Nothing by chance.

Let's begin today with an interesting, new found discovery I have made..

I love oranges! 

Insignificant information? Well, let me explain :)

Before coming to Romania- I greatly disliked eating oranges... I loved orange juice, but could live quite comfortably without going through the "trouble" of peeling an orange! hahaha

Fast forward to today... oranges have become, hmmm... turkish delight to my taste-buds! I crave them, and furthermore, they have been my lifeline in helping me fight these little bugs of sickness!

I did not know what I was missing!

Some other interesting discoveries/ observations:

• European chocolate is much better than any American chocolate, I am in chocolate paradise here!
• The pace of life here is very relaxed. I operate now on a schedule called- "Romanian Time"... flexible and laid back
• The majority of Europeans know multiple languages. Hungarian, German, Romanian, English, and Spanish have been some I encounter here daily. It has motivated me to learn more languages.
• I can do without a shower for 3-4 days! haha :)
• I have talked more about Obama here in Romania, than in the states.
• Baby powder is a grease buster.
• Romanians have amazing bread, and eat alot of it.
• A smile is universal :)   (Of which I am so grateful!)
• Observation is a valuable way to learn!

Well, this is my second week here working with the elderly programs and kids club. I have a rough schedule of my weeks- although it is always liable to be changing and adapting with the flow of things! I have found it to be quite a rigorous schedule- some days about 9 hours long! 

I had my first Romanian lessons yesterday (Tuesday) and will have 3 lessons a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). There is another student in the class with me, of which I am so grateful! The other student is named Richard and he is from Germany. I do not know much about him quite yet, but he is a volunteer here in Sighisoara. It is nice to have someone else to learn with in the class.  The Lord has provided many people for me to interact with and new people to befriend. The teacher is very sweet, and she is from Moldova and has a sister who lives in Ukraine and my mom is from Ukraine, so that was a fun connection. So much cultural diversity! People have said that I am learning Romanian quickly, another area in which to thank the Lord. But I am excited to see how future lessons go, and would appreciate continued prayers in this area!

I think something that has most certainly blown my socks off these past few days, I have come to realize during the solitude of my evening devotions and time of reflection and prayer. Proverbs 16:9 says, 

"The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."

So few words, "nothing is by chance", yet so profound.

 I have come to realize this in a fuller sense here in Romania.

Yesterday, as I was leaving my Romanian lesson, Dorothy was coming out of the office. She asked me where I was going. I shared with her that I was about to make my long trek out to the apartments where one of the elderly clubs is located. She asked if I would rather like to get a cup of coffee with her and then she could drive me to the club. Hard decision of course, so I "reluctantly" agreed... its like pulling teeth to get me to agree to a cup of coffee!! hahaha ;)

Over coffee, Dorothy prefaced the time with "I have some news that I think will excite you." She placed on the small table a yellow sticky note that had a name and number jotted down. "This is the number of a horse therapy program located in a village about 20 min. from here." Dorothy has shared that she likes to "tailor" the experience for a student according to their likes and needs. "Sometimes this happens in more specific ways than others!" She shared how she thought I may enjoy going out there once a week to volunteer. And not only was this program 20 min away, it is in a village where she has access to a "getaway" cottage, or a place to relax. She said she would be willing to take me out there weekly to visit, and she would go to the cottage to get some much needed rest! "But the Lord directs His steps...."

The Lord is most certainly directing and leading me in ways I never imagined. This past fall I never imagined to be offered to opportunity to work with a horse therapy program after graduation. Yet through various situations, it has become a reality. Then I come to Romania, where little is known about horse therapy... yet 20 min away, resides a horse therapy program! 

Dorothy, myself, and Kim (a peace corps volunteer who works with Veritas) headed out to the village Rondula. The horse program was started by a German couple, who welcomed us into their home when arrived. They live in the German church parish. Dorothy is fluent in German, and as they welcomed us to sit at their table, conversation began. The wife lit the candles and served us coffee, while their almost 2 year old daughter looked across the table with those curious beautiful little eyes. She was adorable, and decided to befriend me as soon as we stepped outside to visit the animals! The couple is a strong Christian couple who is living daily relying on the Lord's grace and provision. A struggle, the husband shared, as he is used to providing with his own hands and resources. Last year they had a fire which burned much of thier buildings, and he also suffered from an injury that has limited his working ability. Currently, they are in a limbo period, waiting till spring to begin any riding programs, as well as in need of much financial support and aid. Yet, they welcomed me to come whenever I would like, and Dorothy and I have discussed a once a week outing. Another thought is to somehow get the children in the Veritas program connected with this couple, thus networking the children in need of this type of therapy, as well as providing people for the couple to work with!! 

