Forty-five years of communistic control had left Romania in dire straits. Poverty, hunger, and despair fueled a vicious cycle of sickness, death, alcoholism, broken homes, and broken lives. Caught in this cycle were thousands of children-orphaned, abandoned, and unwanted. Many suffered in the notorious state-run orphanages. Many froze or starved as they struggled to survive by begging in the streets. In 1989 the yoke of communism was broken, and the world's eyes were opened to the suffering and oppression of the Romanian people. Just over two years later the Nathaniel Christian Orphanage opened its doors to provide a home for hurting children. By the time Johnny and Ruth Miller moved to Romania with their family, the orphanage housed fifty-three precious children. Their touching - and sometimes heart-wrenching - stories unfold in this firsthand account of the Millers' first year in Romania. Eight page full-color photo section included.

Within the heart of every child is a desire to belong, a yearning to feel at home. But where can innocent children turn when their small world becomes a place of abuse, neglect, or abject poverty that threatens to crush them? Will they find someone who cares? By 1997, more than fifty hurting children had found a safe place at the Nathaniel Christian Orphanage in Romania. Laugh and cry your way through the stories of the Millers second and third years at the orphanage. For the Millers story of their first year in Romania, you will want to read HeartBridge, also written by Johnny Miller and available from Christian Aid Ministries/TGS International.