Beginnings

2008-07-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

Strawberries

2008-06-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

I planted a big shallow pot with strawberries. I ate the first one this morning. Just glad that I got to it before the birds. Yum.

Christ in All?

2008-05-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

My friend Jody passed this along-

Laminin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminin

The Sweetness of Heaven

2008-05-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I went to my dear friend Nicole's wedding. She was beautiful. And I thought about her wait, the wait she had to find Phil. And I thought about my wait for the Bridegroom and how beautiful that day will be, how we will all be so much more beautiful than even my friend on her wedding day. A dazzling promise that I hope will continue to carry me through many mundane days on this earth.
And Philly and Brandon's baby Alyas is getting so cute. Today Philly and I tried to figure out the percentage of weight that he has gained in his two short months of life would be. (I am no good at math.) It made me think about how exhausting it is to grow because all he does is sleep. But I am like that too. It is exhausting to grow and I think God is trying to make wide open places in me. It makes me tired. But it is good.
I planted a little salad garden in a pot over the weekend. I took it out to the front steps and was reluctant to leave it in the yard. Sometimes unattended belongings find new possessors in our neighborhood but hopefully salad is not too hot of a commodity.
Monday night we all sat out on the front porch and watched the storm come in. After the rain I kept thinking how much more really the trees were. I don't know why. It was magical. The sky had a depth of color that made me almost hurt with joy.
I just finished reading a book called "Jayber Crow" by Wendell Berry. I think I am changed. It is a book about heaven. If you read it and it means nothing or not much to you don't tell me. At least until I am done basking in its goodness.
Philly and I were talking about life and such the other day on our car ride from Des Moinse. We decided it is a habit of mine to be disappointed when people don't love the things I love. It steals some of my joy. But if you do love it please share b/c that increases my joy! Quirks - gotta love them. Or change them too.
There are going to be 9 of us. The house is going through changes. First a baby, then losing Jesse, then gaining Cole last night, and now another one coming! My head is spinning. Hopefully we can keep a good blend. The big wrap around porch out front is turning into a good spot to be in the Spring and a Good thing our house is giant-normous!

Since then ...

2008-05-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

The best intentions of keeping up with my blog post Romania has obviously not gone so well. Today I was inspired to keep it up and going.
My life in the last few months summed up:

December-Catching up with friends, Christmas celebrations, living with sister Katie, her husband Andres, Andres brother Diego, and two kitties Jonah and Alice, looking for a job.

January-all of the above, watched all three seasons of LOST, did one and 1/2 puzzles (got bored), and started reading Moby Dick (I now no more about the inside of whale than anyone should).

February-procurred a job, job said nevermind, moved into the Park Avenue Community House with 6.5 other people, started working at Behaven for kids with behavior problems (clever name huh?), decided this was not the job for me, Servant Team friends from Romania came to visit.

March-visited super cool, sweet, little brother in San Jose CA, procurred job #3 since returning to States at Salvation Army, bought cute little red car, realized job was not so great for me, two new little cousins were born in Indiana!

April-new baby boy at the Park Avenue Community! working at SA, welcomed friend John and his parents for his commissioning at Word Made Flesh before his return to Galati, Romania, started planting garden at my parents with Katie (super fun), was able to speak at Beggar's Society on my experiences in Galati.

May-visited friend in Minneapolis, realized kids at SA don't really like me (sniff sniff), reading books on economics and the loss of simplicity and farm land (slightly depressed me), looking forward to June.

Phew, all caught up.

Feel like I am learning a better appreciation for the Earth and Creation this spring. I think the Lord is communicating more to me through these things than ever before. I read this poem today.

For, like a grain of fire
smoldering in the heart
of every living essence
God plants His undivided power-
Buries His thought too vast
for worlds
In seeds and roots and blade
and flower. ~Thomas Merton

Coming Home

2007-12-11T01:15:00.000-08:00

I am on my way back home. Tomorrow morning we leave for a short visit to Brasov (home of Dracula of Transylvania of the mountains). And then all the long flights begin.
The goodbyes are painful. Such beautiful people and children. I can't help but hate leaving in so many ways. This morning, as they were praying for our departure in chapel, I was thinking about how our hearts hate saying goodbye and that it is unnatural. We are made for eternity and this is not how it is supposed to be. But for now we leave one another and go to other places. Transitions...again.
Thank you for being part of my adventures here. I have been blessed by all of you.
Originally, I started this blog for Romania but I will probably keep it going in the states so stay tuned.

Christmas is coming!

2007-12-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

Everything is hurry up and experience it for the last time. I am exhausted by the prospect of goodbyes I have no desire to make. Why can't I have here and home all together? Someone has tried to console me with thoughts of heaven and no more parting.
Last night we played volleyball with some youth group kids from Magda's church (many of whom we had met before). It was so much fun and it seemed to lighten everyone's mood in the face of preparing to leave. Volleyball made me think about how often we amuse ourselves here with free entertainment. Ping-pong, volleyball, card games, boardgames, any kind of game, walking and walking and walking. I haven't really missed all that expensive high technology in the states. Well, maybe once or twice. Makes me think twice before I spend some money, or rather I hope it will.