This opportunity is so amazingly exciting for me, and I wish I could share it with each one of you, in person! Maybe to give you a picture- a big smile, sporadic clapping of the hands, expressive hand motions, jumping up and down, the WOW type expressions that accompanies any excitement, and lots of joy! So much is lost in just typing this all out here in the blog! But, this is most surely just beginning and a new adventure! For it is the Lord who guides and directs our steps... I give Him all the praise and glory, for every good and perfect gift is from above. I find such peace in the knowledge that He knows the depths of our hearts. In all of this, Philippians has greatly encouraged me this week in all situations as I look to set my heart and mind on things above, on Christ. I want to leave you with this part of scripture...

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

Philippians 3:8

Please pray that I will set earnestly my heart and mind on things above, and that I will press on towards the goal daily in knowing and walking humbly with Him. 

Love and joy friends and family!

 

Prayer...

Loving Lord and Heavenly Father,

I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and

all that I suffer, to be yours today and yours forever.

Give me grace, Lord to do all that I know of Your holy will.

Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires.

Teach me,

in all of today's work and trouble and joy to respond with

honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience,

that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice,

by the power of Your Holy Spirit and

in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

my Master and my All.

Amen

~Elizabeth Ellilot~

Pics, Pics, Pics :)

Here a just a few of the many photos I have taken in the past week.

Because of the lengthy time it takes to upload, there are only a couple

If you would like to see more, I have 2 albums on my facebook of the trip so far :)

Here is a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2084871&id=208702167

Welcome to Sighisoara- House on the Rock where there is an international cafe, offices, and where my classes will be held!


The beautiful town of Sibiu.

The Huntington group and I picture with the ice cream man!

My favorite little car, perfect size, with the perfect adornment- cappuccino!

One of the churches in Sibiu.

Two shepherds on the roadside, sporting traditional shepherd wear!

Me on the grounds of a fortified church, on the way home from Sibiu.

Melissa with a woman who is working on a hand crafted curtain- it will take 6 months to complete!

Two sweet, energetic children and I playing :) Love them..

On our way to Sinia- we stopped at a roadside market and bought mittens!

Pushing "Vern the Van" up the mountain side!! Melissa and I named him ;)

The monastery in Sinia.

The gorgeous fairy-tale castle!

Look at that view!

The final group picture with Huntington and Sandy and I below..wonderful people!

But God...

Sickness has returned, with a vengeance this time around! Alas, it must be the "bugs" here in Romania are not the same as in the Sates! It has been unseasonably warm here in Sighisoara. Two days ago, I was strolling town without the need of my winter jacket! I was walking with David, the man with whom I will be working under during my internship with the elderly programs, and was commenting, "Wow, what a nice day this is!" and his reply was, "Nice for who? All the bacteria comes alive now, talking, dancing, and infecting people!" Haha, he has quite the humor, and I just laughed with him, thinking I was invincible to this, and just enjoying the day. Well, guess what, the next day rolls around and at least 4 people are sick on the Veritas staff, and then myself! haha.. oh the party bacteria is having in my body right now!

Last night I found myself quite homesick. There is just something about wanting to be home when one feels awful and ill. I have not been sick in so long, and now within the past month, this is the second time! Before bed, the combination of being sick- not just physically, but also homesick, brought quite the waterfall of tears. I was in need of comfort and consolation. I am so thankful for this family here, and they have taken great care of me, but I needed comfort for my soul.. and who knows my soul better than my Lord?!

So, I would like to share a story now. I had waited to do my devotions till bedtime. As I curled up under the covers with tissues at hand, I opened up the devotional I am reading by Amy Carmichael. My heart skipped a beat as I read the scripture it was focusing on for that devotional- Psalm 73. Now, this is not just any Psalm for me, this has been a Psalm that is special and close to my heart. I was amazed yet again at how the Lord was ministering to my heart, my soul... his comfort was tangible, a soothing balm for my pain. Though my flesh and my heart may fail, God is the strength of my heart, and my portion FOREVER! Forever, now when I am sick, now when I am lonely, now when I am joyful in His comfort, now as I realize I can be content, no matter what the situation, because he is my portion- forever!

