My time in Oradea

Last week I joined Kim Jackson, who has a heart for the elderly in Oradea for a few days. Kim is now part of the Remember the Children family and is working with the Elder Orphan Care. Here is a glimse of the time we had with the elderly there. My most cherished moment was with a guy named Petru (Peter). We said the Lord's Prayer together and talked through Genesis. A very sweet man!!

We have dirt!!

Field of Dreams is finally underway, well at least the dirt is pouring in. The whole back yard of the church is full of dirt mounds. I love though that my vision is starting to play out. The kids have been running up and down the mounds and I can just imagine them next summer running up and down the soccer field. They are constantly asking when it will be done. I am hoping that this will motivate more kids to come to our after school program where we can help them with their school work and pour into their lives.

Just wanted to let you all know that we are moving forward with the field. Hope you all are doing well. School has been in session now for a week. We have had around 25 every day which is more than last year. I just pray that they continue to come the whole year. I love being able to spend every day with them!! God Bless!!

Women's Ministry

Just wanted to say how much the Lord has been working in my life. Four years ago, he gave me the heart and passion to work amongst the Roma here in Romania. I had only been working with the children until a few months ago. I love working with children. They bring so much joy to my heart and I love just being around them. But after moving to this area and working in Nusfalau, I wanted to start a Bible study with the ladies. I had been debating this idea for some time. I guess really I was fighting Satan and his schemes. I was listening to him telling me that I couldn't do it, I wouldn't be able to communicate, my language skills weren't good enough. I am not sure what happened but I stepped out in faith and began meeting with the ladies. It has been about 4 or 5 months since I have started my Bible study and the Lord continues to burden me more and more for these ladies. They have fully accepted me and I love them so much.

Just yesterday, I was in Nusfalau to take one of the ladies to the pharmacy to buy some pain medicine and another lady asked to talk with me. I was able to pray for her and encourage her. The Lord is opening a door for me to encourage, love and minister to these ladies. I am excited to continue meeting new ladies and to get to know the ones that have been coming regularly. Please pray with me that these ladies will surrender all and live for the Lord. That they will be examples for their children and have a hunger for the Word.

The picture below is the ladies from Nusfalau teaching me how to crack walnuts. This is something they are able to do and get paid for. Can you tell how white I am compared to everyone?? I always stand out when I am in the village. haha!

My Birthday

When I woke up this morning I didn't think it would be anything special, just another normal day. But God had something better planned. Of course, I got on facebook and people had already started posting on my wall. It started to feel a little more like my birthday. But by the time I got to church I was ready to share my day with my wonderful Gypsy church family. I had brought drinks and cake for everyone. When I was putting the stuff in the kitchen one of the boys asked if I wanted to see my presents. I had no idea what he was talking about. He opened the schoolroom door and there was a table full of gifts and flowers. I was so touched and taken back that I started getting emotional. Then I went upstairs and the church was so full there was only one seat left in the very front. So today at church was the Lord's Supper and a baby dedication. And after that all was over, the pastor read a blessing from Psalms over me and then I was prayed for. I was getting to the breaking point. Then they brought me up front and started singing and one by one, the ladies from my Bible study and the church presented their gifts to me, saying La Multi Ani (Happy Birthday) and giving me the traditional kiss on both cheeks. The line went all the way to the back of the church. By this time I was crying and then after this was all done, the pastor asked if I wanted to share a few words. It took me awhile to compose myself, but I was able to thank them and share how much they mean to me and how blessed I was by their love and generosity. At the end of church we shared cake and drinks with everyone! I left feeling completely blessed, loved and accepted by the people I have come to minister to and serve.

A few hours later, 8 of my friends came over for cake. We had a time of fellowship and I was just thankful that they took time out of their day to spend it with me. I also skyped with my parents and grandma.

I will never forget this birthday! God continues to show me how much these people care and love me and that He has brought me here for a reason.

Here is a picture of the presents that I received today from the church and friends; and also the flowers that I recieved. It felt like Christmas!!!

Highlights!!

Hey Everyone, I know I am not very consistent with blogging but I am going to try to be better. I am going to give you the highlights of the last month or so.

* I was able to spend a few days in Budapest with my friend Lynn that lives in Timisoara.

*We had a team here for about a week at the beginning of December. I was able to join them for a few of the days when I wasn't working on my visa. We passed out Christmas shoe boxes, books and food bags.

*Had my first off road experience. It was snowing and I slid off the road into the ditch. Scary but God was with me and no one was hurt.

* On Christmas Eve I went caroling in Nusfalau with the Gypsies. I loved every second of it.

* Christmas Day I was out visiting people. I was also able to spend the day with both of my neighbors and meet their children.

*New Years Eve I was with some friends and we watched fireworks downtown which is basically right outside my apartment.

* My friend Lynn from New York came to visit for about 10 days. We visited many of the villages where I was able to get to know more people. I also translated infront of the church for the first time.

*Most recently, this past weekend; I attended a conference with both of my friends named Lynn and then spend a day with Lynn from New York before she flew home.

Here are a few pics!!

I can't believe its already November. Time is flying by. I am already wanting to start decorating for Christmas since there is no Thanksgiving here to celebrate. We had a Thanksgiving service at the church in Nusfalau. I was amazed at what I saw. My Gypsy brothers and sisters brought gifts of offering to the table. It was full of vegetables, fruits and so much more. These people who have so little, offer so much. Then we had a time of open thanksgiving. We went one by one around the room giving thanks for family, God's provisions, healing, safety and more. It seems every time I am at the church in Nusfalau, I sense God and can tell that these men and women truly love the Lord. I always leave blessed.



The past two weeks we have had two teams back to back. It was busy busy but I loved every second of it. We were with the kids in both Nusfalau and Ghida. I love that almost all the kids know me by name or at least recognize me now. It blesses my heart to hear them say my name. They are God's children and that is all I see when I look at them.



God has already blessed me with so many relationships. I feel like I have family here and am thankful for those that are in my life.

MOVING DAY!

Today is moving day!! I am sitting in my apartment full of bags and furniture ready to be packed into 2 vans and a trailer. I am so anxious but I know that God has His hand in this move and in everything that I do. It is sad to say goodbye to Oradea, my home for the past 2 years, and to all my dear friends here. The past two years have been full of seeing friends, visiting my kids from the center and packing up my apartment. I also had the chance to head down to Timisoara to visit some friends that were in town. I also had to say farewell to two friends that are moving home. It was so sad but I am excited for what God already has planned for them.

One of the memories I will be taking with me from these past weeks of being back in Oradea after being in Simleu for the summer was when I went to visit my Gypsy family. I hadn't seen them since April and I had missed them. I bought some school supplies then headed to their home. I ran into Susana on the street and she ran to me and threw her arms around me. We walked arm and arm to their home where I was greeted by the entire family. What a blessing! They were constantly hugging me and asking me how I was doing. Their mom, Mandra, gave me a gift when I left, I was truly touched. They are a sweet family. Though they are struggling, they are trusting that God will provide. I love how God works. I went there to bless them but I left blessed myself. I miss them!