The other day one of the kids, Lavina, came up to me in the hall, just threw her arms around my neck and asked, "Ce face fata?" (How are you girl?) and then told me she loved me and chased some other kid down the hall. I am going to miss that. So many relationships feel like they have just begun and now are about to end.

Christmas is very different here. I have not been bombarded with it the way I usually am at home. In some ways it has left me feeling like the season isn't here and in others that it is just a quieter version. One thing that happens around here is a long fast through the Orthodox Church. Some who practice Orthodoxy don't eat meat or dairy products for several weeks before Christmas. Joel tells me it helps to demonstrate and mirror to your soul the truth and contrast of light and darkness in the coming of Jesus as a little child. There was darkness and then the earth saw a great Light! I think it is beautiful - a tradition I want to investigate more fully. Besides, he tells me that Christmas dinner is going to taste oh, so much better this way.

The Christmas lights are up and we took this picture with a timer one night after playing ping-pong. This place is a few minutes walk from the apartment where I live.

See you all soon.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T05:12:00.001-08:00

So many things to share. I have been missing in action over here. All the weeks have become busy and precious here in my last days in Romania. Here is a picture of some of our recent art projects. Each of the kids painted an eye. View the beauty.

In book discussions, we just started reading our final text, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" written by Paulo Freire. It is a dangerous read. After reading this, you cannot remain in the middle ground when it comes to issues of the poor. It is my new recommended read for the brave.

Our dedicated "lunch lady" Doamne Dorna from the center invited us (servant team, plus) to her home for dinner a week back. In Romanian homes you are served dinner and your host does not usually join you. This is hard for me because I want them to sit down and chat. But the value of caring for people is very very evident in everything that they do for you. There is such sweet generosity and care. After dinner we all stayed and played games with Doamne Dorna's children. They are all in college/high school and we had a lovely time together laughing and later playing guitar and singing.

The other day I had a moment of connection with our kids here at the center. During our play time outside Madeline and Anna were having me push them on our tire swings and another rope swing. They liked it when I pushed them together so they crashed and then just laughed and laughed. Later, Anna went inside and Madeline and I continued playing. She started to sing in her off key child voice and then demanded that I sing too. I sang her a lullaby in English and she was mesmorized as I kept pushing the swing back and forth. It was the first time she was ever quiet and looking into my face with concentration and delight. Madeline asked Josh to help us translate the song line by line and then we sang each line and she tried to sing them in English back to me. Her English was unrecognizable and so was the song. Still such a special moment of connection. For a few instances her face was transformed into the face of any normal child, all innocent and sweet. I wished that her mom had done this for her. I prayed that the Lord would give her more of these moments.

Saturday we had our Thanksgiving dinner here at Casa de Vale (the name of the center here which translates "Valley House"). I started baking at 10am and we didn't leave the kitchen until dinner was served at about 6pm. But it was such a wonderful day and we had so much fun making yummy food for everyone and attempting all our family recipes in a strange country. All turned out perfect, even pumpkin pie! As we were attempting to answer a few questions as to the reason Americans celebrate Thanksgiving - always a touchy subject to me since it started out with such a pleasant theme and then progressed to such horrors for our Native American friends. But, as we were attempting to be truthful and yet simplify the description of the holiday it seemed profound to me that it really is a holiday about community and friendship of different cultures. And then of course, it seemed there really wasn't a better way to celebrate than exactly how we were with friends in another part of the world.

I received word yesterday that my great-grandmother Floy died on Saturday. Her funeral is today and I am missing it. I am sad. I am missing her as she was when I was growing up. I am sad for the things she suffered in her life. But, I also see God's grace in having me here during this time. I have received such grace from friends here. Last night three of us just went into the chapel and sang while I cried. It is so good for my heart to worship when I am grieving. He is yet a good Lord. Would really appreciate prayers for my family. My first thought upon hearing the word that she had died was the desire to go and light a candle for her at the Orthodox Church.

My time here is so limited and I am trying to make the most of every moment and experience. I feel so blessed to have had this time with the Lord and His people.