Here is the devotional, I would like to share with you, in hopes you may find encouragement as well :)

Psalm 73:26- But God.

These words have been like strong hands lifting up, bearing up, countless thousands of souls. "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever." Many who will read this note are well and strong and joyful in their work, thank god for that. Sooner or later, however, to most who follow the Crucified, there comes a time when flesh and heart fail, and if it were not for that "But God", we should go under. Will those, to whom they are not the needed words to-day, take them and store them safely in the wonderful storehouse which God has given to us all-memory? And when they are needed they will rise up and speak.
That failing flesh and heart belongs to the time when "there be many that say, Who will show us any good?" Feelings and fears can be like a torrent of rough water and we see no way to cross it. "But God" makes all the difference then, "for Thou, Lord, has never failed them that seek Thee."

So friends, may we seek Him who does provide, in quite tangible and consoling ways. May we tell of His deeds and testify of His goodness and faithfulness morning and night!
"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works."- Psalm 73:28

Here are some highlights from this past week, in case any are interested! It might be lengthy, but it is Saturday, which provides time to do some much needed updating! I just wanted to forewarn :)

I can't remember where I left off, so I will start with Tuesday!

Tuesday, January 20

• Trip to Sinia- Students from Huntington headed back home today. We woke up in the morning, and I tagged along with them for the first leg of the trip. The van took us to a beautiful town called Sinai, which is home of a gorgeous German castle, nestled at the foot of breath-taking mountains. The drive there was about 3 hours, and we stopped at a roadside market on the way. When we arrived in Sinia, our first thing on the agenda was to drive to the top of the mountain for a picturesque view. However, the road up was icy, so icy poor Vern the Van could not make it up. Vern actually got stuck halfway up, on a patch of ice! Problem solving time-So here we were, stuck halfway up the mountain, 9 women... option one- back down the steep hill..hmmm, not the best idea. Option two- get out an push...a better idea! Finding this situation quite comical, we got out and pushed. We were quite the sight! But we were able to push up the van to a place where we could turn it around, and head back down to safety!
• Monastery- we then visited briefly a beautiful monastery. We walked into the church and the sound of singing monks greeted my ears. The inside was adorned in gold, intricate sculpting, and magnificent paintings. It was beautiful, but breath-taking beautiful was also awaiting us...
• The Castle- we walked from the monastery to the castle on a cobble stone old carriage path. It was intriguing to think of the carriages that had traveled that very path, and who the passengers must have been! The path opened up to the view of a fairytale sight- the castle. But the location of the castle was most resplendent- mountains, trees, amazingness!! It was lovely.
• Dinner- we then ate dinner at a restaurant near the castle and enjoyed a traditional meal with soup, and some form of meat. It was delicious.
• Train ride- The time for goodbyes had now arrived, and Sandy, my new friend and translator from Sighisoara, and I gave hugs and bid our farewells as we boarded the train. Bittersweet times.

Wednesday, January 21

• On the job-My second day on the job was quite full. There are a total of three elderly programs that I will be involved in. The first is every morning, Monday-Friday, from 10:00-12:00. It is held in a Nazarene church, and they play games and converse. The second program is held in the basement of the Veritas Director- Dorothy. Now, this is not just any basement. There is a separate entryway, which you walk through and are greeted by a room full of overstuffed-comfortable chairs, and a comfy ambiance. It is warm and welcoming. This group of elderly is all females, and they are fairly better off than the first group of elderly. The third group meets in an apartment that is owned by the Nazarene church. This group is also all women!
• After the morning time- I went to the Family Center, where I will be eating all of my lunches. These dedicated cooks serve food for the staff, elderly, and all the kids clubs that come. And the food is delicious!
• Little children-Following lunch I went to kids club, which is the second program that I will be working with. I will be with the 7-8 year old children, which is a good change of pace for me, and will give me the necessary variety while I am here!
• Teens-I also went to the teen club afterwards to get an idea of what they do, and how the program is run. However, I found this to be the most difficult for me as it was hard to communicate and they were not as accepting. But it was good to observe and have the experience.

