My church’s theme in Massachusetts is: “Give All For All To Find And Follow Jesus.” That sounds wonderful – and it is, but when that has truly become the theme of your life – I don’t mean to scare anyone – but ‘giving all to find and follow Jesus’ is not always going to be easy!
Certainly, the month of August here in Romania was not easy. Actually, it was a constant bombardment of trials. I likened it to the ‘Whack-a-Mole’ arcade game. It seems at every turn, the ‘enemy’ was trying to clobber me – to get rid of me – to finish me off.
And most of the trouble has come from the Romanian government! It’s a long story, but for weeks and weeks, I couldn’t receive the boxes I had shipped out from MA. New rules from the government that I had no idea about. And an individual who could have told me about them, didn’t.
New rules/laws also about boxes shipped through the Post Office. One box should have arrived here in RO in one week. It was several weeks before we could make them understand that one just doesn’t keep receipts on 20+ year old clothing (that I had shipped). Lots of grief over that one box. Thank the Lord for Ovi who dealt with it relentlessly.
In last month’s Update, I told of having to do the paperwork with the government all over again to get permission to go into the orphanages to visit the precious orphans. That paperwork was completed and handed in 4 weeks ago, and we still don’t have an answer!! It has been several weeks here of frustration!!
Are you ready for some good news? The director of (now) two large orphanages allows us to be at her orphanages, regardless. Even though some of our ‘kids’ have been moved here and there, it has been JOY to spend time with many of them!
It has been JOY to be back at Canaan – a ‘House of Prayer’ – my church in Halchiu – and witness a baptism – plus two baby dedications. Praise God!!
I’ve enjoyed having the ‘light of my life’, Ioana and her little boy here at my flat for lunch and a wonderful visit. And I loved meeting Robert and Alina out for lunch. It was just too hot in this little flat for us to fellowship here. Soon, though!
And, such lovely celebrations of my birthday. I’m kind of ‘caked-out’, but the love and attention of so many was encouraging – AND humbling.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18