“NAZARETH”


When Lawside Romania Project was launched in 1991 we had wonderful dreams of setting up a house or houses for abandoned and/or orphan children.

By degrees it became clear to us that we had a lot to learn:
1. How to buy an apartment;
2. How to get the proper permission to pick the most needy children;
3. How to keep this house functioning as a warm and caring place for these most deprived little ones.

This is where we were convinced that all we need is
good will and tireless effort and God will bless and see the plan through.

Firstly, advised by a wise friend, we looked for and found a good builder who transformed an apartment into a welcoming home.

Then, out of the blue came a lady Paula Sandulescu who, being president of an association “Pentru Familie” (For the Family) agreed to manage our home.

What joy to see our dream become reality and to meet the superb staff of “Social Mothers” Paula had chosen.

Our Parish Priest came to bless our home and suggested we name it.What better name than “Nazareth” the home of the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

For five years “Nazareth” has been a joy to visit ans the “Social Mothers” were indeed teachers as well. All kinds of handcrafts were done by the children and poetry, colour and art were part of a daily programme.
So many different personalities amongst that group of children! The eldest, Marius, had been so alone in the hospital were he was being treated for leukemia. He came to “Nazareth” for a “break”.

There, with the best of food, a good rest and a happy family atmosphere he had a big remission from ilness. Now he is back with his family whom Paula discovered up country.

Then, there was Alexandra, a tiny baby who was born on the street where mum and dad had no home save an old cinema hall. While she was with us in “Nazareth” we did all in our power to get a home for her and her parents, providence provided! We found an apartment for them and now dad holds a good job while Alexandra is in a nursery school from Monday till Friday.

Tiny Tina is not so fortunate yet she is always smiling! She is hydrocephalic and is getting treatment for this. These are only three of our little family.
2003 has brought a change!

The Society for Child Protection has put forward its policy of closing institutions, and hopefully having children fostered.

There was a fear that “Nazareth” might close but, as ever, Paula found a way to safeguard our home and children. The “Social Mothers”, for security, sought jobs abroad.

Paula advertised and got a married couple to come, stay in “Nazareth” and be “home parents” to the children.

This seems to be working very well and it is good to find a happy family atmosphere still.

Once again “thank you very much”. The programme is only possible because of your generosity.
God Bless You All!