I am amazed at how God works. We brought bags full of humanitarian aid for the children in need here in Romania. We brought so much more than we needed for VBS; we wanted to be completely prepared.
I’ve helped with collecting items for this mission trip from the start. I’ve seen all the items we’ve collected go from our church foyer to my office, then to the gym for sorting, and lastly into the bags to load on the airplane to Romania. From the beginning, I saw a particular doll that didn’t seem to belong with any of the other items we categorized and bagged. I kept seeing this doll go from a box to a pile of items and then from bag to bag. At one point I even thought of taking it out and putting it away to use for something else or for some child in Houston. But I left it and saw it finally get zipped up at the top of a number of items in a full bag and forgot about it.
As we traveled from location to location, we each were able to fit shoes on children and see the smiles on their faces as they said, “Bun!” (Good!) One morning my team and I were at a group home with happy, beautiful children. Most of them were older elementary age to early adolescent age children, except one little girl named Kate.
We were having a successful time fitting children into shoes and hearing “Bun.” We came to Kate and realized we had absolutely no shoes close to her size. We hoped that as the van came back from the other group homes with extra shoes that there would be a pair her size – but no such luck. We would have to return the next day to deliver the correct size. As were going back into the house to tell her, our translator was transferring all of the humanitarian aid items out of our bag for donations to the home. Sitting on top of all of the toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant was the doll we packed back in Houston. Bingo!
We explained to Kate that we didn’t have a pair of shoes for her at that time, but we did have a doll. The house mother said she had no dolls. Kate was not sure that it was hers to keep; when the house mother explained to her she could keep it, she was happy.
Then we got to see Kate smile.
God always sees the big picture. We think we have enough shoes for every child; we think we are prepared. But God makes up for our inadequacies. He saw little Kate and provided for her by using us and a doll from Houston, Texas. I will never forget Kate and her new doll. She will help me to remember how God always provides.
Melanie
Melanie Martinsen is Community Ministry Coordinator for Buckner/Jersey Village Baptist Church traveling to Romania from April 14th – 24th. For more information about the trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
22 April 2008
21 April 2008
God is good.
I am honored to be on this mission trip to Romania. I have fallen in love with the country and its people – especially the children. When I made the decision to go on a mission trip this year, I didn’t know where God would lead me. But I put all my trust in Him – something I had never done before. This is my first mission trip, and I am truly grateful it has been to Romania. My relationship with God has become stronger through my relationship with the people here.
I have been reminded that our God is good through my experiences in Romania. Whether it is the beautiful countryside, the hearts of those who have prepared our food, or translators and leaders, His grace is always manifested in the eyes of the children. Though we have different countries, cultures, skin color and clothes, we are all connected through our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter where we are in this big world, God wants us to be like Him, loving one another without judgment.
My work here will not end when I leave this country; it will only be getting started. I can’t wait to get back home and share with my family and friends the wonderful experiences I have had here. I want to return to Romania with more people to bring them to the group homes, orphanage, Bethany Baptist Church and Buckner’s Day Center so that they may experience for themselves God’s presence here.
My prayer for all of us is that we live the life God intended for us as believers and messengers of His word. I will never forget Romania and my experiences from this trip.
Sandy
Sandy Rodriguez is a Jersey Village Baptist Church member traveling to Romania with Buckner from April 14th – 24th. For more information about the trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
I have been reminded that our God is good through my experiences in Romania. Whether it is the beautiful countryside, the hearts of those who have prepared our food, or translators and leaders, His grace is always manifested in the eyes of the children. Though we have different countries, cultures, skin color and clothes, we are all connected through our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter where we are in this big world, God wants us to be like Him, loving one another without judgment.
My work here will not end when I leave this country; it will only be getting started. I can’t wait to get back home and share with my family and friends the wonderful experiences I have had here. I want to return to Romania with more people to bring them to the group homes, orphanage, Bethany Baptist Church and Buckner’s Day Center so that they may experience for themselves God’s presence here.
My prayer for all of us is that we live the life God intended for us as believers and messengers of His word. I will never forget Romania and my experiences from this trip.