Joy and Anger

2007-11-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

This week I taught art classes again. One of our projects was simply a piece of paper and one crayon or colored pencil. We then gave them 5 minutes to depict an emotion that we gave them and then repeated the exercise 5 times using 'anger, joy, shame, fear, and courage'. They idea was for them to be very abstract in their interpretations and to only use one color per emotion so that their color choice was symbolic. I was amazed at their creativity. For instance, one boy drew 'fear' as a navy blue heart with an arrow through it.
Moise is a sweet boy but easily and often distracted. He is challenging but I learn from him often. He enjoyed our art project but when asked to depict anger he blurted out, "but I don't have any anger" with joy spread all over his face. And it is true. I have never seen him angry or discontent. Whatever we are doing he brings a childlike joy, perhaps he is more childlike than his age should be, but this spoke to my heart. This boy has reason to be angry. His life is hard. Difficult and painful things have happened to him and continue to happen to him. Yet he says, "but I don't have any anger" and smiles and is gentle. I am not saying he is never angry or sad because I do not know. I am only saying that in his response I was convicted. I am easily angered, I am quick to say, "that is not fair" and I do not have moment by moment delight in the blessing all around me. Moise is teaching me that.
On a completely different note. I thought you all might enjoy hearing about some of daily life here. Food - It is fall. Apples are in. Cabbage is in. Everything goes in seasons of harvest and that is how we eat. Everyone cans and pickles things for the winter. In my house it seems like Irina is canning something new every week. I am sorry to say that most of it doesn't smell very good to my picky nose. Romanians really enjoy a vegetable spread made from eggplant called salate de vinete. I am not a fan though most Americans have taken to it quiet nicely. I am getting over the intimidation of the markets and starting to really enjoy it. In the center of town you can go the Piatsa where there are vendors for all sorts of food. One whole building is nothing but vegetables, fruit and other produce. Another building has several meat markets and cheese counters and bread too. I enjoy the rhythm of buying only what you need for the near future. I am getting used to the concept of no lines for anything - just get in there and push and shove your way to the front if you want something. Hmmm, what a shock the States will be after all this. You might see me at the grocery store cutting in line.
Everyday we eat lunch at the center with the kids. Staff take turns serving lunch not as a cook but as a kind of master of ceremonies (that is the best description I can come up with). Give the kids and staff plates, pick someone to pray, makes sure no one is too loud, tell them where to sit, give them more as hands start raising, water, dessert, napkins, spills, "can I go?", "so and so did this to me!", and so on... etc etc. Recently I was given a turn. Well, it was fairly exciting although I think most of the drama occurred in my head. I was terrified because of my terrible Romanian and all the chaos of la masa (meal time). The only thing I really messed up were the numbers of large and small portions between kids and adults, confusing, funny, but minimally embarrassing and not disastrous. Everyone was very very patient with me. Very.
Well, I have 6 weeks left here in beloved Romania before I come home. I could really use some prayer for the following: a job, a car, a home, and grace to really soak up all that the Lord has for me in the next 6 weeks. I will be arriving back in Omaha December 15th.
Much love,
e

Babies, being useful, and serving Jesus

2007-10-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Another baby was born to the Romania Word Made Flesh community. Kira Wren made her appearance into the world last Sunday night here in Galati. She is beautiful and as some of you may know I am cautious about describing newborns this way. Yet I assure you she is very pretty. I have been so privileged to spend time taking care of her two big brothers while Kira and her mom Audra recovered at the hospital and her mighty father fought the dark battles of paperwork trying to free them from their captivity. He was determined, persevered and the powers that 'were' had no choice but to relent. The happy family is together again in their home. I was blessed to be a part of their miracle.
During this last exciting week many staff were elsewhere at retreats in Turkey, out of town, building houses, etc. And so the Servant Team found themselves feeling very useful for perhaps the very first time since our arrival. Useful being defined as they couldn't have done without us - and this felt good. We are helpful around here at other times as well but this last week it was nice to be really truly needed. It was a small trial run in what it will be like to have a job again, to be counted on, depended on. I kept checking to make sure that my heart had really learned to stay centered in Christ, in my identity being in Him and not in performance and praise. All my reflections concluded in the synopsis of baby steps.
I have been really reflecting on what it means to serve Jesus among the poor. I still am not really sure. I have read a few more books. I have had few more discussions. Spent even more time "serving" the poor. I had a conversation earlier this week were I was challenging the best practices and results of certain methods of social justice. I don't know if I was exactly wrong in my assumptions but I feel as though I may be missing the point a bit. This last Sunday one of my friends here made a point about serving Jesus among the poor. He quoted the verses from Matthew 25 that read,
"Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' 45Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these,you did not do it to me.'
And for just a moment I understood that whenever I forget myself and give with all my heart and all my love to another, especially those who are difficult to love - I am loving Jesus. I am loving His own hands, His own feet, taking care of His own wounds and hurts and needs. Last week I was able just for a moment or two to forget when I was washing the hand of one of our boys here. I adore him. Every time I see him he is a reminder, an icon, to me of another One. It is good for us to care for the poor because we are seeing and experiencing Christ more fully. Somehow it is just a mystery.

