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Right now, we had a wonderful oportunity to have an art exhibit. These days there is the most famous international music festival, named “George Enescu”. Great “singer philarmonios”, ballet are having a very important place in the festival.

Foreign people are coming from abroad to the performances. We were asked to have a painting exhibit in Opera`s hall. We exhibit 16 art pieces- some of them especialy dedicated to the festival.

We are blessed and honored to have this oportunity. It`s an outlet for our art, a way to let people know more about Mia`s.

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;

Several organizations have volunteered to help us during the coming year. Here are a few.

The Bucharest Rotary Clubs had a picnic this past week end to celebrate the accomplishments they have made since the first of 2009. Mia’s Children was the main honoree. The kids had a great time spending the day outside playing games and enjoying the food and fellowship.

Rotary will also sponsor our camp August 23rd thru August 30th. They will supply outdoor shoes for each child and a school bag to pack their clothes for camp. Another great part is that they are providing the food and a cook for the camp. Mia really needs this break.

As well as the above gifts, the Rotary is also providing school supplies.

Rivaldo, 8, and Jon, 12, have been playing on soccer teams sponsored by Concordia. They love the sport and have done quite well. Congratulation, boys! This is Rivaldo’s first year at Mia’s Children. So this is a big accomplishment.

Brentag, another company in Bucharest, is providing swimming lessons for 10 days for 15 of our kids. They also sponsor a swim team. Who knows, maybe next year some of ours can be on their team.

There is a new private kindergarten that has been built in the area where the mission is located. The person that owns it had heard about Mia’s children and their artwork and asked Mia if they could paint story characters and decorations on the walls in five rooms. For doing this, 3 or 4 of our kids will be allowed to attend the program and be feed for a month.

ING Company has volunteered to help Mia during the school year, which begins September 15th, with tutoring and mentoring the kids. This is a task that Costel and Mia did together. It will really free up some time for them.

The Mariott Hotel has given Nicoleta, 16 years old, permission to come, work and learn about secretarial work, clerical work, and other things at the hotel. She will do this after school. The benefits of this hands on training will be excellent for her.

Many other things have happened this summer and will continue thru the fall. Please accept our thanks to all who have contributed their time and money to help this wonderful group of children.

Costel seems to be improving somewhat. He has more strength now and is able to be a little more active. He and Ed had an enjoyable visit. Ed had to come back sooner than expected due to a family issue. Thanks Ed for being there when you were needed.

The kids are enjoying their small pool and the opportunity to play most of the day. Mia still tutors them but just a little differently in the summertime. Their garden is beginning to bring fresh veggies to the table. Great for their health. Mia, Luminita, Rodica and the kids can vegetables for the winter also.

Hope to have more news soon.

Dear Friends,
Costel may come home from the hospital Friday. Our good friend from Iowa, Ed, is going to leave for Bucharest in the next few days to be with Costel and Mia for the next month or two. Ed is retired and has had EMT training and will help with Costel’s care. This will lighten the load for Mia. The children are out of school and can also help. This will give Mia quality time with Costel.

Costel is such a wonderful father figure for the kids. He loves each one and handles them with tenderness and kindness, but with a guiding hand, not too strict, but not too lenient. He is an excellent teacher, tutoring where needed, allowing them to grow and mature.

Special thanks to Rachel, Kay and Mike for donations toward Costel’s medical care.