Bob Dylan once wrote ... "The times, they are
a' changin'." Ron Burgandy never heard that song. I wrote, " The
teams, they are a' changin'." The two are very similar, except I never
actually wrote my song, and no one has ever heard it, but you could
imagine what it'd be like if I did right? Right?
At the end of month 3, before leaving Romania we my old team, Mosaic,
got the ax. Some garbage about breaking up monopolies and some
anti-trust mumbo jumbo... I don't know I wasn't paying attention.
I had feelings about leaving my old team. I knew I would miss them, but
I mean hey this is The World Race... time to suck it up and move on.
Besides, it's not like I'm being thrown into a group of people I hate.
Ahem... Speaking of segways... I now have a pretty awesome team too.
Don't worry Mosaic, you will always hold a special place in my heart,
more specifically each of you individually.
________________________________________________________________________________
I'll miss Rachel (Rakes) hearting things (that's false), but I will miss
her, and her happiness and joy. But alas she's moved on to lead us all
now as a squad leader. She did a great job with us and I'm sure she'll
bring that same-ness to the squad with her new partners in crime.
(She's really not a criminal... probably).
I'll miss Suzanne (Suz). Why? Well there are at least 80 reasons which we don't have time for, but I'll spare you all the dirty details. I'll miss her facial expressions though, and feeling like she doesn't think I speak English.
I'll miss Rebekah, aka Beks, aka Cola and her bright and beautiful smile
and laugh that when it rolls out of control at my corniness is a real
encouragement. But she's moved on to lead a team of young ladies thru a
dry land, but luckily there name is Oasis, so they'll be safe...
And that leads me to the knee slaps, and Reags... who I will most
undoubtedly miss, which she knows I'm sure. She got me more than anyone
on the team, and don't worry Reags you won't be replaced. She bruised
her legs up pretty bad slapping her knees at my corniness and sometimes
just didn't appreciate things that really were funny, but that's okay,
because I forgive her and know that she was just missing out. She loves
Taco Bell, running, when I comment "First!" on her blogs, and mornings.
She also had a "black heart" but I think that's clearing now, except
when she plays phase 10.
And Tyler... I really don't miss him at all...
If you are reading this at home in America you might be all like...
"Gasp!" Literally, I expect that you said the actual word... with
exclamation. Truth is I really don't miss Tyler that much. Mainly
because he's on my new team too. And what do I think of this team?
I think they are awful... at being awful. Like if they are
trying to suck, they suck at it. If you never really mastered the whole
"double negatives thing." It means they are good. So if
you're reading this blog to see how much I bash my new team because of
the title, you can stop reading here. (But don't stop)
In fact, I like 'em. Who are they? Well.. uh let's see... uh... Well
there's Tyler, Hamilton of course. No not TAYlor. For some reason I
have feelings about that. He's still "Legit." And he's turning into a
lean, kind, English teachin machine.
Then there's Mike. Ohhhhh Mikey Mikey Mikey... I think he likes it. He
is a bundle of awesome waiting to be released on a world that is in no
way prepared for the bundle of awesome that is about to be unleashed
upon it. Seriously... The more he opens, the more I love it. He's
"awesome."
That's the dudes... yeah 3 of us... that's a sweet change up. We have ladies too. Our fearless leader Becca, who had her name shortened because we have two Rebecca's. She's had a short life so far, but isn't short
on being "awesome." She not only leads us, but plays piano, guitar,
and if you turn it straight up... CELLO!!! Oh and she has the voice of
an angel, and not just any angel. I'm talking like an angel that sings
well, not an archangel. No offense to Gabriel. (Seriously Gabriel no
offense, I played you in the church Christmas play like 5 times
remember?) There's more to tell, but I have to cut it short for now.
Why did I have to stop? Well, because I have other people to talk
about... Duh! Rebecca... I know what you're thinking... Becca Again?!
Yes, but this time it's a different one. She's from the south and
flippin sweet at art, specifically pottery. She's a straight shooter,
which is how most of us are except Angelina Jolie in "Wanted."
Anyway... I enjoy her view on things and how she's one of those people
that affirms and observes things that I think no one else other than me
observes about situations that are weird, which makes me either feel
less weird, or less alone in the moment.