"Fall"ing

2007-10-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Since our return from Moldova the weather has been much colder here in Galati. Daily I am bombarded with chatter from Irina about the temperature outside. "Frig! Frig!" she insists and then goes off into a Romanian tirade that I cannot understand and then "tsk tsks" me when I leave the house in unsatisfactory attire. Apparently the city doesn't turn on the heat until November 1st so I've almost two weeks to wait for warmth. It is a small reminder of how spoiled I am at home.
I keep thinking about Fall at home. I really love the season - leaves, pumpkin carving, hot chocolate, cider, and Halloween, Thanksgiving. Ahhh. I am going to miss some things very much. I have been wanting candy corn and I don't even like it really. Funny the things you miss when they are out of reach.
Christmas is coming too! I cannot believe that I will be home just 10 days before. The kids here have completed special art projects in effort to raise funds for the center. It is part of the beginning of a job creation project. Together they have completed 4 Christmas cards that are available for purchase on the web. If you would like to take a look at the work the children have been doing and help support them go to http://www.wmfromania.com/Eng/news1.php. It is a beautiful way to incorporate support for the children with something you will probably do anyway around the holidays by sending out Christmas cards. Reminder - orders need to be in by November 1st!!!
Since we have returned from Moldova I have found myself sinking into a 2 month marker slump. They say this is the typical time for another bout of culture shock but I am stubborn and keep to the prideful assumption that I am immune to such trifles. All I know is that I don't really want to try anymore at understanding another culture, another people, or this Romanian language. This is a humbling realization because in my heart of hearts I know that I came to Romania to be made uncomfortable, to put myself in the place of having to work at seeing Christ in another because of my own humble state, to see God through another's eyes, to not have all the answers all the time. And these things have happened for me here in a beautiful way. I have learned so much from the people here and will continue too. It is a good breaking of pride that comes when I see myself falling from the heights I have placed myself in terms of having something to offer people. I am the same as everyone else; twisted and beautiful, sacred and profane, beloved of the Savior at all times. The Lord is now offering me a potent cure for what ails me. But it is good to stand in His fire. Hopefully I will come out more like Him.
Well, after that rather serious note, my final charge this evening is for everyone to enjoy Fall for me. Crunch some leaves, carve a pumpkin, buy candy corn stripped socks at target, whatever. Celebrate!
Much love,
Elizabeth

My Birthday and Moldova

2007-10-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Orthodox Church in Chisinau Moldova

It has been many moons since my last entry. I had intended to write again before leaving for Moldova but that didn't really happen. Ah well.
My birthday week was lovely. I was treated with special care and all the kids sang to me, "La Multi Ani" - which means many more years. The evening of my birthday all the women of the community got together for cake and I was presented with more chocolate bars than a girl should really have in her possession. Mmmmm.
Last week we were visited by three members of the Peruvian Word Made Flesh community. It was marvelous to meet Brian, Ana, and Sebastian from Lima. They are focusing on work with street children. I had a good conversation with Brian and Sebastian about hearing the voice of God in our lives over a game of Jenga. And Ana is a dear sweet soul with hidden strength and a loving presence. Sunday after church we all came to the center and made lunch together - we decided to make fries and chicken nuggets. Nate and I made the best chicken nuggets improvised from scratch and others fried up the rest. It was a great meal. The best treat of the day was a coveted Ranch dip packet that Robin and Josh relinquished for everyones enjoyment. I wish that I had had more time to get to know each of these people but our time was limited as we were headed to Moldova on Sunday night.
We rode the night bus to Chisinau (key-sha-now) Moldova starting at 11:30 pm and arriving very early in the morning. I can't say it was the most pleasant of experiences as I get so sick but medication is the key. We arrived to a lovely breakfast at our host families and were snug in bed by 9am. I slept in late and we vegged the rest of the day playing cards in our pajamas.
The rest of the week was spent exploring the city, enjoying the sights, and resting. One of the days I was able to attend meetings with some of the staff researching human trafficking issues in Moldova and a future Word Made Flesh sight in the city. One of the most disturbing sights that I saw during my stay was a light post with a trafficking trick flier and a missing girl posted underneath it. Apparently, people are lured into thinking they can come work in the states for a better life and then basically brought into either labor or sex trade. So awful to consider how many this happens to everyday in the world and we hear so little about it.
I was able to visit the Art Market in the city and buy a few "native" items. Hard to pick and choose from the souvenir type items to things worth bringing home. I did meet a great little painter though and with the help of Ryan and Nate managed to shop well.
While in Chisinau we were able to attend a free concert featuring compositions played on the piano, violin, and cello. Crystal chandeliers hung glittering from the ceiling and the music was delightful - a respite from darkness and need outside in the city.
We arrived back in the city early early yesterday morning. I have to say it is nice to be back in familiar surroundings here in Galati. I have counted up the weeks and we are half way through our time here in Romania. I am conflicted. It seems like I have been here a long time and changed so much. Praying that I will take full advantage of the time that I have left here and not think too much about the things and people that I am missing at home. Would appreciate prayers. The Lord has been so faithful to me here, in every way, and I want to enjoy all that He has for me yet.

pictures again

2007-09-30T22:43:00.001-07:00

Okay, it is a little mean but I cannot resist sharing this photo with all of you...
And here you have the Servant Team, etc.

From left to right it is John, Kate, me, Ryan, Nate and Gabriella.

