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Tamyra Crossley's
Romanian Report
December 2002
As I write this update, I am listening to Christmas music (thanks to the
CD’s my mom sent last year) and counting my blessings. Our home
has been decorated for the holidays for several weeks now (we just couldn’t
wait and want to stretch the season as much as possible) . We have handmade
snowflakes hanging from the ceiling (I have to admit, Brian is the snowflake
King!) and a total of 13 stockings hanging from the stair rail J. The Lord has been so very good at taking care
of all our needs.
Those of you who know me well, know that I have always said that my new name
in heaven is going to be "ye of little itty bitty faith".
Once again, I hate to admit, I had my doubts about whether or not the Lord
would "notice" that we now had 11 (with Anca) kids to buy for. Even
if I just bought a few things each, and got some goodies for the stockings,
it was going to quickly add up. I even tried to prepare
the children by letting them know that we have more the buy for this year
and that they would each just get "little" things. I was surprised and
pleased when they said "that’s ok mom, as long as we are happy, that’s all
that matters".
Not only did our Lord "notice" He, as always, does abundantly,
more than we can think of or even ask! From a mother’s heart,
I want to say a special thank you to some of "God’s helpers" who have acted,
and as a result gave "Christmas" to our children. To all the ladies
who sent gifts with the Neevels, and Beccah McDaniel, taking the time to pick
a name and custom tailor gifts to fit each child’s personality, you did great,
they are perfect! I can’t wait for them to open them! To put icing
on the cake, they gave Brian and I a camcorder and said this was from the
Staff of Titus Two. I know it is not ladylike to have your mouth hang
open, but shock took over my training on how to act like a lady J (I was thankful there were no flies in the room!).
Wow, what a wonderful asset this will be to all our ministries! Thank
you so very much! On the heels of this, we received a box full of goodies,
(that will be perfect for stockings) from Landmark in Martinez, California
(little did you know that our children had asked for light up yo-yo’s and
they are not available here). Jane Byers and all the Ladies of
Landmark in Gould, AR and that local Association have sent a package
"again" this year (custom tailoring gifts also J), to not only benefit our Children’s Home but to bring
aid to many poor families in Romania. Pray with us that we receive this
before Christmas so we can distribute to the families. A few days ago,
I received an email from Linda Finlayson of Santa Cruz, California
informing me she has a Christmas package in the mail, Thank you Linda. If
that is not "enough" , Springhill Missionary Baptist Church of Minden, LA
took up a large love offering to help cover Christmas! This money allows
Brian and I to purchase gifts from Mom and Dad, have a nice Christmas dinner
and some peace of mind! God Bless you one and all J The LOVE that all of you have displayed
is truly "agape". To say I am overwhelmed, is a major understatement!
Both Brian and I are indebted and truly thankful.
Each of our children have been busy making Christmas gifts for each other
and have been very creative. We have rubber band guns almost completed
(4 shooters), jean purses (with lots of neat patches), beaded bracelets and
necklaces and the two little ones are going to help me decorate some "giant"
gingerbread cookies for their gift partner (I am planning on making
lots of frosting, fully expecting at least half will end up in little tummies
in the process J). It has been a lot of fun watching the
excitement and joy of accomplishment in each child. Several have started
making additional gifts for others.
This year is somewhat of a bitter/sweet one for me. I am looking so
forward to seeing our son and soon to be daughter, as well as our families,
I miss them so much, but am dreading the goodbyes that we will have
to say to our children here, for 2 ½ months. With children on both sides
of the world, it is impossible to have you heart wholly in one place anymore.
We have talked to the children, constantly reassuring them that we will
be back, but know it will create some insecurity in them.. We
have a sweet lady (Anca’s Mother) lined up to stay with the children, of course
Anca will still be here, but I can’t help but wish they all could come and
our entire family could be together. Pray that the Lord keeps them safely
in the shadow of His wings while we are away.
God bless you all and thank
you again for giving us Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Love ya,
Tamyra
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