Religion

On more than one occasion over the last few weeks I have been in a conversation with someone who told me how much they dislike religion. "Religion causes problems," is what I would hear. And I agree. So many people are put off by religion, and so was Jesus. He was constantly trying to teach the religious leaders of His day that they had things all wrong. They were so concerned with following rules and criticizing people who didn't live up to their expectations- including Jesus. The religious people were the ones who ultimately killed Jesus.

I hope that this trip was not seen as a "religious" thing to do. I went because I know the Truth of salvation and to share the Love I have that comes only from Jesus. It's not about religion, it's about relationship. Jesus asks us to love Him and to love others. He doesn't ask us to be perfect, or to be something we are not. He takes us just as we are and as we get to know Him, spend time with Him, develop a relationship with Him, we become more like Him. Not more religious.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were called Pharisees and they were always trying to challenge Him or catch Him doing something wrong. But Jesus warned against this type of living. Here are a few things He said about religious people from the book of Matthew:

"they preach, but they do not practice"

"they do all of their deeds to be seen by others"

"hypocrites"

"blind guides"

"they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others"

So what should religion look like? There are instructions in Romans 12:

"Let love be genuine

abhor what is evil

outdo one another in showing honor

rejoice in hope

be patient in tribulation

show hospitality

bless those who persecute you

do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly

never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God"

I know this may just seem like rambling, but there is a difference between being religious and being a follower of Christ. As I mentioned earlier, Jesus takes us just as we are and that makes His gift extraordinary. "I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." 1 Timothy 1:12-15 He came to save the sinners, not the religious. I know I'm grateful!

A Few Pictures

I have officially made it home! I got in around 7:00 last night and was back at my house by 8:00. I was so ready to be home! From door to door it was about a 25 hour travel experience. As promised, I am putting up a few pictures so you can get a little taste of what I have been doing for the last five weeks. Enjoy!

What If...

As I have confessed before, I am not so good with technology. But, it does not help when internet connections are super slow and unreliable!! I had picked out a few pictures to upload today, but it hasn't worked. Sorry! I am fully intending to continue to blog when I get home because I still have so many stories to share and pictures to show. So, keep reading and you will see them eventually! :)

Here is a story that needs no pictures. In fact, it is probably better left to your imagination. Last night I salsa danced with a large, sweaty Romanian man. I had the opportunity to go to a salsa dancing class that is taught by one of the Projects Abroad leaders. It started like a typical dance class with guys and girls working on their own steps before pairing up. When we did pair up I started with a very nice guy who helped me learn the steps, but then we would rotate partners. So, I eventually ended up with the large sweaty man who definitely danced to his own beat at times! Everyone was so welcoming and patient with me and I had tons of fun, even in spite of the sweat!

Before I left home, I wondered in one of my blogs what I would find to be normal here in Romania. Sometime in the past week I realized that life has become normal for me here. I know which side of the street to walk on at certain times of the day to find the shade because there really is a big temperature difference in the shade, unlike at home. I know how long it takes me to walk to the hospital, to the office, to the city center, etc. I know approximately what time to expect my shifts to start. I know that Romanian time is relative. I know what my favorite bakery in town is. I can tell a taxi driver where I want to go in Romanian- more or less. I know what time the sun will set and what time I need to leave the girls' house in order to make it home before dark. All these things have become normal to me, and I love it!

The longer I have been here, the more I have realized ways that the Lord has prepared me for my time in Romania. Some big things, some small things. For example, what if I had not been teaching for the last two years? I would not have built up my immune system from being around the students, and I am certain I would have caught something from all the sick children I have held. What if Liz had not gone to Africa and used Rosetta Stone to learn Swahili before going? She would not have known how useful it would be for me to use a language course before I left and never would have thought to get it for me. What if I had gone to school for engineering instead of music? I would never have been in The World Famous Cowboy Band, and I never would have learned to french braid, and would not have been able to meet one of the nurses on Saturday to braid her hair. What if I had become an engineer? I would not have summers off and would not be here now. What if I was not blessed by being born into a Christian family? I might not know about Jesus and His love for me and these beautiful children here. What if I had pre-planned my last week of travel before I came? I would have been sick right when it was time for me to leave Brasov and would not get to spend the extra time in the city. It is amazing to me the way that the Lord leads and guides us even when we don't realize it. Decisions that I made years ago are part of the reason I am here. Things that I did not choose have molded and shaped me into who I am and why I've chosen to come. I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21 which says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I'm so thankful that He has lead me to Romania and am excited when I think about where else He will lead me in my life!

