Melanie and Betty’s trip to Nyirbeltek, Romania  17^th October, 2003

At times one must always be ready to put down tools and act. On this occasion this is exactly what we did. I was telephoned by Dani and Kati to inform me about a building that had become available. The horse stable that the church was using was no longer able to accommodate the numbers of people wishing to attend the church services. The building they wished to purchase was in the heart of the village where the children of Nyirbeltek live, and would be so convenient to all the families.

On arrival we could see that there was much excitement in the village and the people wished us to immediately view the newly acquired building. Formal greetings were at a minimum to reduce the suspense. As we walked or paraded through the village an entourage of children, tagged on behind singing “Jonapot, Jonapot Melaninok !” – “Hello, Hello Miss Melanie”

We passed a boy who had an alsation attached to a set of pram wheels which served as carrier for wood – an old mama was cooking a large pot of food in front of her house. It smelt delicious.

As we passed by the last of the little houses we could see the dying end of the sunflowers. They had been harvested and we were informed that this year’s crop was good. We stopped opposite a small building which although new, having been built only five years ago was very basic. It had already got electric and running water which gave it a status in the village. The inner walls had already been knocked down and the men of the village were considering possible layouts.

The building will only be used as a place of worship and for the Bible school. As the building came with a sizeable area of land some were already predicting extensions ands a children’s park. The old horse stable will be used for visiting preachers and also the ladies monthly meeting. Danis and Katis will still be feeding the children from the existing house.

We helped white wash the house which was fun.

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