Thursday, January 22

• Elderly club- 10:00 AM I opened the door to the church that has become quite familiar now, and sat down to work on a puzzle with a woman. I was slightly discouraged this morning again with the language barrier, and my lack of "ability" to encourage. But I was wrong at doubting, and not trusting the Lord to use me in spite of the language barrier. For after this time, I went with David on a home visit.
• The home visit- David and I walked a short distance, through a gate, to a small house where an elderly woman lived. She is struggling as her body is full of liquid, and she can barely move. She has already had 9 surgeries and has sold many of her things in order to pay medical bills. Not only is she dealing with this illness, but her mother just died last week and she was unable to attend the funeral. She also shared that her daughter passed away a couple of weeks ago, due to epilepsy and other medical issues. However, as I sat on her bed with this woman, she held my hand and told me through tears, her stories. I found that no matter what the language, physical presence, holding her hand and scratching her back, and mourning with her, the Lord can draw people together. Near the end of our time, she prayed for me, she prayed for ME!! Seriously, in the midst of her limitations, her sorrow and her pain, she thought of me and brought me to the Lord in prayer. I left there dumbfounded, humbled and inspired.

Friday, January 23

• An earlier morning for me- I rolled out of bed and prepared for the day in about 15 min... I am getting better at it! Tata (papa) and I headed to the Veritas staff meeting, located at House on the Rock. We read Psalm 25 and had time to reflect on the passage. Then, the group shared parts and aspects of the scripture that impacted and taught them something. I am looking forward to this time we will have every Friday morning together.
• Elderly club- Today I played more games and drank tea and played the piano a bit for the elderly. There is a woman in the group who knows a bit of English and I have enjoyed getting to know her better. She has two grandsons who live in the States, and she has learned English from talking with them! You are never too young to learn :)
• Meeting with Dorothy- Dorothy is very sick as well, but we took time to meet and go over my learning contract. I am excited to have some direction now and a better idea of what this next semester will look like. She shared with me that my arrival is timely, and even more so providential that I am interested in working with the elderly programs as it is time for some new program developments and such. I am excited to learn more about the needs of this elderly community!
• Apartment gathering- Dorothy then drove me to the apartment where the 3rd group of elderly meet. It is quite a ways from the other programs (7 min drive and 30 min walk from the Citadel). I walked in and was greeted by a quaint and nice apartment with three rooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. The women were all squeezed into one of the rooms (about 20 of them). David introduced me to the group and they were so sweet. One of the ladies however asked how can I help them if I can not talk with them? This was a concern I knew they would present and can imagine how ridiculous it must appear to have someone come to help them who can not communicate. However, I know that this is where the Lord has me, and for a reason. I am not discouraged as I have already learned much from observing, and the Lord confirming my time here by His helping me in learning quickly, and granting creative ideas in how to help. I knew this would be one of the most challenging programs to be involved in, but I am most excited with this challenge in seeing how the Lord works.
• Long walk home- after this elderly club, I had an hour walk home, by far my farthest walk home! I had never taken this way, and after the first half, David had to go his way home, and I was left to navigate on my own!! hahaha, it was exciting, and I thank the Lord for giving me a sense of direction. I had no problems, and actually found the walk to be a great time to think and pray and reflect on the day, and the weather was still warm and comfortable. I truly enjoy all the walking that I am doing here!!

Sorry this was so long, but I hope it provides details and information that better helps my friends and family know what I am doing here. I long to remain connected and supply information for any curiosity one might have as to the happenings here. I love to hear back from you all as well, and how the Lord is working and sustaining in each of your lives.

Thank you again for your encouragement, especially during my time of sickness, and your prayers. I have seen the Lord answer prayer, and my heart is full of His joy..

But God...

Is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever..

JoY

Moments

Snowflakes falling,

Beautiful sight.

Goodbyes calling,

Life is bright.

Blessed in passing,

Moments a treasure.

Sincerity unmasking,

Love without measure.

This little poem was my attempt at expressing the depth of my gratitude for the special people and the special moments in life. Each person, each act of kindness, each sight of the fruit of the Spirit, each genuine tear and hug... each moment a treasure.

I am here in Sighisoara, typing on the computer in my room. I have found the place that I will lay my head the next months to be cozy and comforting. The room is on the main floor with the family, which I know is providential being the only student here for the semester. The whole family is on this floor, and it will provide lots of opportunities for connecting and being together. 

I have already fallen in love with this family. I was welcomed immediately at the door by 11 year old Rachel. She also loves horses, a bond in which we share and contributed to our instant friendship! haha ;) I am truly thankful however for her mutual goofiness and joy in spending time together... I can not wait to spend the rest of the couple of months getting to know her better.

