Those were the words one of our contacts, Mihai yelled as we stood on the railroad tracks with a train heading our direction. I can’t help it, I am sad to have left Romania. It became more of a challenge physically and emotionally than I had anticipated. We ended up having to change plans last minute and get on a different train. Tavi, Mihai and Madaline drove us to the train station and graciously helped us carry our packs and buy the correct tickets. After they literally lifted us up onto the train they stood below us as we waved goodbye. I reached out my hand to each of them and almost became victim of the automatic door.
Madaline, Tavi and Mihai waving goodbye.
I can’t help it, I fell in love with the country and our contacts. Listening to Pastor Raul ask us what he can say that would make us stay and work at the ministry. Or hearing his famous saying “goodie, goodie,” every half an hour. Romania was a great month. It didn’t involve us working at an orphanage everyday like I have loved in the past but rather it involved me getting to do something I do well at home – office work. I got to sing each week at church and perform meaningful and also silly skits. I got to smile and say “buna!” to all the people I passed on the street.
It’s hard to believe that before a month ago, I had never even thought about Romania at all. I didn’t think twice about all the people living there. But Romania changed me this month and it will forever have a place in my heart. The World Race is hard, moving from one country to the next. Leaving the amazing people and friendships you created. But like Mihai shouted that one night, I believe God is also saying, “When I say go, you go.” So here I am, in Serbia, ready to begin this next leg of my journey.
the wonderful people at Hope Church in Draganesti-Olt.
