The final day of our work in Romania has come and gone; our responsibilities are tied up and our bags are packed. All of our blood, sweat, and tears have been sown and now all we are left with is time and reflection. Let me tell you, after the day I had, I have a lot to reflect on.
Opening the day with another home visit was a wonderful way to begin the last day. The family we visited had six children, five of which we got to meet, and they were such a precious family. These beautiful people were trying to make everything work on their own, not wanting to burden anyone else with their needs, but God knew and provided for them through PULS. I can't think of a more deserving family than those who don't expect a handout. It was honestly a great time and I loved interacting with them.
After this, I was off to my last shift at the hospital. I must confess that after seeing almost all of the children in my room leave and having to move to another floor, I wasn't very excited about going. I had already said goodbye to all my heart's attachments and I felt a supreme disconnect with any of the other babies I had found on the new floor. Yet I knew that I had to complete what I started so I put on my 'game face' and went. When I arrived, the nurse told me that I would be in a new room today; she said it was on floor 9, genetica (genetic disorders). My heart leapt inside my chest; that was where we had spent all our time the last trip. Could it be that I will see one of the babies I know? I wondered to myself. Maybe you'll laugh when you read this but I walked behind that nurse with my eyes almost closed. I couldn't bear to look into the room windows; if I saw a baby I knew but couldn't go in, I would be devastated. So I followed silently with my head down and turned into the room after the nurse. One sweep of the room with my eyes told me there were only two occupied cribs. This should be easy, I thought. However, my eyes stopped suddenly on the face in the farthest crib; I knew this baby. Sure enough, the nurse walked me over to his crib and pointed to his name tag and I melted. It was my Sami. Basically unchanged from the previous year, his little face and big eyes were the most beautiful sight I had seen in a very long time.
Seeing Sami gave me instant flashbacks to the last trip. My mind was racing as I looked back and forth from his face to the window, lost in my thoughts. So many memories; so many scars. I flashed back to how it broke my heart to hear him try to breath through the fluid in throat. I remembered the shabby room and rough nurses. The sights, the smells, the babies crying...I could sense it all. Now here he was in a clean crib on a newly renovated hospital floor in the care of a nurse that absolutely adored him. My how things change.
My mind slowed down after a while and as I held Sami, I sang to him and loved on him with all that was in me. I felt more alive in those moments with Sami than I had that entire day. However, feeding time came around and a familiar pit formed in my stomach. I remembered all to well the feedings Sami endured last year. I cringed at the thought. Yet the nurse picked him up and began his feeding without a problem. He ate and drank without choking for nearly two or three minutes and even then, the nurse quieted him, cleaned him up, and tried again. The whole feeding was done in just a couple of minutes and left me dumbfounded as to the improvement of both Sami and this nurse. In fact, this nurse that was doting on Sami and caring for him so carefully was one of the same nurses that scarred me so badly last year. This nurse who was at one time a little hard and gruff now cared for Sami as if he were her own. I cannot tell you how much that set my heart at ease.
You know, I totally believe God knows my weakness in wanting to see results. When I left last year, I questioned if I had made a lasting impact by my work here but I was offered no answers. Now, a year and a half later, I am seeing the tangible changes that I helped to engender. It wasn't just our team but I was still involved. For the first time, I truly believed I was changing the world. God didn't have to gratify my need-to-know but He did and what He showed me revolutionized my little world. I can't think of a better way to go out. In fact, I can't think of anything better. Period.
***
To all those who have been following my blog and keeping me in prayer, I thank you! I could not be more sincere in saying that if it weren't for all of you, I very well might have crashed at several points on this trip. For all the times I was mentally overloaded or physically exhausted, it was your prayers that helped see me through. I realize that I will never know how much time and energy you have invested on my behalf but I know One who does. Great will be your reward, I can promise you that. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
With that, I sign off for the final time. Ciao, friends! May God bless you!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Hello, Goodbye
Another full day today means I'm full of more stories. We got to visit another family that PULS helps today and the two little girls were adorable. The oldest was three, the youngest one, and their little personalities filled the room we were in. While there, we got to hear the story about how the mother was put out onto the street at the age of three (yes, THREE) and how by the grace of God she ended up with a husband, family, and a home. The twists and turns of the story were nothing short of divinely coordinated and it was a pleasure to spend time with her and her girls as she shared with us.
After this, I went to my shift at the hospital. I arrived to hear that the smallest baby in my room got to go home earlier that day because he was well enough (Praise the Lord!) and then during my shift, the twin boys were taken to their home. I and the nurse held our breath until the ambulance returned and we knew that they had indeed made it home. In the case of Romanian orphans, if the parents, grandparents, or family relative can be located, an ambulance will deliver the child/children to the address and give the children back. If the family member isn't home, however, the children will be returned to the hospital and the whole process will have to be repeated. The ordeals can get pretty hectic as I'm sure you can picture so I was happy to hear the chaos was averted for the twins' sake.
Seeing almost all the children I worked with the last two weeks leave was bitter sweet for me. Obviously I was happy that they got to return to their homes and see their families. But I'm also skeptical; you never know which of them will return and repeat the cycle. I want to believe that they'll go home and grow up healthy and loved but that's just not a guarantee. The other part of me wishes they would have stayed because at least at the hospital, I know they will be cared for and loved by our team and the nurses. That doesn't solve the problem, though. Seeing those babies leave today made my prayers for the parents that much stronger.
Lord, please get a hold of those parents; they hold precious little treasures in their hands.
After this, I went to my shift at the hospital. I arrived to hear that the smallest baby in my room got to go home earlier that day because he was well enough (Praise the Lord!) and then during my shift, the twin boys were taken to their home. I and the nurse held our breath until the ambulance returned and we knew that they had indeed made it home. In the case of Romanian orphans, if the parents, grandparents, or family relative can be located, an ambulance will deliver the child/children to the address and give the children back. If the family member isn't home, however, the children will be returned to the hospital and the whole process will have to be repeated. The ordeals can get pretty hectic as I'm sure you can picture so I was happy to hear the chaos was averted for the twins' sake.
Seeing almost all the children I worked with the last two weeks leave was bitter sweet for me. Obviously I was happy that they got to return to their homes and see their families. But I'm also skeptical; you never know which of them will return and repeat the cycle. I want to believe that they'll go home and grow up healthy and loved but that's just not a guarantee. The other part of me wishes they would have stayed because at least at the hospital, I know they will be cared for and loved by our team and the nurses. That doesn't solve the problem, though. Seeing those babies leave today made my prayers for the parents that much stronger.
Lord, please get a hold of those parents; they hold precious little treasures in their hands.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Day Of Amazingness
What a jam-packed day of amazingness I had today! (Forgive my made-up word.) We kicked off the day with a visit to a family in the village of Calea Mare, 30 minutes outside Oradea. They were such a precious family and I enjoyed the time we spent with them. To give you a picture of how incredible they are, listen to this: They have five biological children ranging in age from 3 to 15 and decided to take in another child that had been living under a bridge, taken care of by a drug-abusing father. The family was in no place financially to afford another child; the father, due to medical reasons, cannot get hired, and the mother only works part time. However, this family has a big heart and a big faith, so they stepped out with the love of God and took in this little girl. At the time, baby Maria was 11 months old (the same age as their youngest biological child) and now is a happy, healthy three year old. Watching the care the family lavishes on little Maria is so touching and you can tell by one look into her brown eyes that she knows she is loved.
Next I made my way to the hospital where I got to play with, rock, and feed all four of the babies in my assigned room. They blessed me even more than usual today and I thank God that I have to opportunity to be here doing what I'm doing.
Then after dinner, we had the opportunity to visit Sister Maria. This woman is nothing short of incredible and is a saint with many rewards awaiting her in heaven, I am certain. She is a prayer warrior and servant, two of the most humble positions you can be in, and she challenges you spiritually just by being in her presence. Her heart runs deep and her love for God is a mighty torrent flowing out of her in every way - her smile, her eyes, her words, her actions. Our time with her was moving beyond words and I can only pray that I can touch lives as profoundly as she touches all those who meet her.
At the end of a day so full of impacting moments, I just sit and let myself be overwhelmed by them. How can you possibly process and absorb so many precious memories and insights? I was in the presence of many different people who are silently changing the world and I am just awed at the reality of it. This was just an incredible day...
Next I made my way to the hospital where I got to play with, rock, and feed all four of the babies in my assigned room. They blessed me even more than usual today and I thank God that I have to opportunity to be here doing what I'm doing.
