Currently, it is 3:05 in the afternoon in Draganesti, Romania. It is 8 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and the winds are blowing at about 15 mph. This weekend, the weather forecast predicts about another inch of snowfall. While I was walking back from the church this morning, it felt as though I had gulped seven slushees and I was having the brain freeze of my life. It felt like I was giving birth to a snowball from my head. I'll let you rest with that image in your mind. Don't you worry about me, mother. My body is an impenetrable fortress of vitamin C supplements and multi-layered thrift store finds.
Though we are hot blooded creatures and are accustomed to arid and mild climates, we are surviving the winter's chill with knitted numbers.
So, I've now been in Romania for a week. I actually quite love it here. It's different, but maybe that's what I love about it. Europe will always speak to a certain part of my soul that is untapped by any other country or culture. I know it's strange, but it gets me sort of nostalgic. The Romanian language sounds blaringly familiar to Italian and French. Actually, I would say, it's the lingual lovechild of Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian. Our main ministry this month will be vampire slaying and construction of garlic clove homes. Our projects include "A Stake for Every Household," "Black Cape Bonfires," and "24 Hr. Neighborhood Watch." We are called to be lights in the darkness, so I think these ministries are perfect for us.
On the side, we'll be partnering with Biserica Speranta (Hope Church) in Olt County — on the southwestern border of Romania. The county has a population of about 500,000 with about 0.2% Christian. The primary "religion" in these parts is traditional Orthodox. Christianity, for the most part, is discriminated, persecuted, and altogether heretic. Draganesti, where the church is located, is a small town with a large Roma (not to be confused with Romanian) population. Crime here is rumoured to be on the rise, as well as the practice of witchcraft. It is the heart of our lead Pastor to offer hope to a forgotten and outcasted people. Our team rises early each morning to pray over lists and lists of names and faces, for children, and for the missionaries already working here for God's Kingdom. Dad has already done a miraculous work here in the local communities over the past five years, and it's amazing to be caught in the middle of that harvest. It has been our job to come alongside the visions of these servants and to act as an extra ligament to their extended arms. I've been helping out with the after-school tutoring at the church and the kid's clubs in neighboring communities. Of course, the kids are wonderful.
With timidity but earnest enthusiasm, they soak in the Word of God like snow melts as it falls on your skin. It's really quite a sight to see. The missionaries here work hard, and it must be rewarding to see the immediate fruits of their labor. The language barrier has been difficult, but not much different from the barriers in other countries. I love learning new languages, so it's fun to observe and listen.
Now that you know the general idea of what I'm doing here, allow me to share some photographs . . .
The train station we arrived at.
Our room. By far, the most comfortable living situation we've had on the Race. What a blessing.
Across the street
Outside of the Mission House
The Church
Kid's Club
Tutoring
What do snowflakes look like?
See the rest of the photos below by clicking on the thumbnails:
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| Romania, Arrival |
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| Romania, Ministry |
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| Romania, Snow Day |
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| Romania, Food |
