Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
New week, new kids, new challenges
This week we started in a new town called Bratasanca. And have had quite a few interesting times already to say the least. Caleb has a very challenging group. But the kids are doing really well. Monday we got to have a very good class but ran into complications when kids from the morning class came back to the afternoon class. There are a lot in the class so that limited the amount of computers for the new kids.
We are eating at one of the local pastors house and have been having a blast. They have two girls: Sarah and Ruth. Ruth is quite a riot. Cristina, Caleb and I got quite a show one of the afternoons during our "nap" time. The team also helped pull weeds in the green house.
Tuesday it rained in the morning so in the afternoon class we decided not to allow the boys to play futbol in the muddy field. So the team constructed a huge game of duck duck goose.
Please continue to pray for the team as we are getting toward the end. Pray that we continue to have energy for this new group of kids and their energy. Also pray for the planning of going home as we have a lot to accomplish and get ready before we leave.
We are eating at one of the local pastors house and have been having a blast. They have two girls: Sarah and Ruth. Ruth is quite a riot. Cristina, Caleb and I got quite a show one of the afternoons during our "nap" time. The team also helped pull weeds in the green house.
Tuesday it rained in the morning so in the afternoon class we decided not to allow the boys to play futbol in the muddy field. So the team constructed a huge game of duck duck goose.
Please continue to pray for the team as we are getting toward the end. Pray that we continue to have energy for this new group of kids and their energy. Also pray for the planning of going home as we have a lot to accomplish and get ready before we leave.
Pics from last week.
Here's some pics of the castle and the kids we worked with last week.
Cristina is in this picture with Alissa and I. She's an awesome translator and has been a blast to hangout with this week!!!
Our Romanian team/ translators. They were awesome and made the week a lot easier. And here's some snaps of the kids.
Here's our group of girls!
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Salvation...and Rest!
Three days ago, Alissa died. Not really, but it is the fourth time that the innocent traveling girl with a purse has been "murdered" by a mechanical pencil. Justice was served, however, as the masked "assailant" was carried from the room on the shoulders of an American hero, followed closely by a terse heroine. Dragging the criminal before the judge, they told the story in two words, receiving a verdict in one: "Muarte!" Death for death.
It seems like a nice little play, but the reality is inescapable. We all deserve the death of the criminal - and we all know it. Paul makes it undeniably clear: if you don't feel the bite of sin, you're working hard to ignore it: "For even though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God...but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).
The joy of salvation is that it doesn't end there. Just as the guards were carrying the man to his sentence, the judge took his place. Taking their hands off the guilty one, he moved between them, pushing the criminal away. "Libre. Free." With a short word, he took the death. It's ridiculous. It's crazy by any justice system. But the wonderful thing is that it works. The only one without sin in a cosmic court is its maker and judge: God. The only one able to take sin is God. Contrary to the best human reason has to offer, he took our place.
This is why we are set free. This is why we sing. This is why our hearts should be filled with inescapable joy. Unlooked for, hoped for only by the cryptic words of prophecy, God came to earth and died. We are baffled, and we can't explain it, but we know its true. We must. Truly, it is the only way to deal with sin, since nothing the sinful man does can truly atone for the past.
Our second class in Maneciu was filled with joy of a slightly different kind: American and Algeria went head-to-head in the historic struggle for international recognition. The following American account is brought to you by Romanian hospitality, popcorn, and Coca-Cola (figuratively speaking).
With cries of "Ole" from Caleb and Dr. G, we headed to Pastor Cezar's home. Amidst a patriotic game of Euker (which Alissa won), the Romanians watched Americans scream at a television screen while devouring popcorn and peanuts. Every close call, every card was met with jumping and loud cries. In between, criticism abounded from opinionated fans. Opinions for the world, opinions for players, and opinions about the opinionated were offered with reckless abandon. If only the television allowed fans to actually communicate. The information overload alone would send the internet crashing to the ground in flames. In the last few minutes, the Americans scored, sending two spirits soaring to places that voices cannot follow. A third was left in awe, while the rest remained in "respectful silence."
It's hard to believe that a second week is nearly over. We've already entered preparations to bid farewell to our two classes, and I'm certain that tomorrow will be a longer night than most. Pray for wisdom. With all the help we've been given this week, it's easy to get too comfortable and miss the small, but important details.
