The Village People!

Allen is the young man from the orphanage (Onesimus) who journeyed with me to the village of Variosh.  He was sent to help me translate and travel.  He and I connected as he shared his story of growing up an orphan on the streets and getting involved with Gypsy’s to steal for money.  He accepted Christ 3 weeks ago and is trying to turn his life around…..I think it was Allen’s first time serving the Lord and it brought me joy to see him giving so much effort toward the children of Variosh.  We spent 2 days with these children sharing Bible stories they had never  heard before, playing games, laughing a lot and sharing the gospel of Christ.  A few accepted Christ at the end and it was hard to say good bye to all their joyful faces.  A handful of gypsy kids even heard the laughter and came in to join us.  There is no children’s Sunday school in most villages, no Bible stories for the children but I could tell the church and parents were grateful.  You will see some other random pictures….the singing group is Lorentiu and his beautiful wife’s ministry.  Most pastors here travel to 3 churches on Sundays it’s hard work and long days but you can tell they have a call to do it as they push through their exhaustion putting on services for Christians who would other wise not have a place to worship.

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A long Sunday

Wow, what an incredible Sunday.  Spent the weekend in a village called Variosh.  I will blog about that when I’m not exhausted.  Today was my second Sunday with Lorentiu’s “clan”.  I say clan because a herd of orphan boys and believers seem to go with him everywhere he goes.  His charismatic personality seeming to lift the spirit’s of all those he touches and his fatherly touch on the boys makes them look at him like a father…..and someone who understands.  I’m really in awe of this Romanian’s ministry here in Timasoara.  He has taken care of me and set up some much ministry but I have most enjoyed peering into the way he touches lives and spending time with the boys of the Onesimus house.  We started the day at 8:30 am. First service I sang and shared my story and testimony.  I shared the harder version because all of the orphan boys I’ve been getting to know had come to hear my story.  It was great to peer into their attentive eyes as I spoke and to know that they would relate to much of my story.  It was also nice that I knew them and had spent the week trying to express love for them in whatever ways I could find.  I did feel God’s presence as I spoke and didn’t seem to notice the translation barrier.  Afterwards the boys came up to me and opened up more than they had all week.  all of them wanting to tell me how their story was like mine…..i couldn’t believe the things I heard from them.  I truly wish I could support each of them……

We all went back and had the weekly lunch after church where 50 people show up to eat with the boys on Sunday.  It felt like family and they try to resemble that since the guys didn’t get that when they were younger.  Then we rushed off to a village (who knows where we were an hour later)….bumpy roads and open land……the orphan next to me wanting me to teach him guitar lessons while I’m bumping along.  Another service where I felt half asleep but shared my story again and sang “light of the world”……thx John for the chords.  Then a quick strange sandwich thing and a ride where I feared for my life……the swerving and combination of the weird sandwich and hot van air creating a very sick feeling in my stomach.  We then arrive back at 6pm in time for the 3^rd service of the day…..i was able to play “Your name” and encourage the church from 2 Chron. 7:14…..the church is so fervent in prayer you can almost reach out and touch the Spirit’s presence in their midst…..then I sang “Our God is an awesome God” in Romanian…..I’ve never heard Romanians clap in church before but they actually clapped when I finished…….they are so touched when you learn to speak “Romanechte” ……then back to Onesimus for a quick dinner and talked with boys for another hour…….one boy walked me to a cab and I’m finally home about to fall into bed………what a great day. 

“But even if I’m poured out as a sacrifice of your salvation…I rejoice” (somewhere in Philippians) 

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Living in the village!

