A Day of Presents

Today was full of presents... I love presents, and even without them this day would have been truly blessed but how FUN to have presents!

My first stop was a meeting with the director for a Christian organization helping youth at risk through daily programs and counseling, very similar to the Potter's House. She is already aware of the great benefit mentors can have in the lives of these kids because they have been holding monthly events with volunteers acting as a "big brother or big sister". Since there is already something in place, I'm not exactly sure how we can best collaborate, but am trusting that the Lord will work out those details as we move ahead. I believe there will be away because we both clearly want to find one!

At the end of my time, she showed me some of the crafts the children have done and gave me a mug, pencil holder and some "marțișoare" (martsee-shuoare). "Marțișoare" are little tokens given to women on the special "womens' days" that they have here in Romania - March 1st and March 8th. As if that wasn't enough, one of the little girls was there and she drew me a picture!!! I walked away with a full knapsack of blessings and a joyful heart full of great expectation for the near future!

Then I saw Neli again (my friend from the train). This time I went to her boyfriend's house and again they fed me to overflowing... we rested, and told stories and watched TV and ate some more! They were in no rush to have me leave and I felt like they would have preferred if I stay through to night time! When I left they generously gave me some homemade cherry jam and some of our left over desserts.

All of these exchanges were in Romanian... I still am making tons of mistakes and not understanding every single word but these people were extremely patient and willing to help and correct and speak slowly for me :)

So in general I am struck with the Romanian warmth and hospitality which flows abundantly when you they know you and care for you.

Also in way of the mentoring update - Last week I met with the directors for the Estera Foundation (pro-life ministry) and they are also very interested in the possibility of finding ways to connect women and families who need extra support with mentors.

I am having my second "first" meeting about the mentoring ministry on March 11th, so another date to pray for!

I'll be away from March 1-8th on my GEM retreat with the Romania team ... IN GREECE. I am very excited about this as you can imagine. We are driving to keep expenses down so that might be a bit of a challenge, but well worth it.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It means so much to me that you are "with" me in this venture.