Although the 40th student to stay here with the family, yes that is 40, the family has welcomed me with equal amount of Christ-like love, and of course that Romanian hospitality. I am yet again amazed by this family's hearts for giving, sharing, and can see in their eyes a care and genuine concern for each student. The mother and father, whom I will call mamma and tata... are amazing. I am truly blessed to be here. Although the father knows little English, we have communicated well through hand motions, facial expressions and our small vocabulary of either Romanian or English. He radiates love for those around him and has such a gentle spirit.   He laughs easily and connects quickly with the students.

There are two other American girls living here till Tuesday from Huntington college. It has been so fun having host-sisters and they are fellow social work students! We had a great time tonight playing jungle speed with Rachel, during which I almost lost my nose to an intense battle for the game piece! hahaha :) Laughter is so good... the kind that makes your belly hurt!!

Yesterday, I was able to visit a town about an hour and a half away, called Sibiu. There were about 20 of us Americans with a group from Huntington and a Nazarene college. It was a great outing, and fun to get to know the students. As the only Cornerstone rep, I hope I did justice for the school!!! 

Sibiu was a beautiful old city, so much history, with ornate buildings that have been restored. Sibiu was nominated as the city of choice in Europe along with Luxemburg, last year I believe, and it was a great honor for Romania. Thus, most of the renovation money went into this city. We went inside a German and Lutheran church, as well as shopped in the Piata Mare (large square) and the Piata Mic (small square). There was a large snow hill right in the middle where gleeful children sledded down its icy packed snow. Some of the guys from the Nazarene college even decided to join in the fun and slide down with the kids.. definitely receiving some funny looks from the parents ;).

Well, tomorrow is my first day of "school" and I am still uncertain as to what to expect. Yet I am learning more day by day to just go with the flow and be flexible. It has really caused me to step back and reflect more on the value of cultivating relationships. Time is one of the most valuable things you can give someone, and I am recognizing that more as I experience a slower pace here in Romania. Moments really are a treasure, and the extent to which joy and sincerity and love can be manifested through quality time is truly a gift.

Praise be to the Giver of every good and perfect gift...

JoY

P.S. Pictures to come when the ability to post them comes :)

P.S.S. I know I didn't write about the topics mentioned in the previous post, sorry about that, but I will make sure to either share later, or in person!

Noapte Buna- Good Night!

Turning a page..

Well tomorrow I will be turning a new page, beginning a new chapter of the journey.
I head to Sighisoara in the morning, bags packed and memories treasured.
It was quite the experience, attempting to arrange my transportation to Sighisoara. I will have to refrain from details however, as I must snuggle under the covers for some necessary sleep.
However, let me mention some topics of future discussion- partly for aiding my failing memory ;) and partly to provide a bit of possible suspense!

Here are the topics:

• A Day of Silence
• "Maid" in Missions
• Village Vulnerability
• Testifying Tongues

There is so much to talk and share... I already feel as though as I am behind in updating!

But in the past few days my heart has experienced much.... and I am grateful for the friendships that have formed, the life-giving, edifying conversations, the moments of discomfort that shape, the witness of God's moving through His people and His words of truth... its been amazing!

So, I am uncertain as to what Internet access will be like in Sighisoara, but I will update again as soon I have the ability to update. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support, the emails and the encouragement. I can not say enough how much that means and how it touches my heart and spurs me on during some difficult times.

And I will leave you with a favorite passage of mine from Scripture that testifies to the Lord's goodness and His faithfulness, and embodies what I hope to do not only with this blog, but also in my daily life... to tell of all His amazing deeds! What a wonderful God we serve..

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73:23-28

Social Workers Unite!

----Welcome to today's feature presentation... Social Workers Unite.

Sit back and enjoy the broadcast.-----

So you know the poem that says, "visions of sugar plums danced in my head.."?? Well, yesterdays visions were quite different, instead of sugar plums they were visions and ideas of helping, empowering, and fundraising! hehehe, Its craziness when two social workers connect on the same frequency! For three hours straight, Heather and I bounced around ideas and thoughts with one another about helping various people and ministries here in Romania!

Stay tuned for the rest of this riveting message....

---Commercial Break---

A Social Work Joke- For Kicks and Giggles:

"A man went to a social worker and told him he wanted help because he thought he was a dog. When the social worker asked him how long he had been thinking he was a dog, he replied: “Ever since I was a puppy.” The social worker said: “OK, lay down on the couch.” The man said: “I'm not allowed on the couch.”