Sandy
Sandy Rodriguez is a Jersey Village Baptist Church member traveling to Romania with Buckner from April 14th – 24th. For more information about the trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
20 April 2008
Communty Ministry
There is just something about Romanian church that cleanses the soul. Ever since my first visit to Romania over 10 years ago, I find such peace in a Romanian worship service. Maybe it is the voice of God speaking to you through a Romanian woman’s prayer. Or, maybe it is the sound of angels singing from the choir in their beautiful language. Maybe it is just the complete authenticity with which they worship. None-the-less, God is obviously in this place.
I will never forget my first time to attend a Romanian church service. It had been snowing for three days straight. When we arrived at the church the parking lot was completely empty. I assumed we would be the only ones in attendance. However, much to my surprise the church was packed. I could not help but think of all the excuses I look for to skip church and these members walked to church in the snow!
Though yesterday was Palm Sunday in Romania, the theme for the day seemed to be community service. As members of Jersey Village Baptist Church shared their testimonies and songs, Pastor Ed Hogan and the local pastor, Marius Patric challenged members of both churches to get involved in their community. I have hope that this message is being heard. Members of JVBC are engaged both internationally and locally with Buckner and other ministries. Youth members of Bethany Baptist Church in Tarnaveni, Romania, are also leading the way by volunteering on a weekly basis at the Buckner Day Center and the local group homes.
Though thousands of miles apart from each other, both local congregations share the vision that they must rise up and “Go Somewhere, Be a Voice, or Do Something.” Both realize that the time has come for the local body of believers in Romania and the United States to personally get involved with missions and service. Sometimes we just have to travel halfway around the world to get the message!
Jon
Jon Hogg is director/team leader for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston. He has travelled to Romania with Jersey Village Baptist Church from April 14-24. For more information about Buckner missions go to www.itsyourmission.com or to follow Pastor Ed Hogan’s blog during their trip visit www.xanga.com/jvbc.
I will never forget my first time to attend a Romanian church service. It had been snowing for three days straight. When we arrived at the church the parking lot was completely empty. I assumed we would be the only ones in attendance. However, much to my surprise the church was packed. I could not help but think of all the excuses I look for to skip church and these members walked to church in the snow!
Though yesterday was Palm Sunday in Romania, the theme for the day seemed to be community service. As members of Jersey Village Baptist Church shared their testimonies and songs, Pastor Ed Hogan and the local pastor, Marius Patric challenged members of both churches to get involved in their community. I have hope that this message is being heard. Members of JVBC are engaged both internationally and locally with Buckner and other ministries. Youth members of Bethany Baptist Church in Tarnaveni, Romania, are also leading the way by volunteering on a weekly basis at the Buckner Day Center and the local group homes.
Though thousands of miles apart from each other, both local congregations share the vision that they must rise up and “Go Somewhere, Be a Voice, or Do Something.” Both realize that the time has come for the local body of believers in Romania and the United States to personally get involved with missions and service. Sometimes we just have to travel halfway around the world to get the message!
Jon
Jon Hogg is director/team leader for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston. He has travelled to Romania with Jersey Village Baptist Church from April 14-24. For more information about Buckner missions go to www.itsyourmission.com or to follow Pastor Ed Hogan’s blog during their trip visit www.xanga.com/jvbc.
Good Work
Buckner has chosen a good work in Tarnavani, Romania. They have chosen to open a Day Center for Children from an impoverished neighborhood. You walk up the side walk and see a building that is somewhat nicer than those that surround it, but not dramatically so. The building was provided to Buckner by the government. In return the government uses the bottom floor and Buckner gets the upper two. It is not until you walk up to the second floor that you realize how nice things really are in the Day Center.
A mission group saw the need and responded with a generous gift. That floor is beautiful and clean and well furnished for these children’s needs. I happen to know the major donor and I am not at all shocked by his generosity. I can see his face as he saw the immense need and responded. It is not the first or last time that he became an advocate for children across this globe.
The neighborhood can only be described as a ghetto. The majority of the people that live in this neighborhood are Roma (Gypsy). There are huge buildings with no indoor plumbing. We saw children urinate in the streets. We saw laundry hanging in trees. I wondered how anyone could live like this.