We sure are a great team of Americans, that's for sure... oh wait..
Dania... yeah... she lives in our hat. And by that I mean Canada.
She's not like Tinkerbell size... if you were curious. She's a normal
sized human without wings... yet, and if she has fairy dust, I haven't
seen it. She's our finance person and Adventures in Missions
Tra nsn istri a financial tips expert extraordinaire, which mainly
includes...NEVER USE YOUR ATM CARD IN TRANS NI S TRIA OR IT WILL DIE.
(Luckily Jordan McGuffin is Christlike and raised our Lazarus cards
from the dead). She's got a "rebellious" spirit, but we love her
anyway. Y'all would understand that if you got inside jokes
that you weren't a part of and were not explained to you. (I'm
practicing my Zimbabwe humor and that is why it is funny, but you
wouldn't get that, because even this parenthetical is an inside joke)
(I'm working on my Zimbabwe humor.)
Anyway folks... that's all for now... maybe I'll get to tell you some
more things about our first month experiences as... TEAM... UNVEILED
PURSUIT (the ellipses are not part of the title), but until then...
you'll just have to wait I guess... Peace!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Only 500 Words About Romania... (World Race)
...FALSE!!!
If you feel misled, and are hurt by it you can feel free to only read the 1st 500 words of this blog (or look at half of a picture... your call. But if you decide you wanna read more... I suppose I'll welcome the dedication.
By now you may know that I'm out of Romania, or maybe you don't. But either way I am... I'm in Moldova... kinda, but that's for another blog. I just thought I'd take a few minutes to fill you in, vaguely of course, on the month that was Romania.
My team of old, Mosaic, was in Draganesti-Olt (pronounced DRAHHH GONNE ESH TSSSS!!!) with Monarch (kah kaw), spending our nights nestled in "the mission house," and our days praying, working with children, helping with church logistics, doing garden work, and digging a well. We also tried our hands at a little "construction," nevermind the fact the wind was a little stronger than one of the walls we built. Although, to be fair, what tall, one-block-wide wall would stand a chance against those vigorous late-March south Romanian winds?
There were several highlights of this month, which will not be given their just due, because well... that would have been a lot to read, and as I write this, it's pretty late. But digressingly (sometimes things don't have to be words, but maybe this is)... anyway before I was so rudely interrupted by myself I was saying... digressingly so... here they are... in no particular order of course.
The people of Hope Church in Draganesti-Olt:
This month had aspects of each of the previous months that I loved, mashed together into a great mix. There was the relational aspect that came with being able to be friendships and great relationships with the wonderful missionaries and church members there, as well as some townfolk. These folks are... as Tyler (and/or MC Hammer) might say... "Legit." There trust in the value of prayer and concurrent dedication to faithfully live out their role is refreshing. They pray, and where applicable they try to be the answer to that prayer, and in everything else they just trust. It's refreshing. They are led by their pastor Raul Costea, who took the time to pour into our teams as much as he pours into his people. Raul was not merely satisfied with taking our help and energetic attitudes and discarding us on to our next country. The man genuinely cares and I am thankful to have developed a friendship with him and many incredible members of his staff like Danuts, Tavi, Mihai, Alexe, and Marian. These guys have great vision for not only their town, but for the surrounding villages, and that's big when you are working with a body of believers that only makes up about 0.2 % of the population. To put it in perspective there are only about 700 believers out of 500,000 people, and it's not like there aren't challenges. One day, some of my other teammates were ran out of a town by an orthodox priest and police for sharing the Gospel with people, a far cry from what most of us normally experience.
Nin~os (That's Spanish for the Romanian word for Children):
The children of Romania were so stinkin well behaved. They are the pathway to change, as in any country. Hope church has laid out a plan to start 25 "Kids Clubs" investing in children's lives in villages all around Draganesti-Olt. The plan is to then pour into those family and eventually start home churches and beyond that sustainable churches that are able to love that village wholeheartedly and serve them independently. But what they need are prayers and workers. If this is something that intrigues you I'd be more than happy to tell you about how you can help, and maybe even hook you up with Raul.
