Oaza. The word in Romanian for “oasis”. The place where we’ve been staying is home to ten different children who were either abandoned or their families could not care for them. It is a shelter to come in from the storms of life. These children are gypsy. Society and culture tend to look down on them due to certain stereotypes. Oaza has become their safe haven. Where they receive love and a stable home. I have also found rest here.
When I started this month, I was beaten down. The stress, worries, loneliness, and questions of “can I really do this?” had become hard to bear. I was struggling with insecurity, lack of faith, and flat-out exhaustion. I had no idea things would be this challenging. When Caroline and I decided to make the split in Romania, part of me was relieved to just be with one team. Initially I was going to try to travel halfway through to meet up with the other teams, but God had different plans for me. I stayed with Proclaim I61 at Oaza. Praise the Lord.
My time here has been necessary. I’ve come to the oasis thirsty, and God has been quenching it. The team has poured into me and encouraged me tremendously. I’ve found joy in serving. I’ve been empowered that I CAN do this. I’ve come to place of vulnerability. How could I possibly act like I have it together and that I’ve done this before when I haven’t? I don’t have to pretend that I’ve led a squad before. I can lead out of faith that God is leading and I don’t have all of the answers. And that is OK. I can lead in brokenness.
It’s difficult to come out here and do this year without a “team”. So much community and life comes from being a part of one. I’ve been dealing with those feelings of loneliness. But I know that God gave me this month for a reason. To only be with one team has been a blessing. Oaza has become my oasis, the place where God restores. The place where he fills.
These children are my joy. I have loved being with them. They want to be around us every second of the day it seems. They have connected with us. Parting will be hard once again. I keep thinking that it is going to be easier, but it never is. At least I have their images to remind me of the oasis that God provided in this desert. I pray that they rise up to become men and women of God who hunger and thirst for you Lord.
Go check out the pictures link, I’ve posted several of Kendra’s, Ashlee’s and Shannon’s photos from our time here!
