Slumdog...

Jeff and I just finished watching Slumdog Millionaire for the first time. Wow! What an incredibly moving story. My stomach was in knots as I watched the young man unfold his life story as it reminded me so much of the kids we have worked with in Romania. It is amazing how resilient children can be when they see more than most of us could ever create in our worst nightmare. It is astonishing how in the end they continue to long for love, to be loved and to have someone to love. We pray each night that our kids, the Livada kids, find that love first through their heavenly father. That they know they are not alone, no matter what 'slum' they come from or what millions they fall into. What a touching story and a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have our health, have others to love, and to know God's supreme love that covers all.

Some of the last teens who left Ludus orphange on a visit back to say their official good-byes. This place that so many remember as a horrible place was the only home these young adults ever knew. Despite the terrible experiences, it was still familiar and home to them. Now they are living in foster care or on their own...and most of them are doing much better because of it...it was special for them to reunite and say good-bye so they could move on.

This is one of the little guys living in the baby hospital in the town of Ludus. Since he just learned to walk, this is his first time to walk outside of the hospital room. To many he maybe considered part of the slum of Romania, but to us he is precious. I can't wait to see him again!

These are some of the Livada group home kids sharing with the town of Targu Mures all about Livada during a town festival for non-government organizations. It is always encouraging when the locals respond so well to our efforts and want to help these sweet kids! To read more about all of these adventures, check out www.livada.org or livada's blog, both are listed on our links.