Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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HEAVEN!


     Ok, so its not heaven, but it sure is close!  I am having a wonderful time in Rusanesti, Romania.  We are here in the south, Olt county.  It is a slow, poor, un-churched area of the country.  All 5 members of Team Charis are staying in a single family home with Christi, Adena and Edward, their 2 year old son. 


                   

     At first, the thought of living in a home with a small child is not joyful.  Sharing a house with “parentsâ€� doesn’t thrill me.  Being in Romania when there is snow on the ground is not exactly my first choice.  Being in a position of house guest for 3 weeks is a burden. Having five girls share a room is crowded.  Grocery shopping for a group only one day a week is not ideal.  Showering only twice a week is mediocre.  Sharing my coffee with 3 others doesn’t always leave enough for a second cup.  The time difference makes skype chatting difficult and keeps others awake.  Being separated from the larger villages with more missionaries is isolating.

     The smile and joyful temperament of Edward is a blessing.  Finding a couple my age who speak English is a blessing.  Knowing the snow is melting is a blessing.  Having a host who thinks of you as friends first and guests second is a blessing.  Sleeping on comfortable couches and mattresses is much better than the ground, such a blessing.  Having a market that sells cheese and milk is a blessing. Having an indoor bathroom, toilet paper, and HOT water is a blessing.  A personal coffee maker is a luxury and I am being blessed with delicious hot tea.  Free internet for photos, tours, translations, and knowledge is a blessing. In the country the primary ministry and need is teaching English, and that is a HUGE blessing!


     In a short amount of time, we have been warmly welcomed.  We are able to keep our groceries in the bathroom pantry.  We have access to a washing machine for our laundry.  Adena even has slippers for her guests so that our feet don’t get cold on the tile floor!  I am truly grateful for the host family, their contacts, resources and love.  We are having daily prayer time after breakfast with the family that begins in song, followed by a devotional, and ends in prayer.  It is a wonderful way to bond with the family as well as each other.  The devotional is The Art of Listening Prayer, written by Adventures in Missions founder, Seth Barnes.  It is something I have been challenged to do as I try to build a stronger personal relationship with the Lord.  Holli, our squad leader, suggested this book to help me explore the vast possibilities of communicating with our Father God.  Honestly, I am enjoying the devotion much better now that I am with a group.  The stories, scriptures and contemplative questions are more interesting, more fruitful with other perspectives, other beliefs and other stories.


              

     After our morning prayer time, we work a variety of odd jobs.  It depends on what comes up that day.  Work can be picking up trash along the street, teaching English, cleaning house, or working on the ministry website.  From noon to 2 we have lunch and a small break, followed by more work.  At 7pm we are free to fix dinner and relax for the evening.  There is an oven and stove available for cooking, and many coffee mugs for a “late nightâ€� cappuccino.  Dinner is eaten around the table with the team, just like a traditional family meal.  We enjoy the nighttime watching movies or playing dominos with our host family, reading or dilly-dallying on the internet.

                    

     Being on the third month of the World Race, I feel like God is still so close, watching over me and meeting all my needs.  I am so glad to be staying with a family, having a relationship with people my age, the freedom to make our own meals and the comfort of a warm cozy couch! J  My prayer life is continually more active as I learn about myself, live with 5 women, think about my future, and develop relationships with people around the world.  Currently I am praising the Lord for the fabulous accommodations, family hosts, and FETA! J