This is a beautiful view of Cluj from a high point of the city.
Eddy, Heather, Goldy and Isabella
Eddy, Heather, Goldy and Isabella
The three and me :)
Brother and sister!
Review: The Color of Law
7 years ago
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Oceans Apart
I sit here, and it is past midnight Romanian time as I write. This may seem late to be up, and although I am a college student (and we are known to be up till early hours in the morning), the reason for my lack of sleepiness is the result of not waking up till about 5:00 this afternoon! Here is the story...
Last night was the last night of 2008. After arriving in Cluj, Romania at 9:30 pm the night before, the weariness of traveling and the time change had most certainly set in. That in combination with the excitement of arrival as well as good late night conversation with Heather, meant sleeping in till about noon! After rolling out of bed, Heather and I were treated like royalty. We are staying at the YWAM base, here in Cluj. The majority of the people who normally stay here, are currently in Egypt doing missions. So in the house at this time is a family who lives upstairs, and then Goldy who is in her late 20's, her 4 year old daughter Isabella, and her 14 year old brother, Eddy. Heather and I are staying in a lovely room, that is quite comfortable!
Anyways, back to the story. After rolling out of bed, Goldy again showed us touching hospitality by bringing up some amazing french press coffee to sip on while sitting on the sofas. I have truly enjoyed getting to know this wonderful sister in the Lord, and have already been encouraged in the past day and a half of knowing her. It is so refreshing, and it is amazing to see how the bond of the Lord unites, even those who are oceans apart!!
After our coffee time, we headed to the mall to go to the grocery store. Cluj is quite the city, a college town, with many students. The mall is only a year old, and is like any typical mall in America. The Romanians dress up to peruse the mall, and all look their finest. I enjoyed observing all the people and learning Romanian words for chicken, ponies, milk, and all sorts of other things!
After the mall, it was time to get ready for our New Years Eve extravaganza. Goldy made dinner to eat and food to bring to the all night party, while Heather and I helped get ready for the party by making masks for the masquerade. Although Heather and I had no costumes, we dressed up and wore our little masks for the evening.
We hopped in the taxi and headed to the church....
Buna Sear! Welcome! We were greeted by all sorts of characters... Dracula, peasants, princesses, and a Californian winter basketball player!! The church body was wonderful, and I felt so welcome. Heather and I were uncertain as to how long we would last through the evening, but as the night went on, we were lured into the excitement, games, and conversation that was offered!
It began with lots of food... yummy food. I found that there were quite a few people who knew English, and there were even some men who were from the States there. We were able to talk and get to know more family in the Lord. I have been so encouraged and touched by these interactions and the warmth we have been shown.
After a time of food, they played a game that incorporated the costumes, which took quite a while. Then there was a short message, followed by a time when the church member recognized each other and the things they were thankful for that past year. The night passed by till midnight approached. At about quarter to midnight, we all donned our jackets and headed out into the brisk night to participate in the fireworks show. It is tradition for everyone to have fireworks and we ushered in the new year to the lights and sounds all around us! (see the video).
The rest of the night we talked more, played more games, and sang karaoke... it was one of my most favorite New Years Eve celebrations I have experienced!
At 7:00 in the morning, we trudged up the stairs to our home. Heather and I had to quick put the left over chicken in the fridge, and as we were going back down the stairs, Heather slipped on the icy staircase and toppled down, while completely flipping! The poor thing was so hurt and scared... it was quite the fall! So, with help of Goldy and Eddy, we doctored her up and all headed to bed.
We woke up this afternoon at 5:00 pm.... hehehe :) I am so glad I have the opportunity to rest up here, and it has been such a blessing after all the events of the past week. I am most surely receiving quite the care and hospitality.
So the rest of the day consisted of dinner, washing dishes together, playing games and looking at pictures.
I really do love it here so far, and feel so at home right now....
Oh, and in regards to the luggage... all is well! I was able to bring both, not without quite the cost, but I am thankful that I will not have to live with just one pair of pants and 2 sweaters for my 4 months here!! :)
And the Lord has truly and sovereignly been teaching and astounding me with His provision and answers to prayers....
Thank you for all your love and support as I continue to embark on this joyous journey! Please pray for continued sifting in my heart, priorities, and life, as I seek to serve and love Him, and put the needs of others before my own.
Love and Joy in Him,
Lauren
Here are some pictures to provide some images thus far!
My family and I at O'Hare in Chicago...
Renee and I on the plane, heading to Frankfurt! 
This is a couple we met at a traditional German restaurant, called Adolf Wagner. His name was Robert and he was extremely knowledgeable and had alot to share about the history of Germany, the restaurant, and so much more. He was quite the talker!
We visited an adorable little coffee/ice cream/candy store on our walk back to the hotel. It was quite interesting, because many places had outdoor seating, out door markets, and such, even in the chilly weather of the end of December!! But we opted for the indoor seating here :)
This is me and my white hot chocolate... deliciousness...
Grandpa!
The walk back to the hotel...
Heather and Isabella at the grocery store...
Eddy and Heather having an animated Romanian conversation over dinner.. and Lauren caught video tapping..ooops! hehehe... enjoy :)
Heather and I preparing for a chilly New Years Countdown outside!
Sparkler party!
New Year's Eve countdown in Romanian- "cinci, patru, trei, dui, unu, cero!"
Fireworks Galore !
Monday, December 29, 2008
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
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
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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.
"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?"
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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."
:)
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."
:)
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