LeAnn Haines Vinson: Missionary to Balkan Children in Romania

"Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
2 Timothy 2:2

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Saying Goodbye Stinks!


I have already had to begin saying goodbye. These girls are sisters at the Children's Home and have gone home to spend the summer with their family (except the youngest, who will remain at the Home). I know ... why are they in a Children's Home if they have parents? Well, the answer to that question remains the same ... only God knows. Some families are so poor, they put their kids there to have "a better life". Some simply don't want the full-time role of parents. Some kids were taken out of abusive homes. Some were taken from their parents who were living out of their wagons on the street. Each child is unique in their story. Why are these girls here? I have no idea, but what I do know is that they are going home for the summer.
Ana (the oldest and third from the left) has been my friend from the first day I walked into the Home last year. She doesn't speak a word of English, but always had a smile and a hug to offer me. Her sister, Flori (on my lap), soon started coming to see me also. They are so sweet and will be missed! One of the last things I asked them was, "Do you know that I love you? Do you know that God loves you more?"
What about you ... do you know that God loves you?
"For God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." --John 3:16

1 comment:

Tory said...

That is both a sad goodbye and a good one...you know, laughter through tears...saying goodbye there means that you can say hello here. Yay, LeAnn is coming for a visit. Break out the marching bands, get the people gathered and get the food ready to celebrate. Well, at least, the people and food will be ready...then, you will be reenergized to get back to your new family in Romania. All the best as August approaches.