pre-birthday entry

2007-09-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

The dear Englishmen and Rachel have returned to the UK. I really miss them already. On Friday the children prepared songs to sing them and each member of the UK team received a special speech from one of the children. I shed tears of joy in seeing the blessings flow from both the children and these dear servants.
Eric, one of the UK team, asked me the other morning, "And how's your health and temper this morning?". I enjoyed this ever so much given the English accent and his dear ways. In honor of him I shall start incorporating this saying into my everyday greetings.
Friday evening we had a BBQ using the newly constructed grills, which where one of the many projects completed by the UK team. So good to have continents and worlds collide as we had Romanians, Americans, Brittan's, and Gabriella from Brazil around the tables. Seemed to me that the world was as it should be. I felt quiet again just observing and preparing to say goodbye. Rachel reminded me of a thought I often have as well - in heaven we will not say goodbye and there we'll be together, all and forever with Him who made us. Something to look forward too. Lenutsa told me that I am an enigma because I don't talk but she sees me thinking all the time. I think that I am changing here - never had someone say such a thing of me.
In the last week, I have been able to help plan with the team ministering to young mothers and their babies. They are currently visiting 4 mothers with babies or who are yet to give birth. It has been good to put some of my social work knowledge to use in helping develop progress/tracking forms and general brainstorming. You can be in prayer for these mothers as they have difficult circumstances to overcome. And also pray for creative wisdom for the team b/c these are complicated situations. For example, one mother is yet to give her baby a bath and is 4 or 5 months old. The baby doesn't eat often and seems to not be thriving. Yet this mother loves her baby. How can she be helped? Loving encouragement and instruction are the beginnings hopefully but there is needed intervention from the Lord.
Saturday we took another trip to the countryside and spent the day in a village with Valis' parents. We were a herd with 7 adults and 4 children (kids from the center came with us as well). All day we played board and card games and ate yummy snacks. Later the boys played frisbee in the road until they pitched it over the neighbors fence one too many times. A little boy came out and played nearby, curious. I took a picture of him so hopefully I can add that later as I do not have my camera today. We also saw a lady with lavender hair! Took her picture too but haven't decided if it is mean to post it (might have even been mean to take her picture but ...).
I became terribly car sick on the ride back and that has reminded me of a silly thing here in Romania which makes public transportation less than pleasant at times. There is a belief, especially among the older generation, that a breeze will make you sick. So...any time someone (especially old ladies) feel breeze on their face they order the window closed. Every maxi-taxi and bus has windows but they are rarely open. Add to this perfumes, men who have been working all day, bad breathe, swerving traffic and a warm day ... and there you have a recipe for great nausea! I am slightly exaggerating the severity but you get the idea. I am trying my best to learn, to be patient, and just laugh about this cultural difference but it is hard not to just want to throw your hands in the air and scream - for of course, in my mind this makes no sense at all! But ... still I must respect. However, I have two feet and so most places I prefer to walk. And that is the end of that story.
So... my BIRTHDAY is tomorrow! And I will be 29 - no REALLY, 29. Have two gifts from friends to open which I brought with me all wrapped from the States - have resisted peeking. Hopefully, I will be able to arrange a little gathering of people to watch a movie or some such fun. We shall see. I also will have to buy treats for everyone to serve after lunch. And, I am excited for the kids to sing to me. I was a little worried having a birthday so far from home but I think it is going to be okay. Still I will miss celebrating with my peeps.
I am beginning to sense how difficult it is going to be to leave here in a few months, uggg. And life back in the states will seem so strange. jobs? cars? a house? and school? I want to be open to wherever the Lord would lead me. I came knowing that I would want to continue seeking God's purpose and place for me to serve Him. Still uncertain as to where that will be. More often than not these thoughts and decisions are not as filled with anxiety as one may expect. And yet I have my moments of fear. You may all help me to pray.

Perfect Days

2007-09-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!
Saturday we went on our "Death Hike" and I must say it did not live up to its name for I found it to be very much the opposite. We woke up very early, 4:45 am and walked to the tram station and rode a tram to a bus stop. Then we smashed ourselves into a maxi-taxi (which is what they call something that looks like an over sized minivan) and rode the fairy boat across the Danube. Then we smashed ourselves even tighter into another maxi-taxi and rode for a long time through winding roads and watched the sun begin to rise. I was a bit sick but still doing all right. When we reached the village we bought snacks and were freezing cold and wanted to start walking just to warm ourselves.
The countryside is so rugged and unspoiled. At the base of the mountain there was a herd of goats and a shepherd walking up the hill. Very picturesque.
We took our time climbing as there were 14 of us and we had all day long. Still we reached the top the mountain by 10 am and so we nestled in for naps and rest. The wind was cutting but the view was lovely and you could find rocks to shelter inside. Laughter and quiet silence and happy conversation. We stayed for several hours and ate lunch together before the descent. The creature delight was finding a baby turtle. A lovely day.

Vali and me

Some have asked exactly what it is that I am doing here in Romania and with Word Made Flesh. A day is spent hanging out with kids in art classes and English lessons and playing outside, and we help with random projects that need completed around the center. But most of the time it is just life in a big family. I don't have a "job" that is mine and I am no one important. But I am loved. The staff are here not for the employment but because they want to give their lives for their friends. It is a different mentality than making your rent money. And life is lived in way that reflects the existing and coming perfection of Christ and his kingdom. It is a haven and refuge.
Last night I made dinner for the Englishmen (and English Rachel too) and for everyone interested, American and Romanian alike. Word spread that I could make Mexican food and the pressure was on. It took two days to procure all the ingredients and I had to make enchilada sauce from scratch but it turned out to be a feast and it was such fun making food for everyone. Chocolate chip cookies topped us off and I was kicked out of the kitchen and not allowed to do dishes. (I wasn't eager since I had spent nearly 4.5 hours cooking, even though I loved every minute.) These have been good days.
Vali and Lau (a Romanian couple I may have mentioned before?) invited the Servant Team to the countryside and Valis' mom's home on Saturday. I am really looking forward to getting out the city yet again.
Must head to chapel. Everyone write-I love hearing from you.
Makes you not seem so far away.
Much love,
e

Pictures

2007-09-17T09:18:00.003-07:00

A horse and cart seen often around the city - used to transport anything and everything. Horses stay on properties with families and you can smell them behind the gates. They are often left to graze on street corners with patches of weeds and are always skinny.

