Spring/Summer Update

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

It seems only days ago that the trees were blossoming and the fruits were budding. Spring was absolutely glorious here in Romania. And yet, now here were are roasting the eggplants, canning vegetables and making jams. Summer is nearly coming to an end, and all the preparations for winter have begun. 

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

This spring and summer were incredibly busy with trainings, consultations, mentoring therapists, meeting with parents, seeing children and relationship-building. Although I cannot deny there were days (actually more than a few) in which I felt completely overwhelmed, I was certain that each of these commitments was God-ordained and that He would sustain me. From the end of March until the end of July,  I traveled on the average of 10 days per month to other cities all over Romania, providing consultations to therapists, children and parents. I also did 2 trainings on sensory processing and 3 trainings on fine motor development. It's been exciting to share my knowledge and skills, but even more amazing has been the ability to share my heart-God's heart for children with disabilities- with so many people. Years ago I made a commitment to God that I would start every training by sharing Psalm 139. For many, this is the first time that they have heard that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made".

Trainings

Baia Mare 

Brasov

Bucharest 

Mentoring Therapists/Consultations

In addition to my primary work here in Oradea (Pyramid Learning Center),  I am now providing ongoing consultation to two other clinics, one in Baia Mare, and one in Bucharest.  The plan is to go to each of these centers every 12 weeks.  Although this means a lot more train and bus rides than I would prefer, it has given me the opportunity to bond with many of the therapists. This has already allowed me to have some in-depth conversations about life, faith, hope, and perspectives.  I am also starting to meet with parents, so please be praying for me to have wisdom. So many of these parents are hurting and have lost hope.  Society looks down not only on their disabled child, but also on them. For some, they believe their child is a curse. For others, who fight desperately for their children to be accepted at school or in the community, they are exhausted and feel overwhelmed.  I have been providing some respite care to a few families and recently started praying with one of the moms. 

As much as I love coming alongside therapists and parents, I am thankful that I also have time to see a few children for therapy. This summer,  Pyramid Learning Center needed to close for a few months, thus most therapy is being done in the homes or in the community. One little boy lives in a village, about an hour away from Oradea and home visits were difficult to arrange, so he now comes to my apartment every week. I'm so proud of each of these children!

Luca and Andreea playing at the park

Mihnea is going up the stairs!

Petre's drawing

Alex's craft: awesome progress with cutting and writing

Outing with Luca

Tomorrow morning I am leaving for Calvary Chapel's Mission Conference in Austria. I am looking forward of this time of refreshment and also a week of rest. My friend Sue, a CC missionary from Florida, will be doing all the driving, so we would appreciate prayers for safe travels. 

Join me in these PRAISES:

• I'm coming home (to Arizona) for a visit from October 11- November 28th!
• I was able to get a good price on a round trip plane ticket
• Partnerships in Oradea, Baia Mare and Bucharest
• New opportunities to meet and pray with parents
• I found a new apartment! I will be moving the end of September
• Relationships with therapists
• Progress with children
• Opportunity to attend the missions conference

PRAY with me:

• To guard my daily quiet time with Jesus
• For the missions conference this week- that I could quiet my mind and also be open to what God has prepared for me to hear
• For my upcoming trip home~  to balance rest, enjoyment with family and also support raising. If you have a small group, bible study, group of friends, or a family that would like to hear more about my ministry here in Romania, I would love to share more with you :)
• For wisdom in discipling/mentoring a young woman from my church here in Oradea
• For wisdom in my relationships with therapists, parents, families, children
• For the move to my new apartment
• For Pyramid Learning Center and the staff; that God would make a way for us to reopen in September

All to His Glory,

Dawn