For the past few years, my wife, Wanda, and I have gone to Romania right before Christmas. This trip is taken with our mission partner, Remember the Children. During this time we distribute Christmas gift boxes to orphan and disadvantaged children and visit and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters who are serving in a difficult place. It has become our Christmas gift and a very special time of the year for us. We continue to be surprised by so many things as we visit.
- How people who are materially poor can seem so full of joy.
- How people who are materially rich seem unhappy and dissatisfied.
- Small things mean a lot when done with love.
- Smiles are an international language.
- All children need attention and affection.
- There are good people in other parts of the world serving and ministering to others with few resource and much sacrifice.
- The presence of a church and caring Christians can make a difference in the community.
- Many people do not know that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
Our yearly trip reunites us with good Romanian friends and reminds us that the best gifts given at Christmas are not the things we give or get, but the people we love.
Crăciun fericit! (Merry Christmas)