Basking in the Sunflowers

One of my favorite reasons to be in Romania in the month of July is because of the vibrant sunflower fields that I get to drive by every day on my way to Tinca. However, because I am riding on a bus, I have never had the opportunity to take photos. Last week my good friends, Randy and Debbie Bullock, arrived back in Oradea. One of their interns (Amanda from Florida) is an aspiring OT student, so this past Tuesday she joined me for a day in Tinca. Riding out to Tinca with Randy, I mentioned that I had wanted to take pictures of the sunflowers. So on Wednesday morning, Randy, Debbie, their 3 interns (Amanda, Lacie and Amanda), 2 of their Romanian workers & I piled into their van and drove out to some of the fields on the border of Oradea so I could finally take these pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was shining down with some major intensity so I am squinting in all of the photos!

Jenny, my new roommate (I moved into her apt when we returned from Bucharest) also came out to Tinca on Tuesday to help me with Viorel. Sadly, the foundation still has not found a suitable kinetotherapist (PT) since Ciprian resigned in May. So for the past 3 weeks I have been doing all the therapy(ugh..)! Jenny was able to train the house parents and the house workers on some stretching exercises for Viorel's legs. Thankfully, the staff was very receptive, especially since Jenny is creating a program for them to follow. This will help me have more time to focus on increasing his hand use and for making adaptations for his self-help skills (I know more OT lingo!). Oh, and Amanda enjoyed Tinca so much that she is joining me again next Wednesday!

Tomorrow I am heading to Cluj where I will be staying with the Maury family (yea!). I am excited to see them again and also to be able to attend services at Calvary Chapel Cluj! On Monday and Tuesday I will be working with Ciprian, the former kinetotherapist in Tinca, before heading back to Oradea Tuesday evening. Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Adorable Abel

After sharing with you all the story of Abel and "staying out in the sun too long", I decided I should post a picture of this adorable 5 year old! I have known Abel since he was just a little baby as he was in CPI (the orphanage) when I was still living here full-time. Abel was our only child on the baby unit who was completely normal, but yet he ended up in CPI just because he was a gypsy and no foster home was found. So it was much to my delight when I was told that Romanian Relief had rescued him! Abel now attends gradinita (like our preschool/kindergarten) along with Miha and Iosif's natural daughter, Iasmina Bianca. Although he is making physical and cognitive progress by leaps and bounds, this precious little boy so needs our prayers for emotional healing. He has lots of attachment issues which make dealing with his behavior quite challenging. Please pray for Alina, our psychologist, to have wisdom in working with him and also for the other staff to have increased patience. Above all, pray that he will experience the supernatural love that only our Saviour can provide. Praise God that Abel truly is one of Abba's Kids!

FIELD TRIPS!!!!!

Since returning from Bucuresti, I have been spending more time with the 5 children in the "lower house" in Tinca. Most of the children have multiple learning disabilities, and the oldest child has autism. Despite the great care they now receive, it is important to remember that they were all raised in orphanages until just a few years ago. With this said, many behavioral and emotional challenges persist. Miha and Iosif (the houseparents) have been thankful for the extra help, especially during our recent excursions...

Excursion #1: To the Dentist!
Last week we came to the "big city" of Oradea where a very kind dentist examined all of the children's teeth. Although I was appreciative of her help with the kids, I couldn't muster the courage to be examined (no use of gloves, no real sterilization) despite the fact that I broke a tooth in Bucuresti. Afterwards, we took the children to the play area in the mall and rewarded them with pizza!


The joys of taking 7 children (the 5, plus the 2 natural
children of the house parents) to the dentist! Actually
it was much easier than I had expected. They all stayed
together in the little room, eagerly watching each other
get examined, waiting their turn, and asking the dentist
funny questions!

Excursion #2: Timisoara!
The children, along with Miha, Iosif and Bunica (Miha's mom) are spending this week in Timisoara, a beautiful city about 2 1/2 hours from Oradea. Alina (the psychologist) and I took the train down on Monday and spent 2 days helping out. The children were so excited to see us!


Group picture in Piata Unirii, in the old city center
of Timisoara. It is a beautiful square with lots of places
to sit and just enjoy the evening.


Alina and me with Darius, Nico, Pami and Doina
(the oldest daughter of Miha and Iosif). Doina is so
great with the other children and truly considers them
her family!

