Hellooo! Here comes the life update that I finally have the time for…
My squad and I have been living in Romania for a little over a month now, partnering with the local ministry of Hope church. Ministry days are Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-7pm everyday; we also have the option to attend and or be involved in the church service on Sunday mornings. The ministry we do here is extremely diverse, and for me personally, what I do changes almost every day. Some of the things we do are: going out and getting to know and share with the people/inviting them to events, going to Roma communities to bring food and do children’s programs, or we help out with whatever Hope Church needs. Recently, I’ve been getting to do lots of singing with Christmas coming up!! I will be singing in the church services every Sunday, as well as Christmas carols in Roma communities or on the streets 🙂 It’s been so much fun to learn Romanian carols. I’ve loved getting to know the people here and it’s really been an honor to be a part of Hope Church’s mission.
Since beginning the race, adjusting to a constant state of uncomfortability hasn’t been easy. With being so far from home, far from friends and family, and really just living life completely different than what I’m used to, it’s easy to let negative thoughts distract me. With each day, I find myself fighting for motivation and joy. Choosing into difficult relationships, tasks, etc. in a way that I am now is something I’ve never really had to and been able to do before. In this constant state of difficulty I’ve really seen truth behind the verse, “Fear not for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. I could never really do before what I am doing now because I’ve never been in a situation where the only thing familiar to me is the Lord and His truth. Leaning into Him is something I’m doing so much more now than I ever had before, and the fruition of this is to learn that God is true strength, comfort, understanding, and so much more.
To seek the understanding of what I perceive in each day through His eyes has been the ultimate strength for me in this time, and I am beyond grateful for each and everything I’m learning and will continue to learn in this way. God is love, and now more than ever He has made that so clear to me. So thankful for this year and all it’s opportunity that I will never again have. As I continue to blog, know that my writing will not be as well put together as I’d like it to be…messy and crazy like life is here I guess haha. Thank you all for your love and support, I’m so thankful. God bless <3