TAKE A BREAK STRETCH YOUR LEGS, CLOTS ARE DANGEROUS... BUT SERIOUSLY IT'S NOT THAT MUCH LONGER... BUT SERIOUSLY JUST AS A GENERAL PRINCIPLE IT'S NOT GOOD TO SIT STILL FOR TOO LONG... THAT BIT OF ADVICE IS FREE... ALSO KNOW THAT I'M NOT YELLING AT YOU IN TEXT FORM RIGHT NOW, BUT IF I WANTED TO I WOULD USE A LOT OF THESE:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
... annnnnd we're back...
Canadians Eh? (Don't worry... I know it's not original):
We were able to meet some wonderful Canadian missionaries, Kevin and Michelle Weppler, and Dorothy. I don't know Dorothy's last name, because I wasn't able to speak much with her, but the encouragement gave and amount she was so highly spoke of by the women on our teams tells me more than enough to know that she is a great woman of God. Kevin and Michelle on the other hand I hand the pleasure of seeing a bit more, although not nearly enough for my liking. What God has done in and through their lives is amazing, and it's great to see what is happening through their obedience. They were incredibly hospitable and welcoming and it's always pleasant to find some native english speakers on our journey. And they brought friends... Dewayne (or maybe it's Dwayne) and Ken ( or maybe it's Kynn, but I doubt it... that would be ridiculous) were there on a little short stint and joined us on some of our days of ministry. It was a great pleasure to meet all of them and worship with them, particularly as we sat on the outskirts of a tiny Romanian village, in the living room in the house of a changed man who USED to beat his wife, sitting alongside myself, 3 Canadians, and about 11 other Romanians, including his wife and children. This experience doesn't happen to everyone, and I was blessed enough to sit there with these people and worship our God in spite of coming from so many diverse and at times deviant backgrounds, all with hearts touched by the same Lord and Savior, all saved by the same grace, all living in the same freedom, but hardly understanding a word each other said without an interpreter. Solid!
The unexpected friendships and surprises:
Having a role as a "logistics dude," I find myself sometimes staying behind or going ahead of the squad for various reasons which would probably bore you. While this, unfortunately, causes me to miss some valuable team time and time with local contacts, it does afford me the opportunity to have some other experiences and make new friendships. Such was the case in Romania. After a 30 plus our travel day, which is the most we've experienced in the first trimester of our trip, but is paultry by typical World Race standards, I found myself in Bucharest at a hostel prepared to get Indian visas for our squad, a task that got delayed for a few months, while the rest of the squad continued their journey free of their bags (which were stuck in the belly of a plane that would eventually find it's way to Romania) onward to their respective ministry sites. (Yes I said "trimester." No, I'm not pregnant.) In this time I was able to meet and get to know the awesome owners of The Doors Hostel in Bucharest, Stanley and Diana. They made our time truly a pleasure and their hostel is highly recommended.
At the end of the month, I mosied on ahead of the squad. This time I went to Brasov, Romania, expecting to camp for a few days in anticipation of what I like to call a "Pretend Mini-Debrief," but much to my surprise and later on subsequent delight (no it's not redundant) I found myself at Rolling Stone Hostel in the company of Silvia and her sister Diana, both of which take turns running the hostel. These two hate large groups, because normally they come to party and be loud and disrepectful..., but they knew the World Race, and when the squad leaders mentioned that we were "World Race" they bent over backwards to do everything in their power to serve us. They made our stay in Brasov a real pleasure, well that AND the awesome scenery, including the mountain complete with Hollywood-style "BRASOV" sign, which I found the time to (maybe illegally) climb three times. I also may or may not have stuck my head in the A-hole. (GEEZ...Get your head out of the gutter, I mean in the letter "A" in "BRASOV" sign). They even hooked us up with a ride with "Real Old Greg" on an overnight bus straight from the door of the hostel to the door of our hotel in Chisinau, Moldova. Which may not seem like a giant deal to you, but let me assure you, when you multiply that out by 43 people carrying giant packs it IS A LOT!!! If you ever go to Brasov or Bucharest and don't stay at these hostels (barring of course a free option) you should be slapped... literally.
