Mud, mud everywhere

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Monday January 3, 2005

Hello All! Well if today is any indication of the week to come I can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to do in us and through us over the next few days. Our day began with a delicious breakfast of omelets, cereal, toast and juice prepared for us by the wonderful Alina. Since our fearless leaders were away for the morning we were on our own for our devotional discussion time, and may I say (not as a result of the absence of any of our members) that it was one of the best sharing times yet. There is nothing like discussing the strengths and struggles of one’s Christian walk and learning that we are not alone on this journey (but more about that later). We readied quickly and were soon aboard our favorite vans on route to Marca the next of the local Gypsy villages. Tony had warned us that this would be the muddiest of the villages that we would visit and we soon discovered that he was correct. The village was located over a hill that we tackled as a group and (thankfully) we all arrived on the other side mud-free with the exception of our boots. The gypsies were glad to see us as always and with the help of a local pastor, Vlad for translation and Shannon with the guitar we sang our new three favorite songs (Trading my Sorrows, Yes Lord, and I Lift Your Name on High), for the people. The people then returned the favor by singing a song about John 3:16 to us. We had left the buses at the bottom of the hill to avoid another “bus-sticking-in-the-mud” situation so after the singing we walked with the whole village back over the hill to pass out the food bags and coats that we had brought for the people. During the distribution of the items I always prefer to help with the crowd control of the children (the hokey-pokey is more my speed). So while some of us worked to organize the crowds for the most orderly method, the rest of us passed out gum to the children. Lots of Thank-yous and bubbles soon followed. Then it was back on the van for the trip home.
We decided that rather then resting before dinner we would go downtown to do some shopping. So with the change of our boots we were back in a very cold Zalau for some walking and shopping. After a wonderful dinner at a restaurant called “New Life” we arrived back at the house and I began typing this very message.
The more time we spend together as a group the more I am impressed by our unity. I don’t know if it’s that we are in unfamiliar territory, so we cling to the familiar or it’s just another evidence of God’s amazing planning, but I have never experienced such one-ness with a group of friends that are quickly becoming more like family. Continue to pray for us. We love you all.

--Megan


P.S. Thank you all so much for the comments you are leaving. People ask me everyday if someone from their family has left a message for them in the comments. Just so you know, if a message was left I pass it on! Thanks to Megan for doing todays journal. Amy

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Photos

The Village of Marca
Some of the houses in the village.

Phillip
Phillip enjoying himself in the village.

Waiting
The gypsies came over the hill to our vans and waited for coats and food to be handed out.

Juicy Fruit
The kids were waiting for the Juicy Fruit and Super Bubble that Cindy was giving out.

Some girls in the village
These girls came up to me and wanted their picture taken.

After
These are the people of the village with thier new coats and food bags.

Thank you
Some men with new coats and food bags.

Zalau at night
This is the town square in Zalau

Comments

[anonymous]

Monday Evening
We so enjoy your journals everyday. I couldn't wait to get in from school today and see if there was a new entry and hooray--- there was:) Megan, you did a wonderful job. I think this travel log could be made into a missions book. Its so neat to hear how God is knitting your hearts together. It will be hard to separate when you return. Obviously there has been a lot of prayers said over you all. I shared with the OCP teachers this morning all of your blessings and successes. We had prayer for the group. Cindy ask me for a picture of Tarl to put on the new website. This is my chance to get even with him for a very unfortunate picture he posted of me with a certain piece of cake. hehe Well, keep up the good work and stay safe and warm. Lots of hugs to the Shaw kids and even Tarlos. We miss them all a whole bunch. P.S. Adrienne, your boards are done and everything is in great shape for tomorrow. Candy came in for a while and went over stuff.So rest easy. Love, Bev - Bev Shaw

[anonymous]

Praise God
Ive been reading your journal everynight with excitment, Ive cried and laughed and have felt as if I were right there. Praise God for what hes doing in all of your lives. Hes bringing you all together as one. You'll never know the love and joy that youve brought to our gypies. Thank you for making a sacrfices this time of the year. I look forward to reading what today bring.. Isnt Alina and Marious awesome...Tell Tony and Jessica Hi and that I love them... Love Kelly - Kelly Collicco

[anonymous]

Hi guys, it is so refreshing to read your journal everyday. It amazes me at all that is happening over there. I am so glad that Phillip got to be a part of this and know he will be truly blessed by all of you and what you all are a part of. I pray for you daily and look forward to seeing you all back home and all the stories and pictures you will have to share. Tell Phillip we love and miss him. - Phyllis Bryant

[anonymous]

Hello From Jacksonville
It sounds like you guys are having a great time. I pray everyday that God continues to bless your group and that you come home safe! Don't know if mom told you but I'm having problems with my diabetes supplies. I'm down to 3 days worth and don't know if I can get anymore so pray hard that everything works out. Love ya! - Kim Newby

[anonymous]

Report Cards
Hi Amy, Could you please ask Adrienne where she hid her report cards???? I can't seem to find them and the office needs them. I've looked everywhere in the classroom I can think of. Thanks. Hope everyone had a fabulous day. Also Matt: Ward wants me to write him a check for the balance of the Kenya trip. Hope your check book is at home:) See ya Friday. Love and miss you guys. Bev Shaw - Bev Shaw

[anonymous]

Praise God
We have been praying for your team too. We are glad for the good reports.It is so touching to see we had a part init by getting the boxes when we were there for Christmas. This is a great journey for you all. I'm Adrienne and Matts aunt. Love, Janice - Janice Hunsley