We had such a great time taking them to the city center, the heroes cemetery (Timisoara is where the revolution began in 1989 and thus many young people from there were killed), and to some of the parks. We had a few interesting moments at the parks. One evening, a boy who was also playing at the park went up to our kids and meanly accused them of being gypsies. Abel, our youngest child, quickly stated, "no, we just stay out in the sun too much". How cute!
Unfortunately, one of the children had an extremely difficult time while we were sitting in another park and began screaming and trying to injure herself. Upon seeing this, a group of elderly men began yelling at us, insisting that we leave immediately as we were disturbing their game of chess. It was such a sad moment for me, realizing just how unaccepted these children really are....


Nico and Pami, staying cool by taking a dip in a fountain


Behind us is the National Theatre, a place of great
importance during the Revolution in 1989

Introducing...Casandra Vollbrecht

Casandra Avariel Wood-Vollbrecht

After an 11 1/2 hr train ride, I arrived back in Oradea last night at about 12:30 am and immediately turned on my computer to catch up on 2 weeks of emails and then called my mom. While talking to my mom, I realized my good friend, Halie had sent me an email a few days before with the most WONDERFUL news that I must share! But first let me tell you about Halie. Halie is a remarkable young woman whom I have had the honor to serve alongside and call friend since we met at CP1 (the orphanage in Oradea) in 2003. Halie moved to Romania to care for a little baby girl who had been moved from the Children's Hospital to the orphanage. The first time I saw Halie and Casandra together, I knew that Halie was indeed chosen by God to be Casi's mom. Halie and I spent EVERY day together, loving on and caring for Casi and her playmate Milagros (now Denisa). On the rare occasions when one of us couldn't be at the orphanage, the other always looked after both of our girls. When it was time for me to move back to the U.S. and Mila was still waiting to be placed in a foster home, Halie's continued presence gave me the peace that Jesus would still provide for Mila. In fact, Halie, Casi, and my friend Dora all threw Mila her 1st birthday party right before she was placed in her foster home.

Throughout her 5 long and challenging years here in Oradea, Halie has been shown AMAZING favor thanks to our AMAZING Father! She was given permission to foster Casi early on and has always had a great relationship with Child Protection. But the last few months have been stretching. You see, Halie is getting married in August (in California) and needed to have Casi's adoption finalized first. Many other young foreign women, although with legal Romanian residency, have had their adoption appeals rejected by the courts and Halie had not even been given a court date when I left for Bucuresti 2 weeks ago. But Halie knows she serves a faithful God who's timing is perfect and was not at all stressed. She truly exudes peace.

So last Monday she got a call from her social worker informing her that she had a court hearing on Wednesday, just 2 days later. This is so unusual as you are typically given a court date for months later. So Halie goes to court on Wednesday and with absolutely NO resistance from the judges, the adoption is immediately granted and Halie is given legal custody of Casi! PRAISE GOD!

Please keep Halie, Casandra and Eric (Halie's fiance) in your prayers as they prepare to head home to the U.S. in July, for their upcoming wedding, and also for their plans to return to the missions field here in Romania.

Bucuresti!

Team Bucuresti: Kristi (MT), Jenny (PT) and me (OT)

Today marks my 12th day here in Bucuresti, the capital city of Romania. We (Jenny, Kristi and I) have been traveling each day to a local children's center/orphanage where we have been working with children from the orphanage, as well as with some of the children from the community. Most of the children are on the autism spectrum, so Kristi and I are feeling right at home! The center has some amazing equipment (including suspended equipment/swings, rocker boards and therapy balls) so I have been in therapy heaven!!!!

Making a Roxana sandwich, or once Kristi composes the words,

a "sarmale" (the traditional Romanian stuffed cabbage roll)

Catalina swinging!

The equipment was primarily donated from Inimi Deschise/Children to Love (CTL), the ministry that is hosting us. Lili, one of the CTL workers, has also spent time in California and was trained in using the Picture Exchange Communication system (or PECS for all of my therapist friends reading this!), so the the center has a PECS program, which includes time in the "sensory stimulation room" and the "occupational therapy gym". However, the staff didn't know how to use the therapy equipment, which is why we we were invited to come. Lili has been working with children at this orphanage for about 12 years and has an incredible heart. Her love for the children is contagious!

