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Dear Friends
Winter has arrived in Romania. Today (November 30th) 25 cm/10 inches of
snow in Cihei & Tileagd so a very pretty scene. But the beauty covers the
tragic needs of families in freezing conditions as they can't afford wood
for the fire that has increased 25% on last years prices.
We have many in need of help with their winter fuel to ensure they have a
warm home this Christmas. Winter is a very hard time in Romania as the
harsh winters identify the extreme difficulties our supported families live
under. We try to bring some Hope and Cheer to them at the time of year
which for us is such a joyous time as we Celebrate the Lord's birth.
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We are getting ready to
launch our
S.O.S. (Sack of Smiles) program and many
children will be waiting in hope to receive a sack of gifts once again.
Likewise, families are overjoyed when we are able to take a
Special Christmas
Food parcel of special treats for the time of year in addition to their
regular food package of basic essentials.
If you would like to make a special gift this Christmas time for an SOS,
a Food
Parcel or help with Winter Fuel - please telephone the office with a Visa or MasterCard
or go to our
online PayPal or write to us enclosing payment and details of your
support.
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There has been a rush against time before winter set in on the
Tileagd Complex and our Phase 2 endeavours. We were delighted to have the roof
finished in November - all the windows & doors in the Medical Block, some
exterior plastering and the first stages of electrical installation.
We pray for the continuing support needed for construction. We hope to have
windows and doors in the gymnasium by Christmas so that work can be done
"inside" during the cold winter days.
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The adrenalin pumps every time we think about the
Opening Weekend in Tileagd
on June 7th & 8th 2008. The Mission Centre is close to full already for
nearly 50 people joining us for the Opening but then staying on for the regular
mission trip. Because so many want to be at the Opening, we are now
arranging and offering a 'long weekend' option. On this basis we can have
another 50 join us for the Special Celebration in June.
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We can only take a further 50 on the long weekend
option who will be staying at a
nice small hotel in nearby Baile Felix. Smiles are looking to take on the
entire facility.
100 guests will be all we can logistically handle for the Special Weekend
and only guests on the Smiles Trip will be able to attend the Special events
as numbers that weekend will be at a maximum.
So, don't miss this historical event in Tileagd - call now to reserve your
places for the Grand Opening Long Weekend. Prices start at £230/$460 for 3
nights or £290/$580 for 4 nights all inclusive (except flight). Call now!
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We are also delighted to announce two new staff positions filled. Octavia Cimpoca
who was undertaking a Post Graduate management year with Smiles has
become full-time in Sponsorship Administration. All sponsors of our Family
Care, School, Nursery & Children Centres will be hearing from Octavia soon
and on a regular basis.
Also, as June Cole prepares to leave the UK office at Christmas after
5 years of service in the accounts department, Nina Dandu has joined as
Accounts Administrator and is introducing a computerised accounting system
for Smiles from January 1st 2008.
Welcome Octavia & Nina - good to have you on the team. Our thanks to June
for all her work in the accounts department and many other areas for The
Smiles Foundation.
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Finally, a note for UK diaries. Smiles Conferences have been set and we
would love to invite all supporters in the UK to attend their local Conference
if at all possible.
March 8th - 10am - 4pm - Troon, Scotland
March 9th - 2pm - 6pm - Belfast, N. Ireland
March 15th - 10am - 5pm - Chesterfield, England.
A great time of news, updates, challenges and of course Special Guests from
Romania to encourage us all. Don't miss it!
So, we'll leave it there and pray this Christmas will be a blessed time for
you and your family as you Celebrate the Good News of Christ's Birth.
With thanks for your continued support.
Yours in Christ
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The Smiles Foundation
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