As I am writing this blog, it is currently a month and a half into my race. Lots of things are happening: friendships are growing, walls are being broken down, God is becoming more and more my best friend, and my longing for chicken strips is growing larger. Life is going good here, and everyday I wake up truly thankful for this opportunity.
Here is a part of my daily walk to the ministry office. Talk about beautiful!
These past few weeks, we have been joined by the 11 in 11 World Race girls group. Romania was their 10th country on their race, so they are very close to the end. They have been so fun to hang out with, and they carry so much wisdom it just radiates off of them. It’s been fun to share and hear stories, pick their brains for advice, and just join them in everyday activities. They’ve brought a refreshing feeling to this house and ministry site, and it is a sad moment to see them go. For their last month of the race, they are hiking The Camino in Spain, sharing the gospel along the way. I ask for prayers for them to finish on a strong note, and to stay safe and firm in God.
This past week was a hard time because our squad split off into two groups for the remainder of our time in Romania. The boys team and team Anthem moved to a different town, Draganesti-Olt, which is about an hour and a half away. The other teams, including mine, are staying in Craiova to continue evangelizing and growing Hope Church. The goodbye happened right after debrief, which was our allotted week away to break down and process the first month. On the train at a seemingly barren stop we said our goodbyes, for the first time taking in that we will be apart for two months. Everyone was feeling a little upset about this, as it’s practically goodbye to half of the team leaders because they only join us for the first three months of the race. I hear they are really loving the new house and ministry, and I am so thankful for the easy transition! I truly thank God for social media so I can stay in contact with the teams that aren’t present with me.
Two of the team leaders that went to Draganesti-Olt: Philip and Cami. I love them a whole lot.
Then comes the heavy weight of fundraising. I have a little over $5000 to raise by January 1, and that seems like an impossible feat at this moment. I’ve been praying and posting small fundraising ideas, but money has always been a big point of stress for me. Throughout the years, I have heard and been updated about my financial status within my small family of my mom and me, and it wasn’t always easy. Being a listening vessel for her, not that I hated it or “woe-is-me”,over the years has sprouted a point of anxiety that I didn’t realize until recently that I had. I would stress about budgeting and making bill payments from simply overhearing my mom or talking to her about it. Because of my fear of not having enough money and not reaching deadlines, this specific one has been eating me alive because of its importance. If you guys wouldn’t mind praying for my fundraising, as well as for my spirit, that would be greatly appreciated. God has this under control, but my instant human reaction is to freak out. I have always been in His hands, and He won’t let me slip through His fingers this time.
This is just a quick update to bring my blog family up to date. I’m missing home still, especially Sammy. Each day it gets easier, and I know that he’ll remember me when I go back home. I am getting to meet new people constantly, and the busy schedule also helps keep my mind occupied. I’ve started running at night to get in some exercise, as well as process the day. Quiet time is sacred here, and it has become even more enjoyable because I spend every second of it with Jesus. How cool is it that he’s always available to talk with you and listen?! My favorite worship song that has been playing almost constantly for me is “Seasons” by Hillsong Worship. Yes, the album cover says it’s a Christmas song, but I think the lyrics apply to everything happening here. The song is about a winter, and how it feels doomed, but the harvest that comes after is better than ever expected. Romania has felt dry, and ministry can feel monotonous, but we are planting seeds that will eventually bear fruit. Every verse is so amazing and beautiful, so I highly encourage you to play it and soak it all in. Life can feel so dry and hard sometimes, but God uses hard times to bring us closer to Him, and the fruit of that alone is wonderful. “Oh how nature acquaints us with the nature of patience”, “For your promise is loyal from seed to sequoia”, and “I believe that my season will come” are just a few of my favorite verses. My favorite snack I eat here is rice cakes with herb cheese. That was a random fun fact, but I think it is important!! It sadly isn’t even close to being as good as chicken strips, but hey, still yummy. This has kind of been a throw up of my thoughts, but that’s how I speak and process at home, and here is no different. I’m excited for the rest of Romania, and I am excited to see what more God has in store. You know our God, how funny; He always has something up His sleeve.
