Home of Hope Newsletter May 2009

Evelyn and I have both been unable to make a spring visit to Home of Hope but we are in regular contact to keep up to date with all the Family.

The Romanian winter was much more mild than usual, with very little snow, and everyone kept reasonably well.

At long last, we have a Mains Gas Supply to the house, which means a welcome end to bottled gas for cooking. All the pipes are installed for central-heating which will, eventually, require two gas boilers. As the wood burner is very efficient, and firewood is a plentiful and cheaper option, we intend to continue with that and review the situation as time passes. We hope that, now the gas pipes are installed through the area, that the roads will soon be resurfaced!!

The ‘Outreach’ Clubhouse was completed in time for use at Christmas. It houses equipment for Pool and Table Tennis, both of which are available to our young people in leisure time.  Youth Groups from local Churches often hold their weekly meetings there and a small group of men at weekends.  It has also been rented for several small Birthday parties.

Florin’s present project is to transform some outbuildings, so far used mainly for storage, into more profitable service.  --more about that at a later date!

Hajnal has made good progress through her first six months of a much longed-for pregnancy and there is great excitement at the prospect of a new addition in late July.

Their son Jonathan [Joe] is almost 7 yrs old and will graduate from Kindergarten to School in September. He has just had his regular two weeks of visits to a Salt Mine

which is very popular for treatment of chest problems. The treatment area is underground, artificially lit, cold and damp, so warm clothes are essential even in summer. There are various energetic activities for adults and children ride around on pedal-cars and tricycles. The more energy used, the more salty air breathed in to clear the lungs!

There are two questions about our young people which still crop up, in England and in Focsani. One is ‘Why do they not work, so that they can contribute to their living costs as others of their age are expected to do?’ and ‘When will they leave Home of Hope to live independent lives?’

The answer which really covers both is that they do work at the tasks they are each given for the daily running of the premises, inside and out, and most of them work alongside Florin in whatever repairs or improvements he has in hand. Their HIV+ infection and consequent damage to their Immune Systems causes energy levels to be much lower than normal so it is impossible for them to cope with outside employment hours and demands. Also they do contribute to their living costs from their Government Allowance which they receive as ‘disabled’ people.  Because of the health problems involved, they will need the care and protection of Home of Hope for their lifetime.

I came home last October feeling so grateful to God that our young people all have faith in Him and that they have lived to 20yrs of age. We are very thankful, also, to Hajnal, Florin, Alina, Emil and others who have dealt with all the challenges, and cared for them as their own children.

God bless all of you who have supported us and the Home of Hope family through over 21yrs! 

With love in Him,

Ruth

Ruth Richards. Flat 4, Leonora Home, Wood Lane, Chippenham, SN15  3DY.

Tel. 01249  444728      E-mail-  ruthmrichards@talktalk.net