Mom and I and "other things"!

It was a wonderful summer, particularly having my mother visit from July 14 – August 3rd.  She really enjoyed Rome, except for the 100 degree TROPICAL heat every day there with no air conditioning!  Thankfully, we had one in our room.  My sister, Paula, and brother in law, Steve, were there as well for their 28^th year Roman honeymoon!!  Then, Mom was here in Cluj for two weeks where she enjoyed meeting all the good friends the Lord has blessed me with.  Enjoy the pics of us at St. Peter’s Square and at the Vatican Museum.  

Steve, Mom and Paula

Mom & I at St. Peter's

The clinic was closed for August so I was able to take care of “other things”.  A major “other thing” was making a 10 day trip to Lugoj, a town 5 hours away from Cluj and an hour’s drive outside of Timisoara.  The dedicated time was necessary in order to accumulate as much accurate information from researching and phone calls in Romania and to Europe to help TWO families to make the best decision for their children regarding cochlear implantation – for 7 ½ year old Silviu and 6 ½ year old Anca.  Unfortunately the information is not out-in-the-open and the families had already received misleading advice.  I get the wonderful privilege of advocating for them, disseminating the complicated, specialized information and accompanying them to the appointments as well since they will get better treatment if I am there.  Sad but true!  I feel like a mommy tiger doing battle for her cubs at times!

 

Another couple of patients materialized as well whom I have the opportunity to help.  Neither is simple and both had lost hope for any improvement.  Then, the Lord brings them to me (or me to them!) and the magical blessing happens – knowing why the Lord sent one, willing audiologist to a country where the field of audiology does not exist.  I just find out where He is working and join Him in the fun!   May He get all the glory!!  Rejoice with me – October 3^rd will be 7 years since coming to Cluj!