...of course, some things take longer than others to post. I assure you, there is a good reason for the delay. Today, of course, is Saturday. On Thursday, we formally introuced Excel for the first time to a class of fourth graders. They learned quickly how to make graphs and tables. The kids also made custom powerpoint presentations. Our Friday send-off became a bit more involved in Maneciu. Parents were invited to the presentation showings, replete with animation and pictures of cars and flowers. Then, we all sang for the parents, handed out official graduation certificates, and took one last round of pictures. Some parents seemed to be deeply affected by our work with the kids, and we pray that hearts and minds were opened by this work.
Today, we decided to relax by driving to Sinaia, a small tourist town built around Peleş castle. Built in the 15th century, the architecture features elements of the Baroque and Rococo eras. It was also one of the first with full electrical, air, and elevator systems. Florentine mirrors, huge chandeliers, intricately carved wood, and expensive paintings covered every available wall. The place was so opulent as to be oppressive. The sheer weight of royalty must have made the family as uncomfortable as their visitors. Several German kings, followed by Mihai the Brave, called this castle their home. Today, it houses an impressive armor collection and features tours in several languages, including English, French, and Romanian. The grounds around the building had many statues, primarily of explorers, wolves, and lions. Many of the lions wore expressions of fear, as if the king’s very footfall scared them out of their stone skin.
After the castle, we returned to the house for food, sleep, and now fotbal (soccer). Even now, American players are losing to Ghana 1-0. Pray for the players and our ministry with the kids.
It seems like a nice little play, but the reality is inescapable. We all deserve the death of the criminal - and we all know it. Paul makes it undeniably clear: if you don't feel the bite of sin, you're working hard to ignore it: "For even though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God...but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).
The joy of salvation is that it doesn't end there. Just as the guards were carrying the man to his sentence, the judge took his place. Taking their hands off the guilty one, he moved between them, pushing the criminal away. "Libre. Free." With a short word, he took the death. It's ridiculous. It's crazy by any justice system. But the wonderful thing is that it works. The only one without sin in a cosmic court is its maker and judge: God. The only one able to take sin is God. Contrary to the best human reason has to offer, he took our place.
This is why we are set free. This is why we sing. This is why our hearts should be filled with inescapable joy. Unlooked for, hoped for only by the cryptic words of prophecy, God came to earth and died. We are baffled, and we can't explain it, but we know its true. We must. Truly, it is the only way to deal with sin, since nothing the sinful man does can truly atone for the past.
Our second class in Maneciu was filled with joy of a slightly different kind: American and Algeria went head-to-head in the historic struggle for international recognition. The following American account is brought to you by Romanian hospitality, popcorn, and Coca-Cola (figuratively speaking).
With cries of "Ole" from Caleb and Dr. G, we headed to Pastor Cezar's home. Amidst a patriotic game of Euker (which Alissa won), the Romanians watched Americans scream at a television screen while devouring popcorn and peanuts. Every close call, every card was met with jumping and loud cries. In between, criticism abounded from opinionated fans. Opinions for the world, opinions for players, and opinions about the opinionated were offered with reckless abandon. If only the television allowed fans to actually communicate. The information overload alone would send the internet crashing to the ground in flames. In the last few minutes, the Americans scored, sending two spirits soaring to places that voices cannot follow. A third was left in awe, while the rest remained in "respectful silence."
It's hard to believe that a second week is nearly over. We've already entered preparations to bid farewell to our two classes, and I'm certain that tomorrow will be a longer night than most. Pray for wisdom. With all the help we've been given this week, it's easy to get too comfortable and miss the small, but important details.
...of course, some things take longer than others to post. I assure you, there is a good reason for the delay. Today, of course, is Saturday. On Thursday, we formally introuced Excel for the first time to a class of fourth graders. They learned quickly how to make graphs and tables. The kids also made custom powerpoint presentations. Our Friday send-off became a bit more involved in Maneciu. Parents were invited to the presentation showings, replete with animation and pictures of cars and flowers. Then, we all sang for the parents, handed out official graduation certificates, and took one last round of pictures. Some parents seemed to be deeply affected by our work with the kids, and we pray that hearts and minds were opened by this work.
