Joy and sadness – that is how we would call March 8th 2011 in Aiud Prison. Holidays cannot be beautiful in a prison, away from family and dear friends. They are sad moments when memories creep in and bring pain... knowing this, we, from the Rescue foundation went to the prison in Aiud with the intention of showing compassion,  appreciation and some of God's love to the women there. We passed the two gates and made it to the room where the women were waiting for us. Some of them had participated in the programs done by Rescue foundation. We greeted them and looked at their faces: the women were smiling, but their smile had some sad bitterness and it was as if the joy of the moment was tempered by how much they missed their families...
                

        We expeditiously arranged out equipment and began the program: a short greeting message, introducing the group, songs, messages... all of a sudden the door opend and the families of the women there started coming in. Husbands, children, brothers and sisters who came to visit them on this special day, received permission to meet with their dear ones in the same room. It was a surprise for everybody, including us. There were hugs, smiles, tears; such pain to see children visiting their mothers in such a place... then we continued our program. The songs had a different sound now... we saw tears in many eyes, the priest's eyes, the staff, those who came with Rescue. We had mixed feelings in our hearts – sadness for them and also thankfulness for the fact that we have the hugs of our dear ones every day, that we can enjoy so many simple things they lack while in prison.
                        Then we were more thankfull to God for our lives...
                        It was a wonderful day! We sang, we gave flowers, presents, we organized a beauty parlor... we ended our day there with cakes, coffee and soda in a pleasant atmosphere, that almost made us forget where we were. We give thanks to the singers – Laura Pop, Flavius Zene, and also to those accompanying them, to the ladies from Ocna Mures who, through their work, offered beauty. We thank Anca Brasfalean from the Voice of the Gospel who had interviews and heartfelt conversations during the program.
                         We thank our sponsors – the Apostolic Church in Denmark, S.C. FARMEC S.A, Christian Aid Ministry organization, Lidia Dan and Jenny Gooding who made it so that the presents offered had value and consistency.
                        First of all, we give God thanks for His grace for us and for helping us bring and reveal a part of His heart to these women.