We began to do what we could. Some of us dug up the hedge that lined the sidewalk entrance in front. Those plants would be moved out back to form a hedge around the back fence. In the hedge’s place we would plant what the locals called pine trees. We did what we could with rakes and shovels to level everything out and make it look nice. We had shovels but we needed a tractor with a box blade. Others went to the third floor to scrape years and years and layers and layers of old paint off the walls.
As we worked, the children came to watch. They were as beautiful as the other children that we had seen, but they had an edge to them. They had been raised to beg and even at their young age they had a group mentality. They were looking for a handout. It was hard not to give them a little something. They needed baths and new clothes. They had seen things at eight or nine that I had never seen. My heart broke.
I came to this place with a few preconceived ideas of what Gypsies would be like. I had seen the caricatures of them on American TV and wondered where myth ended and truth began. The special I watched on National Geographic Television served me better in being realistic, but television never captures the smells and sounds as well as face to face encounters. Extreme poverty can almost be tasted. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Buckner has chosen a good work. They are helping the “least of these.” They are working with a local Baptist church to encourage them to reach out to these folks. It is a long road and a hard road, but it a good road.
Lest you think that I am myopic and ethno centric; I had an epiphany of my own. We have a ghetto not too far from our church. It is filled with poor children and families. The needs are so great. It would be so easy to lean on old prejudices and preconceived notions and look the other way.
Buckner has chosen a good work in Tiarnevi, Romania. They have also provided us opportunities to serve our local community. Will we choose to do a good work as well?
Ed Hogan is Pastor at Jersey Village Baptist Church. His church has travelled to Romania with Buckner from April 14-24. For more information about missions go to www.itsyourmission.com or to follow Pastor Hogan's blog go to www.xanga/jvbc.
A mission group saw the need and responded with a generous gift. That floor is beautiful and clean and well furnished for these children’s needs. I happen to know the major donor and I am not at all shocked by his generosity. I can see his face as he saw the immense need and responded. It is not the first or last time that he became an advocate for children across this globe.
The neighborhood can only be described as a ghetto. The majority of the people that live in this neighborhood are Roma (Gypsy). There are huge buildings with no indoor plumbing. We saw children urinate in the streets. We saw laundry hanging in trees. I wondered how anyone could live like this.
We began to do what we could. Some of us dug up the hedge that lined the sidewalk entrance in front. Those plants would be moved out back to form a hedge around the back fence. In the hedge’s place we would plant what the locals called pine trees. We did what we could with rakes and shovels to level everything out and make it look nice. We had shovels but we needed a tractor with a box blade. Others went to the third floor to scrape years and years and layers and layers of old paint off the walls.
As we worked, the children came to watch. They were as beautiful as the other children that we had seen, but they had an edge to them. They had been raised to beg and even at their young age they had a group mentality. They were looking for a handout. It was hard not to give them a little something. They needed baths and new clothes. They had seen things at eight or nine that I had never seen. My heart broke.
I came to this place with a few preconceived ideas of what Gypsies would be like. I had seen the caricatures of them on American TV and wondered where myth ended and truth began. The special I watched on National Geographic Television served me better in being realistic, but television never captures the smells and sounds as well as face to face encounters. Extreme poverty can almost be tasted. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Buckner has chosen a good work. They are helping the “least of these.” They are working with a local Baptist church to encourage them to reach out to these folks. It is a long road and a hard road, but it a good road.
Lest you think that I am myopic and ethno centric; I had an epiphany of my own. We have a ghetto not too far from our church. It is filled with poor children and families. The needs are so great. It would be so easy to lean on old prejudices and preconceived notions and look the other way.
Buckner has chosen a good work in Tiarnevi, Romania. They have also provided us opportunities to serve our local community. Will we choose to do a good work as well?
Ed Hogan is Pastor at Jersey Village Baptist Church. His church has travelled to Romania with Buckner from April 14-24. For more information about missions go to www.itsyourmission.com or to follow Pastor Hogan's blog go to www.xanga/jvbc.
