This is a blog post my mom wrote about her experience coming out to see me during our parent vision trip during month 8 in Romania. This is a post about my mom’s perspective and her story about what she learned while visiting me on the mission field. I am so excited to share this with you all, and I love seeing what my mom learned.
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After months of planning, my husband Mark and I met Julia in Romania to participate in the Parent Vision Trip (PVT), an optional component of the World Race. For the PVT, the World Racer takes the lead in mission activities, reversing the traditional role of parent and child. I didn’t know what to expect, but from reading Julia’s many blogs and emails, Facebook posts, and short conversations, I recognized Julia felt more comfortable in her faith and herself than when she left eight months ago. I left home with great excitement to see Julia, Romania, her community of World Racers, and my role in the PVT.
Packing for the trip was difficult. Parents were limited to one bag and a personal carryon, including the items Julia wanted me to bring. After a few practice packing sessions, I managed to fit everything into my pack and suitcase with some room to spare. I remember when Julia got ready to leave for the World Race; items went into the backpack and came out, over and over again. Fortunately, the weather on our trip had highs in the 50s and 60s, and layering clothing was easy.
Mark and I arrived a day before we met with Julia and the other racers; parents met at the Bucharest airport before boarding vans for the journey to Dragane?ti-Olt. Mission partners drove us through the fields and towns of southern Romania, answering our questions about their experiences and our upcoming roles. It was wonderful to see Julia; World Racers met us with a welcoming sign they made, and parents and children exploded with emotion.
The days we spent with Julia on the PVT went very quickly. Raul Costea, our missionary host, shared his vision for church planting in Romania. Parents enjoyed worshipping in Hope Church as led by the World Racers. During our days in Romania, I heard Julia’s testimony as well as witnessing by other racers and their parents. We went to Craiova on two different days. The first day, the World Racers and their parents said a Joshua prayer as we circled and prayed for the students, faculty, and University of Craiova. We also visited the current site of Hope Church’s location and shared in worship services on Sunday. Leaders spoke Romanian and English during the service where we heard testimonies and broke into small groups to discuss scripture. In the evening, Raul organized a large get-together in a banquet hall where community members came to learn more about the gospel. Each table had a World Racer and parent as well as a missionary family to greet and share the good news with our visitors. We enjoyed eating and talking with over 100 visitors. The evening ended with a large raffle mostly made up of gifts we brought from the U.S.
On another day, we ventured into the city of Alexandria where we participated in a large Joshua prayer walk and passed out New Testaments in an eight-block area. I was surprised by the friendliness of the people in Alexandria. Although Raul informed our group that many Romanians did not have the New Testament, residents, cab drivers, and others expressed thanks for the text and immediately opened their books.
During our downtime periods, Mark and I walked with Julia around the neighborhood, visited the local store for coffee, and talked about where we were in walks with the Lord. One of the favorite things that Julia shared was that she now understands some of the remarks I’ve made to Julia about my faith, sharing the word, and being a family. Julia and I had an interesting conversation about spiritual gifts; it was nice to learn that we both share some spiritual gifts and differ in others.
Mark and I spent our final day with Julia in Bucharest. We went through the older part of the downtown, shared a great meal in the oldest brewery in the town, and visited the Van Gogh Café. It was fun to spoil Julia, even if it was only for a day. The next day, we said our goodbyes. Mark and I stayed I Bucharest to sightsee for a few days, while Julia took the train back Dragane?ti-Olt before traveling to Bulgaria, the ninth country of her journey.
It has been difficult for me to process the many activities on our PVT, and it took me longer to write this blog than I would have liked. While it was emotional to see Julia and then part again, I am confident that God has a plan for her and me. She is where she needs to be and what an incredible opportunity is it for her to see many cultures where she can share and witness. The PVT was an interesting journey for Mark and me, and it forced us to share our feelings, fears, and hopes for our children and our marriage. Iook forward to seeing Julia in a few months when her World Race is over. As she considers next steps, I know she won’t be home for long. She needs to share her love of the Lord with the world.