Today, we decided to relax by driving to Sinaia, a small tourist town built around Peleş castle. Built in the 15th century, the architecture features elements of the Baroque and Rococo eras. It was also one of the first with full electrical, air, and elevator systems. Florentine mirrors, huge chandeliers, intricately carved wood, and expensive paintings covered every available wall. The place was so opulent as to be oppressive. The sheer weight of royalty must have made the family as uncomfortable as their visitors. Several German kings, followed by Mihai the Brave, called this castle their home. Today, it houses an impressive armor collection and features tours in several languages, including English, French, and Romanian. The grounds around the building had many statues, primarily of explorers, wolves, and lions. Many of the lions wore expressions of fear, as if the king’s very footfall scared them out of their stone skin.
After the castle, we returned to the house for food, sleep, and now fotbal (soccer). Even now, American players are losing to Ghana 1-0. Pray for the players and our ministry with the kids.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Maneciu
Our first few days in Câmpina have been wonderful! Sunday we were able to go to Pastor Ion's church in the morning. It was so nice to worship with the people there. After a great lunch and a few hours of rest we were off the the evening service at a small church in a near by village. In the evening we made sure everything was ready for classes in the morning and then headed to bed.
This week we are are holding classes in a school in Maneciu. In the morning we have 23 first graders. Their teacher has come for at least part of the class both days so far, and it's so great to be able to share the gospel in a school setting. Normally we are not allowed to do so. Being in a classroom helps the kids focus a little better and it makes for a much more organized class. The kids are catching on very quickly to everything that we are teaching them. And many of them were able to remember what we learned the previous day in chapel.
In the afternoon we have a class of forth graders. Monday there were about 19 kids, and today we had 23. It was great to see new children come to our class, and to see them catch up on the things that they missed very quickly. Since the children are a little bit older then know English better, and many of them can understand a lot of what we say, and even talk to us, though many of them are shy when it comes to English.
In both classes we have about 5 or 6 teenage helpers from the church in Maneciu. They are such a blessing to our team! They are great with the children, love God, and know the material that we are teaching. Both classes would be a lot more difficult with out them.
As we continue the week please pray for us. Pray that we are able to reach out to these new students and show them God's love this week. Also pray for our testimony with the school teachers and principle as normally we would not be allowed in a school and some people in the village may not like it.
This week we are are holding classes in a school in Maneciu. In the morning we have 23 first graders. Their teacher has come for at least part of the class both days so far, and it's so great to be able to share the gospel in a school setting. Normally we are not allowed to do so. Being in a classroom helps the kids focus a little better and it makes for a much more organized class. The kids are catching on very quickly to everything that we are teaching them. And many of them were able to remember what we learned the previous day in chapel.
In the afternoon we have a class of forth graders. Monday there were about 19 kids, and today we had 23. It was great to see new children come to our class, and to see them catch up on the things that they missed very quickly. Since the children are a little bit older then know English better, and many of them can understand a lot of what we say, and even talk to us, though many of them are shy when it comes to English.
In both classes we have about 5 or 6 teenage helpers from the church in Maneciu. They are such a blessing to our team! They are great with the children, love God, and know the material that we are teaching. Both classes would be a lot more difficult with out them.
As we continue the week please pray for us. Pray that we are able to reach out to these new students and show them God's love this week. Also pray for our testimony with the school teachers and principle as normally we would not be allowed in a school and some people in the village may not like it.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Here's some pics!
In the Bucharest Airport waiting on Dr. G and Caleb to figure out bag problems. Caleb's bag wasn't with the rest of our luggage
Our train car from Bucharest to Draganesti Olt. It was pretty cramped but we fit all of the luggage and us. Unfortunately, we had to get off the train in one minute with all of it.
Here's some of the kids I worked with this week and a look at our set up.
This was Sarah one of Pastor George's kids that we worked with in the second village. And a nice pic of Nathan working in the back ground.
This was Alissa friend all week. We had to keep reminding her she couldn't bring her home! lol.
One Week Down, Now What?
The weekend was an emotional experience as we bid a fond farewell to each of our three classes. The first week is now over, and we will carry memories with us for the rest of our lives. An epic game of futbol (soccer) ended our involvement with local missionaries and pastors, but before describing the events of today, I’d like to write a little more about our hosts.
