"Romania 2008" Team Summary

I know that I often start out with this word but...wow. The past week and a half are a blur. The team that came was incredible. I don't know how to better state it. They were such an encouragement and support. It was such a lift for me, mentally and emotionally. They were a blessing straight from the Father himself. Perfect timing. It's funny how just when we think God's forgotten us, he lavishes blessings and love on us as if to say "Ha. And you thought I didn't know what you needed." Of course he knows, come on. Psalm 139, anyone?
I can't even tell you all that we did together. It ranged from planning and throwing elderly parties, to doing construction in 3 different locations, to working with kids here in Sighisoara, to going out to Tsigmadru for kids and teens program, to playing soccer with the kids from Baragan school, to hanging out and singing with the teens here in Sighisoara...and more. If you want the "full report" just head over to the team blog at www.sighisoara08.blogspot.com.
By the end of the week, the whole group was exhausted inside and out. I think I can say with certainty that they felt like the trip had changed them in many ways. Although they came wanting to "change" Romania for the better, I think they left themselves changed for the better. It's also safe to say that a lot of missions work goes that way. Many people go in expecting to make a difference for the people of a specific country and come away with the people and country making a big difference in themselves. It is a very cool thing to experience (as I have been over the past few months), but it's possible that it's even more fun to watch others go through that. It is a humbling that is rare to come by and absolutely beautiful.
After planning for so long, it's strange that the "event" is over. One of our major "checkpoints" in our ministry here has come and gone. For me, it's left a little bit of an unease at the fact that June is coming quickly. Another side effect of having the group here has been that I have fallen even more in love with Romania, if possible. Everything feels fresh and vibrant, bright and welcoming. I feel like I know this place, I'm comfortable here. I feel like there is so much more to learn and not enough time to do it in. I know all of this may sound like a bunch of contradictions, but I don't know how to describe it.
It could be that the late-night fog is settling in and my words are beginning to tumble over one another, one thought unable to decipher or connect with the next. It's time to let that happen and accept the sleepiness, so I think I'll take another shot at explanation later this week. I wouldn't want to leave you hanging in the mist, but there's no way it's clearing out now.
Key point of today's entry: I loved having the group here and I am so thankful that they could come. I am so excited at the work that God has done and is doing in them and through them. I am sure that work will continue even long after they are gone. Praise God for that.
So thank you for sending them here with love and encouragement. Thank you for your gifts, both materially and in prayer. Thank you for everything.