I don’t know what it is about this trip but I feel God’s favor like I never have before.  I spent Sunday visiting village church’s with Lorentiu and ended up randomly sitting by a lady who spoke English.  Turns out it was Mother’s day here and many women seemed sad to not have the families near.  I told this lady I would be her stand in daughter since I kind of missed my mom.  I guess I connected with her because she has invited me back to the village to stay a couple of nights and Lorentiu has set up some children’s ministry there.  On top of that I spent the day with 2 of the orphan boys from Onesimus house.   I really enjoyed them as they drove me to a state orphanage where there were 90 children housed.  They both helped me run games and translated the gospel.  I think it was special for these college aged guys to give back to kids living just like they had.  The looks on these little kids faces was priceless…bringing them joy in the name of Christ was such an honor and I think all 3 of us felt it overflowing.  These two guys are my new favorites and I’ve had many teachable moments with them this week talking about girls and dating and how God wants them to live their lives.  They both seem very genuine in wanting to grow into strong Christian men.  Tomorrow Lorentiu invited one of them to come with me to translate for the children this weekend.  I don’t really understand why they are so excited to drive me everywhere and talk with me and even help me do the Lord’s work.  I think it is considered their chore for the week but it seems like this is the job all the boys want in the house.  This day comes in good timing because I spent the morning praying for some connection with the orphan boys b/c I didn’t feel like I was breaking through very well.  And now not only have we connected but they are excited to help me do more ministry.

Tonight all 3 of us walked through Timisoara.  They showed me a beautiful rose garden chock full of beautiful flowers and smells and trellis’.  We walked through the town square and I bought them drinks at McD’s (which is the cool place to be of all things)……It was a night filled with blessing.

Please pray for this weekend with the children.  I had no idea I would be doing so much children’s ministry or I would have come more prepared.  Can you imagine children’s ministry without any crafts or candy or props?  Well, it’s how they do it here every week…..so I’m trying to remember all my children’s songs and stories and games from scratch.  I have no idea what the housing situation is and I will probably be out of communication a couple of days….so keep those prayers coming.

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The Elderly and Orphans

Hello Friends,
Thanks to all of you reading my blogs.  It's been quite an adventure.  Two nights ago a storm came that brought with it hail and flash floods.  It took 2 hours to get home that night.  The streets were so flooded that cars were getting stuck...so we traveled on foot at night over bridges and through streets and I couldn't see if each step had a footing.  I was quoting that verse that God's word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and it had all new meaning.

  I've been spending this week with my home base at a home for orphaned college aged boys.  It's been a little hard to break through with some but slowly they are opening up.  I just spent the morning playing a form of soccer tennis.  The boys seemed to have fun watching me figure it out.  At the end I felt like an old lady and asked them how old they thought I was and they guessed 22.  I laughed and told them I was 32.  I'm also glad they now know I'm too old to be their girlfriend and besides I'm already taken:)

  Last night I ate dinner with a boy who was abandoned as a baby in the hospital.  He grew up in foster homes and landed here 1 year ago where he accepted Christ into his heart and said God is giving him a new start.  This home helps the boys learn responsibility and makes them save 20% of their income so they can get on their feet in a year or two.  The average people here only make $8 a day and the cost of living is still high for that pay rate.  It's every boys dream here to go to America to find work and a better life.

  Yesterday we visited elderly with a program Onesimus does to bring 30 elderly  people a meal a day.  I was astonished by the sights and smells I saw.  Forgotten people in run down rooms, laying there dying and often only eating what is brought to them that day.  One lady we visited looked like she weighed 70 pounds...she could barely sit up.  Supposedly she went to the hospital completely healthy and left with a disease they can not diagnose.  I could tell this lady did not have much time left.  One thing all the Romanians agree on is that the health care here is horrible.  The hospitals are like visiting a war time hospital camp and all the good doctors leave the country for better work.  I just knew that this lady would have better care that may prevent her own death but it would not be available for her.  When we left Anca asked me how old i thought she was.  I thought maybe in her 80's.  Anca said, she was only 50 years old....I was shocked.

  I got to pray with another lady who looked like her arm was broken.  She got up and almost fell over.  She was weeping because her daughter had to be taken to hospital because she couldn't take care of her handicapped needs.  It was sad to sit there and watch her cry and feel the sense of hopelessness around her.  She seemed grateful to meet me and was shocked that I had come from America.

  All in all, it's very good here.  I'm at that point of missing a little familiarity.  But i also feel more comfortable in this culture and really am learning a lot about even my own life and desires. 