M&M:
Mosaic that was, and Monarch that is (I'll get into more of this in another blog) spent the month together, and I loved the time, not just for me, but also just to see the inter-team bonding that took place and the great times we were able to have, including the coolest gypsy photo shoot Romania has ever seen. It was great to see such great teamwork from our teams and flexibility thru various sicknesses of people, and the occasional change in schedule. I grew closer to these people, and while I know we are a family as a squad, I feel like the immediate family of 6 that I had going into the month grew to 12, and if you look on facebook and in the blogs of others you'll see the pictures to prove it.
How the month closed out, with team changes, is a subject for another blog, which despite deserving special attention still probably won't get the time it legitimately warrants, but don't worry... you'll read that soon enough... maybe.
Pretty solid month eh?
If you feel misled, and are hurt by it you can feel free to only read the 1st 500 words of this blog (or look at half of a picture... your call. But if you decide you wanna read more... I suppose I'll welcome the dedication.
By now you may know that I'm out of Romania, or maybe you don't. But either way I am... I'm in Moldova... kinda, but that's for another blog. I just thought I'd take a few minutes to fill you in, vaguely of course, on the month that was Romania.
My team of old, Mosaic, was in Draganesti-Olt (pronounced DRAHHH GONNE ESH TSSSS!!!) with Monarch (kah kaw), spending our nights nestled in "the mission house," and our days praying, working with children, helping with church logistics, doing garden work, and digging a well. We also tried our hands at a little "construction," nevermind the fact the wind was a little stronger than one of the walls we built. Although, to be fair, what tall, one-block-wide wall would stand a chance against those vigorous late-March south Romanian winds?
There were several highlights of this month, which will not be given their just due, because well... that would have been a lot to read, and as I write this, it's pretty late. But digressingly (sometimes things don't have to be words, but maybe this is)... anyway before I was so rudely interrupted by myself I was saying... digressingly so... here they are... in no particular order of course.
The people of Hope Church in Draganesti-Olt:
This month had aspects of each of the previous months that I loved, mashed together into a great mix. There was the relational aspect that came with being able to be friendships and great relationships with the wonderful missionaries and church members there, as well as some townfolk. These folks are... as Tyler (and/or MC Hammer) might say... "Legit." There trust in the value of prayer and concurrent dedication to faithfully live out their role is refreshing. They pray, and where applicable they try to be the answer to that prayer, and in everything else they just trust. It's refreshing. They are led by their pastor Raul Costea, who took the time to pour into our teams as much as he pours into his people. Raul was not merely satisfied with taking our help and energetic attitudes and discarding us on to our next country. The man genuinely cares and I am thankful to have developed a friendship with him and many incredible members of his staff like Danuts, Tavi, Mihai, Alexe, and Marian. These guys have great vision for not only their town, but for the surrounding villages, and that's big when you are working with a body of believers that only makes up about 0.2 % of the population. To put it in perspective there are only about 700 believers out of 500,000 people, and it's not like there aren't challenges. One day, some of my other teammates were ran out of a town by an orthodox priest and police for sharing the Gospel with people, a far cry from what most of us normally experience.
Nin~os (That's Spanish for the Romanian word for Children):
The children of Romania were so stinkin well behaved. They are the pathway to change, as in any country. Hope church has laid out a plan to start 25 "Kids Clubs" investing in children's lives in villages all around Draganesti-Olt. The plan is to then pour into those family and eventually start home churches and beyond that sustainable churches that are able to love that village wholeheartedly and serve them independently. But what they need are prayers and workers. If this is something that intrigues you I'd be more than happy to tell you about how you can help, and maybe even hook you up with Raul.
TAKE A BREAK STRETCH YOUR LEGS, CLOTS ARE DANGEROUS... BUT SERIOUSLY IT'S NOT THAT MUCH LONGER... BUT SERIOUSLY JUST AS A GENERAL PRINCIPLE IT'S NOT GOOD TO SIT STILL FOR TOO LONG... THAT BIT OF ADVICE IS FREE... ALSO KNOW THAT I'M NOT YELLING AT YOU IN TEXT FORM RIGHT NOW, BUT IF I WANTED TO I WOULD USE A LOT OF THESE:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
... annnnnd we're back...