We have been living the past week with Kevin and Michelle Weppler. They began considering missions while living in Canada. Early in their preparation, they hit a serious obstacle. Michelle was paralyzed in a serious car accident and lost the use of her left side. Despite this incredible hardship, they continued to follow their passions, working jobs, caring for each other, and driving all the way to Bible school in preparation for what God planned. When they first arrived in Romania, they began work with a Gypsy school, where they developed many close relationships. Then, they met Raul. After giving their testimony, the church told them that for two years, they had been fervently praying for foreign missionaries to come help. Finally, the prayers had been answered. After prayerful consideration, Kevin and Michelle moved to Draganesht-Olt. They began with an old plot that had more in common with a landfill than answered prayer. Trash was everywhere, and the well was covered with the hood of a rusty car. Today, the land supports a house, a beautiful front yard and an entire wing for guests. The ministry continues to expand as Kevin and Michelle build relationships and support the local church. Of course, their work seems easy after the fact, but I wondered about the lows they must have faced on the road of God’s provision. When I asked Michelle if they ever had any doubts in the hardships, she responded with a confident “no.” God called them the entire way, and they knew God would continue to provide, as he does today. Since landing in Romania, Michelle has regained full use of her left side.
Our chapel today was the capstone. We spent all week building up to this discussion of grace and works. It is humbling to explain and simplify an idea for kids that I don’t fully understand myself. So often, I find myself living as though God wants perfection, as though the old law is still in effect – every bad action counts. But in reality, Jesus took care of the action. This is the beauty of salvation: Christians don't worry about being "good enough." We can't be, and God knows it. He took care of that, so that we can get to know him and become like him in the process. All we have to do is have faith and follow God’s leading, as Kevin and Michelle have done. Every missionary we worked with this week has a life story of faith in God’s provision. Even missionaries our own age, like Tavi, have shown a level of spiritual maturity that makes the truth of James’ letter come alive: “Listen, my beloved brethren, did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, NASB). While we may look rich on the outside, with multiple cars and nice houses, it is truly those who seek the things of God that are rich in the Kingdom.
Saying goodbye three times in the space of a few hours was difficult for us all. Our class seems minuscule compared to the reality of life. We may never see our compatriots again, or lose them in the sea of Facebook friends and email contacts. Some of our students won’t be able to practice typing for a long time, if at all, since they have no computer. Yet even in the craziness of life, we will never forget Romania. The memories made here are the memories of a lifetime. The children smiled, they wanted pictures, they waved goodbye, and then we were gone; yet something was changed in all our hearts.
Our spirits jumped a few notches when the futbol game began, only to plummet like a spiraling aircraft when we heard “Americans against Romanians.” So much for hopes of victory, since only two of us really knew what to do. America had a fair showing in the end, however. Sarah and Caleb, our veterans, carried several teams as players tired or left. According to Caleb, two hours of running after a ball takes a heavy toll. On the rookie side of things, Dr. G and Alissa are still alive, and Daniel’s face once again proved that a ball is attracted to glasses more than anything else – including the ground. His defensive skills allowed the power plays that Caleb and Sarah needed for American victories. Additional underground reports concerning my performance may surface in the vicinity of this post. I assure you that all such allegations are either false or exaggeration and hereby disassociate myself from them. Suffice to say, my playing was not worthy of note.
On the Romanian side, everything was worthy of note, so I’ll save that for another time. Suffice to say, our love as brothers in Christ grew as the ball flew across the court, leaving some helpless in its wake and others beginning the complex dance that we call sports.
Yesterday was a long day of travel. Thoughts flooded my mind, as I reflected on the sights and sounds, the new countryside, and the people. There is so much that is different here, and so many profound, encouraging, and convicting experiences. I now see the truth in Dr. G’s words: we will learn far more than those we teach by the time this trip is over. Indeed, I find myself saying “mulţumesc” (thank you) far more than “Cu plăcere” (you’re welcome). My eyes, however, were more concerned with sleep. It's a good thing that Sunday rest is a universal custom.
Please pray for the people. Now it's up to them and the local pastors as our influence and the memories fade. Pray that they walk away with more than a certificate of completion and a new CD. Pray for us as well, that we may learn to think differently, to be affected according to the will of God, by what we have seen and heard. We thank you for your prayers and your concern, and look forward with hope and faith to the weeks ahead.
