the park

Today we spent the afternoon with some of the older children in the park. We took ping pong paddles and balls and nets to set up at the permanent tables. The park is nice, for Galati, complete with a guard who strolls around in a menacing manner while we played. It is helpful however b/c a pack of street boys tried to harass us and he helped to keep them away so we could enjoy ourselves in peace. Sad that the children we wish to reach are also the same children we must protect ourselves from at times. But, anyhow, it was a lovely afternoon.
On the walk to the park I made a language error which you should find entertaining. A girl from the center was describing to me something on the leaves of the trees. She was saying a word in Romanian which sounded like "mooch" and I repeated it. She dissolved into hilarious laughter. Basically, I said that the trees had boogers. The word sound more like "nooch" and means nuts. Glad to be a source of entertainment. We did have more significant conversation and she asked me if I was sad yesterday (I wasn't feeling well).
I am beginning to get a better idea about the daily lives of these children. Sometimes we see them on the streets after programs are over when we are walking home or waiting for buses. Yesterday I saw one boy with his little brother and he was sifting through a trash can. Fun to stop and talk with him before we sent him home.
Off to book discussion - A very good book if anyone is interested, called: Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger - Moving from Affluence to Generosity.
e

Another week

So ... Again I must catch you all up with life here in Galati. Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. Haven't gotten a schedule down yet. And forgive my grammar for I fear that trying to learn Romanian has messed up my English.
Okay, so, I am sick with tummy troubles of various sorts - use your imagination. Funny to make this public to the world but it is the reality of travels I suppose. My dear little hostess, Irina, took me to the grocery store on Sunday morning just to make me show her what I like. I was a bit traumatized in the experience b/c she took me to the Romanian version of Walmart in my estimation (a place I avoid at home). Perhaps she thought I would feel more at home there or maybe she shops there, I don't know. Either way - some food that I can eat was purchased. Enough about that.
One evening we were able to meet some of the street boys and play soccer with them. I just ache and ache for them. Such sweetness and destruction mixed in small bodies. They are small but older. The smallest, I was shocked, had turned 16 this summer. Wow! The oldest had cutting scars all up and down his arms everywhere and I am sure that he was high on glue. But still, I really like them. We didn't talk except for introductions but it was a good first meeting. I hope to spend more time with them.
There is a rug in the chapel that you can weave strands of fabric into from all the countries that Word Made Flesh has sites - as a prayer and a way to worship. I spent a few hours weaving one day and took a picture so you could see.

Difficulties with language continue. We have started lessons four days a week which is helping but still it is a complicated language. I am catching onto bits and pieces and reminding myself to try and to study. Prayers would be helpful for sure.
The other day I took out some trash from my room and realized that I had seen people going through it everyday and that today people would go through my trash. I hated it. Strange feeling of being exposed in some ways and so sad for those whose lives are sustained by such actions.
On Sunday Ryan and Kate (other Servant Team Members) went to the Chess park here in Galati. I joined them later and found them surrounded by a crowd. In this park they have chess tables and you bring your own pieces. Old men come and sit for hours playing and smoking. An old man named Thom found that Kate and Ryan were American, asked them to play and when I found them they had a celebrity status in the park. They were surrounded by at least 12 men all telling them what moves to make and arguing about where to go. So fun to be among them.
I am starting to get to know more the kids here at the center. The days are relatively unstructured b/c school hasn't started yet. By September 15th the kids will be in school again here. I have been helping out with things as they arise. Lately we have been recovering chairs with vinyl.
I am learning to live more slowly and thoughtfully. I miss some of home everyday and some days are harder than others. I just miss people. But, the community here is beautiful and kind. I am learning to see how believers can work together. I cannot tell one person who is in charge from any other. Everyone shares and gifts are used.
In our group discussions we have been discussing what it means to be a leader who is led and ministered to by those they serve. I have had to keep asking myself the question - do I really believe that these children have something to offer me? The answer is yes, but I have to be open to them.
Hoping to be more consistent with my updates.
e

To Catch you up ...