Then after dinner, we had the opportunity to visit Sister Maria. This woman is nothing short of incredible and is a saint with many rewards awaiting her in heaven, I am certain. She is a prayer warrior and servant, two of the most humble positions you can be in, and she challenges you spiritually just by being in her presence. Her heart runs deep and her love for God is a mighty torrent flowing out of her in every way - her smile, her eyes, her words, her actions. Our time with her was moving beyond words and I can only pray that I can touch lives as profoundly as she touches all those who meet her.
At the end of a day so full of impacting moments, I just sit and let myself be overwhelmed by them. How can you possibly process and absorb so many precious memories and insights? I was in the presence of many different people who are silently changing the world and I am just awed at the reality of it. This was just an incredible day...
Monday, August 1, 2011
Doing What I Can
As I walked into my usual room at the hospital, I noticed a new face in the crib to my right. I greeted the nurse and asked who our new little friend was and she informed me of his name and one other piece of info - he wasn't sick. My heart sank. Sadly, this kid had just become another statistic in the abandonment epidemic. For reasons unknown to us, parents come insisting their child is ill, drop them off at the hospital, and leave with no guarantee of when they will return, if they return. Peeking from behind the bars of the crib were the big brown eyes and chubby legs of the newest addition and the sight of him jarred me back to reality. So many things had improved since last year that I was optimistic things were starting to change. Yet here sat a one year-old child abandoned for no reason. Its hard not to get angry when you see that the poor decisions of parents are borne solely by these babies who are not at fault.
I suppose there are many ways to look at this situation. Maybe its better for the babies to be in a safe environment rather than deal with the neglect they may receive at home. Maybe its good for them to be at the hospital and receive enough nourishment rather than go hungry at home. Yet all of these thoughts don't right the wrongs done to the children by those who should love them the most. I can only pray that God has mercy on these poor children and somehow gets a hold of the parents.
God's heart was broken long before mine was. His heart bleeds more for them than mine ever could. Yet now that mine is breaking as well, I think I'm understanding His a little better. Its hard to watch people hurt the innocent, especially when you're are powerless to stop it. What I can do, however, is be there to wrap up those discarded little ones, give them as much love and care as I can, and leave the rest up to God. He's pretty good as making beauty out of messes.
I suppose there are many ways to look at this situation. Maybe its better for the babies to be in a safe environment rather than deal with the neglect they may receive at home. Maybe its good for them to be at the hospital and receive enough nourishment rather than go hungry at home. Yet all of these thoughts don't right the wrongs done to the children by those who should love them the most. I can only pray that God has mercy on these poor children and somehow gets a hold of the parents.
God's heart was broken long before mine was. His heart bleeds more for them than mine ever could. Yet now that mine is breaking as well, I think I'm understanding His a little better. Its hard to watch people hurt the innocent, especially when you're are powerless to stop it. What I can do, however, is be there to wrap up those discarded little ones, give them as much love and care as I can, and leave the rest up to God. He's pretty good as making beauty out of messes.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A Dose of Truth
The team had a few firsts today. We had our first breakfast at the Visans'; the french toast was wonderful and the company was just as good! Then we took a drive outside Oradea and the newest team members got to see a little bit of the beautiful Romanian mountains for the first time. Although it was a bit rainy, the mountains still looked stunning against the gray skies. The mountains reached up as the clouds bent low to touch them and the sight made me smile. God is so creative. Then to top it all off, the team got our first opportunity to sit in on a Messianic Jewish service. I can't speak for everyone, but for me in particular, it was such an honor to worship with the very people Jesus chose to identify Himself with. Though the technicalities of the rituals might have changed a little, the Messianic Jewish faith is so close to what Jesus was and taught. It was an experience like no other and I was truly touched.
All these firsts keep reminding me of a painful truth - what we want is not always what we need. Let me explain. There were several times today that I didn't want to go somewhere or do something but because we are a team, I went. Although I may not have "felt" like going, doing, etc., the blessings I received today outweigh any inconvenience I might have initially felt. If I hadn't gone on the drive to the mountains today, I would have never seen some of the unique scenery today offered. If I hadn't gone to the messianic service, I wouldn't have been impacted by the beauty of the messianic jewish community. My life is all the richer due to these experiences and nonetheless for doing things I didn't "feel" like doing.
The longer I'm a Christian, the more I am convinced that God is far less concerned with my comfort than I initially believed. Why? Because God knows that in order to grow, I must change. Change is painful sometimes but that doesn't make it unnecessary. This whole idea makes me uncomfortable but I suppose that's the point. God did try to warn me that His thoughts weren't my thoughts and His plans weren't my plans. (Is. 55:8) I am growing and changing and honestly, I wouldn't wish for anything else.
All these firsts keep reminding me of a painful truth - what we want is not always what we need. Let me explain. There were several times today that I didn't want to go somewhere or do something but because we are a team, I went. Although I may not have "felt" like going, doing, etc., the blessings I received today outweigh any inconvenience I might have initially felt. If I hadn't gone on the drive to the mountains today, I would have never seen some of the unique scenery today offered. If I hadn't gone to the messianic service, I wouldn't have been impacted by the beauty of the messianic jewish community. My life is all the richer due to these experiences and nonetheless for doing things I didn't "feel" like doing.
The longer I'm a Christian, the more I am convinced that God is far less concerned with my comfort than I initially believed. Why? Because God knows that in order to grow, I must change. Change is painful sometimes but that doesn't make it unnecessary. This whole idea makes me uncomfortable but I suppose that's the point. God did try to warn me that His thoughts weren't my thoughts and His plans weren't my plans. (Is. 55:8) I am growing and changing and honestly, I wouldn't wish for anything else.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
All Us Orphans
Another day at the hospital today. It is such a blessing to be able to hold and love on those children. I am pleased to report that two of the babies in the room I was assigned were taken home. Praise God! The room now has two twin boys 1 1/2 years old, a seven month old boy, and a handicapped little girl which I would estimate to be four or five years old. The good news is that all of them have parents involved in their lives at least partially. There is no way to really describe the joy I have in rocking those babies, giving them a little bit of the love their parents won't or can't.
I can't help but think of God's love for all of us 'orphans' when I'm around those kids. His love, however, is perfect and constant; it never leaves. Since God loved me and changed my life, I want to share that love with someone else. Who better than those who are abandoned?
In Ezekiel 16, the prophet writes symbolically of Israel, speaking of her as an orphan. "No one looked on you with pity...you were thrown out into the open field for on the day you were born, you were despised. Then I passed by...and as you laying there...I said to you, 'Live.'" (Ezekiel 16:5-6) The story goes on to say that God took Israel in and cared for her. This is the picture of the love of God. He loves the unlovely and the unloved; His love knows no limits. His love went as far as the cross for those that betrayed Him. This is the love that I have been entrusted to represent. Wow.
So as I rock those little ones, I'll be doing my best to represent the love that changed my life. Hopefully I can make a difference in theirs too...
I can't help but think of God's love for all of us 'orphans' when I'm around those kids. His love, however, is perfect and constant; it never leaves. Since God loved me and changed my life, I want to share that love with someone else. Who better than those who are abandoned?
In Ezekiel 16, the prophet writes symbolically of Israel, speaking of her as an orphan. "No one looked on you with pity...you were thrown out into the open field for on the day you were born, you were despised. Then I passed by...and as you laying there...I said to you, 'Live.'" (Ezekiel 16:5-6) The story goes on to say that God took Israel in and cared for her. This is the picture of the love of God. He loves the unlovely and the unloved; His love knows no limits. His love went as far as the cross for those that betrayed Him. This is the love that I have been entrusted to represent. Wow.
So as I rock those little ones, I'll be doing my best to represent the love that changed my life. Hopefully I can make a difference in theirs too...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
On A Happy Note
One look inside the hospital took me right back to last year. It was so amazing to be back. As soon as I got my room assignment, I all but ran into the room and started interacting with the first kid I could get to. Smiles, hugs, and kisses were lavished on each baby and the joy I had in my heart grew steadily throughout the day. The babies were just what I needed. Although there were some sad stories involving the babies I worked with, the overtone of the day was bright.
Some of the good news I received today was that the genetics floor that we worked on primarily last year is now completely renovated and cleaner than I've ever seen it. Praise God! Also, the nurse I got to work with today treated the babies so well; it was head and shoulders above the interactions I had seen last time I was here. That was also a relief. I wasn't able to find out if any of our babies from last year were still in the hospital but if I do find out, I'll be sure to update you. So all in all, today was a great day.
