“Buna Zina!!”
We have made it safely back from Romania and once again Meagan has asked us to give you our impressions of the PVT ( Parent Vision Trip ) that just took place. If you have had the chance to follow Meagan's blogs, you know that she likes to do a recap of the things that took place in the country that she has been serving in. It is a rapid fire frenetic synopsis with a lot of inside humor! It always reminds me of the group REM's "End Of The World As We Know It". My brain doesn't work that fast or at all sometimes, so I will go in a different direction...
The Travel:
Jet lag is real and if not properly treated can cause memory ....loss. We flew from Atlanta to Miami to London then to Bucharest on the way and the only hiccup was in London. They said "sir, I need to go through your bag". I said "It was my wife's fault, she made me do it.” We dodged a bullet , it was just some candy we were taking to Meagan. “Officer would you like a piece of candy?” The officer was not amused. Also while in London we met another racer's parent by chance, Stephanie Broome. We had so much fun getting to know her and we feel like we have made a friend for life. Once we landed in Bucharest we were going to take the free shuttle to the hotel, the only problem was we couldn't find it. However, me being the world traveler that I had now become decided to take matters in my own hands and ask for help. "Sir, can you tell me where to find the shuttle bus for the Rin Hotel?” Word of advice, Never ask a Taxi driver how to find another mode of transportation. He said "No, I take you for $30,” and I said "Let me ask my boss.” Well my boss, I mean Cindy said, “No, we are NOT paying $30!” Funny thing was the free shuttle to the hotel was parked right behind the taxi driver who I had just asked, who would have thought.
The Bus Rides:
To speed things up , I will cover the rides going and returning from Bucharest to Draganesti, Olt. If you ever need to firm up your salvation, I recommend that you take this ride. You will go into serious prayer mode immediately and begin confessing all of your sins as fast as you can. Our drivers were actually quite talented. They could pass uphill in a curve or downhill in a curve. They could channel their inner Jeff Gordon and bump draft and side draft all while talking on their cell phone. They could make two lanes of traffic into three. We discovered that the only thing they couldn't do was cross the railroad tracks if there was a train in the vicinity. Cue Johnny cash " I hear that train a coming.” Two miles away, 1 Boxcar. Oh the irony.
The Reunion:
Now obviously I have been having a little fun with this blog, but now comes the "get real" part. When we pulled up to our destination at Hope Church in Draganesti , we were greeted by the racers who were standing out front waiting for their parents to get off the bus. After being apart for 8 months, families were reunited. We each ran to our son’s and daughter's and had an embrace that cannot be explained. The kind of embrace that our Heavenly Father will one day give His children when they go home. Thank you Jesus for what each of us experienced in that moment!
The People of Romania:
We have never felt so loved and appreciated. Our hostess, Veronica Palcau was so kind. She went out of her way to make us feel at home as we stayed the week in her apartment. The hard working kitchen staff treated us to delicious meals everyday. The hugs, kind words and smiles that greeted us daily and transcended any language barriers. Watching children laugh and play as we participated in ministry reminded us that we have so much in common. To love and be loved. to have a hope for a better future and to have meaning and purpose. I remember how well we were received as we passed out Bibles and eyeglasses to the people in the village. We especially were thankful for the many missionaries who served as interpreters for us and the passion they had while sharing their faith. God is doing great things in Draganesti and He has given a great vision to Pastor Raul Costea, who is a great man of God. We will never forget the many friends that were made and if God allows we will meet again one day.
See You Later:
The week flew by and the time came for us to say goodbye, but I want to leave you with this. There was a special night set aside for the parents and their racer to read a letter of blessing that they had written for their racer, but before we did, one of the Racer's read a passage from the bible where Jesus washed His disciples feet. The Racer's enacted this passage and washed their parents feet. I was deeply moved as Meagan did this incredible act of humility. Cindy, Meagan and I found a quiet spot in the church and we shared our letters with each other. As I began to pray, the emotions finally took over and I was completely empty. I cried so hard and long, but in a good way, if that makes sense. God gave us a peace that He has Meagan right where she needs to be and His will for her life is perfect. I love my family, but God loves them even more!
Thank you Father God, We are Blessed!
“MULTUMESC” Romania, we LOVE You!
