After 4 more days of training, we began the travel days to our new destination…. ROMANIA!
 
Spencer & I with a cheese– excited that we're FINALLY beginning the Race!

 

 My last day in the States was filled with an 11 hour layover in JFK allowing time for a few trips on the metro, a Mets v. Cubs American baseball game (including the classic hotdog) 
 

and a visit to the World Trade Centers  on the 10 year anniversary weekend where the current Freedom Tower is being built
 

We signed the wall for The World Race, praying for Unity of our country.

 

 

During my 9 hour layover in Warsaw, Poland we were able to enjoy time in downtown, learning a lot about the people & the culture.
 

The city is so BEAUTIFUL & colorful!  
 

We had dinner and icecream!  (Apple Ice cream, you ask?  Yes!)
 

After 98 hours of travel, my team and I made it to Draganesti Olt, Romania!!!

We spent time at the church in the morning learning all about Romania, Olt County, and Draganesti (More to come on those details.)  Three of us ladies spent time working with children just outside of Draganesti.  Taavi played the guitar as we sang songs with the children.


 

We played with Estera as we waited on the other children to arrive.

We taught the children who have never heard the gospel about Daniel & the Lions Den and prayer and how Daniel had to put his trust in God.

Then we had time for fun games

We loved playing with them!  This is a photo of time with them before they went home.

We're building relationships with the children and those who work with them.  Lifting them up.  Praying fervently for them and the generations who come after.  There is a desperate need for light.  A need for love & truth– and people who are willing to work alongside these people by serving here!

(Katie & Estera)

The Lord is doing beautiful things here.  So excited about our first month in Romania!  I'll be sharing all about Romania in my next blog.  Keep praying with me.  For these people.  For this nation.  For the hearts of people who are called here.  For their church (the planting grand opening is in less than 2 weeks!) And that Hope shines through, even in the darkest of darkness.

For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. ~ Isaiah 61:11