A Jolly Journey

Well, the adventure has begun, bringing me to Frankfurt, Germany for a day and a half.
We just arrived to our hotel, across the street from the train station. I type to the unfamiliar sounds of German in the background, coming from the television. Even in the past hours of being here, I have come to find out that I wish I knew German. However, there are so many people here who can speak English, which has proven to be quite helpful!
The flight went smoothly. My birth mother Renee, and her father (my grandpa) are accompanying me and we decided to spend a day and a half here in Frankfurt to do some sightseeing. Renee is a flight attendant for American Airlines, and this has been such a blessing in regards to traveling. I have felt so cared for throughout this trip, and countless times consider how blessed I am to have them here with me!
When we arrived in Frankfurt, we met a man at the airport who helped us purchase our train tickets. He is originally from West Virginia, but married a German woman, and has lived here for almost 30 years. He was a highschool teacher for Americans and International students, and was quite knowledgeable about history, the city, and many other things. It was like our very own personal tourist!! He was so helpful, and I thank the Lord for providing in such small, but meaningful ways.
On a funnier note, I always find the bathroom experience quite humorous.... one never knows what to find! So far, so good... I have thankfully been able to figure out how to use the various water closets, toilets, etc... we shall see what other places offer! :)
Also, I have a couple of prayer requests.
The first one has to do with my luggage. There are possible complications tomorrow as I fly to Romania, and I may not be able to take my two checked bags (which are packed with basically all of my things for four months). As I encounter this scenario, please pray that my responses and how I handle it will truly reflect a peace and trust in knowing that even in these things, ultimately I am not in control, and in everything, there is a purpose. So please pray that I will keep this in mind, and have an attitude that reflects peace and trust in Him, and not grumbling!
Secondly, the first two weeks in Romania, I will be traveling with a friend from Cornerstone, Heather. She is fluent in Romanian, and we are visiting many of her friends, which have chosen to so graciously welcome us into their homes!! Please pray that in our time as guest we can encourage fellow brothers and sisters, as well as have hearts of service for them.
And thirdly, ahhhh the language... in whatever way I learn, I can glorify the Lord with motivation to learn, dedication and perseverance. I would love to soak it up immediately and speak well, but please pray that my mind would be sharp and learn quickly, for His glory. I can only imagine how ecstatic and certain of His work I would be if I learned the language rapidly!

Well my dear friends and family, I am off to take a little nap (plane travel does not afford the most restful sleep!). And then we are going to tour Frankfurt for the evening.

If you would like to email me, my email is laurenjoy222@gmail.com

Thank you for reading, and there is definitely more to come!!!

Joy in His Provision,
Lauren

A Lovely Parable

This is a snippet from the devotional I am currently reading, entitled "Edges of His Ways" by Amy Carmichael... I found this entry amazingly profound and inspiring....enjoy!

"Several evenings lately we have seen something very beautiful. It was, as it were, a sunset in the east. To the west there was not the faintest hint of colour. The mountains were dark against a dark sky. Heavy clouds, indigo blue and grey, lay over the forest. There was no light in the west, and yet the eastern sky was aglow. The plains lay like jewelled carpet, and the sky was golden and then a soft rose-pink. That sky saw what we could not see. It was looking at and reflecting that great glory.

Was it not a lovely parable?"

A Sneak Peek

Here are some pictures of Sighisoara, where I will be living in Romania!

2 weeks, 14 days, and 336 hours...

Today marks the ever nearing date of my departure to Romania- 2 weeks!!
This week was a wonderful and sad week all in one. With the flu, the death of my aunt, exams, a trip to Canda and a visit from out-of-town family, farwells, and finishing my last semester at Cornersteone, there has been much to consider and experience.

There has been difficulty in lacking the time to take a breather and reflect on these happenings. As I prepare for this next big step of life, I am thankful for these 2 weeks to prepare and celebrate the holiday with my family. In the midst of this busy week, it is affirming to glance back and realize how present the Lord has been over, in and through these times. I realize how I have so often fallen short yet He has drawn me to Him through His grace alone. Sometimes I get frustrated with the depth and the tainting effects of my sin that appears in so many areas. Yet, He constantly teaches me further lessons in order to develop and be refined and sifted in order to grow in His righteousness. And this really does excite me, that He loves me enough to love me in spite of this, and to not let me remain this way.

So, as I think of Romania, I am encouraged to live more fully in His promises and realization of the overaching purpose of life- His glory and His honor. Pointing to Him instead of myself brings such amazing peace and comfort! As He leads in Romania and I spend time with brothers and siters over there, I am excited to live in the unity of the body of Christ, even across the ocean! And this includes excitement in the continuing in the effort to live a life of humilty, gentleness, patience, and love for the edification of my sisters and brothers and the glory of Him!! There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all through all and in all- even in Romania!!!!

Joy,
Lauren

Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Today, I was reading one of my books for theology class entitled, "Who needs theology?"
Its amazing how the Lord has provided some direction and answers to quesitons I have recently had,through the truth in this book!
This quote reminded me of the underlying theme and direction of "consider it pure joy...", here is what it says!

"Ultimately our lives are not valuable because we are happy, but because they are connected with a purpose greater than ourselves. In this context, even pain can have meaning- as it serves a higher purpose. Indeed, steadfastness in the midst of adversity can be an encouragement to those who are facing tragedy to place their hope in God."

:)

The beginning...

Well, it is official... I have begun my journey of online blogging!
This moment brings back to my memory the old days of xanga, which I once enjoyed in high school... but with reflection and thought I am excited with the thought of having the opportunity to share with others, via this blog, all that I am experiencing and learning in Romania.
The thought of leaving in merely a couple of weeks is beyond exciting yet comes with a bit of reluctantance in leaving all those whom I so dearly love here at home....
But, no matter what lies ahead, I am confident in many things.
When considering a name for this blog, my favorite word came to mind, and that word is JoY... there are many reasons... however, James 1:2-4 popped into mind-
"Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything..."
I know that this time in Romania will welcome me with trials of various kinds, sizes, smells and forms.. yet I am confident in the truth that those trials serve a great purpose. And it is in this purpose that I find great joy in considering and dwelling on the faithful and graceful sovereign leading of my Lord and Savior.

So, as this journey unfolds, may it bring you in some way, great joy and encouragement as you embark with me in whatever form... to run the race with joy and perseverance, for the glory of Him who lives and reigns!