Love from Romania!

Cat Lady and Rock & Roll Dr.

I never thought I would say this, but I have become a cat lady. Well, at least for the next three and a half days. Kim, I know you love Baby, but I have absolutely no experience with cats! When I first scheduled my trip to Romania through Projects Abroad, I was supposed to work for four weeks and then have one week left for traveling before I flew home. But after being here, I opted to spend my last week in Brasov as well and get some more time in the hospital with the kids and with all the wonderful people I have met here. My arrangements for accomodations were finished on Friday. Thankfully, the Lord provided as he always does, and my Firm Foundations friends had a place for me to stay.

There is a lady named Jo who lives here in Brasov and works as a teacher at an English speaking school. She is in the process of adopting a boy named Alex who is currently seven years old. Jo is originally from the UK, and is spending her summer there with Alex and her family. So, her apartment is vacant right now with the exception of her three cats. And since I needed a place to stay, and the cats needed to be fed, it just worked out well for everyone. We- the cats and I- are doing pretty well together. I actually feel really spoiled! I have a very nice apartment to myself right now! And I still get to see the babies and spend time with the people I love!

This past weekend, once I got over being a little sick, several of us went to a cabin up on a mountain that is about 45 mintues away from Brasov. It was spectacular! The view was amazing, the company was wonderful, the day was warm, the food was great, the hiking was adventurous! There were a couple of caves that we hiked to and explored a little. They were super muddy inside. Then trying to get back down the side of the mountain from the cave was interesting to say the least. In Romania there are plants called stinging nettles. There are several different kinds and they grow everywhere. All you have to do it brush against it, and being aptly named, it stings you. The route we chose just happened to be covered with them, plus it was very slippery with mud and wet grass. It took a while, but we finally made it... and there might be some video documentation as well. :)

It is hard for me to believe (and wonderful to think) that next Sunday I will be back worshiping with my church family and then that evening going to a Rangers game with my best friend and her husband! My plane lands at 4:15 on Friday afternoon. Leaving will be bittersweet. I have no doubt that the Lord brought me here. I also have no doubt that He is sending me home. But I still have a few days and I'm not writing any farewells yet!

I will leave you today with a tale from our journey on the train to the village of Busteni a couple of weekends ago. In each car there were different compartments with five seats each. (Think Harry Potter) We ended up with three seats in one compartment and then a guy and girl joined us in the other two seats. They were obviously backpackers and were interesting characters. They both spoke English and started telling us all about themselves right away. They had been working at an archaeological dig for several weeks, he was from Canada, she was from France, they were both students, there were dogs at the dig site, they had to watch for bears, the man who cooked their food had a limp, they stayed with a stranger the night before, etc. The guy had mentioned that he has a degree in Archaeology and another in Russian. But of all these tidbits of information, the best by far came when he explained, "Yeah. I'm working on two B.A.'s, but I've got a Ph.D. in Rock and Roll."

Love from Romania!

Important News!

Ok, several things. First, if you click on the title of the blog it will take you to a music video for Firm Foundations Romania. It was co-written by two of the long term volunteers here and shows pictures and video of the hospital and children. But don't click it yet... finish reading first!!!

Next, and most importantly, Sarah Berchtold (FFR president) recently did a radio interview with Dr. James Dobson that will be airing in two parts on the 14th and 15th. That's tomorrow and the next day!!! Please listen to hear all about the work going on here in Romania. If you go to www.myfamilytalk.com you will be able to find out what radio station you can listen to for the program. Look on the right side of the page for the link that gives the list. The interview should also be available for download at some point. So, get ready to listen, and tell someone you know to listen, too!!

Finally, I have decided to stay in Brasov for my full time in Romania instead of doing any extra traveling. More time with the babies and wonderful people I have met here!! And now... go click the title and watch the video!

Love from Romania!

Catching Up

I realize I have slowed down with my blogs, but I really do have lots to tell! Therefore, several are coming out in one day.

