Ok! It’s Monday, May 5th now, and I haven’t updated this blog since Thursday!
First of all, yes, Henriette, I have been receiving your messages. Thank you so much! It has been such an added blessing to take in this experience with so many of my nieces and nephews! I love them all more than ever!
On Friday Els and I spoke to the group of women that have adopted Romanian or Gypsy children. I was struck by the fact that all of them could probably teach me so many of life’s lessons! What am I doing?! Well, God gives all of us life lessons that we can share with those around us. I told these ladies that they need to come to Canada and teach us a few things! The morning went very well. Hearts were touched. I believe God put this opportunity in my lap, and I’m so thankful to grab it! Life is simple here. Opportunities abound to share about the hope in Jesus Christ!
Many people seem to have an attitude of resignation or maybe disillusion here - though usually not the Christians. One typical example would be the line-ups in the grocery
stores. They have only had these larger grocery stores in the past two years, and so for the first time have several tellers. Even if one line-up is long, and the other is empty, they just stand and patiently wait in line - while we would impatiently scan every line to see which one is shortest!! It is also very recognizable in conversations. We are sooo spoiled - and I’m not sure we’re the better for it...
Now...we have a big problem! Though we miss everyone at home, we feel we are leaving too soon! Gerrit said that if someone would ask him if he could imagine going back, he would probably answer, “I can’t imagine not going back! I think, I’ll just go check up on the guys at home, and say, ‘see ya in five weeks’!”.
The driving here is crazy! Like Gerrit said, ”It feels like we’re on a road derby at all times!” Personally, I kind of like it. They always seem to take the inside corner, whether it’s on their lane or not, park on sidewalks, careen around potholes, and passing - with one second space to get in their own lane! And...they
all get away with it!
Ed, Els, Gerrit and I took Peter and Hayley out for supper tonight. It was so so good! Great company, delicious food, and meaningful conversation. What more could we ask for?!
Hayley has been baking for the crew... cookies, muffins, more cookies and more muffins! Thank you Hayley! That really was a sweet touch!
On Saturday the whole team went by train to Sighisoara, to Dracula’s castle. Not the Dracula of Hollywood - in fact, it has no resemblance! It was such a beautiful area with the oldest and most beautiful graveyard (if you can even imagine that)I have ever seen or imagined. Huge, mature trees, vines, and moss all on rolling type hills.
My highlight was eating a traditional Romanian meal. I ordered the Chef’s special, and wow! Was it ever amazing! Gerrit, Ed, and Els helped me eat it.. and I still had plenty!
My lowest point of the day was when all three of our little daughters needed to go bathroom in the train station. First of all, we had to pay 1 Lei each, which is the equivalent of about 50 cents each. There was actually
a woman behind a little window, collecting money and handing out a little piece of toilet paper. I could handle all this. I had been in Europe now for a 2 12 weeks! The bathrooms were so incredibly filthy, and I was getting more frustrated by the second trying to help the little ones to “go” without touching anything, and such limited supplies! My anger and frustration was rising rapidly. I could barely contain myself or express myself. Well, I just about lost it! I still felt mad several minutes later! And, yep, I did need to repent of my most spoiled attitude and apologize to my girls too. You know how the saying goes, trials not only developes character, it reveals character. I had failed miserably - and with such a ridiculous insignificant circumstance!
We all got home and decided to fend for ourselves for supper. After supper we were going to get the little girls ready for bed, when Rochelle just breaks out into wails and tears. We inquired as to her problem and she said, “I didn’t even get to do anything today!”. Again the proof that girls just need to be busy building relationships instead
of accomplishing things! It was quite hilarious!
Sunday we went to church in the village of Lodroman (where we installed the outhouse). It’s a tiny and new church gathering, with only a few attending. The Christians here have such a heart for the people of these villages! The dirt road to Lodroman is full of pot-holes! No signs to this village... there could be many more tucked away in all those hills! Most of the older population can’t read, so they are totally dependent on others to learn about God.
Monday!
We’re leaving today... We packed up the camper, and left Father’s House and met everyone at the Center of Hope at around 8:00am. From there we went to Nelu’s apartment in Copsa Mica to hear his testimony. Copsa Mica is a village near Medias, and is the most polluted area in all of Europe. Three of Nelu’s children suffer from lead poisoning. They are very tiny, have learning problems, and are very unhealthy. There is nothing they can do about this...there is no cure. He is a man that went from being an alcoholic that beat and tortured his wife, to giving his life to Jesus.
What a change that brought to him! What an amazing work of God in his life, and what a testimony of God’s grace!
Many of the team and staff assured us of their prayers for safe travel. Gigi, one of the staff, gave us a farewell gift... it is most unique. He made a crown of thorns. It is beautiful! We were so touched by his thoughtfulness! Then after a group picture and many hugs and some tears we were off once again...en route to Amsterdam!
Tuesday, May 6th
Gerrit drove until 9:30pm (Romanian time) and we slept at a truck stop just outside the Austrian border. At 6:30am we were off again, some still sleeping. We stopped for gas 1 ½ hours later, and made breakfast. After breakfast and devotions, Gerrit asked us all what we liked best about Romania...
Our highlights:
Rochelle - I liked the Father’s House and my bed, because it was cool. The best, best thing was that Daddy and Mommy were there.
Mikayla - I liked being with the Romanian kids and having a nice vacation and it was fun doing odd jobs.
Shauna - Well, the
work wasn’t really work! It was fun meeting and getting to know Peter and his family better, and it was nice to get to know the people on the team.
Justin - I liked everything - I liked working on the building project and working with the kids. I also liked getting to know the team better.
Joni - Working with the Gypsy kids was definitely a highlight for me - just seeing how open and excited they were to hear about Jesus. It was also really neat to see how even though their families had nothing, they were still eager to give so much to us. Staying at Rita’s house was also very unique, and a wonderful experience!
Jane - How can I put this into words? I loved the fact that our hearts were knit together, especially with Peter, Hayley, and the staff, so quickly. I also really enjoyed the simplicity of life - they don’t have a huge hoopla for everything. It was very refreshing.
Gerrit - Everything! It was kind of neat getting to know the people there and seeing how they serve God. All over - Cuba, Africa, etc - we
are told how they so dramatically serve God. Here, they quietly, reservedly serve God, but they love Him every bit as much! It is not about the way you worship - it’s about your heart.
Reflecting on all this as we’re driving (in Germany now), I’m reminded of all the people who have invested in this project. I hope that the travel blog has helped you to get a glimpse of what you were involved in as well. I believe you have invested in eternity, and I pray that all you’ve done will continue to ripple in the ocean of eternity! We’re so thankful for your love, prayers, gifts, and support - to us - and to a people you don’t even know and have never met. We pray that God would reward you and bless you!
We are on our way to Henita’s now... plan to take her and the kids out for supper (Henrik is away on an exchange with his students) and then head out very early in the morning towards Amsterdam. I probably won’t have opportunity to give any more updates...
To Ed, Els, and the rest of the team:
We have
sooo enjoyed traveling with you and being in Romania with the rest of you! You are ever more special in our hearts than ever before!
Traveling is going well, but kind of different without Ed, Els and family. Next time, Lord willing, we go “samme uit, samme thuis!” See, I’m getting too close to Holland! I’m reverting back to dutch! Translation: We go out together, and home together!
Take care, all of you!
Love from the Bezooyen family!
Germany's Flag
Map of Germany