Do Unto Others...

This year as we planned the daily events of the advent calendar for the kids from Casa Ana, Casa Nadia, and Casa Rebeca, we decided that it would be so valuable for these kids to be reminded of how important it is to be a blessing to others. We planned several activities this year that weren’t just about having fun and receiving, but that were also about being a blessing to others and giving of themselves and their time. One of the activities they were able to participate in was planning and doing a follow up program with the follow up staff and volunteers. Some of the kids went to Tarnaveni last week, some of them went to the special needs home in Ceauasu last night, and the oldest girls will be going to the baby hospital next week.


At Tarnaveni, Geza, Bella, Levi, Anna, Kati Darvas, Emese, Zorro, and Daniel Kalanyos planned all of the songs, crafts, and games. When we first arrived, they were very intimidated and did not even want to approach the kids from Tarnaveni. As they started explaining the activities for the night and participating in the games, they ended up having a blast. When it was time for us to leave, both the Livada kids and the kids from the group home in Tarnaveni were asking when they could return, and the whole van ride home they talked about what a great time they had being a blessing in the lives of someone else.



For Ceausu (sorry, no pictures were allowed here), Cornel, Claudia, Adi, Janos, Laura, Iby, Marga, Fanel, Sergiu, Daniela, and Stefan sang Christmas carols, helped the kids color Christmas coloring pages, and handed out Christmas gifts to each of the kids. As the Livada kids first entered this special needs home to see kids rocking, pulling out their own hair, and screaming, they were stunned. They didn’t know how to react and some of them were scared and wanted to leave. As they started singing, the kids sat quietly and listened and it really helped the Livada kids adjust. After they finished singing, they took the kids from Ceausu to the table, and sat patiently helping them color a simple coloring sheet. I was so impressed by the maturity, concern, and patience the LOC kids showed with even the most difficult children. Before we left, we were able to give a gift to each child and spend time talking to them and seeing their rooms. As we drove home last night, they all commented that they were reminded that they really need to thank God for their health and that they would remember to pray for others who don’t have the same opportunities as they do.

Please pray for Maria, Zsofia, Eniko, Kati Rostas, Krisztina, and Catalina as they will have the opportunity to visit the baby hospital in Ludus next Monday. Pray that God will also use their experiences there to not only be a blessing to the babies, but also to be an impact in the lives of these teenage girls. Pray that, as the others have been reminded, they will see the value of giving to others.