Well as we look towards Christmas and the New Year. I for one take time to reflect back on what has been an exciting but challenging year once again!
Firstly, I would like to thank all our faithful supporters old and new alike without such support we couldn’t do what we do out in Romania and with the handful of schools we work with in the UK.
I would also like to thank my board of trustees here in the U.K. for their support and patience over the last year.
As we move towards a new year we already see it’s challenges ahead but we have a God that already knows our needs and what we need but that shouldn’t stop us from asking just the same! This exercises our faith and trust in him that set us on the road in the first place.

I look at the world today and see a lot of suffering, waring, fractions and people dying, so to try and fill the world with a little hope,  kindness and love is more important now then maybe ever before.
As human beings let’s pull together whether we are Christian,  Muslim,  Buddhist,  Sikh or have no faith at all.
Let the voice of unity cry out across the world and let’s see headlines of love, kindness and compassion ringing out!
We can all make a difference in the world that surrounds us and beyond that too. Sometimes it’s just a smile or maybe the offer to just lend a hand in a small way but that makes a difference.
18 years ago we started a small orphanage in North East Romania where our vision was to love and care for some of the most down trodden children of that time. Today the same children are now young adults and are still being loved and many have learned to love back.
Those of you that have visited Casa Lumina will know this from experience and what a wonderful place it is!
Our work now has grown through our NGO Asociatia Lumina and the Palliative care services we provide in the region.
We are a guiding light for paediatric palliative care and now we also have voice at a national level which is something wonderful and we could  never have dreamt of it.
But this is Gods work and Gods hand wants to hold and love those children and their families through our work there and the wonderful staff we have at all our projects in Romania.

Let’s not forget the Brits too that still come out and volunteer in the summer through our schools work and mission trips for adults and young people.
Next year we have 10 Micro Gappers signed up to spend two months with us in Romania this is the most we have ever had, Beth Johnson and I are really looking forward to next summer and all that it brings.
So with that mention of Beth I would just like to say what  a great women she has become,  strong in her commitment to the cause and strong in her faith in God.
Tirelessly,  working for the good of the projects and serving not just the volunteers but me too always with a smile and cup of tea in the mornings!
Not just that there is a whole list that I could write but let’s just say she’s a great PA and coordinator of volunteers!
Better stop there as I don’t want her getting too big for her boots lol!

As you may have seen we have launched a £2 a month appeal and if you don’t support financially at this time could you please think about it.   We really need your support more than ever in the coming year. Would you consider helping us by committing to £2 a month?
It’s not even the cost of a cup of coffee at Costa or Starbucks!

Well that’s about it from me for this year.
May God bless you and your families not just this Christmas and New Year  but throughout the year.
Remember love is the greatest power in the Universe. Use it to help change your world and the world of others near and far!
Happy and a blessed Christmas.

Steve
CEO/ Founder Cry in the Dark
President/Founder Asociatia Lumina.