Saloot (Hi),
And we’re off! 14 days ago in Atlanta we began a 5 day “ramp up” called launch. It was tough to leave family and friends, but God really provided in enveloping me with His comfort as I left. It was great to go back to familiar faces when our squad re-united. Launch was similar to training camp except with more logistics/details meetings. My faith has grown through AIM’s focus on the Holy Spirit and talks on WR culture such as preferring others above ourselves and feedback (which is an everyday tool for each team member to give encouragement and constructive feedback to every other team member). I have found so much of the things AIM focuses on to be fresh and helpful for me. On the other hand, I have definitely had to sift through some things that I think are questionable biblically.
And… nine days ago we began our long trek to ROMANIA! We flew from Atlanta to NY and had an 11 hour layover, then to Poland with a 9 hour layover. In Poland (picture), the men went out on the town of Warsaw to see the sights and grab a meal and a drink together. It was awesome. Then, we flew from Poland to Bucharest, Romania, and slept (sort-of) in the airport, then took a train to our first ministry contact in a small town called Draganesti-Olt. My team of seven is working this month with an all-girls team of six. I am excited for the 13 of us to grow together.
Our ministry in Draganesti is to work with a local church that is about to have it’s grand opening on September 25th. We are living in a mission house 10 minute walk away from the Church, and we buy and cook our own food. So far we have done some construction/cleaning at the Church, led kids programs, and helped them pass out invitations to local villages for the opener. We serve them in whatever is needed. We are blessed to be here during an exciting time for the Church- may God’s light shine bright in this city. Draganesti is a dark place, with very few Christians and many people that practice witchcraft. We are hoping the Church will be bursting at the seams next Sunday for the opener.
Love you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you again for your support and prayers.
Kyle
P.S. Yesterday was probably my favorite day of the race so far. Four of us helped a local church member harvest corn, since her husband is paralyzed. Did we use a tractor? Nope. How about a horse and buggie? HECK YES! (There are lots of horses and buggies in Draganesti). Guess who got to drive it a lot of the day? Oh Yeah. See pictures. Loving the adventures.
Eph 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
