Do you ever have those days where everything just seems to go your way? It’s like there’s nothing you can do to change your luck? Like you drank a potion or something?
Well that’s me and month 5 in Oradea, Romania. We are working at Caminul Felix (do see why I had to choose this title?), doing construction and playing with kids. Why is everything going my way, you ask? Let me tell you.
First off, we are beyond blessed with our living situation this month. We’re basically living in a hotel, complete with heating, comfy beds, a huge living room, an industrial kitchen, plenty of space to do Insanity (aka work out), and a table that seats 25 people.
Talk about World Race Living…this place is nicer than my fraternity house!
That leads me to my second point: we’re living with 2 other teams, so there are 20 World Racers in this hotel. That may seem chaotic to some people, but it is such a blessing. After a spiritually uplifting debrief, it is perfect for us to be in intentional community with so many racers. Now we can encourage one another, plus it doesn’t hurt that some of the girls on other teams can lead worship…that’s something I’ve been missing the first 4 months of the race.
When we're not worshipping, we're working out to Insanity
As for ministry, I couldn’t be happier. Caminul Felix is a family-based orphanage, meaning that they bring 2 parents into a home along with 16 orphans and create a family. Therefore, the kids aren’t kicked out when they turn 18; these 15-20 people are a family for life. It’s honestly the best orphanage system I’ve ever seen. Yes, it requires more “parents,” but it’s better in the long run so these kids have a place to turn to when life gets tough after leaving. The problem with so many orphanages is the fact that once those kids become “adults” at 18, they have nowhere to turn; they are alone in the world, which a scary place for anyone. Caminul Felix bucks that trend by bringing children into happy homes. Check out more about Caminul Felix here.
When it comes to what we’ll be doing this month, it’s all about construction with a few play times with kids. This week we’ve been leveling huge piles of dirt for grass to be planted in once spring rolls around. The other task (the one I’ve been focused on) is digging an 80cm deep trench for a water pipe. Sound familiar? That’s because Jamos and I did the same thing in Bolivia. I love it, though.
I thought I was done digging ditches in Bolivia…
If I were forced to come up with something “negative” about this month, I would say the cold. The temperature here hovers in the 30s, which is not conducive to wearing flip-flops. But it’s ok because the delicious warm food, the heaters, the hot showers, and the comfy couches with blankets make up for it.
Jeff and I cooking some delicious fajitas, complete with "chef hats"
Safe to say, I got lucky this month. Or more likely God just has big plans for us. Either way, I’m excited for my month in Romania. Also, if you got my blog title reference, I’m extremely proud of you.
