2 weeks in Sighisoara

We went to central Romania to spend some time with our two churches in the area, to continue our language study, and to stayed with a Romanian family. The two weeks were filled with an array of experiences. Here is a glimpse:

• We ate soup and bread everyday for lunch. The soup was the first course…we were then offered a second course that usually consisted of some meat with a starch of some kind. We didn't eat a lot of fruits or veggies.
• Our host family got a lot of their food from the farm. We drank milk straight from the cow!! It was good - thick and slightly sweet. We think the way they "pasteurized" the milk was by boiling it on the stove. The eggs, potatoes, cheese, honey, and meat were more of the "fresh" foods that we ate. Bread was served in abundance - at every meal. One morning we were offered fried fish! Now that's a first! Interesting hu?
• Our host mom didn't think that Olivia was dressed warmly enough - she was constantly giving her new socks, hats, and tights. She loved having Olivia in her home.
• Our first week of language study was great! The second week we began the week with foggy, overstuffed minds. We have discovered that 2 to 3 weeks of intense study is good, but a break is needed to allow all that we have taken in to settle in our minds. It is an interesting experience. We had a great teacher. Her name is Elena. We plan to study with her again in the future.
• We visited our two churches (Sighisoara & Tsigmandru). We went to pray meeting at our Tsigmandru church. This church is located in a village where a lot of the people live in poverty. Our church has become a refuge for many of them. God has begun His work of reconciliation. There are great plans for the future. We believe that God's plans are to transform the village one family at a time. Please pray for this small community. Believe in God's great mercy for the people in this village. Believe that He wants to give them hope and new life!
• We sipped a cappuccino in a medieval citadel. We meandered through the grounds of a fortified church. We had lunch in the kitchen of a Hungarian lady who handcrafts beautiful Hungarian pottery (no we didn't go to Hungary - she lives in the Romania town called Corund). Olivia played in a playground in an underground salt mine. This salt mine has existed since the Romans!!
• We met with our leaders and we talked, planned, and prayed for current situations and for God's future plans to be fulfilled. We prayed for Cristian who has had limited mobility in his right knee since birth. Cristian is a new follower of Christ. Please pray for Cristian.

We would like to ask you for your prayers for God's continued work. Please pray for the people of Romania.

Breaza

Breaza

Breaza is the name of a town north of Bucharest where our church owns some property. It is a very nice piece of property. We are asking God what He wants to do with the property. We are praying about it becoming a retreat center. A lot of work will go into such a project. It would be worth it to have a place where people could come and find rest, refreshment, restoration, and much more. Pray with us would you? This property belongs to God - all for His glory and purpose.

Language Study

We have to praise God today because we are beginning to "hear" Romanian. We want to thank you for your prayers for us and we ask that you continue to pray for our language study. It is an important part of living, working, and ministering to the people of Romania.

Mulţumim Mult! (Thank you very much)

Leadership Conference 2008

In January we participated in a Leadership Conference at the campus of European Nazarene College in Busingen, Switzerland. More than 100 participants from all over Europe gathered for worship, seminars and small group dialogue. Did I mention the great variety of breads and smelly, great tasting cheeses served at every meal?
(The photo shows the 1,000 year old St. Michael's church near the campus)

Frozen Tree Art

The frozen trees are spectacular! We are amazed as we drive around Bucharest at the incredible beauty of the ice covered trees. People are slowly clearing side streets and walk ways. It didn't snow at all last winter and this is the most snow Romania has seen in many years.

Winter in Bucharest

It has been below freezing for a week. We had about 2 feet of snow that fell one night. So the neighbors and I got out and shoveled snow to clear our street. It was fun, but I hope we don't have more fun this winter!