Day 2 with Red Page

Our 2^nd day with the Red Page mission team involved more home visits and distribution of groceries/shoes/clothing and VBS.  The group we were in visited 5 homes, only one of which had a child (11 months old).  Most of our visits were to older people.  We were greeted at the courtyard entrance and invited into most of the homes (some we chose not to go into because of the size of our group, and the size of the home).  One family of three (mother, father and adult son) invited all of us into their home (one room about 10’ x 10’).  The even brought in chairs so that everyone could sit down.  The family was very warm and friendly, and glad to have us as their guests.  The lady of the house made some powdered sugar coated doughnuts (very similar to beignets).  Knowing that this family is very poor, we didn’t want to eat their food, but also knew how important it was to them to share with us.  We ate the goodies and thanked them tremendously for their hospitality.  It was a great time!

As we left another home, the great-grandmother gave each of us a pair of knitted socks that she had made.  We were all so excited to receive something that was special to her.  The glow in her eyes was priceless, for she got to share with us.  What a blessing!!!

Across the street for this family, we met a man in a wheelchair and an older woman; they were sitting outside their gate.  They both began to speak to Adina (the pastor’s wife who translated for us) and then they both began to cry.  We found out that they had both lost a loved one recently – the man his wife, the woman her daughter (both of them sharing the same loss).  My heart broke for them both, as their pain was still so fresh.  The man explained that his wife (daughter of the woman) had died in January of 2011 and he had his leg amputated in October of the same year.  He was suffering from not only one loss, but two.  All I could do was hold the hand of the woman and cry with her.  It doesn’t matter how old your child is, when they’re gone, your heart breaks.  Mine was broke again.  As I type this update, I’m still crying tears of sadness for them.  I don’t know if the daughter/wife was a believer, so I couldn’t give them comfort in knowing that they would be reunited again.  I just pray that they will find comfort and peace, and know that there is still joy to be found.

Later in the afternoon, the youth went out into the village to pass our invitations to the evening VBS.  About 50 kids showed up around 5p for a Bible story and game (the armour of God).  There was a craft time planned, but it was decided that it wouldn’t be well received.  We were also running out of time.  The kids seemed to enjoy both the story/application and game.  Afterwards, pizza was served!!  Everyone enjoyed the pizza and drinks, with some taking the extra pieces home for siblings.  It was a great time to visit with the kids and encourage them to continue coming to activities at the church.

Wednesday morning, Dennis and I said our goodbyes to the group and headed home.  But, along the way we detoured to a town named Hunadoare.  Why, you asked?  Castelul Covinolor.  It’s a 14^th century castle built with Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles of architecture.  It is said that Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner there.  We enjoyed touring through this massive structure and would recommend it to anyone who visits the area.

 

 

We finally arrived back home around 6:30p.  After unloading all the bags, and sorting through dirty laundry, I was ready to sit down and write my blog.  NO……our internet was down.  Bummer.  Well, I did get all my pictures unloaded off the camera card and materials ready for classes today.

Next adventure………Larry and Celieta Leifeste (former coworkers at Llano ISD, who are now living in Prague, Czech Republic) are coming to visit the last weekend of the month!!!