Like a hibernating bear, Spring made a brief appearance and then went back to sleep. February is gaining a reputation for promises that March is reluctant to deliver but the aspects of grey and white that dominated the winter scene are slowly acquiring a hint of green. In rural areas the ploughing season has begun and there is an interesting contrast between the commercial enterprises with access to expensive machinery and the majority of smallholders with one or two horses. At least the horses know the way home if the ploughman falls asleep!
This season brings a sense of starting afresh. The privations, and procrastination, of the winter are drawing to an end and it is time to get up and do something to improve one’s lot. We can anticipate an increase in opportunities for casual labour in agriculture and construction; one of the major sources of income for many of our beneficiaries. We have received a large supply of vegetable seeds, to be shared with those who have the necessary space and, appropriately for spring cleaning, we have been able to distribute some 800 litres of detergent donated by another local charity.
In addition to our normal items – clothing, bedding, toys, food – from time to time we receive other items such as crutches, decorating materials, soap and mattresses donated in bulk from surplus stock whilst bicycles, computers, musical instruments are examples of individual donations. All these items will, in due course, find a home where they will be valued.
Our associate, Robert, has started a programme of one-to-one meetings with the ‘wild bunch’ – a group of young men mainly from an orphanage background whose experiences and lifestyle have earned them that nickname. This is not an easy method of outreach, and Robert needs encouragement and prayer support for his initiative.
At the time of writing, the confusion surrounding Brexit is still unresolved. AN is expecting two lorries later this month – on the 26th and 27th respectively – will they make it? Read next month’s news to find out!
This month’s featured photos
- Support for Steluta.
- Geta gets mobile again.
- Gheorghe hits the road.
Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.
Last month’s performance statistics
These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
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Stats notes:
– Joiners are new registrants this month, Leavers are are those whose latest recorded donation was 12 months ago.
– Value of stock includes items which have been used in AN projects but not yet written out of these accounts.
– Items marked as “?” are awaiting final returns for the month.
