The last time I cried over leaving a country was Vietnam. But the day came here in Romania when we had to say goodbye to our after school children and it was hard. One of them said, “I love you,” and pulled on me, “let’s go home.” I lost it. The first Sunday in Romania I sat in the service looking at the children and asked God Is this the country you want me to serve in? Every month I go into each country asking God the same question. This month we taught these precious children English, helped them with their homework, gave clothes/shoes and food to those in need, visited widows and helped with logistics.
I know that this is no surprise to anyone, but I’ve fallen in love with the children here. Is this a dark country with a lot of spiritual warfare? Yes. Is this the place where the Witch Convention is held? Yes. The people here harasses us while we walk down the streets. We get dirt thrown into our windows because they don’t care much for us. We’ve gotten things stolen from us and some of us have been slapped or touched in inappropriate places. Some of my squad-mates have been attacked by strangers with a pitchfork. Word out on the streets is that missionaries don’t live her for long because it is just too dark.
However, these people still need HOPE. They still need LOVE! The disciples were treated badly but they had such a love for salvation. They had such a love for the people they were trying to reach. All the bad treatment did not stop them but fueled them to continue with the great commission. The people of Romania need hope and love. And it begins with these children. These children are the future of Romania. They need someone who will love them unconditionally. Someone who will love people regardless of the poor treatment. To hold-fast and push through. While I am writing this I am falling even more in love with this place! How I see it, is that when there is light, darkness HAS TO FLEE. Hope Church is sharing the light of Christ with the community and they are getting persecuted for this, but they are holding on to the truth, to salvation, to hope, to love, to peace and to a promise that this country will change and that love will reside!
This month has been one of my favorite months because I was challenged spiritually, physically and emotionally. I received freedom from abandonment. During our squad worship session, I received healing. That night was one of the greatest night on the race. There was so much freedom and so much joy during worship. Jesus is so stinking amazing. I stand amazed at his glory. I stand amazed at his strength. I stand amazed at his power. He is so amazing. Through vulnerability with Jesus I received healing. Through vulnerability I received peace and unspeakable joy. Through vulnerability I received FREEDOM! I guess vulnerability don’t suck after all.