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Timisoara

What a great trip this is turning out to be. I don't think I've ever had a trip more full of visible ministry.  So many opportunities to serve and impact people.  Today I have given 2 trumpet lessons and one guitar to some of the orphan kids here at Onesimus in Timisoara.  Tonite I will have 2 hours to teach a group of children from the church of the Pastor I'm working with this week.  Yesterday was very full.  I spoke in 3 services and traveled an hour between.  Played my guitar and sang, and also led the children to perform "I have joy like a fountain" in front of the church with the motions and all.  They caught on so quickly I was proud.  Arrived home exhuasted around 9:30 pm and thanked the Lord for all the people I had met in that day.  It will be a busy week here with Lorentiu...he has such a heart for the needs of the people and his phone never stops ringing....I am grateful for all the efforts he is putting in to introduce me to people.  He was an orphan growing up and now God is using him in the lives of the orphans here.....he has a youth pastor kind of personality which works well for me.  If it wasn't for the language I would say I fit right i n here.  May the Lord continue to bless his work around the world.

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8 kids accepted Christ

Today I got to share the lesson for a VBS with about 30 kids in Fontenella.  I spoke about the 10 plagues and ended with how Jesus is the Passover.  Gave a short gospel presentation and was delight that around 8 kids raised their hands to accept Christ.  It was simple and pure and genuine and the best part of my day.  Thanks for all your prayers and praise God for new little believers.

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Timisoara here I come!

Today and tomorrow are draining days.  We are doing a VBS in a village called Fontenella.  Today and tomorrow from 9-3pm we are with all the little Romanian rugrats.  It’s been fun so far.  Tomorrow I’m teaching them about the 10 plagues and how Jesus is our Passover.  Praying kids see the need to except Christ as their Savior.  After that I will be speaking at a women’s event here in town.  The topic is hope and I’m hoping the power of God’s spirit will encourage and lift up women in a very destitute place.  I keep thinking of that verse where Peter says, “silver and gold I have none, but in the name of Jesus get up and walk”.  I have so little to offer the vast needs of this country but I do possess the God who can cause people to “get up and walk”.

After the long day tomorrow I will be traveling in the night to Timisoara where I will spend a week working with an amazing guy named Lorentiu.  He was an orphan and grew up to minister to other orphans.  He doesn’t speak English but in the past I have felt like we have similar hearts.  He will be taking me around all week to orphanages and church’s where I will be teaching English, some guitar and just hanging out with mainly teenaged orphans in the area.  Please pray for courage as I have become very comfortable in the last 2 weeks with my host family and this area.  And now I get to figure it all out again…….what an adventure. 

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Gypsy's and Abandoned Babies

I wanted to write a little about a couple ministry experiences I’ve had.  Sunday was quite a day as I went to Romanian church in the morning and was treated to a  fancy lunch.  Then I went to Venga (a gypsy village) where I was asked to speak at their afternoon service.  I asked them how many had ever heard the story of the Samaritan woman and only 1 raised their hand.  How powerful to tell the story of Jesus reaching out to a socially unaccepted woman.  I really felt the Spirit speaking through me and the people seemed very attentive.  I had a bucket there to ask the question of what they were putting their faith in….is it their own ability or in the living water?  Afterwards we drove up and down the dirt roads talking to families and trying to get kids to come to a camp. 

Yesterday was a great day too.  I was able to go to a local hospital and hold and care for abandoned babies.  I guess they are often abandoned and the hospital puts them in a back room where they just lay there all day with no one to hold them.  One little guy Joseph was 4 months old and still the size of a newborn.  He couldn’t even hold his head up because he is never sat in that position.  As I stoked his face and tiny head his little body got shivers every time like he hadn’t been lovingly touched in a long time.  It was a little hard to sit there and think that Joseph didn’t belong to anyone and no one in the world cared about him.  Adina has this ministry where she goes in a couple times a week and bathes them, lotions them and changes their diapers.  It’s a small difference but she dreams of big things in the future.  May God bless the work of her hands.  I’m so grateful for the way she has included me in much of what she does for the Lord here.  She has little resources but is changing the world!

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My Father Died Tonite

My earthly father passed away yesterday.  I am entrusting him into the hands of the Master and thankful he is out of pain…believing he is standing with Jesus on his own two legs.  Choosing to put my faith in Jesus-The Hope of Glory who can forgive a multitude of sin.  “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy….to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our LORD, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24).

