The Families I was Blessed to do Ministry with this Month:
Tavii’s Family
Tavii, his wife, and his two adorable daughters, are the cutest family in the world. They give all they have, and work hard for their church. His two daughters are both under three years of age; they are shy at first, but become your biggest advocate the second you pick them up. It was so awesome to hear how Tavii is making honey with his bee farms, and he has big plans to start a garden soon. In addition to his love of working for the church, he also plays soccer really well!
The Costea Family
There are five wonderful members of this family. First is the youngest son, Jonathan, who refused to allow me to take any photos of him. Every time I had my camera nearby, he would ask me if I had taken any photos of him. As soon as I assured him that he will not end up anywhere in my camera lens, he would say “good” and immediately walk away. Their other son is Sammy, a fifteen year old who desires to learn English and become a pastor, just like his father. He would constantly approach me, along with other racers, and ask a wide variety of questions, from word pronunciation to hopes and dreams. He takes well after his father! Next is Anna, Raul’s wife, who has the biggest heart, the largest smile, and the most straightforward language you have ever encountered. The night we left our ministry at a pizza party, she and I looked at each other and said “if only we had more time,” shrugged our shoulders, and then walked away. That was probably one of the most meaningful and strange goodbyes I had. Last is Raul, a man who is a servant of the Lord first and for most, and is not afraid to dream big. He doesn’t waste time in formalities, but gets directly to the point of “what are you going to do for the kingdom of God?” It was a good reminder to constantly be searching for ways to serve.
Daniel and Lydia
A missionary couple from the north of Romania who felt called to minister to the south. They are both currently reaching out to a nearby village of Dragonesti named Coteana. The one thing that I want to talk most about them is their love for one another. Two members from the team I was with for the month, as well as myself, went to their house on Easter to have a celebration meal. The food was delicious and the company was wonderful, but the one thing that I will never forget about them was the way that Lydia looked into the eyes of her husband, Daniel. In between preparing an amazing four course meal for us, she would occasionally stop and sit next to her husband of five years, gently place her hand on top of his, and stare into his face like there was nothing and no one else in the room. I felt like I was interrupting a dinner date. The way she looked at him with such admiration and love was a beautiful reflection, in my opinion, of the love of Christ.
Kevin and Michelle
The Canadian couple that truly reflected the obedience one should have for Christ. Through hearing their stories and spending time with them in ministry, it was very evident to see all of the ways that they have said “yes” to the Lord and the plans that He has laid out for them. Kevin has been able to help Hope Church with his construction background, and Michelle has been able to disciple a great group of young girls in the village. They have had difficult times adjusting to the culture but, even in the midst of their transition, it is easy to see how beautifully the Lord has orchestrated their lives to bring glory to Him in Dragonesti!
Alina
A sixteen year old girl who is helplessly attached to the American people; but seriously, she loves each and every one that comes her way. Our conversations would consist of the very little other than us constantly telling one another that we loved each other. She gave me bracelets throughout the month, and I would have nothing to give in return. She gave her heart, and I learned so much about loving without any expectation of love in return (don’t worry, I gave her some bracelets by the end of the month).
Here is the video I made for the month: the eleven amazing elements of Romania that will remain in my heart!