We have been living the past week with Kevin and Michelle Weppler. They began considering missions while living in Canada. Early in their preparation, they hit a serious obstacle. Michelle was paralyzed in a serious car accident and lost the use of her left side. Despite this incredible hardship, they continued to follow their passions, working jobs, caring for each other, and driving all the way to Bible school in preparation for what God planned. When they first arrived in Romania, they began work with a Gypsy school, where they developed many close relationships. Then, they met Raul. After giving their testimony, the church told them that for two years, they had been fervently praying for foreign missionaries to come help. Finally, the prayers had been answered. After prayerful consideration, Kevin and Michelle moved to Draganesht-Olt. They began with an old plot that had more in common with a landfill than answered prayer. Trash was everywhere, and the well was covered with the hood of a rusty car. Today, the land supports a house, a beautiful front yard and an entire wing for guests. The ministry continues to expand as Kevin and Michelle build relationships and support the local church. Of course, their work seems easy after the fact, but I wondered about the lows they must have faced on the road of God’s provision. When I asked Michelle if they ever had any doubts in the hardships, she responded with a confident “no.” God called them the entire way, and they knew God would continue to provide, as he does today. Since landing in Romania, Michelle has regained full use of her left side.
Our chapel today was the capstone. We spent all week building up to this discussion of grace and works. It is humbling to explain and simplify an idea for kids that I don’t fully understand myself. So often, I find myself living as though God wants perfection, as though the old law is still in effect – every bad action counts. But in reality, Jesus took care of the action. This is the beauty of salvation: Christians don't worry about being "good enough." We can't be, and God knows it. He took care of that, so that we can get to know him and become like him in the process. All we have to do is have faith and follow God’s leading, as Kevin and Michelle have done. Every missionary we worked with this week has a life story of faith in God’s provision. Even missionaries our own age, like Tavi, have shown a level of spiritual maturity that makes the truth of James’ letter come alive: “Listen, my beloved brethren, did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, NASB). While we may look rich on the outside, with multiple cars and nice houses, it is truly those who seek the things of God that are rich in the Kingdom.
Saying goodbye three times in the space of a few hours was difficult for us all. Our class seems minuscule compared to the reality of life. We may never see our compatriots again, or lose them in the sea of Facebook friends and email contacts. Some of our students won’t be able to practice typing for a long time, if at all, since they have no computer. Yet even in the craziness of life, we will never forget Romania. The memories made here are the memories of a lifetime. The children smiled, they wanted pictures, they waved goodbye, and then we were gone; yet something was changed in all our hearts.
Our spirits jumped a few notches when the futbol game began, only to plummet like a spiraling aircraft when we heard “Americans against Romanians.” So much for hopes of victory, since only two of us really knew what to do. America had a fair showing in the end, however. Sarah and Caleb, our veterans, carried several teams as players tired or left. According to Caleb, two hours of running after a ball takes a heavy toll. On the rookie side of things, Dr. G and Alissa are still alive, and Daniel’s face once again proved that a ball is attracted to glasses more than anything else – including the ground. His defensive skills allowed the power plays that Caleb and Sarah needed for American victories. Additional underground reports concerning my performance may surface in the vicinity of this post. I assure you that all such allegations are either false or exaggeration and hereby disassociate myself from them. Suffice to say, my playing was not worthy of note.
On the Romanian side, everything was worthy of note, so I’ll save that for another time. Suffice to say, our love as brothers in Christ grew as the ball flew across the court, leaving some helpless in its wake and others beginning the complex dance that we call sports.
Yesterday was a long day of travel. Thoughts flooded my mind, as I reflected on the sights and sounds, the new countryside, and the people. There is so much that is different here, and so many profound, encouraging, and convicting experiences. I now see the truth in Dr. G’s words: we will learn far more than those we teach by the time this trip is over. Indeed, I find myself saying “mulţumesc” (thank you) far more than “Cu plăcere” (you’re welcome). My eyes, however, were more concerned with sleep. It's a good thing that Sunday rest is a universal custom.
Please pray for the people. Now it's up to them and the local pastors as our influence and the memories fade. Pray that they walk away with more than a certificate of completion and a new CD. Pray for us as well, that we may learn to think differently, to be affected according to the will of God, by what we have seen and heard. We thank you for your prayers and your concern, and look forward with hope and faith to the weeks ahead.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Through Romanian Eyes
Below is a hypothetical recent journal entry of a Romanian child we've taught. It emphasizes (or at least tries to) their point of view. I hope this comes out just right.
