We hope that we found you well and healthy, and the transition to the new year brought you new hopes and fresh strength to face whatever awaits us in this new year.

          After mother's sudden departure to the eternal ones, for a few days we were all paralyzed, in a state of shock, it was as if we were living another life, as if we had woken up in a story that could not be ours.However, even if we were hurt and astonished, we had to keep household chores in check and we had to take care of the scheduled things.

          We noticed a general mobilization among everyone, both employees, volunteers and children.Everyone was eager to put their shoulder to the wheel and support "our home" so as not to fall under this heavy burden.Even young people who had plans for the near future to continue their lives independently, changed their minds, saying: “I'm not going anywhere, I'm staying here to continue the work of mother Tatiana!”

          Young and old cleaned all the green spaces of dried plants, garden, also the paved courtyard (pictures1 - 5), we renewed the orchard with 30 fruit trees (picture 6), we supplied the wood shed for the winter (picture 7),we slaughtered the turkeys that had reached the end of the growing season(picture 8),we also slaughtered 2 pigs from which some very tasty dishes came out(pictures 9 and10).

          The children continued the online classes and we would like to thank the mayor CretuVasilica, who offered us 6 tablets for the children from the gymnasium school. (pictures 11 and 12). The children, of course, also had moments of relaxation (pictures 13 and 14)and work combined with play (picture 15),andon December 9, we had only one anniversary, of NicuVacaru (picture 16).

          During the holidays we received a visit from some of our children, who left home, which made us very happy.Antonio visited his brothers (picture 17), Costi prepared a little attention for each child (picture 18), Florin, we can say that he belongs to the house, being often with us and often pampering the children with sweets, juices and he even took care this year that his brothers have a very beautiful Christmas tree. (pictures 19,20).

          Shortly after we lost our mother, we received unfortunate news from America that our old friend, Greg Heisey, had been infected with COVID.We lived a few weeks full of emotions and we prayed incessantly to God to get rid of this virus and we are very grateful that our prayers were heard.We love you, Greg! (picture21)

          At Ray House we haven't had a case of COVID lately and we also want to thank God for this blessing.IonelaMatei, however, had a half-week hospitalization, being suspected of appendicitis and also having an allergic reaction to a drug. Thank God it's okay now with us at home. (picture 22)

          With the arrival of December, the work was more focused in the kitchen and starting with the 5th - "Santa Claus", when we made 125 muffins, so we kept it until the end of the month (picture 23). We prepared for the children a little attention of Santa Claus, consisting of fruits and sweets, even if the packaging shows something else “HM” :) (picture 24)

          December also brought frost to our streets and unfortunately, one of our association's cars was damaged quite badly after it slipped and was projected at one end of the bridge, then bouncing into a ditch.The damage is great and the repair would cost more than the value of the car, so we decided to give up the idea of repairing it. (picture 25) Also in the category of malfunctions, this month we had to repair the 3 washing machines, which had failed.One due to "old age", another due to voltage fluctuations but another gave way to a part that had to be replaced. So far we have managed to make 2 of them work, and we will try to repair the last one as well. (picture 26)

          Due to the incident with mother Tatiana, several people felt with us during this period and wanted to lend a helping hand.We can only say that we have been overwhelmed by your love and we want to thank you all with all our hearts.We don't want to overlook someone inadvertently, so we'll just let a few photos speak for themselves. Thank you! (pictures 27 – 36)

          Christmas and New Year's Eve at Ray's House, of course they were different… like this whole year anyway.

          We tried to offer children everything they had in other years: gifts, celebrations, home decor, Christmas tree, festive dinners, sarmale, cakes, special appetizers, fruit salad, stuffed eggs, beef salad and many other goodies!(pictures 37-50)

          We had a good time together, but over all these little joys, there was always an absence and an oppressive sadness.

          We are confident that God will heal any wound and as time goes on, this heavy and oppressive cloud will rise over our house, even if the absence will remain forever.