The Danube! Not a great picture but a very great river and famous too (just in case you didn't know, hmmm). This Saturday we are going on what they have deemed the "Death Hike" through the mountains you can see in the distance. Hoping I make it. You'll know where to look if I don't turn up.

Stefania and Me - this is the neighbor girl who has helped me along with Romanian. She is 17 and from another city (was here visiting her great grandmother). We had to say goodbye last week, boo-hoo. This is us out in 100 degree weather during my first week here.

Lows and Highs

2007-09-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

"The roads are rugged, the precipices are steep, there may be a feeling of dizziness on the heights, gusts of wind, peals of thunder, nights of awful gloom - fear them not. There are also the joys of the sunlight, flowers such as are not in the the plain, the purest of air, restful nooks, and the stars to smile thence like the eyes of God." - Pere Didon

Here I find myself without all the things I find most valuable in myself. I cannot communicate. I have no position of responsibility or leadership. I am not needed or desired for my "wise advice" or knowledge in a particular area. Just me. And I have to trust that all the souls around will accept me for that alone. My particular belovedness as God's daughter. During our first week here we read a book by Henry Nouwen called, In the Name of Jesus. This quote seems to sum up how I have felt. "I was suddenly faced with my naked self, open for affirmations and rejections, hugs and punches, smiles and tears, all dependent simply on how I was perceived at the moment." It has been good to sit still and struggle through the difficult process of being identified in a deeper way within the love of the Lord. I have not arrived. But each day, faithfully, the Lord is speaking to me about being still, His comfort, my own beauty before Him, and there being no need to know the future - He is taking care. As I describe these things do not believe that I rest fully in them yet. I am more quiet but still there are days when I would want to escape, days when I do not trust.

Last Sunday our Servant Team was able to go out to a village called Piscu for a baptismal service at a Pentecostal Church. These services are long and women sit on one side and men on the other. Women wear head coverings. The church was started by a pastor from Galati who lead the service and many of the Galati congregation came to lead music and be present. One of them spoke English and interpreted for us. Three new believers were baptized and it was encouraging to hear their stories. My favorite was an old man of 81 who declared that the Lord was His and had given kindness and patience for his many wasted years without Christ. He stated how the love of God had won his heart. It made me cry just to hear the love in his voice.

Two older ladies from Great Britain came to stay for a week with us here in Galati. Their names are Sue and Val. Sue helps to raise money for the center her and Val is here note taker as she gathers inspiring stories. Oh how I adored these women!!! I cannot explain to you how they have encouraged and inspired me with their stories and gifts. I was very sad to say goodbye to them. They were intrigued by my love of the English accent and spent some time trying to teach me phrases from the Black Country, Yorkshire, and the like. Val inspired me to like myself despite my faults since she was crawling with them but they didn't seem to bother her a bit - bossy and sometimes noisy. I learned not too worry so much about how I am being perceived. From Sue I learned the daring lessons of a woman who has made her life count for the poor. We played gambling dice games together and they would tell me how very boring I was every time I didn't want to take a chance on my increasing my score for fear of losing it all. At their departure Val gave me a card that she has always carried in her bible and inscribed verses and encouragement for me on the back. It was especially meaningful later as I realized she had left me with Psalm 18 - a particular favorite of mine that the Lord uses often in my life. Sue left me with a huge hug and prayer in her arms. Such lovely, beautiful women.

(Kate, Val, Sue, Me)

(Val and I)

A woman in England, knowing they were coming here, had given 100pounds ($200) b/c she felt that there might be a need. But she instructed that if there were no needs to bring back the money straight away. One of the little girls here at the center, Ginina, has started a "Good News" club in her back yard. She gathers about 9 kids and tells them stories about Jesus that she has learned here at the center. She sings them songs and pretends to play the guitar on a old tennis racket. The children take turns reading verses from the bible. Sue and Val were able to go and visit her club while they were her. Sue prayed and decided that the money should go to buy Ginina a real guitar (Ginina is learning to play here at the center). Little did she know that Ginina and her counselor had just been praying together the week before that the Lord would provide a guitar for her! OH, how Jesus answers prayer. It is even more amazing b/c the woman who gave the money in England is a music teacher who instructs in guitar! What a blessing it will be for her to know how the Lord chose for the money to be spent.

