporting to you.
On June 1st, International Children’s day, we organized a cele-bration, including the inauguration of the above-ground pool generously donated by the Transilvania Bank. As if on cue, it started raining, and 20 pairs of disappointed eyes had to watch the play of rain upon the inaccessible pool.
On June 3rd we hosted several children’s groups from schools across Bucharest. They brought toys and sweets, mingled with our kids. Their leaders expressed amazement at Mia’s Children ability to socialize and relate to new kids from all walks of life in a peaceful and harmonious manner, bringing joy and contentment to hosts and guests alike.
The end of the school year, on June 15, brought about the usual festivities. A veritable treasure of prizes recognized our kids’ successes, from 1st to 12th graders, who received academic honors and prizes. Seven of our children received national prizes in painting and collages. It was wonderful to see the kids’joy–it also motivated supporters to donate a cooking range on this occasion.
Other activities during this period included the erection of a shaded back verandah, the planting and tending the vegetable and flower gardens, and the redoing and consolidation of the basement building. This last endeavor was ably led by Costi, with his construction expertise; he was heartily assisted by his “sweaty crew” of older boys, and by his wife, Oana, who can mix concrete with the best!
We also saluted the return to active work of our volunteer psychologist, Dr. Maria Derevenco (now fully accredited for independent practice in Romania at the highest level of expertise). The children’s incredibly warm and touching welcome was matched by her utmost delight of returning to service for her beloved kids.
All of the above took place against the backdrop of a severe personal and institutional crisis – the grave deterioration of Costels’s health. Various supporters and friends, including Mia’s Children Foundation, ING Bank and the Rotary Club assisted in arranging for his hospital & care.
Back on a more joyous note, Mrs. Ariadna Puciu came to visit, much to our collective delight. We spent many wonderful moments with her family, and were honored to host her son’s Radu birthday cele-bration. She made some official papers for our living here.Thank you,Puchiu’s family!
Another unexpected happy event in July was the gift from Elena and Radu, who, together with Transilvania Bank, offered us 2 nights lodgings at the Black Sea beach; the kind people from ING Bank supported our meals,while Robert provided transportation to and from the resort. For most of our children, was the first time in their life when they could meet the waves, the sand and all the beauty from the Black Sea shore.
At the end of June we started summer school with a community-directed project, of decorating and painting murals for a new kindergarden in the neighborhood. Our kids’ enthusiasm and talent brought to life various characters from well-known tales, which now adorn every classroom, playroom and common space of the building. In exchange, the kindergarden is receiving 4 of Mia’s Children for the summer session at no cost. This project has started to rise our visibility and good name in the community and neighborhood, and will lead, hopefully, to the dissemination of our model of edu-cation in the community at large.
The end of June also brought to us a corps of volunteers from ING Bank, who will be visiting regularly for tutoring in math,foreign languages,creative play,etc.
Before closing, we would like to express our special thanks to Mia’s Children USA and to Rotary International (who bestowed their honored Paul Harris Fellow status to Mia this year),for all the support,special care and constant friendship for our children and for us personally .
Please , pray for :
Costel’s health ;
For everyday bread and a stable budget;
For sponsors for new school year, kindergarten;
Workers and helpers;