ALOHA!!
I know it has been a while and maybe some of you are wondering what is going on out here on the World Race. I will try to update more frequently!!
I am presently in Timisoara, Romania, “the city of roses.” It is absolutely beautiful. In addition to the roses, there are flowers and grapes growing all around the city; decorating old buildings and cathedrals.
This month we have been working at the Potter’s House, an after school program for poor children of the city. The kids participate in Bible studies, learn English, get help with homework, play sports and games, do crafts.
I feel like the best way for you to get to know the ministry this month is for me to tell you a few stories featuring the kids of Potter’s House. Ionut (pronounced You-nouts) is 14 and comes from a home where his father beats him. I would describe him as playful. He has nicknamed the guys of the team James Bond, Justin Timberlake and Pacman. 
At homework time, when other kids are goofing off, he is always hard at work. We learned his birthday was coming up and when we asked if he was excited about it he shrugged and said “It’s just another day.” But the following day when we had a birthday party for him, I saw him with his cake, smiling and proud. He had gotten a bag of candy, which he shared with every child and adult at the program, often insisting we take 2 or 3.
At homework time, when other kids are goofing off, he is always hard at work. We learned his birthday was coming up and when we asked if he was excited about it he shrugged and said “It’s just another day.” But the following day when we had a birthday party for him, I saw him with his cake, smiling and proud. He had gotten a bag of candy, which he shared with every child and adult at the program, often insisting we take 2 or 3. The same day as Ionut’s party we had a going away party for Seth and April, the married couple on our team. They have felt that God is calling them to return home and, after fasting and prayer, made the decision to leave the World Race.
The kids said their goodbyes and then gathered around Seth and April to pray for their journey and for the future God has for them. Loredonna, or just Lori to us English speaking folks, is one of the older girls in the program. Every day she seeks out each of us when she arrives and greets us with a hug and kiss. She is often first to pray when 
the time comes and she is always ready to help. As we prayed over Seth and April, I felt a tear slip from my eye. Lori reached out and wiped away my tear, then placed her hand on mine. I smiled at her as she asked “Is she your friend?” I could only nod. She began whispering a prayer for me as the others continued praying for my teammates. I told Lori later that day that she is a very good friend.
the time comes and she is always ready to help. As we prayed over Seth and April, I felt a tear slip from my eye. Lori reached out and wiped away my tear, then placed her hand on mine. I smiled at her as she asked “Is she your friend?” I could only nod. She began whispering a prayer for me as the others continued praying for my teammates. I told Lori later that day that she is a very good friend.Even though this day at the Potter’s house was a sad one for my team, we were able to give something to Ionut that he’s probably never received before: a birthday party. And this is what the Potter’s House is about, my friends. Giving these children unconditional love by instilling worth and value in their everyday lives. Its been an honor to serve here this month and I will be sad to say goodbye to these people one more time.
