I’ve tried starting this blog several times and I just can’t seem to find the words. Even though this is not our last day on our trip, it was the last day to spend with our Romanian friends at the center in Tinca. I thought that since this was my second trip here, that it would be a little easier to go home. Yet yesterday, I found myself already feeling the anxiety of leaving. You don’t think that you will be able to build relationships so quickly, not only with the team but with the people here. There are so many stories and memories we all want to share with you. I pray that when we return you will be just excited to hear as we will be to share with you. One of the main things was that we saw Christ each and every day and today was not any different.

Earlier this week we prayed for time to stand still so that we could get everything done. We are all amazed at how much has been accomplished; this could not have been done without His hands. The team was able to completely tile and grout the office, kid’s bedroom, living room, and pantry. The pantry has also been reorganized and the shelves have been painted. Furniture was replaced in the rooms that were tiled. We also were able to reorganize all of the donations in the attic including the ones that were given to Dave that were brought from London. The trash that had been built up was burned as well. There was still plenty of time to spend loving on the kids, Rachel & Dave. Today we were able to Tie Dye shirts & paint sun catchers with the kids. Bird houses were built today for the kids to be painted at a later date. Whew, I’m just tired about telling you all that was completed this week!

Most of the day was very busy putting the last finishing touches on everything. Some of the group was able to go with Dave & Tim to deliver care packages that are put together each month for the sponsored families in Tinca. It was amazing to hear about these deliveries. They go to each home, talk to the families and pray over the food as well as their home. They ask what their needs are and pray together to give all their needs to Jesus. It was amazing to hear the stories. God was present throughout the day. Without his helping Hands we would have not been able to finish the jobs or have the grace & mercy required to minister to the families.

Being here this week has been a gift. It is so difficult to comprehend and process everything. It was painful to say goodbye for the last time to the kids as well as Cory, Tim and Rodica. These people live a life like I can only imagine. I’ve found it hard to understand why these people were chosen to live here, and live in indescribable conditions. They have God in their hearts and therefore are filled with Joy. Then I recall how through Christ, many people have taken their situations and used it for His glory.

As I think about these people I see how they are using their circumstances to further His kingdom. Cory, Tim and Rodica are beacons in their village. Tim is a true “Man of Peace”. The children and adults have a respect for him. Don’t get me wrong, he has faced persecution in his village, but he has Christ on his side. He is amazing with the kids in his village. He’s strong, compassionate and has a hunger for Christ.

To help me comprehend there is a scripture from 1 Thessalonians, 5:16-18 that helps me to understand. It reads “Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. This describes Tim and Cory’s family. They trust in the Lord. Through Him all their needs are met.

Many of you may have never experienced a mission trip. I can only tell you that it does change every aspect of your life. You look at everything differently including reading the Bible. Many people think that you have to come to a place like this to experience what we have seen and felt. I tell you that these issues are in your own back yard. There are many stories that I can tell you from over here that can be found in downtown New Albany or in the streets of Louisville. I’m not for sure how to close, so I’m going to refer to a scripture we went over in our group meeting tonight. Isaiah 6:8 reads “…whom shall I send and who will go for us and he said, Here I am send me!”. Next time you have a chance to go, say yes to God and go where he sends you.