Coal Mine

These are photos of the coal mine in Petrila (less than 2 miles from where we live); which officially closed in 2016.  JeJe worked in this coal mine for 3 years as an electrician.  Coleen lived in an apartment just one block away from this mine, when she first moved to Romania in Feb. 1997 (20 years!).  JeJe's grandfather uprooted his mother and her siblings, to relocate from Satu Mare (along with other relatives) to work the mines.  All of JeJe's uncles are retired coal miners.  The area we currently live in, surrounds the base of the mountains here - each city has a coal mine.  This coal mine in Petrila goes many miles down underground.  Angela Merkel (and the EU) decided that Romania needed to close its coal mines - forcing us to now purchase coal from Poland (???).  Sadly, it took the jobs and economy from this area.  Many men have left their families behind to work in other countries, in some cases whole families have relocated. JeJe's brother is currently working in the last mine that will close this year.  There are plans in the works to make the Petrila mine a UNESCO heritage site - this would bring some jobs and possibly tourism into our area. We live in a beautiful mountain area, but the people here need jobs and hope - the hope that only Jesus can bring; not in material things that perish.  Pray with us for the people of the Jiu Valley - that they would come to know and trust Jesus personally.

"50"

We celebrated Coleen's 50th birthday with a day trip to Balea Lac (lake) which is part of the famous Transfagaras Highway.  The Highway is closed this time of year, as it is completely buried in snow.  There is a gondola that takes you up to the midway point of the famous winding highway, to a resort at Balea Lac - the lake is frozen over and buried in 3-4 meters of snow.  The resort owners construct an Ice hotel, Ice church, and igloo each year for tourists to visit.  We also enjoyed some fun on a snow mobile.  The Lord blessed us with a gorgeous day (as you can see) - we were so close, we felt we could touch the BIG blue sky!

Photo of the top of the mountain, taken by James

Heading towards the Transfagaras mountains

we are going up in that little red thing in the center of the picture

Our Adventuresome group!

It's a lonnggg way up!

Here we go !

on our way up - see the ridge above?
that's part of the highway

beautiful !

Went over a frozen waterfall!
there were parts where the water was forcing
itsway through

Up, Up, Up - see the frozen highway?
see the river forging its way in the snow?

the famous winding highway,
buried in snow!

Amazing!

Dont Look Back !

We Made It !

to the left is the ice church
to the right is an igloo with a living room,
and 2 bedrooms (furniture of ice)

steps to the igloo

entrance to Ice church

Ice Hotel and Restaurant
the doorways lead to individual rooms,
all furniture is made of ice.

sitting on an ice bed
(has a lamb skin cover)

ice church

keep your congregation away with ICE benches ;o)

the mountains are part of Sibiu County.
Coleen's favorite city is Sibiu - so we ended our day with
a walk, coffee and dessert here.

a blessed day - Sibiu Center

Women's Retreat - Szeged, Hungary (Feb. 2017)

What a blessed time with the beautiful women.  Most are Serbian and serving in their churches or Pastor's wives.

Women's Retreat - Szeged, Hungary (Feb. 2017)

Thank You Lord for a blessed time of encouragement and prayer with these ladies.  Most are national Serbians, serving in ministry.