I don't even know where to begin. So much has happened in 7 days! This has been one of the most incredible experiences, and I will never forget it. Anything I had expected or been wary of in coming has turned out to be a huge blessing. God has revealed himself every day, and seeing how much he works when the focus is completely on him and the glory is given completely to him is incredible. My heart will be left in this country when I leave, and I truly hope to return. Experiencing another culture is something not easily forgotten, but experiencing and embracing a new culture with God at the forefront in order to bring Light and Truth is something that cannot even be described. It is humbling and full of purpose and heavenly treasures. It is now halfway through this trip, and I know that before I am ready this trip will be over.
I don't know completely what I was expecting coming here, but I expected the trip to be much more difficult in terms of adjusting to culture change and language barrier. Instead, I have found myself completely at home here. The landscape, villages, and city scenery are just about the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The people are wonderful and so hospitable, and the food has been very good. I enjoy observing and capturing everything in my mind, and I am struck by the way in which people are the same universally. Laughter, smiles, and kindness are understood in any language. I love my host family. Becca, Abby, and I are staying with a mother and her teenage daughter (who speaks excellent English), and they are some of the sweetest people I have ever met. While the daughter speaks English, the mother does not speak much, yet we have laughed and joked together more in 7 days than I have with some people I have known my entire life. Some of my favorite memories with them include being dressed up in a traditional Romanian dress (with props), sitting on their 4th floor balcony enjoying the cool night every night when we come home, and swimming together in the public Romanian swimming pool. God knew what he was doing when he put us in this home. We have all grown so close to each other. Also, coffee is very good here and so is icecream!
God has been teaching me so much from this trip. I'm learning I can be completely comfortable being uncomfortable. I really can step out and do something I've never done before and trust that God will take it where He wants it to go, and everything works out. And it really can be a lifestyle, not just a mindset of a missions trip, although it may have taken this summer and this trip for God to convince me of that. And as weak and unskilled and incapable as I feel, he has other plans, as he revealed in reconfirming that he has called me to missions work. This is not in my comfort zone, but God is showing me how much he can do with someone who is not in their comfort zone and can only rely on God.
I have so much more to tell. Ask me when I am home about my visit with Becca and Roberta to a village home, swimming adventures, conversations with tourists who almost were hit by footballs, team bonding times, and the many adorable and loveable children that I wish I could play with forever. Also, I can now make duck tape bracelets in any color or size, so requests are being taken. I wish you could all experience this. Thank you so much, more than I can say, for your prayers and financial support for me to experience this and impact others.
In Christ,
Beth
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