a) it doesn't exist and never happened.
b) I won't come back and revisit memories and stories.
c) I'll forget everything. People, places, lessons learned.
No way! God has done incredible things this past year and I continue to stand in awe of his grace and wonder. I continue to learn new lessons from the experience. I don't think it will ever really be "over" in my heart or mind. God will continue to shape my life emerging from this amazing experience. Romania has shaped another new beginning, where another new story will be written. Our God is the ultimate planner and weaver. I'm sure that he will continue to weave the threads of Romania into the pattern that remains to be mine and I can't wait to see how that looks...how he does that.
Here are a couple of things that I want to share with you as I end this blog. I am working on uploading lots of pictures from the past year. I hadn't done it as the year went on for multiple reasons, but now I have time to do it and hope that some of you will enjoy them. I'll slowly add album by album. So I hope you revisit and share in the memories as I do.
http://melneurope.shutterfly.com/action/
Also, after my time in the Ukraine, I had said that I would post entries elsewhere to read about that experience. I never did, but I have had them all this time saved on my computer. Now as I make this transition, I think it's time to share. This blog is a one time only type of thing. The only posts you'll see on it are the ones there already. And take your time reading them. There's a lot to be read so if you get bored...read it piece by piece. I promise it's worth it.
www.melukraine.blogspot.com
Lastly, I want to tell you that I do intend to start another blog about my experiences this summer and upcoming in college. I'm not sure when I'll begin that one, but I will be sure to post the new address on here when it does. Again, I know for sure that God will be weaving my past experiences with my new ones and it could (will!) get interesting. So I hope you take the time to follow me through the new adventures involving becoming the dreaded college freshman. It will be funny, that I assure you.
And the ultimate last thing is a word of thanks. I can't say it enough or express it in words that portray it's depth, but I am so thankful to everyone who is supporting me and has done so for the past year. I am thankful for your thoughts, prayers, cards, encouraging words, financial support...everything! Thank you so, so very much.
Thank you to the Dunn's in Arad specifically for helping me through a lot this past year and taking the time to invest in understanding me and being such an incredible support. Thank you for your hospitality and sharing your wisdom. Thanks for everything!
Thank you to the Rapps, Kazmierskis, Hoefleins, Spauldings, Dickinsons, Faros, Kellers, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Daryl, Grandma, Nian and Rayven, Harps, Drews, TC, Greenos, Jan Francis, Kennedys, Khulkins, Deb McClarin, Redfields, Rebers, Babcocks, Stewarts, and more of course. If I forgot to specifically mention you, I apologize! I know that there are some people who chose not to be recognized and I thank you as well. Know that you all have made this entire year possible and helped us to be the hands of our church in Romania. I hope and pray that you would continue to support others in their missions' experiences.
Those of you reading from Romania...I miss you more than I can say. I wish you all the best and assure you that I am anxious to hear from you! I want to thank Mama, Tati, Emil, Liana, and Lian and Andrei specifically for their amazing hospitality and love.
Also, the Capusneanus and Ludus for the same.
I miss you all so much.
And now I leave you with a verse that I remembered as I began the year and all throughout and continue to remember as I leave it:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20 and 21
