This morning we
arrived in Oradea, Romania where we will be working with Caminul Felix ministries(http://www.caminulfelix.ro/index.php?hl=en). I can’t wait to meet the children, learn
more about the orphanage, and see how the Lord is going to use us this month!
We pulled in around
8:00am after a 13hr. train ride from Bucharest. When I opened my eyes this
morning, they were swollen from being sick and lack of sleep. Because of some
crazy dreams, it took me a while to figure out where I was. My body was cramped
and aching, and I could hardly feel my fingers or toes due to the cold. As I
became more conscious, I looked out the window and was amazed by the beautiful
sunrise coming over the fields of Romania. Then I remembered: there’s nowhere
else I’d rather be. There are many moments on the Race when I simply stop and
ask myself, “Is this really my life?”
We piled into a van
with one of the workers from the orphanage and he began to fill us in on what
we were about to encounter this month. He started telling us some of the
stories of the children: where they had been, how they had suffered, and what
life was like for them now at the orphanage. As my heart broke for them, I
couldn’t help but continue to be thankful for the opportunity to be here and
show them the love of Christ.
Before leaving the
hostel yesterday, we had the opportunity to pray over the team leaders of the U
Squad. They were joining in Bucharest for their final debrief before heading home.
It scared me to think that we will be there in only 7 months; however, I was
also encouraged and filled with joy at seeing the men and women of God they had
become. A year sounds like such a long time, but when you are living the way
you were meant to and constantly growing in the Lord, time flies so quickly. It
seems like only yesterday I was anxiously stepping off of the plane in Quito,
Ecuador. I often wonder if people will see the changes in me when I return. I
wonder where I will live, where I will work, and what my life will look like.
But for the first time in my life, I can wonder without worry. I can easily say
I have no idea what my future holds, but I have confidence that whatever
challenges, trials, and joys may come, my God is Sovereign. He is faithful to
keep His promises, and His promises for me are GOOD!
This is real life.
This is my life. I have a family of
50 brothers and sisters. I live out of my backpack. I move every month. I eat
lots of gross things and sleep in many uncomfortable places. I am constantly
growing. In me, the Lord is constantly moving. I have very little, yet I lack
nothing. I have amazing friends all over the world. I get to tell college
students about Christ for the first time. I hold orphaned children. I walk in
truth and light. I am renewed daily.
I am filled with joy,
love, peace,
compassion, life, and worship. I am free, and I am blessed.
