The circus was a highlight of one of our trips to the city.

Checking out the giant tortoise outside the circus tent

The kids had never been on a carousel, so that was a lot of fun for them

Marius enjoying his ride

Waiting for the circus to start.

We were able to get pretty close to the elephants…….Georgi got even closer….. What a memorable day!

For a few weeks this summer, some of the orphans went to their home villages to visit their families.  Not all the children were invited by a family member to visit and I know it was hard on the kids who remained at the orphanage.  So I decided to have a few special days of fun for them.  The kids love to visit Oradea (a city about an hour away) so we made several fun trips into the city.  We were able to go to the zoo, some parks, the mall and even the circus.  It was a lot of fun for all of us.

While visiting the zoo, this little guy was walking around.  He was such a cute little thing and the kids wanted their picture taken with him.

The kids sure were impressed by the antlers on this guy

The ponies were also a favorite of the kids

It was such a wonder thing to see four of the young people getting baptized yesterday!  It was an encouragement to me and I’m sure to so many to see how God is working in the hearts of these youth.

Cosmin with Bro. Iovan in the baptistery.

Oti

Flavius

Voichita’s grandpa was the night guard when we were building the fellowship center, so I got to know him pretty well and yesterday he told me with tears in his eyes that there is no greater joy for him besides seeing his children and grandchildren following God.  It was a very proud moment for all of the families.

Voichita with her grandparents

It was also a privilege for me to be part of the family celebrations.  I was able to be with Oti’s family before the service and after church I celebrated with Voichita’s family.

  Enjoying a delicious meal with Oti’s friends and family

There was also a delicious meal for the friends and family of Voichita

Voichita and I shared a few laughs together

It truly was a special day filled with God’s presence and blessings and my prayer is that God will continue to bless these young people in all that they do!

Before the service started, pictures were taken with the ones who were going to be baptized.  Since I’ve been here eight years now, I have seen the youth grow both physically and spiritually.  It has been such a blessing and encouragement to see these young people growing in their faith and my prayer is that they will remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Of course I wanted to get pictures with all of them .

Flavius

Oti

Voichita

Cosmin

Yesterday there was a baptismal service at the church.  Four out of the five candidates were from the youth group.  It was such a blessing to see all of them, especially the young people take this step in their walk with God.  Here are some pictures from this special day.

 Bro. Iovan with the five who were baptized

Part of the youth group with the four young people who were baptized

 Many people attended the special service

All the candidates sang “I have decided to follow Jesus”

The special speakers and Bro. Iovan praying over the five