Top 5 things I miss from Romania:
5. MTV Cribs: Romania Style
We were so blessed by living arrangements in Romania. Our home was the guesthouse at Village 2 of Caminul Felix, and it was simply wonderful. My design appreciation was fed with the use of beautiful refurbished materials; a bounty of couches made for great relaxation and comfy late night chats. Never did I think that I would get to live in a place like this on the Race, but I should know by now to let go of expectations. Check it.
4. “Da” meaning “Yes”
There you have it. A quick language lesson with virtually all of the Romanian that I know. Pretty much every person who I came in contact with in our town had some knowledge of the English language, and a lot of them were eager to practice. We ended up speaking mostly English, but that one Romanian word was just so much fun to say.
“Keep sanding the ceiling. Do you need a face mask?
“Da.”
“Did you see the heated towel racks in the bathroom?”
“Da!”
“Would you like some tiramisu?”
“DA!”
*disclaimer: this blog was mostly written while I was still in Romania. I now know that Moldovans speak Romanian and Russian . . . I get to respond with “Da” for at least another month. Hooray!
3. Milk Vending Machine
This one I just cant forget. We lived on a dairy farm in Romania, and we were told early on not to waste money on milk from the grocery store. Why, you may ask? Well, it’s because 1 liter of perfectly chilled, pasteurized and fresh milk could be acquired from a vending machine on the farm.
Yep. I was able to step out of our front door, walk for approximately two minutes, place an empty bottle in a machine, pay 3 lei (about 1 US dollar), and watch as my bottle was filled with creamy goodness. If you are wondering where the “guilty pleasures” part of this blog comes into play, it is with the chocolate milk that I made using said creamy goodness. Nesquick in Romania? This stuff is straight from my childhood memory bank. Yes, please.
2. These Teenagers:
Some of my favorite times in Romania were spent with these lively teens. They all live in Village 2, and they have such a strong sense of family. They are healthy, friendly and energetic. Building relationships with Maria, Dora and Andrea provided such faith in the model of care that Felix Family Villages has set.
These girls love each other, and they love the Lord. Many of the teens have gotten to travel all over with the Felix Family choir; they have cell phones and enjoy photography and sports. It is one thing to see the small children with their needs being met fresh from an abandoned situation. It is another thing to see teenagers, years later, who have blossomed in their family atmospheres. I loved it.
1. Team Relentless
Romania ended up being the last month that I was with my first World Race family. It happened. The ever-looming team changes. Austin, Janelle, Johnfrank, Ty and Molly are wrapped up in all of my memories from the first three months of this adventure, and I already miss the inside jokes and tasty meals.
In all honesty, I felt a lot of anxiety as team changes approached. Who will talk about New Girl with me without Ty and Molly? Who will answer my questions about photography if Johnfrank is on another team? When I need encouragement or prayer, what will I do without Janelle? Who will make me laugh if Austin is off leading another group of people?
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11
This is the verse that was on my heart the morning that the changes were announced. I felt such peace that morning, and I became excited about the gift that the Lord would give me through the reconstruction of my World Race family unit.
And what a gift it was . . . are you ready? An all girls team! Most people who know me well know that I am all about the gal pals. These girls are total studs in the sense that they are intentional with relationships, passionate about seeking the Lord and committed to living a life of honor. Even on that very first day, we knew that God had created an atmosphere of growth for the six of us.
So while I miss the bond that still stands within Team Relentless, I cannot wait to learn from and serve with Team Oasis. Thank you Lord, for the good, good gift.
