Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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It was a cold, cloudy Friday and a fine day to pick up trash. Something about picking up litter on a gray, gloomy day just makes it brighter…must be the clean freak in me. The goal of this was not just to make the city streets of Draganesti-Olt look spiffy (which is always good), but to show the residents we truly care about them and want to serve the community. It is not every day they see Americans picking up rubbish in this little city, so it also created a springboard for starting  great conversations.




 

As we split up into 7 groups to disperse throughout the city, my group hit up the little side streets. It was peaceful, but that meant we did not get to talk to anyone. (Later I got to hear about some encouraging stories the other members had when God gave opportunities to share about His grace).

 


These little guys may look cute, but don’t try to pick up trash around them or they will bite your head off.

 



Rocki picking up trash

 

After our bags were full, Vanessa, Rocki and I journeyed back to the mission house. All of a sudden a little boy came sprinting towards me, with a huge smile and arms flung open. I was wondering if it was going to be one of those moments of mistaken identity, like when you think you see a friend across the street, wave, and when you get closer you realize you have no idea who that person is. But this little boy showed no embarrassment as he came closer. He was content in giving a complete stranger the biggest bear hug a little 6 year old could.

After using all the Romanian I knew…like 6 words, he walked beside me until we reached his house a few feet later and waved goodbye.




The little boy’s home.

 

Vanessa asked, “So, who was your friend?�

 

“I have no idea!�


This may sound suspicious or super weird to you that a little boy would give a stranger a hug. Maybe it was but I experienced so much of God’s love when he hugged me.


“You know, I think God just sent me a hug through that little boy.� I exclaimed to my friends.


Maybe, maybe not, but I like to think it was and I know that my God is a God of good gifts and He does fun things like that!