I left my beloved Michigan seven months ago now. I left to chase Jesus, step out on that water, serve people, experience new cultures, gain experience in ministry and missions, and grow in the Holy Spirit and closeness with my Jesus. I left with a belief of what this year this might entail…a heart breaking goodbye each month. That I would be so wrapped up in each months ministry and the relationships that I wouldn’t want to leave…but honestly, that just hasn’t been the norm for me each month. Some months I enjoy the ministry opportunities, some months I have been sad saying goodbye to many people along this journey, but usually(minus Cambodia)I’m pretty dang ready to move on to the next country(which has probably helped make each transition easier because we have to move on pretty freakin quickly on this world race). People keep asking me, what my favorite country/month so far has been. The closest I’ve come to a favorite would be Cambodia(I loved Cambodia and my English class and the crazy differences in culture)…but overall, even Cambodia falls just slightly short of what I experienced this month.
Pitesti, Romania. It’s you. You’ve done it. From our set up in the church, having time to start the day just me and Jesus, working out with my squad leader Amy each day, to working with two teams like one big family, worship each morning to begin our days, our beautiful host family and my friends, sundays at Living Hope Church and taking the youth to the mountain for a cookout, visiting the gypsy communities each day and getting to spend time with the kids and just love on them whether painting nails, playing games, cutting hair, singing songs, or trying to speak Romanian.
I loved this month. Favorite would be an understatement. Ministry was heartbreaking, but worth it. I never wanted to say goodbye. Our hosts, the Golas family. WOW. They showed me who I want to be and inspired me and called me higher just by living their lives. They are a perfect picture of Jesus and serve ever so selflessly to these gypsy and homeless communities. They pursue these people over and over, they never stop. They are the church. They do more outside their church building’s doors than in and I think that’s so beautiful. I plan to keep this heart-set and mindset and take it with me wherever I go. The stories that were shared, the pain that was seen, and the love that was so freely given away…these things stay with you. I think after seven months on the field, I’m finally understanding why they say you may never be the same.