Canadians Eh? (Don't worry... I know it's not original):
We were able to meet some wonderful Canadian missionaries, Kevin and Michelle Weppler, and Dorothy. I don't know Dorothy's last name, because I wasn't able to speak much with her, but the encouragement gave and amount she was so highly spoke of by the women on our teams tells me more than enough to know that she is a great woman of God. Kevin and Michelle on the other hand I hand the pleasure of seeing a bit more, although not nearly enough for my liking. What God has done in and through their lives is amazing, and it's great to see what is happening through their obedience. They were incredibly hospitable and welcoming and it's always pleasant to find some native english speakers on our journey. And they brought friends... Dewayne (or maybe it's Dwayne) and Ken ( or maybe it's Kynn, but I doubt it... that would be ridiculous) were there on a little short stint and joined us on some of our days of ministry. It was a great pleasure to meet all of them and worship with them, particularly as we sat on the outskirts of a tiny Romanian village, in the living room in the house of a changed man who USED to beat his wife, sitting alongside myself, 3 Canadians, and about 11 other Romanians, including his wife and children. This experience doesn't happen to everyone, and I was blessed enough to sit there with these people and worship our God in spite of coming from so many diverse and at times deviant backgrounds, all with hearts touched by the same Lord and Savior, all saved by the same grace, all living in the same freedom, but hardly understanding a word each other said without an interpreter. Solid!
The unexpected friendships and surprises:
Having a role as a "logistics dude," I find myself sometimes staying behind or going ahead of the squad for various reasons which would probably bore you. While this, unfortunately, causes me to miss some valuable team time and time with local contacts, it does afford me the opportunity to have some other experiences and make new friendships. Such was the case in Romania. After a 30 plus our travel day, which is the most we've experienced in the first trimester of our trip, but is paultry by typical World Race standards, I found myself in Bucharest at a hostel prepared to get Indian visas for our squad, a task that got delayed for a few months, while the rest of the squad continued their journey free of their bags (which were stuck in the belly of a plane that would eventually find it's way to Romania) onward to their respective ministry sites. (Yes I said "trimester." No, I'm not pregnant.) In this time I was able to meet and get to know the awesome owners of The Doors Hostel in Bucharest, Stanley and Diana. They made our time truly a pleasure and their hostel is highly recommended.
At the end of the month, I mosied on ahead of the squad. This time I went to Brasov, Romania, expecting to camp for a few days in anticipation of what I like to call a "Pretend Mini-Debrief," but much to my surprise and later on subsequent delight (no it's not redundant) I found myself at Rolling Stone Hostel in the company of Silvia and her sister Diana, both of which take turns running the hostel. These two hate large groups, because normally they come to party and be loud and disrepectful..., but they knew the World Race, and when the squad leaders mentioned that we were "World Race" they bent over backwards to do everything in their power to serve us. They made our stay in Brasov a real pleasure, well that AND the awesome scenery, including the mountain complete with Hollywood-style "BRASOV" sign, which I found the time to (maybe illegally) climb three times. I also may or may not have stuck my head in the A-hole. (GEEZ...Get your head out of the gutter, I mean in the letter "A" in "BRASOV" sign). They even hooked us up with a ride with "Real Old Greg" on an overnight bus straight from the door of the hostel to the door of our hotel in Chisinau, Moldova. Which may not seem like a giant deal to you, but let me assure you, when you multiply that out by 43 people carrying giant packs it IS A LOT!!! If you ever go to Brasov or Bucharest and don't stay at these hostels (barring of course a free option) you should be slapped... literally.
M&M:
Mosaic that was, and Monarch that is (I'll get into more of this in another blog) spent the month together, and I loved the time, not just for me, but also just to see the inter-team bonding that took place and the great times we were able to have, including the coolest gypsy photo shoot Romania has ever seen. It was great to see such great teamwork from our teams and flexibility thru various sicknesses of people, and the occasional change in schedule. I grew closer to these people, and while I know we are a family as a squad, I feel like the immediate family of 6 that I had going into the month grew to 12, and if you look on facebook and in the blogs of others you'll see the pictures to prove it.
Pretty solid month eh?
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