I am so thankful for the grace and mercy God pours out on me. When I am at my point of breaking, He is there to hold me up. When I am weakest, He is strong on my behalf. Thank you to all those who are lifting me up in prayer each day; I can't tell you how much your prayers mean to me. God will bless you for all you have done.
Some of the good news I received today was that the genetics floor that we worked on primarily last year is now completely renovated and cleaner than I've ever seen it. Praise God! Also, the nurse I got to work with today treated the babies so well; it was head and shoulders above the interactions I had seen last time I was here. That was also a relief. I wasn't able to find out if any of our babies from last year were still in the hospital but if I do find out, I'll be sure to update you. So all in all, today was a great day.
I am so thankful for the grace and mercy God pours out on me. When I am at my point of breaking, He is there to hold me up. When I am weakest, He is strong on my behalf. Thank you to all those who are lifting me up in prayer each day; I can't tell you how much your prayers mean to me. God will bless you for all you have done.
Monday, July 25, 2011
The War Inside
As I stepped out of the car, my senses were overwhelmed with sights, smells, and sounds that jogged my memory. Vague memories and impressions began to replay in my minds eye. I had returned. It was familiar yet new all at once. The gypsy village stretched out before me and the children began trickling toward us. Some faces were new, some I recognized, yet the emotions engendered by the sight of them all were the same - compassion, sadness, anticipation, and excitement. I was setting my hand to the work I had come to do.
Sitting on the floor, playing cards strewn on the ground in front of me, I watched little Denisa pick each one up and look at it. Her big brown eyes searched each card then turned to meet mine with a smile. She was beautiful and innocent; her world was full of childish curiosity yet surrounded by a deplorable reality. 'What will this little life become?' I wondered to myself. What were her possibilities? The further my mind drifted down that road, the more helpless I felt. Her little dirt covered fingers pointed to each picture on the cards and simultaneously reached deep into my soul. Chubby cheeks framed the grin that crossed her face as I winked at her. My mind reeled with comparisons of my childhood and the childhood she was living. 'Why was she the one chosen to live this life? Why wasn't it me?'
Kids from corner to corner in our small room patiently waited for the cookies to be passed out. Crammed around tables with just enough elbow room to eat, each child anticipated the taste of those treats and you could see it in their eyes. Who knows if they had eaten anything previously and there was no guarantee they would eat afterwards. The thought struck me as unfair. They're just kids. Suddenly those cookies and the sandwiches that followed some time later meant so much more. We weren't just filling the kids bellies to "tide them over." This wasn't a means to an end. For some, this was the best meal they would eat that day. I expected the kids to begin inhaling the cookies as soon as they received them but to my surprise, every kid took tiny bites of their cookie and sandwich. I guess they were trying to make it last. I grimaced at that thought.
Today was exhausting, but not because the work I did was strenuous. The above descriptions are just a few of the things that went through my mind during the course of my time there. Frankly, I'm almost too sad to cry and too exhausted to process information. It's almost too much to take when you begin to consider the future these little lives have. God loves them, of this I am sure, but its hard to be so limited in my human ability. I want to help them all but I can't and that is one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced.
Sitting on the floor, playing cards strewn on the ground in front of me, I watched little Denisa pick each one up and look at it. Her big brown eyes searched each card then turned to meet mine with a smile. She was beautiful and innocent; her world was full of childish curiosity yet surrounded by a deplorable reality. 'What will this little life become?' I wondered to myself. What were her possibilities? The further my mind drifted down that road, the more helpless I felt. Her little dirt covered fingers pointed to each picture on the cards and simultaneously reached deep into my soul. Chubby cheeks framed the grin that crossed her face as I winked at her. My mind reeled with comparisons of my childhood and the childhood she was living. 'Why was she the one chosen to live this life? Why wasn't it me?'
Kids from corner to corner in our small room patiently waited for the cookies to be passed out. Crammed around tables with just enough elbow room to eat, each child anticipated the taste of those treats and you could see it in their eyes. Who knows if they had eaten anything previously and there was no guarantee they would eat afterwards. The thought struck me as unfair. They're just kids. Suddenly those cookies and the sandwiches that followed some time later meant so much more. We weren't just filling the kids bellies to "tide them over." This wasn't a means to an end. For some, this was the best meal they would eat that day. I expected the kids to begin inhaling the cookies as soon as they received them but to my surprise, every kid took tiny bites of their cookie and sandwich. I guess they were trying to make it last. I grimaced at that thought.
Today was exhausting, but not because the work I did was strenuous. The above descriptions are just a few of the things that went through my mind during the course of my time there. Frankly, I'm almost too sad to cry and too exhausted to process information. It's almost too much to take when you begin to consider the future these little lives have. God loves them, of this I am sure, but its hard to be so limited in my human ability. I want to help them all but I can't and that is one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Daddy Knows Best
The last few days have been a pivot point for me. Yesterday we drove 9 hours through the mountains of Romania and it produced some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. When you are surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning plains, its hard not to feel small and get a perspective adjustment. Then today, we welcomed our three newest team members and introduced phase #3 of the trip and with it, a much anticipated change of pace. Both of these things have been a breath of fresh air to me and I am growing excited for the work we'll begin tomorrow. That, however, leads me to my newest lesson learned...
Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a task, be it at work, at church, or even on a missions trip, I get tunnel vision for what my hands are doing to the neglect of all the supporting factors of the work I'm completing. One of the things that I often neglect is looking to God for energy and sustaining life in the midst of my obedience. Unfortunately, I think I fell into the trap of independence the last few days of the trip but PRAISE GOD He forgives my ignorance.
During a prayer earlier this evening, one of our newest team members, Bonnie, prayed that God would give us strength as we stepped forward into our work this week. As soon as she prayed that, the Holy Spirit dropped truth into my soul, hitting me like a ton of bricks. Just that fast, my stubborn refusal to accept the help that God was offering looked as silly to me as it was to Him. I finally understood. Its like that moment when you realize that your parents were right about something; you feel dumb for not having seen it in the first place. What right did I have to try doing something for God without taking advantage of the tools He provided for the task? Believe me, now that I see my wrong, I am going to be chatting with God a lot more than I have been! A light bulb has gone on in my head and I don't want to waste any time. I want everything I do on this trip to be effective in spreading the truth and love of God. And that, my dear friends, won't happen if I try to do it on my own.
I'll be leaning a LOT more heavily on those Everlasting Arms that surround me from here on out. I can't wait to see how it changes the landscape of possibilities...
The Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
~Deuteronomy 33:27
Sometimes when I'm in the middle of a task, be it at work, at church, or even on a missions trip, I get tunnel vision for what my hands are doing to the neglect of all the supporting factors of the work I'm completing. One of the things that I often neglect is looking to God for energy and sustaining life in the midst of my obedience. Unfortunately, I think I fell into the trap of independence the last few days of the trip but PRAISE GOD He forgives my ignorance.
During a prayer earlier this evening, one of our newest team members, Bonnie, prayed that God would give us strength as we stepped forward into our work this week. As soon as she prayed that, the Holy Spirit dropped truth into my soul, hitting me like a ton of bricks. Just that fast, my stubborn refusal to accept the help that God was offering looked as silly to me as it was to Him. I finally understood. Its like that moment when you realize that your parents were right about something; you feel dumb for not having seen it in the first place. What right did I have to try doing something for God without taking advantage of the tools He provided for the task? Believe me, now that I see my wrong, I am going to be chatting with God a lot more than I have been! A light bulb has gone on in my head and I don't want to waste any time. I want everything I do on this trip to be effective in spreading the truth and love of God. And that, my dear friends, won't happen if I try to do it on my own.
I'll be leaning a LOT more heavily on those Everlasting Arms that surround me from here on out. I can't wait to see how it changes the landscape of possibilities...
The Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
~Deuteronomy 33:27
Friday, July 22, 2011
Unsung Heroes
Have you ever met a person so impacting that it leaves you thankful just to have been around them? You know, those people that seem to command respect and attention, not because of their lofty speech and lavish possessions but because of their humility and kindness? I count myself fortunate to have spent the last few days in the company of such people. Today was day #2 of the leadership conference in Suceava and we heard a few testimonies from a few of the great people attending. What a humbling, inspiring time it has been. I've shed some tears, laughed, and been challenged spiritually all while sitting shoulder to shoulder with some of the unsung heroes of the Christian faith. Their stories ranged from living a life of faith under communism to becoming a Romanian missionary, sacrificing many things this world calls "success" to get there. Every time I heard another story, I found myself thinking 'who am I that I get to be called a fellow soldier with these people?' Seriously, talk about a perspective shift!