----Now, returning to our feature presentation... Social Workers Unite----

So, there is more to the story than just a simple three hour conversation about helping others.

The night before, I had quite the difficult time finding any sleep. Because of my cold, my body has been attempting to rid itself of all the yucky, through the nasal passage of my nose, or otherwise a substance called snot. :) This, accompanied with coughs and sneezes, afforded me no sleep. However, I found myself praying and talking with the Lord during this time. It was a tad bit frightening for me to be sick in another country, and it was easy to think of all the worst case scenarios. Scenarios such as- what if this gets worse and I have to go the hospital, what if I can't breathe...you know those crazy thoughts that sometimes our minds tend to think of! Anyways, I really had to surrender those to the Lord, and remember not to be anxious about anything. He never slumbers, He never ceases, He never fails... I could trust Him and focus on the truth and cast all my cares on Him, even these of worry! And finally sleep came..

In the morning, Heather and I were planning on joining Kathy (the director of a ministry called Living Alternatives-LA here in Cluj) to visit some women who had formerly lived in the House of Joy (the ministry of LA). However, because of my sickness, and the fact that the women had small children, I had decided I would not be able to join them. However, Kathy called and said that she could not get her car started, and we would not be able to travel that day. Heather and I were sad she was having car problems, but were grateful that I now would be able to still visit another time!!

So because of this time we now had, we started discussing ministries here and how we could help!

This is how it all began..

There is quite the need here financially. The House of Joy is a home that Heather worked at for 10 months back in 2005 and 2006.

Here is their mission statement-

"Living Alternatives Romania is serving Romanian women facing crisis pregnancy situations or those with pregnancy-related concerns; striving to provide them with life-giving alternatives for themselves and their babies.We are dedicated to communicating the truth of God's love and redeeming power to see these women restored to a life of peace, hope, and wholeness for themselves and their children."

Currently, the ministry is building a home, right by the YWAM base. The house is larger and designed specifically for the ministry, with a classroom, offices, playroom, medical room, and staff apartments. The thing is, there are three floors, and only one floor is payed for, and by "payed for" I mean just the structure. To finish the other two floors, just the structure, it will cost 80,00 euros (about $100,000). They are still in great need of finances and support.

Heather and I had ideas to bring out a media team from Cornerstone to record a advocacy video that the ministry could use during fundraising. It would be a great asset to bring to churches, universities, business, and people who may be able to provide financial support. We also had many other ideas, such as creating a catalog of items the house needs, in which people could choose an item they wanted to purchase. We thought about a doing some sort of beauty day during Prom or Homecoming day for high school girls. During this time we would find hairstylists who would be willing to donate their time, as well as have some speaker for the girls. Almost like a mini little conference with a biblical message and focus!

And the wheels kept rolling, but those were just some of the ideas.

So, this post is already getting really long, and I do not want to take up any more of your time! But I wanted to share a bit about this and bring awareness to this ministry and its need! I am sure there will be more to come, and more details to follow!

Love and Joy!

~Lauren

More pics from the past few days below...

The three of us on our way back in the taxi.

Heather emailing her mommy..

My beautiful little corner for the past few weeks.

The backyard view from our window.

The view from the front of the house.

I love this lone tree on top of the hill.

I put on my walking shoes for our trip to Zela and Dorin's!

My tour guide and friend.. Heather :)

So pretty...

Two smart cookies.

Cristina's midnight snack...corn in a can!

Heather showing off her beauties (bruises) from the fall down the stairs!

Ok, so there is a reason for me posting this scary photo :)

Heather and I made a deal that if I posted the video below, I had to post this picture!

I think I got the better end of the deal...hehehe ;)

"Showcase of the Bruises"

Starring: Heather Derrick

A cold in the cold...and some fun outings.

--*Sniff--- Sniiifffff--- SNIFFLE--- Sniffle....pause....foghorn in the tissue--- sniff*---

Oh the lovely and serene sounds of one who has a cold :)

I admit, at this very moment, it is I who create this symphony of sniffles as I attempt to provide a brief pictoral update!!

I just wanted to post some pictures of the happenenings of the last few days, hope you enjoy it!

(Sniffle- -swallow----sniff) ;)

Heather and Cristina at Michelangelous, a pizza place!

Cristina and I all excited to eat pizza pizza!

This is Stacey and Shauna- from Michigan!!

Check out those sodas..

