Hey everybody! I'm sorry you've been without an update for another 10 days...I'm SURE you're anxiously awaiting word from me. :) The first week of camp has come and gone and there are six left. I rode with the kids on the train back to Bucharest Friday and had a great day of rest yesterday. This morning I went to IBC (International Baptist Church) and Dylan (former youth leader at my church who arrived Friday) preached there.
To be perfectly honest, I almost didn't write this post (on camp week 1). It was a very rough week with a lot of challenges. The kids we worked with are from Ciresarii orphanage in Bucharest and also there were some kids from social apartments in the city. They are very hard kids.
Although this week was somewhat discouraging to me at first, I eventually (on the train ride here actually) realized that no matter what, these kids heard the Gospel taught. Sure, they may have talked through some of the lessons and acted out during the singing time, but I know they heard Jesus taught at least a little bit. And nothing bad can come from hearing about Jesus.
To be perfectly honest, I almost didn't write this post (on camp week 1). It was a very rough week with a lot of challenges. The kids we worked with are from Ciresarii orphanage in Bucharest and also there were some kids from social apartments in the city. They are very hard kids.
Although this week was somewhat discouraging to me at first, I eventually (on the train ride here actually) realized that no matter what, these kids heard the Gospel taught. Sure, they may have talked through some of the lessons and acted out during the singing time, but I know they heard Jesus taught at least a little bit. And nothing bad can come from hearing about Jesus.
The entire group (note the awesome staff safari hats). I'm the seventh person from the right in a lime green tshirt.
Week 2 (this week), I'll be working with orphans and street children from Mizil, another Romanian city. Part of the staff will be comprised of IMB missionaries and their team that works with these kids regularly. I'm looking forward to chatting with the IMB missionaries especially.
I'm very sorry this post is short and almost picture-less. I'll try to have more pictures for next week!
Praises:
-Rachael & David, Cami & Steve's daughter and son-in-law, and Dylan made it here safely.
-I'm getting my visa next Monday! I know I said that last time, but this time it's real. I think. ;)
Requests:
-Week 2 of camp starts tomorrow! Please be in prayer for the kids coming and the staff.
I've missed keeping up with your posts Maria as we have been traveling but it was such a treat to read the last three posts at once. I appreciate your transparency about week 1. Sometimes doing the Lord's work doesn't always look like we think it should. But in your honesty you're reminding us all that it is not up to us to produce the harvest, just sow the seeds. And you are doing that so well!! We are continuing to pray for you here!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy. Those hard weeks make us appreciate the others even more but you never know how God will use the message these children received this past week. Some of the best preachers and Christians in general come from unruly children. Love you bunches and will continue to pray for you, all the workers and the children who will be there this week.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm sitting here with tears. I'm so thankful you chose to share the hard with all of us. I'm also thankful for the women who posted before me and many others who pour Jesus into your life. Love you Sweet Girl!
ReplyDeletePraise God for your visa. You are always in my prayers. Have great week 2 of camp. Love you!
ReplyDeletePraise God for your visa. You are always in my prayers. Have great week 2 of camp. Love you!
ReplyDeleteMaria,
DeleteSo thankful for you and all your hard work. I was thinking about you today and how you are literally in spiritual boot camp for the next weeks and months! Praying for you and for those who serve along side you.