Lili and her new swing. Jenny and I picked up this swing at the Ikea store in Bucuresti. The kids are loving it!

Last week I was asked to do a 3 day training course on sensory integration (SI) theory, assessment and intervention, and yesterday I did another training on how to manage aggressive behaviors. All of the trainings went exceptionally well and the staff have all been so attentive. We have also been able to come along side the staff during treatment sessions, helping them to implement the new strategies. It has been such a treat to do true SI work again, plus we have seen some amazing results with a few of the children in just the past week and a half! This has been so encouraging not only to us, but also to the staff. Oh so many stories I want to share...perhaps in another blog. Today we have to say goodbye to all of our new friends (both staff and children), so it will be a bittersweet day. Please pray that the workers will have seen beyond our tangible help and will have experienced glimpses of our glorious Savior, and that through those glimpses their hearts would be changed.

Say Cheese: Group picture with the staff

Play Time!

Thursday we were able to bring the children in the "top house" from Tinca to the children's park in Oradea for a full day of fun! Oh how I wish you could have heard their squeals of delight as they explored all of the tunnels, slides and climbing structures. We also took them for a tram ride, and ended the day with lunch at McDonalds. It was so much fun but we all needed a nap by the end of the day!

Zsofia

My most enjoyable moments in Budapest were simply being with Zsofi. She, like the city, has captivated my heart!

A Time of Refreshing

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31, NKJV)

The month of May was quite busy with autism trainings, working in Tinca, helping Dora reassess and write treatment plans on the children at Centru de Recupare, seeing children in their homes, and helping out with a team of therapists from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. I was asked to take part in a panel discussion during the "Sanctity of Life" Conference at Emanuel University, helped lead a workshop for PT and PT students, and then did some informal trainings for 2 of the teachers at Casa Minunata, a school here in Oradea. Jenny, my PT friend here, approached me a few weeks ago about going to Bucharest with her and another friend, Kristi. We were invited to come and do trainings for the staff at a local orphanage. Apparently they have received a good amount of sensory-integration equipment, but have no idea how to use it! So knowing that June will also be an adventurous month, God gently called me aside for a few days of rest...in my beloved city of Budapest (Hungary)!

My dear friends Kata and Istvan graciously offered me the use of their extra apartment, which is located in a great area! I was able to meet with several of my friends, go back to the school where I worked (and sat in on one of Kata's classes), meander though the city, and of course, I attended church at Calvary Chapel Budapest. My friends Edina and Zoli had me over for dinner and surprised with with the news that they are expecting their first child! Another important reason for my visit was to finally meet my little "Zsofika". My closest friends in Hungary, Agi and Lacza, had their first child 2 days after my birthday. Her name is Zsofi and I will be posting LOTS of pictures of her soon! It was a much needed time of refreshing...spiritually, emotionally and physically. I am sharing a few of my favorite pictures to give you a "taste" of Budapest. It is truly a captivating city!

Cristina and Marcus

" And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up. That's why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers" (Galatians 6:9-10, NLT)


Over the past few weeks, I have received calls asking me to work with several children in their homes. In all honesty, my first response was "No way, I don't have the time or energy to add anymore kids to my schedule". But then I prayed and the above verse pierced me. My friend Jenny (the missionary PT here) called, asking me if I could see a little boy in Tinca who was in a foster home. She had met with a doctor in the children's hospital here in Oradea who is somehow related to the family taking care of the child and the doctor implored us to help. Marcus is an adorable and precocious 4 year old who eagerly waits for his "massage and exercises". Because he is in state-run foster care, I can only show his profile. He is such a cutie! Then my friends Mihaela (Michelle)and David called, asking me if I could see their daughter. I have known Cristina since she was a baby and her parents have done a wonderful job following through with all my suggestions. So now I am seeing both Cristina and Marcus on a weekly basis. The really awesome thing is that the Gut family (the foster family for Marcus) and the Moza family (Cristina's parents) are all Christians. He reminds me time and time again that I have just the amount of time and just the amount of energy to do just His will.