Scott opened up the morning session with a few thoughts from 2 Corinthians 4, sharing candidly about the hardships of ministry, and honestly, it was just what I needed to hear. I am so "green" in the ministry, so it was both sobering and encouraging to hear from seasoned warriors of the faith who have already been on the path I'm now walking. As they spoke from their brokenness, I could see the hand of God's grace that even at the present moment was holding them. As they spoke from their joys, I could see the smile of God shining on them. It is amazing to see God enjoying them even more than they were enjoying Him. Hearing their stories has created a deep desire within me to anchor my faith to the Rock which will hold me firm through the trials and bitter storms. My calling from God is not a promise that I won't have pain. Rather it is a promise that through anything, He will see me through and give me all that I have need of. These beautiful people that God has surrounded me with remind me of the truth of ministry and it is well timed. I'm not sure what is ahead of me but I do know the One who holds my world in His hands. He will always be enough.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Road Warriors
What a day! Save a few hours this morning, we drove all day today, practically from one tip of Romania to the other. It was a good drive, however, because it gave us all some time to just process the first portion of our trip and prepare a little bit for the upcoming leadership conference.
As long car rides usually go, there was some sleeping, lots of talking, and a fair amount of eating, all of which just added to the team #3 bonding we've been doing the last few days. Scott was a trooper, traveling 11 hours in a car with three twenty-somethings, and we all learned a few things along the way. Scott hates techno music, Meredith can't dance, Hannah is the most responsible person on the planet, and I can get villagers to wave to me if I lean out the car window and wave frantically enough. If you can't guess from that description, we had a good time. Road trips bring out the "best" in everyone, especially when we get punchy due to tiredness. What a ride it was!
Tomorrow starts the conference and our team is looking forward to all that God has in store. Please keep us in prayer, especially Scott as he leads the conference, and ask God to refresh the leaders that are attending as well as build relationships among them the way only our God can do. We know God is in this time so we eagerly await the result. I love how perfect God's plans are!
As long car rides usually go, there was some sleeping, lots of talking, and a fair amount of eating, all of which just added to the team #3 bonding we've been doing the last few days. Scott was a trooper, traveling 11 hours in a car with three twenty-somethings, and we all learned a few things along the way. Scott hates techno music, Meredith can't dance, Hannah is the most responsible person on the planet, and I can get villagers to wave to me if I lean out the car window and wave frantically enough. If you can't guess from that description, we had a good time. Road trips bring out the "best" in everyone, especially when we get punchy due to tiredness. What a ride it was!
Tomorrow starts the conference and our team is looking forward to all that God has in store. Please keep us in prayer, especially Scott as he leads the conference, and ask God to refresh the leaders that are attending as well as build relationships among them the way only our God can do. We know God is in this time so we eagerly await the result. I love how perfect God's plans are!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Few Endings
Today is the day for a few endings.
First off, I want to wrap up my camp stories with my very favorite memory of the entire week... The last full day of camp arrived and Melissa announced to the kids at breakfast that we would be having a masquerade ball that night. They were absolutely ecstatic! For their craft projects, the kids made shields, swords, crowns and masks, all bedazzled and feathered and colored to the hilt. It was a sea of glitter, feathers, and markers, I assure you. When it was all said and done, however, everyone was looking like royalty. To complete the look, Melissa gave all the kids costumes in every possible combination and color. Little girls ran around in pink, purple, and red dresses, complimented by tiaras, and the boys donned helmets, breastplates, and crowns with excitement. As soon as evening came, we cranked up the music and all the little princes, knights, and princesses danced around the pavilion. We passed the evening with dancing, singing, funny skits, and the like; it was great fun. The defining moment, however, came when a slow song started playing and one of the little girls motioned me over to dance with her. What a picture of grace and pure joy she was. As we danced, she would sway her dress from side to side; she looked so adorable in that red velvet princess dress. When she would twirl, she would do so with as much grace as her little feet would allow; her long blonde hair which she had done with such care for this night would spin behind her. She was beautiful from head to toe and one look at her face said that on this night, she felt beautiful. You could see it in her eyes; you could tell by how she moved. It was that night that it finally hit me - we were making a difference in these little lives. It absolutely blew me away. I saw a picture of God's love as I danced with that little girl and I was profoundly impacted. She was extravagantly loved just like I am extravagantly loved by our Father God. It moved me to tears and I don't think I will ever forget.
The second thing we wrapped up today was the first leg of our Romanian journey. Two of our teammates flew home today (we'll miss you guys!) leaving just the girls and scott to make our way from Bucharest to Constanta. Pa pa, Bucharest, hello southern Romania. On our way to Constanta, we stopped in the village of Medgidia to meet up with a man named Sali who is reaching the Romanian/Turkish Muslims with the gospel. What an experience! He relayed his testimony to us of how he first came to know Christ and it was unbelievably moving. I'll spare his story the injustice of my retelling but I can say with complete honesty that I have never met a more passionate, sincere person in my life. God is blessing him abundantly and his ministry is bringing many muslims to Christ but the best part of it all is that he is only 24 years old! Imagine the impact potential... Meeting him was definitely a highlight of my trip thus far.
God is doing some amazing things in and around our team and I am so excited to see what else He has in store for us during our time here.
First off, I want to wrap up my camp stories with my very favorite memory of the entire week... The last full day of camp arrived and Melissa announced to the kids at breakfast that we would be having a masquerade ball that night. They were absolutely ecstatic! For their craft projects, the kids made shields, swords, crowns and masks, all bedazzled and feathered and colored to the hilt. It was a sea of glitter, feathers, and markers, I assure you. When it was all said and done, however, everyone was looking like royalty. To complete the look, Melissa gave all the kids costumes in every possible combination and color. Little girls ran around in pink, purple, and red dresses, complimented by tiaras, and the boys donned helmets, breastplates, and crowns with excitement. As soon as evening came, we cranked up the music and all the little princes, knights, and princesses danced around the pavilion. We passed the evening with dancing, singing, funny skits, and the like; it was great fun. The defining moment, however, came when a slow song started playing and one of the little girls motioned me over to dance with her. What a picture of grace and pure joy she was. As we danced, she would sway her dress from side to side; she looked so adorable in that red velvet princess dress. When she would twirl, she would do so with as much grace as her little feet would allow; her long blonde hair which she had done with such care for this night would spin behind her. She was beautiful from head to toe and one look at her face said that on this night, she felt beautiful. You could see it in her eyes; you could tell by how she moved. It was that night that it finally hit me - we were making a difference in these little lives. It absolutely blew me away. I saw a picture of God's love as I danced with that little girl and I was profoundly impacted. She was extravagantly loved just like I am extravagantly loved by our Father God. It moved me to tears and I don't think I will ever forget.
The second thing we wrapped up today was the first leg of our Romanian journey. Two of our teammates flew home today (we'll miss you guys!) leaving just the girls and scott to make our way from Bucharest to Constanta. Pa pa, Bucharest, hello southern Romania. On our way to Constanta, we stopped in the village of Medgidia to meet up with a man named Sali who is reaching the Romanian/Turkish Muslims with the gospel. What an experience! He relayed his testimony to us of how he first came to know Christ and it was unbelievably moving. I'll spare his story the injustice of my retelling but I can say with complete honesty that I have never met a more passionate, sincere person in my life. God is blessing him abundantly and his ministry is bringing many muslims to Christ but the best part of it all is that he is only 24 years old! Imagine the impact potential... Meeting him was definitely a highlight of my trip thus far.
God is doing some amazing things in and around our team and I am so excited to see what else He has in store for us during our time here.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
First Things First
Camp gave me opportunity to grow as a person. You've heard the expression 'necessity is the mother of invention' but in my case, necessity was the propelling factor for change. A lot of firsts came up during our time there and usually my reaction would be to shrink back or run away. At camp, however, that wasn't an option; you had to face the situation head on and deal with the 'first' as best you could. Whether it was using a brand new word I learned in Romanian or teaching kids to do something with just hand motions, necessity demanded that I perform the task regardless of whether I was comfortable or not. And you know what? I did them. It might not have been done perfectly and it might have been a little bit chaotic but the job got done.
