Oh where to start? We’ve only been
here in the village for 4 days, but those 4 days feel more like 20 days. It’s
the beginning of our time here and yet it feels like the end. Maybe that’s
because we’ve gotten used to the reality of life here…not comfortable…just not
a shocker anymore.
on top of the mountain behind our house…overlooking the village.
(If toilet talk grosses you out, just skip this paragraph. We
talk about this, b/c there is just no way not to.)
One thing though that my mind is
trying to wrap itself around is the bathroom situation. (And yes…it IS a
situation.) I don’t freak out & say no way…I just haven’t come to accept it
as normal…yet. We have an outhouse! Yes an outhouse. When I first heard this, I was like, “No biggie, I’ll make it
work. It’ll be fine.� And it has been. However the world of outhouses are
foreign and new to me.
~~I’m not used to the buzzing sound
of bees while in the bathroom.
~~I’m not used to surveying the
square room to make sure no animals or snakes are inquiring there.
~~I’m not used to constantly telling my inquisitive mind,
“Just don’t look down.� (I looked once…sick! What was a thinking.)
~~I’m not used to any & everyone outside hearing me
pee…just odd.
~~I’m not used to the smelling
somehow falling me back into the house.
~~I’m not used to the bathroom door
having a peephole…if someone knocks I’m not letting them come in, even if I
look through it.
It’s a funny situation. PRAISE THE
LORD that its been as pleasant as it has. Clearly the boards could have broken
or I could have gotten stuck in there of something. (None of which I will in
the name of Jesus.) Using an outhouse has never been an option or the regular
thing to do…until Romania.
So a little bit about this place.
It’s a tiny group of houses
squeezed in the valley between two tall hills/mountains. Everywhere you turn
there is farmland on the incline of a hill. B E A U T I F U L!!! I love the beauty God has surrounded me with here. Wildflowers abound. Gardens grow steadily. Chickens run wild. Cars fly by without speed limits. Hot water is made & limited. Children roam the streets always ready to play. And colors
flood your eyes like canyons in a box! The nature, the surroundings, the view
is A~MAZ~ING & life to my spirit.
The People…ahwhhhawhhaa…the people.
They are hungry. They are rich in loving hospitality. They are beautiful. They
are fun…a little timid…but yearning.
Each day so far we’ve got to a
different village to work with gypsy populations there. And every time
it has been challenging in a good way.
The first village was like, “Why are these Americans here?� The second
had all of us (13) stand up and say why we are here. (STRETCHING) And in the
third village a massive thunder and lightening storm broke out moments after we
got there…that sent me running and
leaping for shelter…even if that meant I ran into a strangers house…which
is exactly what happened. Haha.
In the natural we are welcomed, but
in the spiritual there is much resistance. We are still praying through that
& learning how to minister in the midst of strongholds.
There are 3 families’ houses we are
staying out. 5 girls, all from my team, are staying at Abi & Lili’s
house…and they rock!!! They have 4 kids. Adi, 21; Andrea, 18; Alex, 14; &
lil Adi; 9ish. It’s wonderful
staying in a family’s house and spending some time with them. I think I’ve
gotten to spend more time with Alex…just playing around & taking pictures.
She is a sweet girl.
in the cornfield across the street from our house.
in the street right after the rainstorm
