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.
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