The things that I was reluctant or even scared to do might have seemed silly to someone else but the courage it took me to face those things was big. Most times in life, the thought that I might fail holds me back from trying something new and at times even prevents my obedience to what God asks me to do. That is something I want to change. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think fear of the unknown ever goes away completely; its human nature to like comfortable, familiar places. That doesn't negate my obedience in the face of fear though. So whether I'm learning a language or just trying a new type of food, I want to be more courageous in the face of 'firsts.' Its funny how such important principles can be learned in the most unlikely places, huh?
The things that I was reluctant or even scared to do might have seemed silly to someone else but the courage it took me to face those things was big. Most times in life, the thought that I might fail holds me back from trying something new and at times even prevents my obedience to what God asks me to do. That is something I want to change. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think fear of the unknown ever goes away completely; its human nature to like comfortable, familiar places. That doesn't negate my obedience in the face of fear though. So whether I'm learning a language or just trying a new type of food, I want to be more courageous in the face of 'firsts.' Its funny how such important principles can be learned in the most unlikely places, huh?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
When Words Fail, Love Silently
So today begins a recap of my week of camp. Over the next few days, I'll try to give you a few glimpses of my experiences during the last week; the team will be traveling and relaxing the next few days so I figured this would be a good time to catch you all up.
From the moment the first child set foot on the premises, camp confronted me with a hard lesson - loving without words. As many times as I told myself the language barrier would be hard to overcome, I couldn't fully prepare myself for the frustration I experienced when I was unable to tell the kids that they were beautiful or they did a good job. When a child fell or messed up on a craft project, I wasn't able to verbally affirm them or tell them that its ok. That was incredibly difficult for me. The only thing I could do was give them a hug, use the only Romanian word I knew at the time (Bine), give them a high five, or just smile at them. All of the words that came flooding into my mind were of no use and my touch had to become my words. It reminded me of 1 John 3:18 which says, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but in actions and truth." Although it bothered me that I couldn't convey my thoughts in words, I learned so many lessons about the value of actions during that time.
It is often said that the hardest lessons to learn end up being the most valuable and it remains true in this case. Love expressed in words is so easy to come by but love expressed in actions is far more valuable and much harder to find. Often times, love in words can be an easy out when actions are inconvenient or difficult and this week, I learned how much actions count. In the end, the kids and our team were communicating much better but the lessons I learned about loving actions was already ingrained. God really knows how to teach us exactly what we need to know...
Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do.
~James 2:18
From the moment the first child set foot on the premises, camp confronted me with a hard lesson - loving without words. As many times as I told myself the language barrier would be hard to overcome, I couldn't fully prepare myself for the frustration I experienced when I was unable to tell the kids that they were beautiful or they did a good job. When a child fell or messed up on a craft project, I wasn't able to verbally affirm them or tell them that its ok. That was incredibly difficult for me. The only thing I could do was give them a hug, use the only Romanian word I knew at the time (Bine), give them a high five, or just smile at them. All of the words that came flooding into my mind were of no use and my touch had to become my words. It reminded me of 1 John 3:18 which says, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but in actions and truth." Although it bothered me that I couldn't convey my thoughts in words, I learned so many lessons about the value of actions during that time.
It is often said that the hardest lessons to learn end up being the most valuable and it remains true in this case. Love expressed in words is so easy to come by but love expressed in actions is far more valuable and much harder to find. Often times, love in words can be an easy out when actions are inconvenient or difficult and this week, I learned how much actions count. In the end, the kids and our team were communicating much better but the lessons I learned about loving actions was already ingrained. God really knows how to teach us exactly what we need to know...
Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do.
~James 2:18
Friday, July 15, 2011
Back In Action
I'm baaaaack! Internet is such a wonderful thing! :)
Our week of camp went well and 48 children got to experience five days of fun and relaxation away from their hard lives, lonely homes, and needs. Over the next couple of days, I will be recalling a few of the defining moments from my week at camp so for tonight, I just want to thank you for all of your prayers.
During camp, there were a few times when I got frustrated with one of the girls and there were times I was simply exhausted physically and it was during those times that all your prayers uplifted me before the throne of God. Sometimes in life, our perspective can get too narrow and we miss the bigger picture of what God is doing in our lives and in the lives around those around us. I confess, there were times at camp when I was so focused on the miniscule issues that I lost my focus on God's purpose. However, those times are passed and now that I'm sitting here, the annoyances and irritations seem so small in the grand scheme of what we were doing in the lives of those kids. Sure, it was hard to deal with everyone's "human-ness," (especially kids, if you know what I mean) but I am happy that I got to be apart of what happened this week.
So for all those prayer warriors out there, thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea what your prayers have done.
Our week of camp went well and 48 children got to experience five days of fun and relaxation away from their hard lives, lonely homes, and needs. Over the next couple of days, I will be recalling a few of the defining moments from my week at camp so for tonight, I just want to thank you for all of your prayers.
During camp, there were a few times when I got frustrated with one of the girls and there were times I was simply exhausted physically and it was during those times that all your prayers uplifted me before the throne of God. Sometimes in life, our perspective can get too narrow and we miss the bigger picture of what God is doing in our lives and in the lives around those around us. I confess, there were times at camp when I was so focused on the miniscule issues that I lost my focus on God's purpose. However, those times are passed and now that I'm sitting here, the annoyances and irritations seem so small in the grand scheme of what we were doing in the lives of those kids. Sure, it was hard to deal with everyone's "human-ness," (especially kids, if you know what I mean) but I am happy that I got to be apart of what happened this week.
So for all those prayer warriors out there, thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea what your prayers have done.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
A Day of Randomness
Camp will soon be upon us! Tomorrow we leave, so today we played. Perhaps today is better summarized (with numbers) :D
1) We have learned another valuable Romania lesson: When Scott yells "Romania!" while driving the car, immediately grasp something secured and hold on for dear life because he's about to do something crazy. But don't worry - no one has died... yet.
2) We visited a salt mine today (which was FREEZING!) then got to swim in a "salt pool" which literally made you buoyant. It was a ton of fun and extremely relaxing. During our time there, 'Meredith gets it done' became an official team slogan. One reason is that she can drive a stick-shift like a pro; she even got our Dacia out of mud. What a hero!
3) Thanks to Melissa's Romanian GPS, we got super lost. Our 40 min. drive to the mine turned into a 2 hour trip back. However, our minor "detour" offered us even more spectacular scenery which I am so thankful for. I love being in the middle of a winding forrest road with nothing but time and fresh air. It might have been inconvenient to get lost but there was so much blessing in the midst of it.
4) As I said before, we leave for camp tomorrow. Thus all those who are closely following my blog, don't expect daily posts; the camp doesn't have internet. I will do what I can but I promise to blog again as soon as internet is regained. I'll keep track of camp and give a summary asap.
Alrighty, folks, I think that's everything. We're celebrating our last night of freedom tonight so I'm off to play charades. Peace... or Pace. (:
1) We have learned another valuable Romania lesson: When Scott yells "Romania!" while driving the car, immediately grasp something secured and hold on for dear life because he's about to do something crazy. But don't worry - no one has died... yet.
2) We visited a salt mine today (which was FREEZING!) then got to swim in a "salt pool" which literally made you buoyant. It was a ton of fun and extremely relaxing. During our time there, 'Meredith gets it done' became an official team slogan. One reason is that she can drive a stick-shift like a pro; she even got our Dacia out of mud. What a hero!
3) Thanks to Melissa's Romanian GPS, we got super lost. Our 40 min. drive to the mine turned into a 2 hour trip back. However, our minor "detour" offered us even more spectacular scenery which I am so thankful for. I love being in the middle of a winding forrest road with nothing but time and fresh air. It might have been inconvenient to get lost but there was so much blessing in the midst of it.
4) As I said before, we leave for camp tomorrow. Thus all those who are closely following my blog, don't expect daily posts; the camp doesn't have internet. I will do what I can but I promise to blog again as soon as internet is regained. I'll keep track of camp and give a summary asap.
Alrighty, folks, I think that's everything. We're celebrating our last night of freedom tonight so I'm off to play charades. Peace... or Pace. (:
Friday, July 8, 2011
I Saw God at McDonald's
Today was the best day we've had yet! We got to take 11 kindergardeners to mcdonald's today, four of which were from the village and had never been. It brought me to tears to watch as those four little kids had to be instructed how to use the play-place. With amazing patience, Melissa helped them remove their shoes then showed them the entrance to the play tunnels leading up to the slide. The children just looked at everything with wide eyed wonder. When they had finally made it to the top, they took a breath and headed down the slide. Their little faces were initially marked with a bit of fear but it didn't take long before they were positively beaming with joy. I can't tell you how many times they climbed up and slid down that slide before Melissa forced them to come away and eat but I can tell you, I was touched to the deepest parts of my soul.
