Welcome to Romania!
It was quite the shock going from the summer heat of Africa to the snowy blizzards of Romania that have killed 68 people this year in what is considered one of the worst winters in decades.
But luckily, I found a coat on sale in Africa for $7 so I was able to come at least a little bit prepared! That's right, church van, Jesus is the Answer! He'll get us through!!
Upon arriving in Draganesti-Olt, the head pastor informed us that a huge part of their ministry during the winter time is shoveling snow. Here is David and I in front of the church, ready to head out into the blistery cold!
Being from Salt Lake, I understand what a blessing a shoveled driveway/sidewalk/street can be to someone, and I was thrilled to jump into a ministry that I understood!
Not only am I familar with shoveling snow, I also actually really enjoy it! So I jumped right in!!
To me, it's the perfect combination of playing in the snow and productivity! This playing has a goal!! Plus, it's a great workout and a great way to heat up in the freezing temperatures!
Ironically, I was paired with 3 Californians. However, Bea was great company! She tried her best with the shovel, but since we were short tools, she mostly just sang to me while I shoveled.
David is at least from Northern California so he's no stranger to the snow, and Peter, our proud UCLA man, showed his enthusiasm to shovel at every opportunity.
There were many moments when Pastor Raul would join us outside and ask us what reward we would like to have. It wasn't unusual for him and other staff members to surprise us with chocolate or donuts. However, I would respond, "No, no reward. This is what we came to do!" So he would re-ask the question, "Okay, would you like a reward now or in heaven?" Easy, heaven it is!
Here, I was working with Tiffany and Rachel in a space that wasn't even wide enough to do a 360 degree spin when holding the shovel. It was quite entertaining!
All month, God was regularly reiterating the lesson of Luke 17:10, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Megan and Kristen made a hilarious series of How-To videos during shoveling, which demonstrated each of their methods, again considering that they couldn't turn around to carry the snow out of the small alley we were working in. We would have to walk backwards with our shovel till we were out in the open.
In fact, after even a few minutes of shoveling and working up a sweat, we found ourselves shedding our coats. Here, Maria is standing in a 3 inch hole that we made by taking an ax to the solid ice!
A normal aspect of The Race: missing events back home. Thank God for the Postagram App! Hope you got it, brother. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACLYN too!!!!!!!!!!!! February is the birthday month in the Smith family.
Current financial status: $14,800.00 FULLY FUNDED!!! Praise God!
Like it says in Philippians 4. . . Thank you so much for all your gifts and prayers! My needs have been amply supplied, and your generosity is a fragrant and pleasing gift to God. Not that you ask for anything in return, but I know God will richly bless you for all that you've given! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