My yummy pepperoni and spicy sausage pizza

This was at an amazing little cafe called the Mozart cafe, decked out in the victorian era.

Even the waitresses were dressed up in victorian fashion.

Another cute cafe outing to Quo Vadis..

And below... a mocha masterpiece! Well done, well done Quo Vadis!

"Continuance"

Plans have changed here in Romania for me.
Originally, Heather and I had made arrangements to travel the country, visiting the capitol, Bucharest, and a tourist city on the Black Sea called Costansa. However, there has been some sickness and weariness, as well as the deterring thought of a 10-13 hour train ride, just one way!
So, we have decided to stay here at the YWAM base in Cluj. I am grateful for this change in plans! I truly love it here. Three people have returned, one girl named Cristina from her home here in Romania, where she was for the holidays. Also, 2 girls returned from their time in Egypt... and they both are from Michigan! So there are 3 of us here now from the good 'ole state :).
Yesterday, I attended the same church that hosted the New Years Eve party, with Goldy, Isa, and Eddy. We only stayed for the first hour, which was mainly a time of worship. We had to leave early in order to bring Eddy to the train station as he had to return home for school. I miss him already. The night before he left we watched a edition of Extreme Makeover House Edition, and then he loves to watch funny videos of people falling, like funniest home videos. I had brought lots of chocolate that I received for Christmas and we had quite the little feast and entertainment!! hahahaha :)
Also yesterday, a family who lives in the attic of the house had us over for a delicious lunch. She made soup, potatoes, creamed corn, chicken, bread, and fruit salad! I am also happy to say that I have met many fellow coffee lovers here and we enjoy chatting and sharing while enjoying coffee with one another!
In the evening, Heather and I hopped in a taxi and headed out to visit a family that she is very close with. Their names are Zela and Dorin and they have an adorable 3 year old daughter named Naomi. They also blessed us with Romanian hospitality and we were ushered into their apartment to enjoy another yummy dinner of chicken, corn, and bread!
At the beginning, I was uncertain as to how much English the family knew, so I stepped back and let Heather do alot of much needed catching up with them. Heather is quite fluent in Romanian, and it was so fun to just listen to them talking with one another. I tried to catch words here and there that I now know as well as try to figure out what they were saying by observing the body language!!!
After dinner, we sat down together and Zela and I were able to have a really nice conversation while Heather, Dorine, and Naomi laughed and played with each other :).
I have some prayer requests now...
Heather is not feeling the greatest, as I mentioned earlier. She will be going to the doctor with one of the mothers later this afternoon. Please pray that she will receive good counsel, advice, and possibly some medicine that can help! Also that she would be able to continue to have strength and energy as it is so hard when you are sick to feel up to par. But her attitude has been truly great even in this difficulty! I am thankful for her friendship and laughter in the midst of the sickness :)
Also, please pray for me in regards to resting in the Lord and daily looking to Him for my needs. As many know, I happen to struggle with people pleasing, my love for people and service has been a strength in various forms, but also a weakness. I want to love and serve in order to glorify the Lord, and not to meet my sometimes perceived "need" to be liked. I share this in honesty, knowing that the Lord is stretching and refining.
Today's devotional was a good reminder in regards to this issue. In all my ways, in all my days, the only reason for strength, for joy, for love, for hope, for service... is because of His continuance in providing and strengthening, etc. Being liked and loved by others is a blessing, but not something to strive for ultimately. The praise of man is empty, and not something that I can stand upon!! Anyways, here is what the devotional said...
Isaiah 64:5
Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways... in those is continuance.
"Three conditions, two assurances. If only we will be happy, work, and remember our loving Father, He will meet us in His ways, and those ways will not end in a blank wall, a precipice, darkness; in those (ways) is continuance.
This word has strengthened me afresh. Many things end- hopes, plans, powers- but not the eternal leadings of the Lord our God. The path leads on through plain and valley and forest, up to the heights. The way is like the sunlit patch on the sea at dawn. It 'shineth more and more unto the perfect day'. And then?"
The eternal leadings of the Lord are continuing and never ending... I am so thankful and renewed "afresh" in focusing and basking in this truth.

Much love friends and family!!!


JoY

More pictures.

The new mall in Cluj...

And in this mall.... a Starbucks!!! I was so excited..
Oh the small joys in life ;)

Pictures

A nativity inside a Catholic Church built in the 1300's!

Inside the church...

Skating on a frigid January day..

Another beautiful church with Romanian flags out front.