Alright, guys…finally going to crank one out!
All is well in Romania. The journey here was pretty extensive! Early on a Friday morning through late on that Sunday evening. 60+ hours of planes, trains, busses, layovers, flight delays, and some sketchy situations. Hotlanta to NYC to Warsaw to Munich to Bucharest to my new temporary home…Targu Mures!
I have to admit that I was getting a little jealous of all my friends in Colorado Springs posting pictures of the recently snow-capped Pikes Peak, but on the train ride here, I discovered that this country has some legitimate mountains! Ok, they aren't 14ers, but this land is simply gorgeous. Luscious (I couldn't think of a better word) rolling farmland. Characteristic and quaint villages. Beautiful old buildings. I am still not totally certain of the history of this place, but it is absolutely apparent that there is some darkness. More on this soon…
I am living in a village probably 15 miles outside of Targu Mures. Most days, I catch a catch a bus into the city. The house is nice and definitely not what I expected. Definitely not missionary status! I have a bed, access to a (cold) shower, wifi (!!!), and a fridge among other luxuries. To be honest, I feel a little weird about it, but I know that it is a blessing from the Lord. So yeah, 11 of us (2 guys and 9 girls) in a village home. My team paired up with another World Race team for this month. We cook meals together and sit at a big table that has a table cloth with deer on it. We sleep with 3 or 4 people in each room and stay up late talking. We sing a lot and tell stories. We've called ourselves the Von Trapp family, The Walton's, and the Boxcar children.
back of the house
sleeping quarters
the little village, whose name I still don't know
So, this is month 1 on The World Race. Our missionary contact's name is Zsombor (pronounced Jombor). He and his little, but powerful family which includes his wife and 12-yr-old son are a delight. The pastor's vision is for this city. I am excited to hear more of his heart and what impact our being here will make. Our ministry for the month includes:
-> praying for patients in a cancer hospital
-> ministering to people in parks
-> visiting gypsy villages
-> speaking with university students
-> helping out with the church service
-> inviting folks to meet in an outdoor restaurant to talk about relationship with God
-> PRAYER. We pray a lot. We meet every morning for a time of worship and prayer. We also pray each day for a few hours in parks and on the streets.
worship in the "fortress"
So, I have the privilege of seeing both worlds. I go into the city and see with their man purses and weird European shoes. Then, I have the opportunity to go into villages and see naked children dancing in the dirt.
central Targu Mures
streets of Targu Mures
little boy in gypsy village
prayed for this man who was recently in an accident
gypsy women we met at a bus stop
Romania is a darkened land. Much despair remains from the past. There is a spirit of tradition. The orthodox church is prevalent. What does it take to break these barriers? Love, I'm convinced… Divine appointments, most definitely…
I was having some doubt a few days ago. I hadn't talked to a single soul. Is my prayer having an impact? Why is this country so cold?
Two nights ago on the bus home, I sat next to a little old Hungarian lady who moved her many parcels to gladly make room for me next to her. We exchanged a few simple words and our names (I have no idea what hers was). We attempted to converse a few more times without much success. However, her spacey-toothed smile encouraged me. The Lord confirmed that He desires for me to reach one at at time and that He does indeed have those specific people out there. I only need to follow his lead. Psalm 24:4-5
My team is excellent…and so is the other team I'm working with this month. God is breaking me. I am learning and processing things. Just when I thought I "sort of" had it altogether, I realized there is so much more refining to be done. The process will never stop. This year is going to be monumental. Time to embrace the fire.
girls on my team: myself, kaylynn, stephanie, and kacie
I am so excited to share specific stories with you VERY soon. I believe so strongly in the power of a story. There is much more to share, but I have a 7 am skype date with my sister and 9 am run with my squad leader, Christy. Full day of ministry following!
Thanks for your prayer. I love and miss you all.
Eph. 5:15!