18 April 2008
Given So Much
My heart is full! I came on this shoe mission knowing that we would deliver shoes to day centers and orphanages. I felt ready to serve and give of myself in whatever way I could. I prayed and told myself that if I could touch a child’s life, or one of the caregivers’ lives, then I had accomplished much.
What I wasn’t prepared for was that I would receive much. Thursday we arrived at the Zao Orphanage. The orphanage is in a 14th century castle. The living conditions, I am sure, are considered fit for princes and princesses according to the orphans’ standards. Yet believe me, there are many needs; you could see them. I won’t expand at this point.
We were greeted very graciously by the workers at the orphanage. As we were led into one of the rooms, we found prepared for us a beautiful, traditional Easter feast presentation. As the orphanage director spoke to thank us for coming such a long way, I could hardly contain my tears.
We were led to the dining room to crack dyed red eggs with the children – another Easter tradition. Walking through the home, I was overwhelmed with the needs and the fact that the food they had prepared for us was very hard work, and likely took extra money to provide.
It was more than I could handle at that moment. I had to seek a place to let the tears flow and pull myself together because I had VBS crafts, games and shoes to fit on the children. I can hardly express this without tearing up again.
I came to Romania to serve, but was given much by those who had so little. I will never forget this experience as long as I live.
Mettie Hesse
Mettie is a Jersey Village Baptist Church member traveling to Romania with Buckner from April 14th – 24th. For more information about the trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
What I wasn’t prepared for was that I would receive much. Thursday we arrived at the Zao Orphanage. The orphanage is in a 14th century castle. The living conditions, I am sure, are considered fit for princes and princesses according to the orphans’ standards. Yet believe me, there are many needs; you could see them. I won’t expand at this point.
We were greeted very graciously by the workers at the orphanage. As we were led into one of the rooms, we found prepared for us a beautiful, traditional Easter feast presentation. As the orphanage director spoke to thank us for coming such a long way, I could hardly contain my tears.
We were led to the dining room to crack dyed red eggs with the children – another Easter tradition. Walking through the home, I was overwhelmed with the needs and the fact that the food they had prepared for us was very hard work, and likely took extra money to provide.
It was more than I could handle at that moment. I had to seek a place to let the tears flow and pull myself together because I had VBS crafts, games and shoes to fit on the children. I can hardly express this without tearing up again.
I came to Romania to serve, but was given much by those who had so little. I will never forget this experience as long as I live.
Mettie Hesse
Mettie is a Jersey Village Baptist Church member traveling to Romania with Buckner from April 14th – 24th. For more information about the trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
17 April 2008
Worth It
He doesn’t speak English. I can’t speak Romanian. But for a moment, spoken language didn’t matter. Universal squeals of delight and tiny clapping fingers seem to speak volumes.
We were in a group home outside Targu Mures, Romania. This particular home hosts 12 special needs children, and Fere was the first child on whom I had the privilege to place shoes.
As a recent Buckner “Shoes for Orphan Souls” family member, I was anxious to experience shoe distribution first-hand. I suppose I thought it might give me better understanding and credibility. Little did I know, I would have to fight back tears as I watched precious children leap to their feet in an attempt to test their new accessories, accompanied by smiles and shouts of “Bravo!”
I witnessed special needs children open up, play with my hair and hug with unabashed affection. I watched as host parents (my new heroes) chased happy children with unrelenting patience and care, all the while thanking us for coming, stating, “Our door is always open to you; please come back soon.”
I wish I could somehow express the affect a simple pair of shoes has on these children. I wish I could translate the appreciation and gratitude felt toward all those who made donations of shoes, socks or shoelaces to those they may likely never meet. Your time and effort are not in vain – you are providing the avenue to which a child in a village in Romania may experience the love of Christ.
I am convinced the Lord graciously allowed me to catch a glimpse of those dear to His heart that day. As I whispered, “Isus te iubeste” – Jesus loves you – into the ear of the child clutching my waist, I knew what we were doing was worth it. And as little Fere’s face would brighten when he saw me, pointing to his shoes and giving me a double thumbs up, I knew he thought it was worth it, too.
