Dear Sponsors and Friends of Chi Rho,
As 2017 draws to a close, we are again reminded of God’s faithfulness to the Chi Rho ministry and the many blessings received by the staff and kids living in the House of New Life and in foster care. We have been privileged to witness first hand young lives redeemed and transformed by God’s mercy and grace, as well as through the loving, attentive care of our staff and our many ministry supporters.
We would like to tell you the story of “Dani,” (we have changed her name to honor her request for privacy), one of our original kids living in Post Cura 3, which became the House of New Life in 1998. Dani came to see us on our most recent visit to Romania last month. Dani was born on January 22, 1989. She was the youngest of four children, but was surrendered to Post Cura 3 just a few months after her birth when she was diagnosed with HIV. We first met Dani when she was three years old and it was apparent even then that she was a “sparkler,” always offering a big smile and hug to her caregivers, other kids, and visitors.
In 1998, when Chi Rho took over the orphanage and became the House of New Life, Dani was placed in one of six families that was formed. Her family was called the “Pansy Family” and she was loved by her mamas, Laura and Silvia, and her four “siblings,” who also were HIV orphaned and abandoned kids.
In 2002, Dani went to live with a foster family, Doina and Peter Ilasca, where she lived for four years. During these years she reconnected with her biological family and visited them on occasion. As you can imagine, these were confusing and emotional years for preteen Dani. Seeking her independence and identity she became rebellious and anxious, and eventually returned to live with her birth family; but even this setting was difficult for Dani and her parents. In 2011, she moved out, and shortly thereafter met a young man, had a child in 2012, and settled into a new life. She loves her little boy, “Tony,” very much and takes excellent care of her young son and her home. She tells us that she and her fiancé are saving money to get married. Dani often takes Tony to church so that he can be exposed to Christian kids and families.
It had been five years since we last saw Dani when she surprised us with a visit last month. What a joy to see this gracious and loving young woman show her “sparkle” again! She was thoughtful in her sweet comments to us regarding her early years at the House of New Life. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the love and care she received, and said,“after you came, we knew we were not alone.” She also remembered her longtime sponsors, Cheryl and Rob Guzzetta from Saratoga Federated Church and their faithfulness to her over many years.
Dani’s story brings us full circle to the reason Chi Rho continues in the work God has called us to for 25 years now. For some of our most handicapped kids, the life that Dani enjoys is not possible, but they will always receive the love and care they need in the safety of the House of New Life. It is you, our sponsors, supporters and partners in ministry that enable Chi Rho to shine a bright light in a dark place.
We know that you have many requests and opportunities to give at this time of year. We pray that you will remember our kids in prayer and, if it is within your means, that you would consider providing a monetary gift of any size. Your support makes an enormous difference in the lives of the kids and is a tremendous blessing to our staff in Romania. Please visit our site, chirho-corp.org, for more updates on all our kids. You can also make a secure online donation there by clicking DONATE. Or, if you prefer to donate by check, we’ve enclosed an envelope for your use. Checks may be made payable to Chi Rho Corp. All donations are fully tax deductible and 100% of your gift goes toward the care of the kids.
Once again, all of us on the Chi Rho Board wish you a gracious measure of joy and comfort to be found in the One whose birth we celebrate this season. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessing filled 2018! Cindy and Hud Staffield For the Chi Rho Board: Dan Byrne, Gabe Gilliam, Gary Gillam, Brittany Staffield Gonzalez, Greg Jamison, Ken Olsen, Cindy Staffield, Hud Staffield, Bob Tomlin