It has still been raining a lot! I went to a little village called Busteni on a train this weekend and took a gondola up a huge mountain and then got to hike up even more. It was spectacular! I found a worm in a diaper last week. Definitely not the most pleasant experience of my trip. Last Saturday I ran a in a 4K race to benefit the Hospice here in Brasov. I also got to talk with my dad on his birthday for just a few minutes! And I cheered for Holland in the finals of the World Cup, but in the end Spain was victorious.

I have a new roommate named Juila. She is from New Jersey and has just finished high school. She is such a nice girl and I have enjoyed getting to know her! She is working in a different hospital that is just outside of town. We have been having some fun times together.

David, who I mentioned in an earlier blog, left yesterday. He arrived last Friday to volunteer in the hospital, and even though his stay was short, his impact was great. There are not many male volunteers that come through, so he was used to his full potential- including carrying food, lifting boxes, and walking me home at night. After he finishes his degree this year he will be applying to med school. I never think of the right words at the right time, but David, if I could say anything to you right now I would tell you that I think you are going to change the world. You are going to be a great pediatrician, I have no doubt. You were great with the kids in the hospital and I'm so glad you got to see Budila. I would also tell you that I am envious of your travels and how much you know of the world. I am amazed by your ability to fit in anywhere you go. I really did my best not to act like too much of a big sister. (It is just in me to take care of people.) I sincerely hope that me getting to love on you for the last week and a half has simply been a reflection of Christ's love for you. I'm sorry that you didn't get to go to the mountain with us, but I guess that just means I will have to come see your beautiful Canada and see one of your mountains! You will forever be part of my Romania.

We are working on a project for the nurses at the hospital as a sort of morale booster. We are planning on delivering goodie baskets to all the floors tomorrow morning just so they know we recognize how hard they work and that we appreciate them. I made some peanut butter cookies and tumbleweed candy last night. Many of you know I love baking, so it was a treat for me to get to do that here! On a separate note, I think I have finally fixed the blog setting so that anyone can make a comment now. So, feel free to leave me a message or ask some questions!

Love from Romania. :)

Imitators

Ephesians 5:1
"Therefore be imitators of God as dearly loved children."

This verse has become so real to me as I have been here in Romania. Kids are such imitators. And let's be honest, when they are babies we give them some pretty funny things to imitate. We will make silly faces, crazy noises, dance around like we have ants in our pants, or any other variety of things just to see them smile. And before you know it, they are copying our every move. Sometimes, even the ones we don't want them to! As I have worked with the babies and seen changes in them as they develop, grow and learn I have a new appreciation for our instruction to be imitators of God. Kids simply trust and follow what we do, as we should with the Lord.

The last half of this verse has also come more alive. Dearly loved children. I do love these kids so much! And God loves us so much more than we could ever imagine. When I remember that God loves me (and the kids... and you!) more than I love these children it is a little overwhelming. I'm so grateful for His love! How I long to be a worthy imitator of Christ.

I would like to take just a little time to send some thanks to those of you who wrote letters for me to open while I am here, who have sent emails and facebook messages, and for the occasional conversation on facebook when our times happen to match up. It has been so nice hearing from home and receiving encouragement. It always comes at just the right time. Stacy, your weekly letters have been wonderful! Liz, I didn't realize you had connections with TV stars! Tall Man, thanks for asking about my hard day and listening to my rant! Cheri, I laughed until I cried when I reminisced with you even though we are so far apart! Jonelle, I really appreciate that we carry on a conversation like we are not an ocean away from each other. Ali, your advice and encouragement are fantastic! Tammy and Sandy, it's so fun when your messages pop up just to say hi! I know there are others, and I'm not excluding you on purpose!

Love from Romania!

Tim and Liz

Well folks, sorry, but no pictures. I even talked to a couple of you today and told you there would be pictures, but out of respect for the hospital rules there are none.

The more time I spend in the hospital, the more I love the kids, and the harder it gets. When you get to know them, their stories become personal. The things that hurt them hurt you. The things that make them laugh make you laugh. Leaving on Friday afternoon was so difficult because I knew the babies would be alone until we came back on Monday morning.

I have not told you yet about the long term volunteers who live here and work at the hospital all year. If you check out the Firm Foundations website you can read about Sarah, Steffi, Mary, Alisha, Tim & Liz, and Juliana- all of whom live here in Romania. But today I want to highlight Tim and Liz. They are a married couple originally from California. She taught pre-school and he worked at a publishing house. They were out of the country when I first arrived, so I had already been here about a week and a half before I ever met them. When we finally did work a shift together at the hospital I was struck by how loving and tender they are with all of the kids. The word that kept coming to mind was compassionate. They move through the rooms paying special attention to each kid, with obvious love in their eyes.