During the hour we spent with these precious children, it became clear that language doesn’t always matter. The hugs and smiles we shared reflected the love of Christ as best we could. But as we prepared to leave our new friends, my sweet Fere waved and said, in beautiful broken English, “Bye-bye.” And let me assure you, dear friends, it was worth it.
Holly
Holly Becton is office manager and Shoes for Orphan Souls representative for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston.
We were in a group home outside Targu Mures, Romania. This particular home hosts 12 special needs children, and Fere was the first child on whom I had the privilege to place shoes.
As a recent Buckner “Shoes for Orphan Souls” family member, I was anxious to experience shoe distribution first-hand. I suppose I thought it might give me better understanding and credibility. Little did I know, I would have to fight back tears as I watched precious children leap to their feet in an attempt to test their new accessories, accompanied by smiles and shouts of “Bravo!”
I witnessed special needs children open up, play with my hair and hug with unabashed affection. I watched as host parents (my new heroes) chased happy children with unrelenting patience and care, all the while thanking us for coming, stating, “Our door is always open to you; please come back soon.”
I wish I could somehow express the affect a simple pair of shoes has on these children. I wish I could translate the appreciation and gratitude felt toward all those who made donations of shoes, socks or shoelaces to those they may likely never meet. Your time and effort are not in vain – you are providing the avenue to which a child in a village in Romania may experience the love of Christ.
I am convinced the Lord graciously allowed me to catch a glimpse of those dear to His heart that day. As I whispered, “Isus te iubeste” – Jesus loves you – into the ear of the child clutching my waist, I knew what we were doing was worth it. And as little Fere’s face would brighten when he saw me, pointing to his shoes and giving me a double thumbs up, I knew he thought it was worth it, too.
During the hour we spent with these precious children, it became clear that language doesn’t always matter. The hugs and smiles we shared reflected the love of Christ as best we could. But as we prepared to leave our new friends, my sweet Fere waved and said, in beautiful broken English, “Bye-bye.” And let me assure you, dear friends, it was worth it.
Holly
Holly Becton is office manager and Shoes for Orphan Souls representative for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston.
Cheers
Did you ever wonder what Norm’s life would have been like had the crowd at Cheer’s not called his name? Luckily for me I will never have to answer that question.
For the past three years I have visited the Ceuas group homes outside of Targu Mures, Romania, and each time I leave with a skip in my step. The first time I met these 12 special needs children my heart broke. I have visited a number of orphanages around the world and have seen so much, but for some reason these 12 stole my heart. Though limited in their ability to verbally communicate, their actions speak volumes. As they climb all over you, wrap their arms around you, and rub your head, you get the feeling they know what true love is.
Each time I leave I wonder what they will be like upon my return, and most importantly I wonder if they will remember me. The greatest surprise came when I returned for my second visit, almost nine months after the first. As I entered their home they stopped what they were doing and yelled “Johnny.” One little boy by the name of Emmiluta jumped in my arms and said, “Johnny, I knew you would come back!”
This time, however, it had been 18 months since my last visit. Their was no way they would remember me. But, much to my surprise again I was immediately surrounded upon my entry by these loving children as they recited, “Johnny, Johnny.”
God introduced me to Romania over 10 years ago and each time I return he reaffirms my love for this country and their children. Though it is not about me I love the fact that they remember who I am. Though it is hard to leave, each time I find comfort knowing that God knows these boys and girls by name as well.
There are times I find myself questioning my job, but days like yesterday remind me why I’m here. There are some that may question the value of a short term team but there are 12 children in Targu Mures, Romania that obviously see value in the short time we spend with them. That’s all I need to keep me coming back!
For more information about our trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
Jon
Jon Hogg is director and team leader for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston. He is traveling to Romania with Jersey Village Baptist Church from April 14-24.
For the past three years I have visited the Ceuas group homes outside of Targu Mures, Romania, and each time I leave with a skip in my step. The first time I met these 12 special needs children my heart broke. I have visited a number of orphanages around the world and have seen so much, but for some reason these 12 stole my heart. Though limited in their ability to verbally communicate, their actions speak volumes. As they climb all over you, wrap their arms around you, and rub your head, you get the feeling they know what true love is.