16 June 2010
Today, I went to a computer class that is being taught by Americans in my village. They're very funny to look at and they laugh a lot. They have taught us basic typing skills, and today, we wrote a letter. They are not very good at football. Except for one, maybe two of them. During our break today we sang some songs and the Americans told us about how God took our punishment for our sins. They did a skit. One of the boys "killed" one of the girls and then was taken away to a judge by some policemen. The judge said that the murderer should be killed, but then stopped the policemen from killing him. The judge took the man's place and was taken off with the policemen. I think I understood what it meant. I'm pretty excited to go to the computer class again tomorrow.
- Marius
This is pretty much what the children have been seeing. We've started to get into the groove of things and become comfortable with the people who are driving us around and translating for us in the villages. The missionaries and pastors that live here are very unified; they’re a great team that works very hard to glorify God. Our team has also become much more unified in the past three days. Nathan was again able to talk the guys in Draganesti. One of them is already saved and is considering baptism. Both would like prayer for wisdom and for provision. Also, please be praying for humility and a sense of enthusiasm for each day for the team.
16 June 2010
Today, I went to a computer class that is being taught by Americans in my village. They're very funny to look at and they laugh a lot. They have taught us basic typing skills, and today, we wrote a letter. They are not very good at football. Except for one, maybe two of them. During our break today we sang some songs and the Americans told us about how God took our punishment for our sins. They did a skit. One of the boys "killed" one of the girls and then was taken away to a judge by some policemen. The judge said that the murderer should be killed, but then stopped the policemen from killing him. The judge took the man's place and was taken off with the policemen. I think I understood what it meant. I'm pretty excited to go to the computer class again tomorrow.
- Marius
This is pretty much what the children have been seeing. We've started to get into the groove of things and become comfortable with the people who are driving us around and translating for us in the villages. The missionaries and pastors that live here are very unified; they’re a great team that works very hard to glorify God. Our team has also become much more unified in the past three days. Nathan was again able to talk the guys in Draganesti. One of them is already saved and is considering baptism. Both would like prayer for wisdom and for provision. Also, please be praying for humility and a sense of enthusiasm for each day for the team.
Grace and Peace.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
We are still alive!! I promise!
The week has really crept up on us as we have been very busy with the Romanian team here. Here's a run down of what we have been up to!
Sunday
We were able to go to Draganesti to a local church where Michelle and Kevin attend. This church is pastored by Pastor Raul who planned our village vists around Draganesti. It was great to be able to see another body of believers in another country worshiping God in a different language. The singing was also very neat as we were leading songs in English and they were singing along in Romanian. Dr. G. preached a message both in the morning and evening services. Between services we were able to relax in the AC, yes, AC it was amazing after being in the heat in the humidity for even the short amount of time we were.
Monday
Monday really began our work. We started out in a run as we ran 3 classes in 3 different villages. The team really came together as we set up computers and began our first class. It was really awesome and fun trying to teach the kids how type. We learned very quickly to say the home row a.k.a. "asdfjkl;" in Romania. Along with the word "da" which means yes. :)
The first village was in a remote village that only had one classroom in which we set all 8 of our computers. I was amazed at how fast some of the kids picked up on what we were teaching, especially with our limited communication skills. The second place we went was a school which surprising had very nice computers with access to the interent. There were a lot of more advanced students that knew English quite well so we were able to teach them more. I started of the class with perfectly suited student for me. The girl I was working with was learning very quickly but she very much liked to push my buttons and tease me to see if I was paying attention to how she was typing. She was very much a character. After typing with this class we were able to go outside and play "futbol" and frisbee. It was awesome to be able to play outside even with the heat! The third class was very laid back as many of them had been to the class the year before. We were able to be more social with Raul's family as we had typing wars between him and his wife.
When we were finally able to come back after classes the team was ready to crash after the long day that was hot and sticky. It was definitely a rewarding day.