So - I haven't posted because I couldn't find a way to get to my own blog. I am a little technologically challenged here in Romania. But I will attempt to bring you up to speed from my emails.
Yesterday I was successful in walking from my host home to the center all on my own. Which is it's own kind of success. It takes about 30 minutes to walk but is all down hill. The center is in an area of the city which used to flood from the Danube River. Many of the poor live in the area. Once you are near the center there is a staircase to walk down and I want to take a picture of the scene for you. It will give an idea of the poverty all around.
Each morning during the week we have Chapel from 9-10am. We sing in Romanian and pray and just sit in the presence of God quietly together. All the staff are present from the center and any volunteers and Servant Team members (that is me).
Afterwards I spent time weeding the gardens that are overgrown here at the center. It was hot and to make the work more spiritual I tried to think of bible verses but all I could think of was the one about letting the weeds grow up with wheat. Not very encouraging for the task at hand.
In the afternoon, David (field director here), asked if anyone could speak with an English accent. I volunteered and he said he had an assignment for me. So... my adventure was to ride in a taxi down to the river where I was dropped off at a business to meet a woman named Christina. She had connections with Word Made Flesh but works for a software company. The task was to create a recording of a script used in language software in Cypress. Basically, peeps there will be hearing my voice while they learn English, only I will sound like Pride and Prejudice - hopefully. Today I went back to make corrections and was able to hear myself. It actually didn't sound perfectly British but nobody could tell the difference here in Romania.
I am trying to make a better effort at learning Romanian and spending quality time with Irina, my host momma. Two nights ago I just parked myself on the couch with two language books and started picking out things and words I wanted to say. It was ackward but I don't know what else to expect from such a situation. As hospitable as she is, staying in anothers home remains the most difficult part of being here. I would appreciate many many prayers in this regard.
We start language lessons tomorrow. I am a little nervous. Actually a lot nervous. But ... this too shall be overcome.
I have spent more time with the kids now. As I have perhaps told some of you, they are not so different from the kids I worked with in the States at least in terms of behaviors. There is a boy that wears anger like a shirt and I recognize his face from kids at home. I try and speak friendly English to him but he just makes fun of me. I have started to brainstorm how I might win him over a bit. No ideas yet.
Something to consider: Here the children are effected often with attachment disorders. This happens for many reasons but one of the things they do to help the children is an exercise called the position of self-control. The have the children sit for 5 minutes perfectly still in a chair. Now all the children here can do 10 minutes. I have seen them do it! I was challenged. I can't sit still that long. They teach that you have power when you can control yourself and this is one way to have it and learn discipline. Today in Chapel the children sat and I twitched. I was so convicted that I am fidgety in the presence of the Lord and need to practice this lesson myself in a way. I am not explaining well but hopefully you get the idea or can at least ask me questions.
Well, that is all for today.
love,
e

Tomorrow I'm Off!

Things are ready, or at least as ready as they are going to get. My bags are packed with much assistance and advice. Excited, nervous, sad to leave, excited to go, filled with curiousity for what the Lord will do. Want all your prayers. Will be posting as soon as I can catch my breath from arriving.

9 days and counting

Hello Friends and Family!

It seems like a book should be written just to describe all that has transpired to get me to the place where I am 9 days from leaving for Romania. The LORD is faithful and true in His promise to lead, guide, and provide for His kids. Thank you all for your continued prayers, support and encouragement.
These short days before leaving will be filled with packing and seeing peeps and running last minute errands. At times I am very excited. At times I am overwhelmed. Overall, delighted to be part of such an adventure in God's kingdom.
I will be staying in Galati, Romania working with street children and orphans. My home for the next four months will be with a Romanian family. It will be exciting to share the blessings of this with you all. Honestly, many many particulars are unknown in terms of the work that I will be doing.
Please keep checking this blog for updates. It is my plan to post often and keep you all up-to-date on the happenings.
With Love,