Each time I leave I wonder what they will be like upon my return, and most importantly I wonder if they will remember me. The greatest surprise came when I returned for my second visit, almost nine months after the first. As I entered their home they stopped what they were doing and yelled “Johnny.” One little boy by the name of Emmiluta jumped in my arms and said, “Johnny, I knew you would come back!”
This time, however, it had been 18 months since my last visit. Their was no way they would remember me. But, much to my surprise again I was immediately surrounded upon my entry by these loving children as they recited, “Johnny, Johnny.”
God introduced me to Romania over 10 years ago and each time I return he reaffirms my love for this country and their children. Though it is not about me I love the fact that they remember who I am. Though it is hard to leave, each time I find comfort knowing that God knows these boys and girls by name as well.
There are times I find myself questioning my job, but days like yesterday remind me why I’m here. There are some that may question the value of a short term team but there are 12 children in Targu Mures, Romania that obviously see value in the short time we spend with them. That’s all I need to keep me coming back!
For more information about our trip you can read Pastor Ed Hogan’s daily blog at http://www.xanga.com/jvbc. You can also learn more about short term mission trips with Buckner at www.itsyourmission.com.
Jon
Jon Hogg is director and team leader for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston. He is traveling to Romania with Jersey Village Baptist Church from April 14-24.
15 April 2008
Finally in Romania
Jersey Village Baptist Church is traveling with Buckner to Romania from April 14 – 24. Below is an excerpt from Pastor Ed Hogan’s blog. You can find the entire blog at www.jvbc.org. As we begin our ministry today we will be posting additional blogs and pictures. Stay tuned.
It is Day Three of our trip but we only had one night in a bed so I am a little disoriented in terms of time. It is 6:30 a.m. as I write this which means it is 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night where you are.
We arrived safely at Bucharest and headed by bus to Brasov which was about 110 miles but three hours through the mountains. We drove through snow for a while. We are at about 6,500 feet above sea level. It is difficult to describe how beautiful this place really is. We spent the night at in Brasov. The trees and terrain are a mix between Colorado and Northern California. Interestingly enough to me; we are in the province of Transylvania.
They tried desperately to keep us awake on the bus ride so we could lessen the impact of jet lag. We have a wonderful translator named Gabi. She is a Buckner employee and is a delight to be with. She is teaching us essential Romanian. She has told us a little of the history and economy of her people as well. I have been entranced by this beautiful place.
During our bus ride they played a C.D. from Geoff Moore. I looked back on the bus at one point and most everyone was asleep. I looked at the mountains and the snow and the song “This is my Father’s World” came on. It was one of those “God moments” that you come to expect on a mission trip. They catch you by surprise and stir your heart. I was moved deeply as the words of the song filled the bus. “In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere!” The God of Texas is also God of Romania.
We are headed this morning to Targu Mures. We will be at our first orphanage early this afternoon. That is why we all came..
It is Day Three of our trip but we only had one night in a bed so I am a little disoriented in terms of time. It is 6:30 a.m. as I write this which means it is 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night where you are.
We arrived safely at Bucharest and headed by bus to Brasov which was about 110 miles but three hours through the mountains. We drove through snow for a while. We are at about 6,500 feet above sea level. It is difficult to describe how beautiful this place really is. We spent the night at in Brasov. The trees and terrain are a mix between Colorado and Northern California. Interestingly enough to me; we are in the province of Transylvania.
They tried desperately to keep us awake on the bus ride so we could lessen the impact of jet lag. We have a wonderful translator named Gabi. She is a Buckner employee and is a delight to be with. She is teaching us essential Romanian. She has told us a little of the history and economy of her people as well. I have been entranced by this beautiful place.
During our bus ride they played a C.D. from Geoff Moore. I looked back on the bus at one point and most everyone was asleep. I looked at the mountains and the snow and the song “This is my Father’s World” came on. It was one of those “God moments” that you come to expect on a mission trip. They catch you by surprise and stir your heart. I was moved deeply as the words of the song filled the bus. “In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere!” The God of Texas is also God of Romania.
We are headed this morning to Targu Mures. We will be at our first orphanage early this afternoon. That is why we all came..
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