An evening last week, I was walking to the bus stop with Rachel and Anna and Magda (all WMF staff). We met some children at the corner who we know and talked to them. As we were talking two policemen came walking around the corner across the street. The children saw them and bolted and the police ran after them. We followed. They chased the children up into a stairwell of a building and we could hear yelling and crying from the street. Anna ran up into the building and the rest of us stayed and began praying before going up too. As we neared the top of the stairs I could see tear stained faces that were terrified and one of the boys was on the floor covering his face. Both officers were screaming and the children were sobbing and shouting back in defense. Anna tried calmly to reason with the officers and Magda joined her trying to at least get the children to stand up properly to talk with the police. Rachel and I prayed in the stair well believing that the last thing needed was American involvement. I was scared for the children. Never have I seen faces so frightened. As it turns out they were being threatened by the police because it is illegal to beg. They were saying things like, "We will take you to the juvenile center right now!" The children regularly are sent out by their parents to beg on the streets. We stayed with them and the children had to give the names and addresses of their parents and were eventually allowed to leave. Most of the time children beg and the police do nothing. Other times situations escalate. I was not sure how to process having been so close to this event. I was never scared, except for the children. One of the staff thought that if we had not been there the police might have beat the children. In any case, I am thankful that I was allowed to be present, to pray, to grieve for the pain these children suffer at the hands of their parents and their society just for being poor. It gives me greater compassion.

Still struggling with language. Most days I want to cry about it at some point. We are trying different tactics and study methods so hopefully some of that will help me. But please, please, please ... pray for me! Romanian is not my favorite language in all the world, no it is not.

Magda goes to a Brethren church here in Galati. She asked the Servant Team to come and present and sing a few songs at her church Sunday night. Women are not allowed to speak in the service and you must wear a head covering. I must say that my pride was indeed pricked and I found the situation of Ryan (Servant team member) speaking for all of us trying as well (only b/c I wanted to speak for myself). But ... it was yet another lesson in submission to one another and Ryan represented us well. We sang three songs for them and it was lovely to talk with people from their church. While I was singing two little girls drew a picture for me. They handed it to me while Ryan was talking. It was so cute! I was singing in a Princess Jasmine type outfit! I told Magda she needed to do a bit more work on her little "Brethren" girls since they drew me with my belly button showing! The services are very long. All together I spent almost 6 hours in church on Sunday between morning and evening services. Yikes! I was very fidgety. Nate (Servant team member) and I tried to see how many words you can make out of the letters of my name during the sermon. In case you should wonder there are more than 40 on our list. We were very naughty.

On Saturday!!! Fun fun fun! We were able to pick grapes and try to make jam! I had such a fun time getting all messy and squishing beautiful grapes with friends. None of our jam really gelled up well but it tasted so good. The kitchen was filled with people and purple and the smell of warm wine. Things do not get much better on Saturday - except I missed you all!!!

Well ... I should get some emails returned to some of you. Hope you enjoy reading. I have added a few pictures throughout the blog and moved things around so take a look see!

Love,
E.

p.s. these are the grapes that we harvested!!! taste like candy, mmmmmm, yummy.

Some funny stories ... and more

2007-09-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have decided that today's theme needs to be "embarrassing things that have happened to Elizabeth since arriving in Romania". I know you all will enjoy.
On the first night at Irina's home (host home) I tried to take a bath. This is tricky for two reasons. One being that all hot water in the city of Galati was not working. The other was because of the bath itself. I was supposed to stand in the tub with what I think was a baby tub filled with cold water suspended across the top and dipper hot water from a pot boiled on the stove from the floor to get the right temperature. Tricky. I even was trying to wash my hair. So ... tired from travels, a bit lost being dumped at a strangers home, trying to figure out getting clean - the bathroom light turns out with me standing in the tub wet. AHHH! So, a little laugh, a little whimper, I call out Irina's name - nothing. I feel my way out of the tub, wrap myself up in a towel, and start to feel for the light switch and discover it is on the other side of the door. I crack it open and there are three people right outside in the living room. The neighbors had come over and not realizing had switched off the light that is on the outside of the bathroom. Oh, apologies apologies and all with me standing nearly naked not understanding one word. After my "bath" more apologies from Maria and her granddaughter Stephania who are staying next door to take care of Maria's mother who is recovering from an illness. Incidentally, Stephania, 17, has become a very dear girl. She speaks English and is in town from time to time. We have had some good walks and talks. Now the hot water is back on in Galati and baths are a little less complicated.
Irina really likes to wash my clothes. I have tried three times now to make her let me but she will not relent. However, with Stephania's help the truth came out about a few things he other night. Irina started to giggle and told Stephania something which she translated to me as Irina had taken my picture, and then she said something about my underwear (which hang in our front window to dry on wash days, gotta love that!) and I started to get very worried. Then, ohhh, no no no. No picture. A mistake with my laundry and the color had been changed in my underwear and she tried to change it back. But, it was left too long and now they are ... well, sort of brilliant white with funny stripes at the top. She went and fetched them from their hiding place. (I had thought that some were missing a few days before.) I laughed so hard but then she started holding them up and pointing out how each and every part was clean. The bleach had stayed to long and now there were tiny holes everywhere. Irina decides that she is going to stitch them up, no problem, no problem. I cannot explain to you the panic of having someone stitch my underwear but she would not hand them over. I tried. Stephania tried. Yesterday, stitched underwear were carefully layed on my bed. There you have it. I am not allowed much pride in this place. Good for me I am sure.
Besides this I have mixed up Romanian and called the nuts on trees buggers from your nose (which sent one of the kids from the center into a fit of laughter that I thought would never end). I have been told "I love you" by drunk Romanian men in the chess park. I have been told not to even attempt saying the word "tomorrow" in Romanian b/c it just sounds like a very bad word in their language every time I say it and I can't get it right. I think this is about it so far. I am sure there will be many more instances of embarrassment and awkwardness to come, part of the adventure.
On a more serious note. Monday I was able to go and visit a girl in a home for women in danger of abandoning their children or living on the streets. It is a government home in a converted orphanage. The girl that we were visiting has a 4 month old baby and she herself lived on the streets for many years. She is doing fairly well. She cannot stay for longer than a few more months at the center. Although it was hard to see her lack of gentleness with her son there were other encouraging signs of her good mothering. Her son smiled when she walked by and gave good eye contact. He is healthy and growing. The girl is a stubborn mother, used to taking care of herself and doesn't accept advice easily so we had to just watch and praise her for the good things she is doing in caring for her child. P lease pray for her. She is in need. I am not sure that I am supposed to share names at this point but the Lord knows her.
I am still struggling with language, yesterday being the most frustrating day so far. Today being difficult as well. I really want to give effort to learning. Need prayers.
I have had two very encouraging conversations with staff here today. Ron (Am staff) and I talked about families and friends and how relationships are effected by living in another country this morning. And Magda (Romanian staff) and I talked about culture differences and personality. Conversations I enjoyed. Both much needed. Kind timing from the Lord.
Soon school will start and there will be more structure to my days. Today, I was able to request some of the things that I have interest in participating in - young mothers, art and music classes, street children, health classes, and a few other things. Exciting!
more to come soon - e.

