The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

This Christmas season was especially special for all of us here at Fundatia LOC who have the privilege of working with the 300+ kids who are still under the care of the state. As most of you know, we have not had the opportunity of seeing these kids at all since our camp program this summer. Normally, we have the chance to see all of these kids on a weekly or biweekly basis, so it has been very difficult to not see them, spend time with them, know how they are doing, and continue sharing God's love with them. However, this Christmas, we were given the opportunity to do a separate party at each location all over Mures County. Praise the Lord!

Thanks to several individuals who sent money and gifts and to Samaritan's Purse who donated shoeboxes full of toys, candy, clothes, toiletries, etc, each child received their own gift at the end of all of our parties. Each party was like a reunion full of laughter, hugs, smiles, and fun. We were extremely blessed by the opportunity to spend time with each of the kids that we, and so many of you, have had the opportunity to invest in over the years.

We are so thankful for your generosity and prayers which helped make each of these parties a possibility. Please continue to pray that our Follow Up and Camp programs that we run throughout the year will be approved so that we can continue to show God's love and ours to each of the orphan children of Mures County who so desperately need love. Thanks for being a part of the biggest Christmas gift that the staff of our Follow Up ministries received this year...seeing, investing in, and loving on these precious kids!!

Merry Christmas from Romania!!!

After a late night of Christmas caroling to all the moms, educators, friends and more (a Romanian Christmas Eve tradition)... there was a little rest and then it was time for the excitement that every child awaits...



We wish you a Merry Christmas from Romania! It was a joyful Christmas morning of receiving flip flops and bathing suits... an odd winter gift, but a great preview of things to come this summer as the BIG gift for this year was a trip to the beach this summer!!!



There was also a little treat for the winter too... One of the favorite winter past times for all our kids is sledding and each child received their own sled for use in the winter snow!



We are so thankful for all of our child sponsors and friends who gave this Christmas to make not only this day MERRY, but to keep the JOY alive as the kids await their trip to the Black Sea this summer! You are all a blessing to us and we pray that you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We will be posting another "Christmas Blog" around July or August when the kids enjoy their gift again!

Help us make it a Merry Christmas!

Will you help to make it a Merry Christmas this year for all of the kids in the care of Livada? No, these pictures don't look like winter fun... but, both of our group homes and all of our apartments have asked for only one thing this year for Christmas... A Family Vacation to the Beach next summer!!!



It has been four years since our last Family Vacation with our kids to the Black Sea. We took them there the first year they were with us to help build a family atmosphere and to give them happy childhood memories to look back on as they came out of their past of abandonment and life in the orphanage. Well, it was a HUGE success then and has been a repeat request each year since then.



This year when we began to talk about needs and wants for Christmas many of the kids said that they would rather only get a stocking on Christmas and make their big gift a trip back to the Sea this summer. The idea spread like wildfire and so this is our request.



If you usually send gifts for the kids at Christmas or if you usually send a monetary gift towards Christmas... This year we ask you to send it to help towards the family beach trip to be held this summer!



You can give through paypal on our website www.livada.org or you can send a check to Livada Orphan Care P.O. Box 1771 Windsor, CA 95492... just mark Christmas in the memo line! Thanks so much for helping us make this Christmas Wish Come True!

Trimming the Trees!

Beginning on December 1, a holiday here in Romania celebrating their independence, we kicked off the holiday season with the trimming of the tree at Casa Ana-Nadia. Although many in the house were suffering from a virus going around, everyone managed to make it downstairs for this fun time. Ibi, Laura, Janos, Daniela, Fanel & Marga helped the whole time! From tree assembly, to lighting and tinsle, to placing the ornaments just right, they enthusiastically decorated the tree! They were so proud of the finished product and so happy that Christmas time had arrived!




The next night, December 2, we headed over to Casa Rebeca to put up their tree! Sarah, Jeff, Jenny and even baby Jack joined the kids of Casa Rebeca for a full night of assembly, lighting, trimming and carefully putting the ornaments in just the right place according to their color. Eniko headed up the placement of the ornaments, Emese helped make a star for the top of the tree and Bella helped with the lights. Many others gathered around to offer up their part in trimming the tree!


Afterward, we all gathered as a family to eat a delicious meal prepared by Mama Erzsike and lots of laughter was enjoyed throughout the meal. It was a wonderful beginning to this Christmas season!

Christmas Fun Begins...

Each year the children at Casa Rebeca and Ana-Nadia enjoy preparing for Christmas all through the advent season. This year is no different. The children enjoyed the door decorating challenge this week!



They had one hour, could only talk to their roommates and were given a few supplies including 2 posters, a pair of scissors, a glue stick, a few pieces of construction paper, 8 markers, a little foil, garland and wrapping paper... and off they went!




Most hustled into their rooms, a few stumped for ideas, but by the end of the hour (really an hour and a half) they had very creative posters to hang in honor of the Christmas Holiday!



A great time was had by all and the "winning" room was chosen based on creativity, cooperation with one another and good attitude. The winners enjoyed a festive treat and all will enjoy the door decorations throughout the Christmas season.



Please pray that as the children enjoy fun activities during this holiday season that they will also take time to think about the true meaning of Christmas and accept the most precious gift of all... Jesus Christ!