After sitting all of the children down to eat their happy meals, the children from the village just sat and stared at the box in front of them. Quietly, Melissa and our team opened up their food and placed it in front of them, encouraging them that it was ok to eat. They were completely awed and after a while, very excited. All of the children were on their best behavior and not one of them caused even the slightest problem; they were absolute angels and we had a ton of fun.
Next we took them on a field trip to the ruins of a local castle and they got to see the world's largest easter egg. Scott, being the generous person he is (not sarcastic), got popsicles for all of them and our fun-filled day was wrapped up with the sticky faces of happy kids. What a perfect day!
Melissa arranged for us to have dinner at a camp outside Suceava and on the way, we got to stop at a painted monastery where scott had to wear a skirt to cover his immodest legs. ;-) Just as an added bonus, we got to drive through some of Romania's beautiful mountains and see some incredible scenery. Can I just tell you, God's creation is completely awe inspiring! I think the beauty of the creation around me was in some ways an expression of the beauty I saw in the faces of the children today. I fully believe that God enjoys His creation and it makes Him smile to create stunning flowers in remote mountains and beautiful fish in the depths of the oceans that man will never see. In my mind, the beauty of pure, unadulterated joy that I saw today in the faces of those children is just an extension of His greatness. How awesome is it that God made us capable of expression and feeling and emotion?! Their joy was the fingerprint of God. I'm telling you, I saw God today in those children and I don't think I have ever been so close to Him as I was today. Great things truly can be seen in humble places...even mcdonald's.
After sitting all of the children down to eat their happy meals, the children from the village just sat and stared at the box in front of them. Quietly, Melissa and our team opened up their food and placed it in front of them, encouraging them that it was ok to eat. They were completely awed and after a while, very excited. All of the children were on their best behavior and not one of them caused even the slightest problem; they were absolute angels and we had a ton of fun.
Next we took them on a field trip to the ruins of a local castle and they got to see the world's largest easter egg. Scott, being the generous person he is (not sarcastic), got popsicles for all of them and our fun-filled day was wrapped up with the sticky faces of happy kids. What a perfect day!
Melissa arranged for us to have dinner at a camp outside Suceava and on the way, we got to stop at a painted monastery where scott had to wear a skirt to cover his immodest legs. ;-) Just as an added bonus, we got to drive through some of Romania's beautiful mountains and see some incredible scenery. Can I just tell you, God's creation is completely awe inspiring! I think the beauty of the creation around me was in some ways an expression of the beauty I saw in the faces of the children today. I fully believe that God enjoys His creation and it makes Him smile to create stunning flowers in remote mountains and beautiful fish in the depths of the oceans that man will never see. In my mind, the beauty of pure, unadulterated joy that I saw today in the faces of those children is just an extension of His greatness. How awesome is it that God made us capable of expression and feeling and emotion?! Their joy was the fingerprint of God. I'm telling you, I saw God today in those children and I don't think I have ever been so close to Him as I was today. Great things truly can be seen in humble places...even mcdonald's.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Someone Else's World
Our adventurous behavior is steadily increasing. Today, we ordered something other than "omletăs" for breakfast. haha Through the help of smartphone translators and aid from Melissa, I managed to get toast, Meredith finally ate cereal without steaming hot milk, and scott got his fried eggs. We are growing leaps and bounds. (:
Another day at Melissa's apartment, lovingly deemed the "warehouse," and we have got almost all of the care-bags and hygiene packages packed up and ready to go for camp, along with spare bags of clothes and many other odds-and-ends. The days are flying by and I'm not surprised. We made a few more visits at the village again today and we got to see the poorest families' homes in the village. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record but as I saw their living conditions, I was so humbled. What do I have to complain about? The families were pleasant and the children were adorable; I can't wait to interact with them some more at camp.
Right after we left the village, we headed to a mall in the city and I have to admit, when this plan was proposed, I wasn't really thrilled. But Melissa told us that it would be good for us to see the world of rich and poor juxtaposed, so we went. What an eye opener it was! The mall was nicer than my local mall, complete with a large food court and just about anything you can ask in terms of shopping. Now please don't misunderstand me, these things aren't bad, but when you see such need in such close proximity to such extravagance, its hard to reconcile the two.
Realizing that this may sound very cliche, I have to say that being in Romania is making me realize how many good things God has blessed me with. I have SO MUCH to thank God for - material blessings, loving family, and a beautiful country. It is incredible to experience a piece of someone else's world and watch it change your own. Before I left, God kept giving me the thought 'change may hurt but pain is necessary for growth' and after being here only a few days, I see how true that is. God is being faithful in keeping His promise to me and I am continuing my prayer: keep changing me, Lord.
Another day at Melissa's apartment, lovingly deemed the "warehouse," and we have got almost all of the care-bags and hygiene packages packed up and ready to go for camp, along with spare bags of clothes and many other odds-and-ends. The days are flying by and I'm not surprised. We made a few more visits at the village again today and we got to see the poorest families' homes in the village. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record but as I saw their living conditions, I was so humbled. What do I have to complain about? The families were pleasant and the children were adorable; I can't wait to interact with them some more at camp.
Right after we left the village, we headed to a mall in the city and I have to admit, when this plan was proposed, I wasn't really thrilled. But Melissa told us that it would be good for us to see the world of rich and poor juxtaposed, so we went. What an eye opener it was! The mall was nicer than my local mall, complete with a large food court and just about anything you can ask in terms of shopping. Now please don't misunderstand me, these things aren't bad, but when you see such need in such close proximity to such extravagance, its hard to reconcile the two.
Realizing that this may sound very cliche, I have to say that being in Romania is making me realize how many good things God has blessed me with. I have SO MUCH to thank God for - material blessings, loving family, and a beautiful country. It is incredible to experience a piece of someone else's world and watch it change your own. Before I left, God kept giving me the thought 'change may hurt but pain is necessary for growth' and after being here only a few days, I see how true that is. God is being faithful in keeping His promise to me and I am continuing my prayer: keep changing me, Lord.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
An American God?
As a team, we are becoming more adventurous. Case in point: Scott got back to the hotel WITHOUT making any u-turns! I hope you all realize how impressive it is to drive in Romania (the land of one-way streets) without making u-turns. Be very impressed. (Side note: I am currently mad at him, however, because he keeps refusing to let me bring home a kitten. This will need to be discussed further. He has no sympathy for the baby kittens. Mean man.)
Back at the village, we paid another visit to Auntie. We got to paint her fence today which was really fun. She was so excited that we were coming back that she said she couldn't sleep that night; she also told Melissa that she dreamed of us coming to serve her. It was so touching! We made a few more house visits today and I was touched by the selflessness of my teammates. Knowing I wasn't feeling well that day, Scott and Trevor did a quick switch of the soda glasses (when no one was looking, of course) and gave me their empty ones. It seems kind of silly, I realize, but it meant so much to me. It was inconvenient for them but they didn't make a big deal about it; they just stepped up and "took one for the team"...well, me. So if you guys are reading this, thanks a million.
During the afternoon, we had a chance for a little r&r then headed to a romanian family's home for dinner. Timothy and his family hosted our team for the evening and cooked us a WONDERFUL meal! The food was outstanding (kudos to the cook!!) and the company was even better. The family was so welcoming, hospitable, and home-like; they were the kind of people you felt comfortable with from the start. I think I can speak for our entire team in saying that our hearts were warmed more than our stomachs were tonight. My heart was rested and at ease while with them and I walked away refreshed. The family of God is not bound by geographical borders.
Its amazing to think that I spent so much of my life thinking about the church as american. I apologize if I lose some of you here but seeing the work of God going on here in Romania has corrected me concerning something: The church of God, the bride of Christ, internationally is not a forlorn, weak typecast of any american "church." Rather, it is strong and vibrant, bearing the image and fingerprints of the Creator just as much as any church in america. These beautiful people that are surrounding me - Auntie, Timothy, his family - are all monuments that will stand forever as reminders of this. God is not american. Period. The international bride of Christ, no matter what language, skin color, or nationality, attests to this truth louder than any cries to the contrary; God is God above all differences our eyes and ears perceive. And the church of Christ around the world says "Amen!"
