At the conclusion of our time in Romania, our squad spent a few days together in Brasov, Romania for some downtime, fun, and TEAM CHANGES. I approached these days with a bit of anxiety about the planned camping, in COLD temperatures, and the anticipated split from any or all of the members of my team which were all now like members of my family. Going into Brasov my expectations for the experience there was low . . . I couldn’t have been more wrong.
First of all, Brasov is an ADORABLE city. The colorful buildings, the bakeries, the coffee shops, the people gathering in the square, the bistro tables lining the cobblestone streets, the unique shops tucked away down the side alleys . . .absolutely my kind of place! Also, the fact that we stayed in a welcoming hostel, instead of camping as expected, was a nice surprise.
Sarah and I also had the privilege of making a few new friends in the city and spending time with them while we were there. Ovi, Andreea, Flavius, and Sami are high school students in Brasov and talking to them about their experiences as Christians in that city and their hopes and dreams for their futures was so encouraging to us and to them. They gave us an insight into the culture of their generation in that place that we otherwise would not have had. I was so encouraged by the interaction with them and I hope to spend time with them again someday. At the very least, I now have a better perspective on how to pray for the youth of Romania.
Finally, we had team changes and it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Although I was separated from 2 previous team members, Lianna Ward and Rachel Rush, whom I love and will miss, I know that we will remain close and always be a part of each other’s lives. We are all still a squad and one large family after all. I am excited about my new team, TEAM REAL, and the ways in which I think this new combination of talents, personalities, perspectives, and spiritual gifts will challenge and encourage me in the next months of this journey. (NOTE: Team info should be updated on the blog site soon so that you can see the profiles of my new teammates.)
I leave Romania with a refreshed spirit and a renewed excitement for the journey that lies ahead for me in the remaining 8 countries. I have a love for the beauty and history of this country and am encouraged by the passion for change that I found in the new friends that I met here. The Lord revealed such need to me throughout this month but also such hope for the future in these last few days here. I LOVE how He does that!
