How do I describe my mood?. . . Let’s go with. . . calm but elated.
I spent the day at a Romanian grandmother’s house, learning to cook a traditional Romanian meal with Tiffany, check out her blog for a full photographed account (Yes, Jaclyn, this is the Tiffany that was cooking different dishes on her blog before we left this summer). Yummy!!!
Grandma Ana is such a sweet woman. What an understatement!
We started out with prayer and Bible reading with 4 other older Romanian women, then cooked Sarmale (cabbage rolls) and Ardei (stuffed peppers), and left with 7+ kisses from Ana all over our faces.
After a large lunch at home, I curled up in bed with a little Nutella and Pepsi Light and my computer. As I began to tuck myself in, I glanced at the date I saw on my AIM profile and began to ponder January 25, 2011, the day I interviewed for The World Race. I remember that day.
I remember taking Shaggy out for a walk down Liberty Parkway. It was a rainy day, and I talked with Kim on the phone about my life and about God’s calling.
It’s amazing to think that that was over a year ago, and I am now in month 6 of my journey with The World Race! Holy Cowza.
It’s amazing how you can change in a few months, the ways you can be refined in one experience, the amount of things you can learn in one day!
I cherish moments like those with Ana in her kitchen, just like in Chile with mi familia, and I sincerely appreciate this journey. Though it may be tough, my life is so blessed and just good.
Then, I get on Facebook, and I see a posting by Francis Frizelle. He has posted a video entitled Valentine’s Day song – Z squad girls. I watch as two of our guys serenade a room full of my squadmates, all dressed up for Valentine’s Day. I watch captivated as the sweet lyrics slide across the screen, and I think, “That is what God meant for man to be like.” Romantic, loving, creative, urging us toward God. “The world of men out there could do themselves a favor by mimicking these.” Father’s the world over excluded, of course.
To add to that, Peter and David surprised all the girls on Valentine’s Day by cooking us breakfast in the morning, chalking Happy Valentine’s Day on the ground entering the room. Then, cooked a WONDERFUL dinner with breaded snitel pork steaks with homemade apple sauce, broiled salmon with cherry sauce, scalloped potatoes, and seasoned steamed carrot sticks. It was a really loving and wonderful Valentine’s Day, and for some, a really redemptive day, which makes my heart sigh. I, myself, have no bitter feelings toward Valentine’s Day, but it soothes my soul to know that this year we had such men of God to redeem the past hurts of these daughters of God that I love so.
I’m just a little in love with this journey. And that’s why I’m elated. Thank You, God, Love of my life, for bringing me here. Thank You for continually hearing the desires of my heart. Thank You for fulfilling them in creative and challenging and always loving ways.
Little in love with The Race, VERY IN LOVE with You!
Current financial status: $14,800.00 FULLY FUNDED!!! Praise God!
Thank you to all of you for your loving support and willing, giving heart! You, my family and community, mean so much to me!! It is through your giving and prayerful consideration that I have been blessed to walk this journey. Specific THANKS go out to Alysa, MK, The Rosenquists, Gama, and The Mergls!!
For those of you who were still interested in giving, please consider sending your support to my teammate, Marian Padilla. She is my team leader and plays a crucial part in this journey of mine. She is a part of the work God is doing in me and through me. She still has about $3,000 to raise in the next WEEK in order to reach the final deadline of March 1st, or she will be in danger of getting sent home. To donate to Marian, click here.
Ps. I Miss Her Too
Dear Danielle,
I'll be home soon. Love you.