Tuesday
The team was a lot more organized today as we knew a little more of the routine that was planned for the day. We got to the first village and were able to recognize faces! It was so cool to continue our relationships we had started the day before. I had two little boys that were quite the handful as they were trying to share a computer between the two of them as much as little boys can do. Nathan had a lot of fun teaching his boys how to "fist bump" before they left for the day. We were able to learn a lot of new songs from Christi (one of the leaders that translated for us). It was a lot of fun doing "Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes" and watching Dr. G. speed up the tempo. The second class is doing very well. They started Word today. We were also able to teach an advanced class with one of the boys. I was able to teach him the Excel program and he would now put many of my classmates to shame at how much he knows how to do. As an example of how fast he is learning Caleb and I are going to start teaching him HTML tomorrow. In Draganesti, where our third class was held, we were able to really connect with some of the older students. Nathan was able to have some very good conversation with some of the guys. I was also able to start a presentation for Pastor Raul for the Mission project to be presented to churches.
We are finally back to Michelle and Kevin's from our long day. Today was about 37 degrees Celsius and humid. So I am definitely glad to be back in the AC.
Some prayer requests that you can be praying for are for the team to continue having energy through all of the long days with not only the heat but with loving the kids. We also need prayer as we are going to try to catch a train on Saturday to go to our next village. We are really nervous since we only have one minute to get all of our luggage on the train and all of us on before it starts going. Also, be praying for two of the boys in Draganesti as Nathan has been carrying on some very sensitive conversations with them about our faith and how we are different. Pray that we can help the pastors make connections with these boys.
Sunday
We were able to go to Draganesti to a local church where Michelle and Kevin attend. This church is pastored by Pastor Raul who planned our village vists around Draganesti. It was great to be able to see another body of believers in another country worshiping God in a different language. The singing was also very neat as we were leading songs in English and they were singing along in Romanian. Dr. G. preached a message both in the morning and evening services. Between services we were able to relax in the AC, yes, AC it was amazing after being in the heat in the humidity for even the short amount of time we were.
Monday
Monday really began our work. We started out in a run as we ran 3 classes in 3 different villages. The team really came together as we set up computers and began our first class. It was really awesome and fun trying to teach the kids how type. We learned very quickly to say the home row a.k.a. "asdfjkl;" in Romania. Along with the word "da" which means yes. :)
The first village was in a remote village that only had one classroom in which we set all 8 of our computers. I was amazed at how fast some of the kids picked up on what we were teaching, especially with our limited communication skills. The second place we went was a school which surprising had very nice computers with access to the interent. There were a lot of more advanced students that knew English quite well so we were able to teach them more. I started of the class with perfectly suited student for me. The girl I was working with was learning very quickly but she very much liked to push my buttons and tease me to see if I was paying attention to how she was typing. She was very much a character. After typing with this class we were able to go outside and play "futbol" and frisbee. It was awesome to be able to play outside even with the heat! The third class was very laid back as many of them had been to the class the year before. We were able to be more social with Raul's family as we had typing wars between him and his wife.
When we were finally able to come back after classes the team was ready to crash after the long day that was hot and sticky. It was definitely a rewarding day.
Tuesday
The team was a lot more organized today as we knew a little more of the routine that was planned for the day. We got to the first village and were able to recognize faces! It was so cool to continue our relationships we had started the day before. I had two little boys that were quite the handful as they were trying to share a computer between the two of them as much as little boys can do. Nathan had a lot of fun teaching his boys how to "fist bump" before they left for the day. We were able to learn a lot of new songs from Christi (one of the leaders that translated for us). It was a lot of fun doing "Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes" and watching Dr. G. speed up the tempo. The second class is doing very well. They started Word today. We were also able to teach an advanced class with one of the boys. I was able to teach him the Excel program and he would now put many of my classmates to shame at how much he knows how to do. As an example of how fast he is learning Caleb and I are going to start teaching him HTML tomorrow. In Draganesti, where our third class was held, we were able to really connect with some of the older students. Nathan was able to have some very good conversation with some of the guys. I was also able to start a presentation for Pastor Raul for the Mission project to be presented to churches.
We are finally back to Michelle and Kevin's from our long day. Today was about 37 degrees Celsius and humid. So I am definitely glad to be back in the AC.
Some prayer requests that you can be praying for are for the team to continue having energy through all of the long days with not only the heat but with loving the kids. We also need prayer as we are going to try to catch a train on Saturday to go to our next village. We are really nervous since we only have one minute to get all of our luggage on the train and all of us on before it starts going. Also, be praying for two of the boys in Draganesti as Nathan has been carrying on some very sensitive conversations with them about our faith and how we are different. Pray that we can help the pastors make connections with these boys.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
We made it!
