Romania Update: Q&A

Friends & family – it is time for an official update. Many of you know bits and pieces of my journey to Romania but I also know there are a lot of questions.

Where exactly are you going?

I am returning to Hope Church in Romania. Hope Church is a gospel-centered community dedicated to growing and impacting people with the hope of Christ from Draganesti-Olt, Romania to the ends of the earth. Their mission is to fulfill the spiritual and physical needs of people according to the teaching and practice of Jesus Christ. For more information: www.hoperomania.org

How long are you going?

My plan is to be in Romania for at least two years.

What is your timeline?

I am currently working as a nanny and spending time in prayer and preparation. In April and May I will be attending the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in North Carolina for long-term missionary training. I will spend my summer doing ministry partner development as well as enjoying time with my friends and family, including my youngest sister’s wedding in June. My plan is to return to Romania by early fall 2016.

What will you be doing?

My main role will be Director of the Social House. The goal of the Social House is to provide a physically, emotionally and spiritually safe place for those transitioning from hard situations, especially orphans and young mothers, which is something I am passionate about. My role will include administration, counseling and mentoring but most importantly sharing the love and hope of Christ.

What sending organization are you going through?

I will be a missionary with Commission To Every Nation (CTEN). CTEN is an inter-denominational missionary co-op serving 600+ missionaries in over 50 countries through administrative support and pastoral care. Their motto is “Helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary.” For more information: www.cten.org

What will your needs be?

As a missionary with CTEN I am responsible for raising 100% of the funds needed to live overseas. However, it is about more than raising money. I need people to partner with me and my ministry through prayer, emotional and financial support over the next two years. Right now I am in a time of prayer and preparation but in a few months I will begin the active process of ministry partner development. It is an important process and I want to be prepared, intentional and focused as I move forward. However, if you are interested knowing more about giving now, please contact me or visit www.cten.org/naomidemmon. 

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Hope this helps answer some of your questions. I am getting ready to send out my first newsletter which shares more about my journey and how I decided on Hope Church and CTEN. If I do not already have your address and you are interested in getting my newsletter and any future newsletters, please message me and I will be happy to add you to my list. I am also open to sitting down with anyone who wants to hear more! Thank you to all who have already been supporting and encouraging me over the last few years!

Just Sit & Be.

Today was one of those strange Iowa winter warm days. It was sunny and 40 degrees even though it is January. Now I normally work long days and get to see the light of day very little which is fine, but that is what made today extra special. The mother I nanny for came home two hours early with the exact instructions for me to go enjoy the beautiful day. With extra time off it would have been easy to start on my never-ending to-do list, but I decided to take her advice.

So I spent time today sitting on the bank of a little creek. I took a few pictures and read a bit but most of my time was spent just sitting. And as I sat there I realized how little I do that – take time to just sit and be. No agenda. No timeline. I closed my eyes, basked in the light of the day and listened to the sound of the rushing water. I rested. I reflected.

A year ago I was in the most remote part of Botswana, and that month was the last time I was able to consistently just sit and be. It was a month without WiFi and without convenient access to anything other than the land I lived on. I miss the mornings just sitting, watching the sun over the delta. I miss the quiet. I miss the peace and rest.

But I cannot go back. I live in America for now and I have to be more intentional about making space for peace and rest in a fast-paced, driven culture. When I finally slow down I can hear God so much clearer and he reminds me of the things in life that are most important.

Remember what comes first – and keep it first. Be thankful – always. Find joy in the little things. Love others. Slow down & listen. Just sit & be.

So instead of New Year’s resolutions, these are my New Year’s reminders. Wherever you are, I pray you would experience the peace and rest amidst a crazy busy world. Just sit & be. 

"Be still & know that I am God."

[Psalm 46:10]