The Lord's faithfulness was so evident throughout our first week. The entire team's relationships with the orphans grew tremendously as the language barrier became easier to navigate. I formed a special bond with a little girl named Livia. Livia was seven years old and had recently entered the orphanage system. We don't know much about her background or what she went through before coming to the orphanage. She had a spunky personality, felt every emotions one-hundred percent, and loved riding on my back, whether we were playing games, dancing to American music, or just standing around. On the last day, the team set up tables with donated clothing for the orphans to choose from. Livia and I worked together to find clothes that fit her and each time I pulled out a clothing item that fit, she would squeal with joy, yell "mulțumesc" (thank you) with the cutest smile, and give me the biggest hug. Goodbyes the last day were hard. As she sat in her car waiting to leave, she repeatedly pulled me in for many hugs and kisses and blew me kisses as she drove away. Livia had so much joy in every little thing she experienced, whether big or small. I kept thinking about the verse Matthew 19:14 as Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" The Lord's love and faithfulness shown so bright through Livia. As we continue into this next week, I am confident that the Lord will continue to work through us and I am so excited to see how He will bring His love to those in need of it.
The Lord's work was so evident this week. Despite my own weaknesses, whether it was my linguistic limitations, the heat, or exhaustion, His will was still accomplished fully. Over the weekend, we toured different locations in Romania, attended the local church, and rested for the upcoming week.
This week, we will be working with the special needs orphanages in Romania. I am excited to see what God will do this week and look forward to updating you all on how He moves.
Prayer requests:
1) Pray for the orphans that came last week. Though there may not have been an immediate life transformation, we have confidence that seeds were planted so pray that those seeds continue to grow into something beautiful and Christ centered.
2) Pray for the orphans coming this week. There can be such a huge variety of emotions coming to camp so pray that the Lord works in all those emotions and allows them to feel safe to begin relationships with the team.
3) Pray for the team. Pray that we will be able to fully process the hard and the beautiful that happened last week. Pray that instead of trying to lean on our own dwindling strength, we will be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Lord's work was so evident this week. Despite my own weaknesses, whether it was my linguistic limitations, the heat, or exhaustion, His will was still accomplished fully. Over the weekend, we toured different locations in Romania, attended the local church, and rested for the upcoming week.
This week, we will be working with the special needs orphanages in Romania. I am excited to see what God will do this week and look forward to updating you all on how He moves.
Prayer requests:
1) Pray for the orphans that came last week. Though there may not have been an immediate life transformation, we have confidence that seeds were planted so pray that those seeds continue to grow into something beautiful and Christ centered.
2) Pray for the orphans coming this week. There can be such a huge variety of emotions coming to camp so pray that the Lord works in all those emotions and allows them to feel safe to begin relationships with the team.
3) Pray for the team. Pray that we will be able to fully process the hard and the beautiful that happened last week. Pray that instead of trying to lean on our own dwindling strength, we will be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Really great insights you’ve shared. This helps tremendously when we pray more specifically. These special stories are heartwarming. They show your personality and I see how God has matched it with just the right person. As a seed-planter, you are leaving the results of your impact to God to use which is not always easy to do. As part of the process, you are yourself maturing in faith. You grow as you sow. Awesome report. Thanks for sharing not just facts, but your impressions.