Back at the village, we paid another visit to Auntie. We got to paint her fence today which was really fun. She was so excited that we were coming back that she said she couldn't sleep that night; she also told Melissa that she dreamed of us coming to serve her. It was so touching! We made a few more house visits today and I was touched by the selflessness of my teammates. Knowing I wasn't feeling well that day, Scott and Trevor did a quick switch of the soda glasses (when no one was looking, of course) and gave me their empty ones. It seems kind of silly, I realize, but it meant so much to me. It was inconvenient for them but they didn't make a big deal about it; they just stepped up and "took one for the team"...well, me. So if you guys are reading this, thanks a million.
During the afternoon, we had a chance for a little r&r then headed to a romanian family's home for dinner. Timothy and his family hosted our team for the evening and cooked us a WONDERFUL meal! The food was outstanding (kudos to the cook!!) and the company was even better. The family was so welcoming, hospitable, and home-like; they were the kind of people you felt comfortable with from the start. I think I can speak for our entire team in saying that our hearts were warmed more than our stomachs were tonight. My heart was rested and at ease while with them and I walked away refreshed. The family of God is not bound by geographical borders.
Its amazing to think that I spent so much of my life thinking about the church as american. I apologize if I lose some of you here but seeing the work of God going on here in Romania has corrected me concerning something: The church of God, the bride of Christ, internationally is not a forlorn, weak typecast of any american "church." Rather, it is strong and vibrant, bearing the image and fingerprints of the Creator just as much as any church in america. These beautiful people that are surrounding me - Auntie, Timothy, his family - are all monuments that will stand forever as reminders of this. God is not american. Period. The international bride of Christ, no matter what language, skin color, or nationality, attests to this truth louder than any cries to the contrary; God is God above all differences our eyes and ears perceive. And the church of Christ around the world says "Amen!"
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Think Again
Everyone be proud, I faced two of my fears today: dead animals and mice...technically dead mice but it looks more impressive to say it separately. (:
Our agenda was rather laid back today. Early in the day, we worked at a woman's house who we will call "auntie." Auntie is a elderly woman who lives in another village near Suceava. She has been a Christian for many years and is often persecuted for her faith. Multiple times, she has had insults thrown at her and has found dead cats and debris in her well (she has no running water.) This woman was so sweet and gentle, it is hard to believe she could be so persecuted. It was quite an honor to meet her today and as a service to her, we did some cleaning around her property. She was so grateful for the small amount of help we gave her; I was humbled and overjoyed all at the same time. It was a beautiful time.
Continuing on into other parts of the village, we met some of the children we will be working with at our camp this upcoming week as well as interact with their families. It was beneficial to see the environment the kids will be coming from because it granted me perspective on what makes them who they are. Later that day we got to pack the care packages we will give the kids for camp which included clothing items and hygiene products. It got me SO excited for camp! My expectations are rising for what we will accomplish that week.
On a lighter note, we had a relaxed dinner during which I found out several things about my teammates:
1) Meredith is depth perception challenged
2) Sergey is REALLY craving a vanilla milkshake
3) Scott will be forever young after hanging out with all of us 'cool kids'
4) Hannah shares my dislike for shrimp (and apparently for ordering "interesting" food)
5) Trevor can even make fake crystal sing
I can't thank God enough for all of the good friends and great times He is blessing me with. Whoever said serving God was boring and lonely obviously never met this team!
Our agenda was rather laid back today. Early in the day, we worked at a woman's house who we will call "auntie." Auntie is a elderly woman who lives in another village near Suceava. She has been a Christian for many years and is often persecuted for her faith. Multiple times, she has had insults thrown at her and has found dead cats and debris in her well (she has no running water.) This woman was so sweet and gentle, it is hard to believe she could be so persecuted. It was quite an honor to meet her today and as a service to her, we did some cleaning around her property. She was so grateful for the small amount of help we gave her; I was humbled and overjoyed all at the same time. It was a beautiful time.
Continuing on into other parts of the village, we met some of the children we will be working with at our camp this upcoming week as well as interact with their families. It was beneficial to see the environment the kids will be coming from because it granted me perspective on what makes them who they are. Later that day we got to pack the care packages we will give the kids for camp which included clothing items and hygiene products. It got me SO excited for camp! My expectations are rising for what we will accomplish that week.
On a lighter note, we had a relaxed dinner during which I found out several things about my teammates:
1) Meredith is depth perception challenged
2) Sergey is REALLY craving a vanilla milkshake
3) Scott will be forever young after hanging out with all of us 'cool kids'
4) Hannah shares my dislike for shrimp (and apparently for ordering "interesting" food)
5) Trevor can even make fake crystal sing
I can't thank God enough for all of the good friends and great times He is blessing me with. Whoever said serving God was boring and lonely obviously never met this team!
Monday, July 4, 2011
True Happiness
Today was the day of randomness. All of us girls overslept and made us late for breakfast then we forgot how to get to the home of Ana, our newest addition to the Romania friends group. After traveling to the airport to return our rental car with car alarm blaring (because we couldn't turn it off), we arrived to find out that the rental agency was actually in town and that our 30 min. drive to the outskirts of Suceava was 20 minutes unnecessary. Have no fear, however, because the romanian man from the rental agency that picked us up drove at breakneck speed back to town and made up at least 15 minutes of our delay. No seriously, we were doing 110 kph (about 70mph) on a seriously small road and I promptly apologized to Scott for any bad thing I ever said about his driving. Does that clue you in at all to how scared i was?!?!
Have no fear though because we safely arrived back at the travel agency. While picking up our new transportation, Trevor managed to spill a cup of "cappuccino with chocolate" all over the floor. It was just par for the course for how this day was going. So, now 1 3/4 hours late, we met up with Melissa and drove to an orphanage Melissa frequently visits to do some activities with the children there. What an experience it was. The children were so well behaved and the program was so well run. The director at the orphanage has such a heart for the children and it shows. We did several activities with the children and everything went well however it was the overwhelming sense of joy that really set them apart for me. They might have been at a disadvantage where physical possessions are concerned but they had love and happiness that american children often lack. It was the essence of gratefulness and satisfaction. What they didn't have was less important that what they were given and grateful for.
Another day has passed in this opportunity God has given me to minister and I am finding that I am being equally impacted. Its funny how God works. He never sees anyone as disposable. He never uses anyone for what they can offer Him - He needs no man to accomplish His plans. Yet He loves me, uses me, and fills me all at the same time. I am so honored to say this is the God I serve.
Have no fear though because we safely arrived back at the travel agency. While picking up our new transportation, Trevor managed to spill a cup of "cappuccino with chocolate" all over the floor. It was just par for the course for how this day was going. So, now 1 3/4 hours late, we met up with Melissa and drove to an orphanage Melissa frequently visits to do some activities with the children there. What an experience it was. The children were so well behaved and the program was so well run. The director at the orphanage has such a heart for the children and it shows. We did several activities with the children and everything went well however it was the overwhelming sense of joy that really set them apart for me. They might have been at a disadvantage where physical possessions are concerned but they had love and happiness that american children often lack. It was the essence of gratefulness and satisfaction. What they didn't have was less important that what they were given and grateful for.
Another day has passed in this opportunity God has given me to minister and I am finding that I am being equally impacted. Its funny how God works. He never sees anyone as disposable. He never uses anyone for what they can offer Him - He needs no man to accomplish His plans. Yet He loves me, uses me, and fills me all at the same time. I am so honored to say this is the God I serve.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A Day in the [International] Life
In the words of one of my favorite movies, "When God throws a curveball, don't duck; you just might miss something." How true that is. After driving several hours to JFK airport, we unloaded all of our bags and said goodbye to our driver. Unfortunately, when we weighed several of our bags, they were over the 50 lb. allowance and we had to do some quick maneuvering to get all our bags under the limit. We then proceeded to the new self-check-in system which was only a slight headache but we pressed on. Our team bonded rather quickly, especially with the help of several funny sights (including a Mr. Miyagi sighting) and it was a blessing in disguise that we did because our team didn't even make it out of the airport before we had our first challenge. Due to some "technical difficulties," our flight that was scheduled to leave at 6:45 didn't leave until 9:45, making us late for our connecting flight in Budapest to Bucharest. However, I found myself turning to God in prayer. Actually my prayers were a bit schizophrenic. At the beginning they went, 'Dear God, I know you have everything under control so I place all my worries in Your hands. Give us wisdom and help everything to work out.' to 'LORD PLEASE HELP! WE'RE LATE AND WE'RE GOING TO MISS OUR FLIGHT!' I think some of you can relate. Yet the fun was just beginning.
