Ciao from Romania. We have arrived safely, our entire luggage made it and we are checked into the hotel. It was so good to see Rach, Iza and Dave as we pulled up to the hotel and the hugs were even better. We settled in and spent a great evening catching up with Rach and Dave over dinner. After dinner the team settled in for the evening – well actually they just crashed and were out as they heads it the pillow.

Hi there – it is Sunday and we are back at the hotel after an awesome worship at Rachel’s church. The music rocked and the message was deep on vision – God’s vision and His desires to use us for His Church. Not a church with four walls but God’s church – He is the church – His church does not need four walls – just take it anywhere and viola you have church – how awesome is that. Just like what our wonderful team is doing for the gypsies. We, under God’s leading, are taking church to the gypsies in Tinca. God has orchestrated this trip way before we were born and He has lead and directed us to do His work and to bring Him glory. Wow that is just so amazing as I have seen this team connect, grow, build and prepare to do VBS with the kids in Tinca and at the Isaiah Center, construction projects for the center and fixing up Rachel’s house in Tinca – yes we are excited to say Rach will be moving to Tinca. Our theme this year is the Armor of God and we are so ready to show the kids each day a piece of that armor from Ephesians 6:10-18. When we shared the theme God gave us with Rach she said that is perfect for there is so much evil in the village. The team has and still is praying that we will plant those seeds and teach them about God’s armor and how to use it in a place that envelopes these kids with physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We all are so excited and ready for our first day in the village tomorrow. But first we have bags to unpack, sort and repack for each day in the village – what fun. We will be doing a puppet skit, people skit, games, crafts, music and loving on those beautiful gypsy children – I just love looking into their chocolate eyes and seeing them come to life in such a dark world. Yes a dark world and just to let you know a little bit about the gypsies they are the largest persecuted group in Europe and governments shun them and won’t help them in any way. Most just want a chance to life, to work and furnish for their family and we are so thankful for Rachel’s servant heart and glad we can come along side her once a year to help and be a light unto them. For as it says in Matthew 5:16 let your light shine before men. We are His light bringing God’s word, hope and love to the gypsies - Amen. Thanks for your prayers and will be sharing with you tomorrow our first day in Tinca. Love ya

Hi, Steph and team! I'm so thankful that you - and your luggage - arrived at the same time! That's always a big "IF" when traveling internationally! Sounds as if the Lord got you off to a good start with such an awesome worship service at Rachel's church. I'm praying the Ephesians 6 passage for you as a team, too. We should all be vigilant in wearing this armor -- all the time.

Hugs to Rachel and iza for me. Love you all.

carole

Glad you and all your luggage arrived safe and sound. I know i have told you before but I am so proud of what you (and the whole team) is doing. Please give Mariana a hug for me

Ciao from Romania. We have arrived safely, our entire luggage made it and we are checked into the hotel. It was so good to see Rach, Iza and Dave as we pulled up to the hotel and the hugs were even better. We settled in and spent a great evening catching up with Rach and Dave over dinner. After dinner the team settled in for the evening – well actually they just crashed and were out as they heads it the pillow.

Hi there – it is Sunday and we are back at the hotel after an awesome worship at Rachel’s church. The music rocked and the message was deep on vision – God’s vision and His desires to use us for His Church. Not a church with four walls but God’s church – He is the church – His church does not need four walls – just take it anywhere and viola you have church – how awesome is that. Just like what our wonderful team is doing for the gypsies. We, under God’s leading, are taking church to the gypsies in Tinca. God has orchestrated this trip way before we were born and He has lead and directed us to do His work and to bring Him glory. Wow that is just so amazing as I have seen this team connect, grow, build and prepare to do VBS with the kids in Tinca and at the Isaiah Center, construction projects for the center and fixing up Rachel’s house in Tinca – yes we are excited to say Rach will be moving to Tinca. Our theme this year is the Armor of God and we are so ready to show the kids each day a piece of that armor from Ephesians 6:10-18. When we shared the theme God gave us with Rach she said that is perfect for there is so much evil in the village. The team has and still is praying that we will plant those seeds and teach them about God’s armor and how to use it in a place that envelopes these kids with physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We all are so excited and ready for our first day in the village tomorrow. But first we have bags to unpack, sort and repack for each day in the village – what fun. We will be doing a puppet skit, people skit, games, crafts, music and loving on those beautiful gypsy children – I just love looking into their chocolate eyes and seeing them come to life in such a dark world. Yes a dark world and just to let you know a little bit about the gypsies they are the largest persecuted group in Europe and governments shun them and won’t help them in any way. Most just want a chance to life, to work and furnish for their family and we are so thankful for Rachel’s servant heart and glad we can come along side her once a year to help and be a light unto them. For as it says in Matthew 5:16 let your light shine before men. We are His light bringing God’s word, hope and love to the gypsies - Amen. Thanks for your prayers and will be sharing with you tomorrow our first day in Tinca. Love ya

--- Stephanie(guest) 

Preach it "Sista" I can't wait to hear how the VBS progresses. You guys are "Awesome".