Nicoleta

Much to the delight of the children, I have been spending both Monday and Tuesday nights in Tinca. No one was happier than Nicoleta, who promptly offered me her bed! After explaining to her that I have to sleep in the "up house" and not in the "down house", Nico decided I needed to at least tuck her into bed at night. These precious moments allow me to give Nico the individual attention she so craves, as well as the amazing opportunity to pray over her. Nicoleta, or as we fondly call her "Nico", is such a precious young lady who spent her first several years in a state orphanage before being rescued by Romanian Relief. It is pure joy to work with her! With the help of Alina (the psychologist)and Ciprian (the physical therapist), I decided to teach the older children to play kickball this past week. We thought it would be a good activity that addressed following directions, attention and motor planning. I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was quite an experience as Nico and the others just couldn't grasp the concept of running the bases! Mass chaos! After over an hour of practice, I am happy to report Nico finally "got" the concept.

just a quick update...

I am headed out to Tinca in just a few minutes, but wanted to post an update before leaving. This past week, I held my first formal training session on sensory integration/techniques for children with autism. I had a great turnout (26 parents as well as a few teachers and psychologists) and the information was well received. From the pictures, I hope you can see how much fun we had! The parents each completed a sensory checklist, and from this information I am planning to prepare more child-specific training sessions. The other picture is of me and my new friend Olivia. Please be praying for her. She is a nurse at the children's hospital and was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is quite depressed and lacks any hope. Saturday night my former roommate, Annamaria, and I prayed over her. Pray that she will see that their IS HOPE!
In addition to my typical schedule in Tinca (at Romanian Relief) and in Oradea (at the rehab center), I am now seeing 4 additional children in their homes (in the evenings). Laura has autism, Andreea has Rett Syndrome, Cristina has Down Syndrome and Markus has CP-like symptoms. I will take pictures this week of each of them and post another update soon.

Pace (Peace)
Dawn

May 1st

Yesterday International Worker's Day (sort of like our Labor Day) was celebrated throughout Europe, including here in Romania. Nearly all the shops were closed and there was no bus service to Tinca, so it was a forced holiday (no complaints!). After not feeling well for nearly 2 weeks before finally agreeing to a week of antibiotics, I was able to do some work on Tuesday and Wednesday, but was looking forward to some rest on Thursday. Luci and Sorin invited me to go to Bratcuta, a little village in the mountains, where their families recently purchased a small weekend house. After a nearly 2 hour drive through some of the most beautiful, rustic scenery we were greeted by Sorin's parents and Luci's sister who had arrived on Wednesday. Breathing fresh mountain air and drinking pure water right from the spring, playing ball with Ipu, walking in the green, green woods...a great way to spend Labor Day! Of course the day would not be complete without partaking of the traditional foods: mititei/mici (grilled mince-meat rolls) eaten with bread and mustard; and miel (lamb) prepared in a ceaun(a large pot placed over a fire). Another memorable day!

This coming week, Alina (the psychologist in Tinca) and I are planning to complete Maria's evaluation and will then implement a sensory program. The house staff's understanding of autism is quite limited and their willingness to try "new things" is questionable, so any prayers would be appreciated. In addition, next Friday night is my first formal training session for the parents of children with autism (here in Oradea). Around 30-50 parents, as well as some professionals, including my new friend Jenny Lotter (a missionary/physical therapist serving here in Oradea), will be attending so please keep this training in your prayers as well.

Joyfully,

Dawn

Hristos A Inviat!

Hristos a inviat! Adevarat c-a inviat! Easter is by far my favorite holiday...and this Romanian greeting is one I have long loved. Beginning Easter Sunday and lasting for 40 days (until they mark Jesus' acsension), Christians greet one another by saying "Christ is Risen!" and then responding "Indeed He is Risen!". Here in Romania, Easter celebrations began last Friday (Good Friday) and continued through this past Monday. Friday evening after church, I returned home with Lucia, Sorin and Filip (Ipu) to stay the weekend in Nojorid. Saturday was spent preparing all the foods, dyeing Easter eggs and playing with Ipu! Learning how to dye traditional eggs was an amazing experience. We began by gathering leaves from the garden, dipping the leaves in water and then applying them to the eggs. The eggs were then snuggly placed in stockings before being placed in a pot of water brimming with onion skin/peels. After this boiled for about 15 minutes, we removed the eggs from the stockings, removed the leaves and then rubbed the eggs with slanina (a piece of pig fat) to make them shiny. Throughout Sunday and Monday, children came to the house, proclaiming "Hristos a inviat" and we rewarded with an egg!