Our initial flight was 8 hours and our plane left us with much to be desired. Unfortunately the plane had no personal viewing screens for each passenger and the movie that was playing on the screens in the aisle suddenly went black 45 minutes into the flight never to return again. I'm not sure if anyone reading this has ever flown multiple hours on a red-eye flight with no entertainment, but if you have, you understand the restlessness that imprisons you; it's worse than the 10 inch wide seat your sitting on. As uncomfortable as I was with the conditions, I tried to console myself with journaling and sleep only to be awoken by one of the multiple screaming children on board. I can hardly blame them for being fussy; I would have been in their shoes. However, it was hardly the sound any bored, tired flyer wants to hear. Thankfully, the Lord sped our plane up and we arrived sooner than expected. We arrived at Bucharest, rented our car, and rode off into the sunset. Ok not even close. We ended up getting lost twice which turned our 7 hour car ride into something closer to 8 or 8 1/2 hours but PRAISE GOD we finally made it to Suceava. Tired to the point of delirium, we lugged our suitcases up to our rooms (after waking up the entire Pensiunea, I'm sure) and passed OUT! God was not finished with us yet, though.
Sunday morning, we were had breakfast with our missionary contact, Melissa, and she took us to the church she attends. Although we were still exhausted, God had an amazing thread to weave into the fabric of our trip. The pastor preached a sermon from Nehemiah 1 & 2 and said a few things that reset my attitude with truth. "Is your heart so broken for the work God has for you that you weep? Then does it cause you to act?...If we don't let go of comfort, we cannot do the work of God." All of a sudden, God had my attention. It wasn't the annoyances that were wrong; it was my heart in the midst of them that was wrong.
Nehemiah had it right; I was in the wrong. I told everyone that I was coming half way around the world to help children but what is the point if my attitude was not that of Christ? Talk about a reality check. This is what I asked for and I'm up for the change; my prayer has always been and will always remain, "Lord, change me so that you can use me." You know, I have a funny suspicion that He is going to uphold His end of the "changing Lindsay" bargain...
Our initial flight was 8 hours and our plane left us with much to be desired. Unfortunately the plane had no personal viewing screens for each passenger and the movie that was playing on the screens in the aisle suddenly went black 45 minutes into the flight never to return again. I'm not sure if anyone reading this has ever flown multiple hours on a red-eye flight with no entertainment, but if you have, you understand the restlessness that imprisons you; it's worse than the 10 inch wide seat your sitting on. As uncomfortable as I was with the conditions, I tried to console myself with journaling and sleep only to be awoken by one of the multiple screaming children on board. I can hardly blame them for being fussy; I would have been in their shoes. However, it was hardly the sound any bored, tired flyer wants to hear. Thankfully, the Lord sped our plane up and we arrived sooner than expected. We arrived at Bucharest, rented our car, and rode off into the sunset. Ok not even close. We ended up getting lost twice which turned our 7 hour car ride into something closer to 8 or 8 1/2 hours but PRAISE GOD we finally made it to Suceava. Tired to the point of delirium, we lugged our suitcases up to our rooms (after waking up the entire Pensiunea, I'm sure) and passed OUT! God was not finished with us yet, though.
Sunday morning, we were had breakfast with our missionary contact, Melissa, and she took us to the church she attends. Although we were still exhausted, God had an amazing thread to weave into the fabric of our trip. The pastor preached a sermon from Nehemiah 1 & 2 and said a few things that reset my attitude with truth. "Is your heart so broken for the work God has for you that you weep? Then does it cause you to act?...If we don't let go of comfort, we cannot do the work of God." All of a sudden, God had my attention. It wasn't the annoyances that were wrong; it was my heart in the midst of them that was wrong.
Nehemiah had it right; I was in the wrong. I told everyone that I was coming half way around the world to help children but what is the point if my attitude was not that of Christ? Talk about a reality check. This is what I asked for and I'm up for the change; my prayer has always been and will always remain, "Lord, change me so that you can use me." You know, I have a funny suspicion that He is going to uphold His end of the "changing Lindsay" bargain...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In My Hands...
To whom much is given, much is required. What a statement! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for everything before that comma but I begin to squirm a little bit at the thought of the 'much is required' part. I'm aware that I've been blessed beyond measure just to be born in a country that allows me to worship freely, pursue dreams, and follow any opportunity I wish. Basically, my perspectives are endless. However, it is all of these good things God has put inside me and surrounded me with that I am called to account for. My gifts, my money, my job, my choices - they are all under my watch and are my responsibility. Regardless of whether I have multiple talents and blessings or just one, I have the job of putting them to work. That's where Romania comes in.
Jesus told a parable of a master who gave each of his servants 'talents' according to each man's ability to use them. It wasn't the quantity that was significant as much as the stewardship of each servant. That's a sermon we've all probably heard a thousand times. As I was reading this story, however, my attention was drawn to the verse that read, "and the one who had received 5 talents went off right away and put his money to work." That's what I want to be said of me - that I took what God gave me and put it to work PRONTO! To me, Romania is just one of the opportunities that I have to use all that God has given me. I am healthy, I have more than enough food and clothes, I have talents, I am free of responsibilities that would prevent my leaving for 5 weeks. All of these things are blessings and Romania is my chance to thank God for them. I want to use what's in my hand with all the love that God has put inside my heart. I might not have everything but I'm not called to be a steward of what I don't have. What I do have, however, I will use. That is all that is required.
"It is like a man going on a journey who summons His servants and entrusts His wealth to them. To the one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work..."
~Matthew 25:14-16
Jesus told a parable of a master who gave each of his servants 'talents' according to each man's ability to use them. It wasn't the quantity that was significant as much as the stewardship of each servant. That's a sermon we've all probably heard a thousand times. As I was reading this story, however, my attention was drawn to the verse that read, "and the one who had received 5 talents went off right away and put his money to work." That's what I want to be said of me - that I took what God gave me and put it to work PRONTO! To me, Romania is just one of the opportunities that I have to use all that God has given me. I am healthy, I have more than enough food and clothes, I have talents, I am free of responsibilities that would prevent my leaving for 5 weeks. All of these things are blessings and Romania is my chance to thank God for them. I want to use what's in my hand with all the love that God has put inside my heart. I might not have everything but I'm not called to be a steward of what I don't have. What I do have, however, I will use. That is all that is required.
"It is like a man going on a journey who summons His servants and entrusts His wealth to them. To the one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work..."
~Matthew 25:14-16
Monday, June 27, 2011
On My Heart...
With the trip fast approaching, the pace of the remaining preparations has quickened. I know before I blink, friday will be here and I will (finally!) be Romania bound. Yet in these final days before we jump on a plane, the reality of everything is beginning to set it. The seriousness of the commitment I've made is starting to hit home; the excitement of the adventure that's about to begin is saturating my soul; the concerns that accompany international travel are being weighed more heavily. And yet, the peace that follows a decision covered in God's grace is ever-present. You know, the minor difficulties and inconveniences don't even hold water in comparison with the peace that passes understanding that God pours into my life each and every morning I wake up.
Regardless of what this trip has in store, I rest easy knowing He knew far in advance what would happen. This peace doesn't promise a trip without glitches. Rather it promises me that I am secure whatever may happen because God has His eyes on me - He knows my way. Its this peace that assures me that this trip was not my idea but HIS idea. A wise person once told me concerning obeying God, "The provision is always in the command; what God commands, He provides for." In that knowledge, I can go forward confidently with my heart wide open for all He has in store for me.
For all those who will be following my adventures the next 5 weeks, welcome! I hope these pieces of my experiences in Romania can build a bigger picture for you of the awesomeness of my God. I'm looking forward to the joys and I'm looking forward to the tears. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a God-reality check and I hope you're with me. We're not all called to go to Romania but who of us isn't called to have our heart broken for someone else?
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
~Proverbs 21:13
Regardless of what this trip has in store, I rest easy knowing He knew far in advance what would happen. This peace doesn't promise a trip without glitches. Rather it promises me that I am secure whatever may happen because God has His eyes on me - He knows my way. Its this peace that assures me that this trip was not my idea but HIS idea. A wise person once told me concerning obeying God, "The provision is always in the command; what God commands, He provides for." In that knowledge, I can go forward confidently with my heart wide open for all He has in store for me.
For all those who will be following my adventures the next 5 weeks, welcome! I hope these pieces of my experiences in Romania can build a bigger picture for you of the awesomeness of my God. I'm looking forward to the joys and I'm looking forward to the tears. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a God-reality check and I hope you're with me. We're not all called to go to Romania but who of us isn't called to have our heart broken for someone else?
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
~Proverbs 21:13
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