The expectations I realized I carried into this month did not revolve around ministry types. I give credit to the work God did in me while serving in the Congo a few years ago and the things I learned while serving in Bedrock. I truly believe I entered into ministry here in Romania with open hands and it has been a blessing to recognize this.
I do not have the beautiful pictures of the Romanian countryside, because up until this past Thursday, my life in Romania consisted of a mile long stretch of road. I do not have the pictures with groups of kids climbing on me or of startlingly beautiful eyes of gypsy kids. I do not have images burned in my mind of a Romanian babushka reaching out to give me a kiss on the cheek. Instead, I have a list of funny expressions from Pastor Raul, a growing understanding of teammates music choices and the ability to login to various email and facebook accounts to send emails and messages in English to American contacts for the church.
For some on the squad, ministry has been difficult because I truly believe it is not what they expected. The changing schedules and tendency to compare ministry types among squad mates is a threat to joy. But I am grateful that for now, I have not entered into this place. [Pray that I continue to find myself out of this inclination. And pray that as individuals, T Squad would recognize the beauty in each of our own stories and rejoice for others, but not long for their experiences out of jealousy cuz thats just ugly.]
Our first month has been full of expectations and surrender. For some it came easy and for others, it is still a lesson in progress. But we know that this year is one of growth. And one that we are called to and change that we want.
We hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25
I am around $4000 shy of my total deadline due in December. Pray about supporting me financially. And while you’re praying for that – pray for my team, squad, the people we are meeting and for my own journey 🙂
