Life in Romania: A New Transition

I made it. After months of training, preparing, developing partnerships, and just plain waiting, I made it to Draganeşti-Olt, Romania.

As I said my goodbyes and packed my bags, God overwhelmed me with peace. It was not easy leaving the many people I loved, but I was ready for the next step. My time in the States was precious and necessary, but it had been a long transition season; a time of not really knowing how I was supposed to fit in for such a short time. My heart was in Romania and I was looking forward to starting my new life there.

So now the next season has begun but to be honest, I have not been prepared for what it holds. I have been struggling and I realized today that my expectations, while unspoken, were not in line with reality. I thought I was leaving my long transition season to finally feel at home and where I belong. But the truth is, I have entered a new transition season – just on the other side of the ocean.

Let me be clear. I still love Romania and the people here. I love Hope Church and what it stands for. I still know in my heart this is where I am supposed to be.

But it takes time to integrate and learn the language. It takes time to make a place home and find exactly where you belong. This time is just another transition. AND IT IS OK. God did not promise me instant purpose and belonging. God did not promise me speedy language skills. There was no promise this would be easy.

But God does promise that He is with me. He is enough. I have to daily choose to be dependent on Him for my purpose and belonging. I have to live according to His timing, not my own. I have to trust in His plan for my life, even if I cannot see the end result. God is always faithful and good.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

[Joshua 1:9]

Embracing the Uncomfortable – It’s Worth It.

A knot forming in my stomach. A lump lodging in my throat. Anxieties running through my mind. What’s causing these reactions in me?

Ministry partner development. Support raising.

As a missionary, I do not receive a normal salary. I am 100% funded through ministry partners. But like most Americans, I was raised to be independent and self-sufficient. Asking people for help, especially in finances, goes against something ingrained deep inside me. It is hard. It is awkward. It is uncomfortable.

But it’s worth it.

And I have discovered a few reasons why:

• Dependency on God. While independence and self-sufficiency is something America values, God loves when we recognize our need for Him.  If I tried to do ministry in Romania on my own power, I would eventually fail. Instead, I am learning to depend on him before I even leave. As he provides ministry partners, I can become more confident in his faithfulness.
• Glorifying God. Ministry partner development requires me to meet with people, and in doing so I am given the opportunity to share about God. My desire is to glorify God and the work He is doing in the world. It is a privilege to join God’s work, and it is only because of Him I am able to go.
• Connections. This whole process really is about partnership – building a two-way connection. I am sharing about my ministry, but it brings me joy to hear what God is doing in the lives of other people too.
• Provision. It is ultimately God who provides – and He does so in ways greater than I could imagine. He knows exactly who will join me and how much will be provided. He provides the finances. He provides the encouragement. He provides connections from different seasons of my life. I am continually in awe of how God has already provided, and I trust he will faithfully continue to do so.

This is the uncomfortable God has asked me to embrace because it’s worth it. It might look different for you, but what is the uncomfortable thing God is asking you to step into? Be encouraged – if he has asked you to do it, he will faithfully bring you through.