ReachGlobal Colleagues

Here is our entire ReachGlobal Romania contingent along with the team that came to serve us in Constanta.

Tie Dye

One of my memories from high school is tie dying t-shirts in chemistry or AP chemistry. Last summer when I was in the US I found a kit with dyes and directions that I brought back in the hopes of using it with my class.

On Wednesday morning, we added the dye and wrapped up the shirts to sit until Friday morning when we rinsed, washed, and admired:)

Thanks Hannah and Angie for your photography skills!

Corina applying dye.


Hannah and Moriah showing their artistic skill.

Lexi washing out her shirt.


Young Jun and Precious rinsing.



Jim's finished product.

Rockyu modeling his shirt.

Sarah rejoicing over her work:)

McKenna's handiwork.

Andrew's great spiral pattern.

Emma and WuHan admiring Precious' shirt.

My entire class:) Aren't they pretty!

Bugs

So, I really don't like 'icky' bugs that are alive and moving that I am left to deal with. Yesterday I spent some time at school getting ready for the end of the year. One of the things I did was take down two large posters held up with tape. This is what I found:
I was thankful this particular bug was stuck which meant I didn't have to try and keep it from dashing under a desk or the carpet. The picture doesn't do it justice--at least I feel like it was much bigger.

Worms?

I was so excited to see that nectarines were somewhat reasonably priced this week. I picked up three. They've been ripening on my counter and I had put them in my fridge a few days ago--I like my fruit cold:)

I pulled one out last night to have as a snack. I sliced it open and found a worm/bug/something in the middle by the pit. I couldn't bring myself to eat the rest of it, not know where its path started. I grabbed another one out of the fruit drawer. This time after slicing it open, there were two of the same 'worms' moving around. Again, this nectarine wound up in the garbage. Maybe someday I'll be able to dig out moving things and eat fruit.

As I made dinner tonight, I was thinking about how often our lives can be like those nectarines. On the outside it looks like everything is right and good. But, once someone takes a deeper look, it's clear that there are problems. Even though it might seem like just one 'little worm' the problem likely infects more than just the area that 'worm' touches.

I pray that God would be the light shining into the dark parts of my heart, bringing healing and growth and freedom from worms.

Lists

There is something wonderful about having a list...knowing specifically what needs to be done. The drawback is when that same list sits around too long. I've been working on the same list since last week...getting mildly annoyed that nothing was getting done. This afternoon however, I 'conquered' that list. Everything got crossed off--it's not often that happens:) It was wonderful to leave my office knowing that tomorrow I get to start fresh.

Pray

I use my iPod to listen to sermons/chapel services/music on my way to/from school and around town. This afternoon, I started listening to a sermon and was reminded of this neat song. I don't know how ready I am to pray everything here for myself, but I hope and pray I move toward them.

Pray
Kendall Payne

I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strength all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet
May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride
What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see
May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could eever speak
As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me

Please Forgive Me

I've been thinking about forgiveness recently...wondering why it's so hard to ask others to forgive us.

It seems that when we recognize that we've done something wrong, it's hard enough to admit it. Telling someone we're sorry is even harder, but then to say the words, 'will you forgive me?' seems to be like pulling teeth. Growing up, I was taught that the words "i'm sorry" go in tandem with "will you forgive me".

I recently struggled with words I had spoken to one of my students. It was humbling to approach her. Before I could even finish sharing my sorrow for my words, she replied, "it's ok". It really wasn't. The easy thing would have been to let it go, but I did want her to know that I didn't think it was ok and that I wanted her forgiveness.

What is it that keeps us from asking, or that prompts us to tell others that it's ok without giving/receiving forgiveness?

Complications

I was beginning to think that applying for residency was going to be one of the easiest things I have done in this country. It had really been simple--at least until Monday. I saw I had missed a call on my cell phone. Then, I got an email from a colleague that the immigration office was trying to reach me. I figured that since I'd only turned my papers in on Friday, this probably wasn't a good sign.

I called the office back and learned I was missing a paper. When I tried to ask again for the name of the paper I needed, apparently I asked "why?". The woman I was speaking with seemed to get frustrated and began an explanation that the law required it. I really wasn't trying to be difficult.

The paper I was missing (that nobody told me I needed even during the interview) was basically a background check--making sure I'm not here in Romania committing crimes. I had seen a number of police stations in Bucharest and wasn't sure where I needed to go. I headed to the one nearest my house.

I learned Monday that I needed to go get a 1 RON 'fiscal stamp' and pay a 10 RON fee. Both of these could be done at the post office. Once I had both parts, I could return to the office on Tues. The woman helping me at the post office was extremely gracious and kind as she explained how to fill out the form.

Tuesday afternoon I went to turn in my fees. In order to receive the 'background check' I had to fill out another form--always an adventure. Again, I was blessed that the woman who received my paperwork was kind and patient helping me find the information I needed. She asked me somewhere in the process how long I had been in Romania because my language was very good. What a boost!

So, now I wait 3 days and return to pick up the paper. Next week Monday I need to deliver it to the immigration office. They want it as soon as possible.

I'm hoping this really is the last piece of paper I need and that my application is now ready to be processed.

Joyful Journey

April 30th through May 4th I joined my mission colleagues in Constanţa for our spring retreat. It was a fabulous weekend away from Bucharest! I loved being able to look out the window of my hotel room and see the Black Sea. There's just something about seeing the beauty that God created along with spending time with dear friends. The weekend was a wonderful time of healing after some tough weeks. I'm so thankful for the team that came to love and serve us. They were truly a blessing and a gift from God!