I have actually felt like this is God’s perfect timing.  It has been obvious that God has wanted me here in Romania during this time.  I’ve had the opportunity to tell my testimony 3 times already and this is all part of it.  God has brought me full restoration and healing and when I think about my father and the past there is no pain.  Kind of like it has been erased and released for God to use through me as he wishes.  I can’t really explain it except to say that I have peace and it’s found in the Peace Maker. 

Thanks for your prayers as it is a loss but also the end of a very long journey. 

Signing off for now,

Cayetana the daughter of Juan Siller

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Gypsy Squatter Camp

So this was quite an experience.  Friday we went to the dump where Gypsy’s have built shacks on the land.  We brought oranges and you would have thought it was gold.  Not all Gypsy’s live like this but it was sad to see.

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Health, Dad

Many have asked for an update on my father.  He was put into ICU on life support 4 days ago and last I heard he was improving but still on life support.  My heart and focus has not been swayed by this news but I am praying for this extra time to allow his heart a chance to soften and for God to send him some messengers to give him opportunity to confess his sin and accept his Savior. 

I haven’t been as good at blogging the last few days but my health is improving and with it my energy and ambition level.  The strep throat is definitely gone but it spread to my lungs and I could tell this morning that I’m still fighting the infection there.  Cough persists and it sometimes is worse than others.  I’ve decided not to complain about the heat but stating a fact I would say the heat here is record breaking, which makes it hard to sleep at night.  It wouldn’t be unbearable but the fan makes the cough worse so that is the update on my health right now.  I’ve been carrying on as normal this week though and enjoying the ministry God had prepared for me.

Yesterday I went with Daniela to her church called Golgotha church.  She took me to the Continental Hotel for lunch (fanciest restaurant around) and then dropped me off at the apartment where I changed and quickly was picked up by another missionary named Jackie.  We traveled an hour to Venga where I saw the opposite extreme of poverty and was fed dinner by a Gypsy couple that were so sweet.  I was later told that no one usually eats there because you can easily get sick but I was hungry and grateful and Jackie said it “should be fine”.  Lol.  You could continue to pray for protection from food and traffic.  It seems we daily have a very close call in the vehicles that takes my breath away and reminds me of the angels protections.  I had my arm out the window the other day and Adina reminded me that people get very close and not to stick my arm out the window.  It’s like riding on the rollercoasters or somethingJ.

More to come….gotta go meet with the ARC women.

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Teaching in Phoenix for Women's Tea

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Survived Romanian Church

What a morning.  Went to church to see a special guy who is a gypsy lead worship.  They had English headphones for translation.  What they didn’t have was air conditioning.  There had to be hundreds of people crammed into this small worship center.  The heat was radiating from all of our bodies and you can imagine the smells.  As I stood there trying not to touch my sticky arms to the people next to me I thought about the simple comforts we take for granted.  These people were just happy to be there…none of them got up and left because of the heat or were complaining to the leadership.  They weren’t thinking people were standing too close to them.  They were there to worship.  I was not feeling well and felt sick for awhile but was glad God had brought me to this place and knew he would show me things about himself and others by experiences like this.  So it’s Sunday morning for all of you Americans as I write this.  Make sure you go to church today and thank God for your little comfortable pews and the A/C that keeps you from being distracted.  Make sure you thank God for the privilege of living in simple blessings.

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Not feeling great!

So I’ve been having some trouble adjusting to the time zone changes here.  Seems like the old body doesn’t bounce back like it used to…the journey just getting here was hard.  I haven’t been able to get a full night sleep since I arrived and yesterday and today have been feeling like I’m coming down with something.  I’m exhausted, sore throat, stuffy nose and that tends to come with a little overall discouragement to my spirit.  I know it’s the middle of the night in the states but please pray that my internal time clock could figure this all out and that I don’t get sick in the process.  Thanks! 

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Crazy Story!