Hello from Romania! Over the next few weeks we will be sharing highlights of our experiences in Romania. So here's what we have so far!
After a few minor glitches with making sure our bags were all going to end up in Romania our team met in New York to start the trip. After the long flights to London and a short run to the new terminal we boarded our flight to Romania. Once arriving and getting through passport control (which took some time because their computers weren't working for non Europe passports for a while) we went in search for our luggage. We were a little worried because of the problems we had originally checking in, but thankfully we had everyone but Caleb's bag. We found out later the someone took his bag accidentally and came back a little later to return it. Unfortunately we had already left the airport. However, the bags should hopefully be getting delivered some time today.
Once through the airport the adventure of catching a train in Romania began. Dr. G thankfully knows a small amount of Romanian and that got us to the bus that would take us to the train station. However we weren't totally sure how to pay or do anything else. Thankfully there was a man that was on the bus that showed us what we needed to do and even helped up once we got to the train station! At first we were a little worried that he wanted something, but in the end he just wanted to help. The train was extremely warm with our whole team and all our luggage in one small compartment but as the sun started setting it began to cool down some. The trickiest part of the train ride was getting off. We had exactly one minute to get the large amount of baggage, and ourselves down the narrow aisle and off the train before it would take off. And since we were in the very back of the train we had to take a short walk beside the tracks to the actually train station where the cars were. Kevin (whom we are staying with) and two other missionaries were there to met us and take us to Kevin and Michelle's house.
They have made some changes since I stayed here last year. There is now a good size room by the bedrooms for team meetings, and they have also installed air conditioning which is very nice since it is very hot outside. We got in around 10:30, had dinner and went to bed since we had been traveling since the morning before.
This morning we were able to sleep in a little in hopes to be all rested for the days to come. This morning we practiced some of the songs that we are going to be singing while we are here and figured out the plans for the following week. After lunch it was time to get the laptops out and make sure they all worked and had everything we needed on them, along with getting ride of some stuff that we wouldn't be using.
Thank you for all of the prayers as we traveled! Please continue praying as our team works in Drăgăneşti this week and for the 3 classes we will be holding!
After a few minor glitches with making sure our bags were all going to end up in Romania our team met in New York to start the trip. After the long flights to London and a short run to the new terminal we boarded our flight to Romania. Once arriving and getting through passport control (which took some time because their computers weren't working for non Europe passports for a while) we went in search for our luggage. We were a little worried because of the problems we had originally checking in, but thankfully we had everyone but Caleb's bag. We found out later the someone took his bag accidentally and came back a little later to return it. Unfortunately we had already left the airport. However, the bags should hopefully be getting delivered some time today.
Once through the airport the adventure of catching a train in Romania began. Dr. G thankfully knows a small amount of Romanian and that got us to the bus that would take us to the train station. However we weren't totally sure how to pay or do anything else. Thankfully there was a man that was on the bus that showed us what we needed to do and even helped up once we got to the train station! At first we were a little worried that he wanted something, but in the end he just wanted to help. The train was extremely warm with our whole team and all our luggage in one small compartment but as the sun started setting it began to cool down some. The trickiest part of the train ride was getting off. We had exactly one minute to get the large amount of baggage, and ourselves down the narrow aisle and off the train before it would take off. And since we were in the very back of the train we had to take a short walk beside the tracks to the actually train station where the cars were. Kevin (whom we are staying with) and two other missionaries were there to met us and take us to Kevin and Michelle's house.
They have made some changes since I stayed here last year. There is now a good size room by the bedrooms for team meetings, and they have also installed air conditioning which is very nice since it is very hot outside. We got in around 10:30, had dinner and went to bed since we had been traveling since the morning before.
This morning we were able to sleep in a little in hopes to be all rested for the days to come. This morning we practiced some of the songs that we are going to be singing while we are here and figured out the plans for the following week. After lunch it was time to get the laptops out and make sure they all worked and had everything we needed on them, along with getting ride of some stuff that we wouldn't be using.
Thank you for all of the prayers as we traveled! Please continue praying as our team works in Drăgăneşti this week and for the 3 classes we will be holding!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)