A Special Dinner

2007-09-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Irina(hostess) is of Romanian Orthodox religion. (I will not attempt in my limited understanding to tell you what I know of Orthodoxy. Hopefully I will be very knowledgeable by the time I come home for nearly everyone here is Orthodox and I will be exposed to much of their culture and teachings.) Irina's sister Kati came to town from the countryside (which is what they call the little villages) for a celebration of the one year anniversary of her sons death. A special meal was made and friends and family came over as well as a priest who said special prayers and gave blessings. I was invited to be a part in every way and found it such a lovely blessing to me.

After preparations are made and the table is set the priest comes to the head of the table. Each person holds a lit candle and there is an icon set on the table as well. He sings and prays and everyone makes the sign of the cross throughout. Honestly, I have such little understanding of the ceremony but found it so moving. Kati sobbed throughout. A year after his death, I thought it a beautiful way to allow her some grief for her son. She is an old woman - 71 I think and so very sweet. I cried along with her as the priest sang.

Then the priest holds up some of the cakes on the table, one being a cake made of grains which is not sweet, and the family holds onto the plate across the table as well. He then says blessings over the food in a manner like communion. The cake has candies on top in the shape of the cross. Apparently it is a very old type of cake used in these ceremonies. I was told that they took it from Byzantine times and continue in the same method. The priest pours some wine on the top and the ceremony is over.

We all were seated and began the long process of eating many courses of food. As I am feeling so much better now (thanks for all the prayers) I was able to enjoy much of the food (minus ham). Irina's grandson, Sergio, talked with me for sometime and seemed to be assigned as my babysitter/assistant. He is 15 and very considerate and patient with me. We had a long discussion about culture and Romanian and the US and Orthodoxy and Protestantism before dinner. I think heavy conversation for a first meeting. But, I was curious about so many things and it is hard to find people to answer my questions, especially willing Romanians. I was happy to find that Sergio thinks Romanian old woman are as bossy as I do. He told me tricks to deal with his grandmother, Irina. Nice to know the ins and outs of my little hostess.

The old women like to joke about me being skinny whenever I eat and complain that I don't eat enough. They make big shapes around themselves with their arms and tiny pinched gestures with their fingers in contrast and then laugh and say something about my momma when I go home and laugh and laugh. Not sure what they are getting at but that it has something to do with my mother finding me skinny when I return to the US. Not sure I will get used to being fussed over. By the way, no one needs to worry. I am not wasting away.

I had a lovely dinner with one of the American staff from the center last night. We talked about possibilities for how to spend some of my time here in Romania. I will accompany her to one of the orphanages here in the next few weeks; a rare occurrence since they are very very shy about allowing anyone foreign into their orphanages here in Romania. But, we have the excuse of visiting one of the boys who used to live on the streets. Another opportunity is to visit a national institute for poor mothers who just gave birth. I am really looking forward to seeing these places and gaining more understanding about the social issues. Please, keep praying for my time here. I want the Lord to give significance to each experience and conversation.

So ... I tried posting this over the weekend but I ran out of time at the internet cafe and didn't want to pay for more. Sorry about that.
Some people have been asking for pictures of the children to be posted. I can't take any pictures of kids from the center here until the last few weeks of my work to discourage distrust, etc. However, at some point I will get some pictures with children that we encounter everyday around the city, maybe.
Later - e.

the park

2007-08-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

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 ...

2007-08-20T22:49:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-08-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-06T10:05:00.001-07:00

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,