So as some of you know there was a crying baby that ended up in the seat next to me on my flight across the ocean.  Turns out that this cute little one belonged to a couple who had come to the states trying for a better life and was returning after 3 years to visit family and friends.  Now what are the odds that this one couple was going to the same place that I was?  Or that they lived around the block from my host family?  Well in God’s scheme of things it’s not bad odds at all.  We traveled to Munich together and then hopped on the small jet to Timasuara after a 3 hour layover.  I didn’t sleep at all on the plane and felt a little sick in Munich…..also this airport didn’t have A/C and I was sweaty and shall we say a little smelly.  When we crammed onto the little plane you could tell everyone felt ready to be to their final destination.  We all smelled too so I fit right in.   In Timasuara we realized this Romanian family was going to have to wait 2 hours to get a ride back to a ride so my host family offered to try to fit all of us in their vehicle.  I was so impressed at how they didn’t think twice to offer help to someone.  This culture helps each other out so much more…..like it’s not even an inconvenience to them.  They know their neighbors and look out for each other and live life so much closer together.  I often wonder if they are richer than we are.

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I have Arrived!

What a crazy long couple of days.  So many stories already but I’m too tired to share them right now.  I have finally arrived in Arad, Romania and I’m so excited for all that God has in store.  There is something about the beauty of this place……found in simple things.  As I walked into the home of my beautiful host family it smelled and looked and felt just like Christmas.  A warm meal on the table and lot’s of smiles and nods by those who don’t share the same language.  We even made fresh doughnuts for dessert.  I was stinky and in need of some serious R and R.  We sat around and visited for an hour or so and then I was shown my room…..it’s great.  A comfy bed, a cool breeze and I even have internet connection.  Taking a shower felt better than it ever has…...I had a 3 hour layover in Munich where the A/C was not working….everyone was sweaty and I truly felt at the end of the world as I entered my final plane.  It was a small jet and the seats looked like they were designed for tiny little Romanians…..I was so tired I felt sick and was so grateful when I woke up an hour and a half later hearing the words, “welcome to Timasuara”……not only had I arrived but God had granted me just enough rest to get me through the final drive to the city of Arad and to interact and be myself with my new friends and Christian family.  The Romanian sky was rainy and cool and so refreshing.  Both my bags were the first off the belt and once again I was feeling God’s favor.  My first sounds to the outside world were that of morning doves saying hello.   I hope to post pictures tomorrow of my arrival….that is if I can get the power adapter to charge up my laptop…….for now I’m excited for some sleep on a flat surface.  Thanks for all your prayers in getting me here!  Signing off………..

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Romania Here I Come

Pray for my journey:
Depart from Phoenix 1:40; depart from Chicago 8:50 pm; depart from Munich, Germany 3pm (June 4th by then);

Arrive in Romania at 5:20 pm (which will be 7:20 am in Phx)

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Getting Ready to Fly the Coop!

The joy is rising in my heart as I prepare to leave for Romania tomorrow on a mission trip.  I never realized how much someone has to do when they leave for a longer trip.  Sometimes I find myself getting a little overwhelmed or hearing the voice of the enemy saying, “What the heck are you doing?”.  But taking a longer trip like this has been a dream of mine since college.  Relationships are what God has called me to and there is so much depth built in a relationship when you have spent more time together.  I’m praying for those special women God will have me interact with.  I pray I could inspire them to use their lives and spiritual gifts to further impact the Kingdom.  It’s exciting for me to know I will not be around Americans.  I will be living, visiting and ministering right along side of Romanian nationals.  This means that all the ministry goes directly into the culture and the people.  I will get to know Romanians so much closer because I will not have English speaking Americans to run to.  I devoted Monday this week to praying for this trip and for God to pave the way before I go.  It’s comforting to know that he goes before me like a “lamp unto my feet” and that he already knows all the little bumps I will run into….and his grace is waiting there for me.  May you be resting in his future and present grace too! I hope to update FB and my blog often so come on the journey with me!

`The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Dt.31:8)

I chased the wind, but i chased in vain,

I chased the earth, but it would not sustain

There's only one, Who never fails to beckon the morning light

There's only one who sets loose the gales and ties the trees down tight

When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my hope and stay

there's only one, only one…Holy one

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I can’t get posterous to post to my blog.  Ahhhh

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