They committed to a two year engagement here, which will be up in December and I know they are already wondering how they will leave the kids. I have enjoyed getting to serve beside them and learn from them. I will leave you today with a song that has come to mind so many times as I have worked with the kids- the ones we don't know names for, the ones who cry for so long, the ones who are sick, the ones who are abandoned. I can do nothing but love them for this short time that I am here, and trust the Lord with them. He is the Defender of the weak and He is just.

"He knows my name,
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls,
And hears me when I call."

To Talia

Dear Talia,

What would I have done without you?! I cannot even begin to tell you what a blessing you were to me when I arrived in Brasov! You were so welcoming and helpful. You told me everything I needed to know, showed me around, introduced me to everyone, and allowed me to join in with your plans right from the very first minute. I loved getting to go on that tour with you and Erin on my first full day in Romania. How fun were Traian and Claudio?

I want you to know that you are honestly on of the most caring, thoughtful, and giving people I have ever met. You are constantly thinking of others and doing what you can to make them comfortable. I know you had a huge impact with the babies in the hospital and with the other volunteers. I mean, we all called you Super Nanny for a reason! I also know that the families you have worked for in the past have been so fortunate to have you help raise their children. You truly have a gift.

I hope you are enjoying your time in the UK and I'm so excited that I will get to see you in August! I know that we differ in our beliefs, but I trust you know that does not lessen my affection for you in any way. Thank you for sharing your life with me for a couple of weeks. I loved getting to hear about your family, your travels, your hard times, see your pictures, watch movies on the floor, visit the crazy pigeon lady, and so much more! You are in my thoughts and prayers and I would like to leave you with an old Irish blessing.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Love,
Sarah

Odds and Ends

It has been a few days since I have had a chance to sit down and write, and there is so much I have to share! I will do the best I can! First, I have thought of some other things that might be of some interest about daily life in Brasov. One of the things I forgot to mention is how much walking I do. My house is just about in the most perfect location I could imagine. It is right in the middle of the hospital where I work and the Projects Abroad office. It takes about 5 minutes to get to either place on foot. The city center is about a 20 minute walk, which is not bad at all. People here walk so fast! I will think I am going pretty quickly, only to be overtaken by a local who is super fast!

My roommate, Talia, left last Friday. I have been missing her, but will get to see her again in August! She is doing a tour through the states and will get to make a stop where I live! As best I can tell from my house mom who speaks no English, I will be getting a new roommate tomorrow. I don't know any details about that, though. Firm Foundations had a new volunteer arrive on Friday from Canada. His name is David and he is close to my brother's age. He got to change his first diaper, and I must say I was impressed with his willingness to jump right in. He has added a fun dynamic to our group.

Back to the house, the whole family is there now. Last Monday morning when we woke up I could hear men's voices so I knew the husband and son had made it back. Sandor is the father and Alex is the son. Unfortunately, our first meeting came right after I had rolled out of bed on my way to the bathroom- pajamas, bedhead, and all! They are very nice, though. I think Alex is home for summer break from school. I think he is also about my brother's age, and does speak some English. The other night he accidentally locked Talia and I out of the house!

My final random bit of info for today- Saturdays are wedding days. I had seen a couple of weddings and brides in the park taking pictures, but it was not until this past weekend that I realized the full force of wedding season! I was showing David around the city and all of a sudden there was a long train of cars with balloons tied on them all honking down the street. This happened a couple of times while we were walking. Then we caught a bus to the grocery store and saw more cars with similar decorations parked with lots of people around and spotted a bride. Later, on the bus back we saw a big group of people walking down the sidewalk and 2 brides in that crowd, followed by several more in the park. I am convinced that you could pull off a "27 Dresses" scenario in one day here!

A few days ago I had a braid in my hair while I was working at the hospital. One of the nurses saw it and communicated that she really liked it. I saw her again a few days later and she noticed that my hair was not braided. She came and found me later that day with another nurse who could translate for her to ask if I could come back the next day to braid her hair. So, I got to go back to the hospital on Saturday and french braid Maria's hair! She was so excited and it was really fun!

Nell, thanks for sharing my blog with everyone! Love from Romania!