MI Last Post From Beiuş (for now)

Yesterday was not too hectic but I was much too tired to write down anything remotely cohesive. I'm not promising tonight will be amy better, but I can't keep putting it off. 

Monday morning, after a breakfast of bread pudding and bread (I've quit questioning the logic), we attended a Hungarian church in Remetea. It was a small church but packed with attendees, young and old. The wooden walls were lined with brass instruments which we later had the pleasure of hearing during worship. However, I must admit that my favorite part of the service was the seating arrangement. On one side of me sat Geta and on the other sat Sanda. Just being around them fills my heart with joy; thinking of their smiles makes me miss them already. Watching them praise the Lord, the only father they have always had, is one of the most precious things I have ever experienced. Most of the service was in Hungarian, so I'm afraid that I can't tell you much about it. Afterwards, we came back to the clinic for a wonderful Pentacost meal of schnitzel, couscous, and cucumber. 

Lucas, Love of My Life

That afternoon, we hosted a carnival at Casa Josef for all of the local children. I was in charge of the bubble station and, if you know anything about me, you'll know that there are few things I enjoy more than bubbles. Lucas was more than happy to help. Overall, the carnival was a huge success. There were close to 50 children in attendance and the girls were very pleased to have their school friends over to their home to play.

The Local School

On Tuesday, (our last day in Beiuş) we went back to the schools. Courtaney and I sang some songs with the kids and lead a demonstration with Silly Putty. Pretty sure the kids had never seen it before because they were enthralled. I think working in the schools was my favorite thing that I did while I was there. After our lesson, Courtaney and I walked to the post office. After fifteen minutes of miscommunication (and internally vowing that I would take at least two years of Romanian in college), we finally left with some postcards and envelopes. We stopped at The Bridge to lounge in the backyard and write them before heading back to the clinic. 

Later that afternoon, we went to the Lucaciu’s cabin. It was on a large hill in the countryside, about a twenty minute drive from the clinic. The view was absolutely spectacular! We swung with Geta, ate some delicious food (a given), sang Disney songs at the top of our lungs, roasted marshmallows, and picked fresh cherries. 

  

During dinner, I walked over to the table were the Casa Josef girls were eating at sat down in Dia’s empty seat. Suddenly, Geta yelled “No!” Thinking I had invaded the “little kids only” table, I immediately began to apologize; however, Geta promptly kicked Sanda out of her seat so that she could sit next to me. She is easily my favorite of the girls and I cannot wait for Elliot to bring her home so that I may see her all the time. 

That night, after the girls left, we had some great time of fellowship. Earlier that week, we all chose a name for a hat and wrote that person a letter of encouragement (AKA mega warm-fuzzy). We had the opportunity to read some of them and pray over one another-it was a great way to close the week. Peter also shared his testimony. As much as I would love to reproduce it here, I simply cannot for I would not do it justice. 

The next morning (this morning), we woke early to walk the girls to school. I held Dora’s hand the whole way. We laughed and skipped and simply enjoyed our last few minutes together. When we left them in their classroom, I cried a little bit. But I knew in my heart that it wouldn’t be the last time that I’d see them.

When we got back to the clinic, we had a time of devotion and some praise. Then we loaded up the van, bid adieu to the Lucacius, Steve, Allison, and Paul and Jenette (who are remaining in Romania through July) and departed for Budapest. 

Budapest

Our hotel in Buda was a-very-nice. We spent the afternoon walking the city, exploring the market, and dining with Professor Peter, a contact of Dr. Miller’s who took us to dinner at an authentic Hungarian restaurant #delish. 

It honestly feels so weird to be leaving. These past two weeks have flown by. I want so badly to return here someday if only to spend more time with the girls. Please know that your prayers have meant the world to me. I cannot wait to share my story with you in person. See you all very soon!

Love,

Maggie

PS Just heard that the girls got to mail our letters from Romania for us! They are too cute. 

Geta and Sanda Mail Our Letters

MI True Pentacost Experience

Today I learned the meaning of Pentacost. While I always knew when Pentacost rolled around each year and knew the Bible story well, I had never experienced anything like it. My last Sunday here in Romania was the perfect opportunity. This morning, we went to a baptist church in Ştei-a small village about 20 minutes from Beius. Pastor George welcomed us to his congregation of fewer than 25 people. Though they were small in numbers, they were mighty in spirit. We led them in worship, shared some testimonies, and spent time getting to know one another. At the end of the service, we recorded a video message to send to our home congregation wishing them a Happy Pentacost--in true spirit for the holiday, it was in multiple tongues.

It was also the first sunny day in a while so we arrived home to find our lunch set up outdoors. The patio is lovely-it's surrounded by flowers and bushes and a roof of grapevine allows rays of sunlight to enter without them being too hot. 

Lunching Patio

After lunch, we packed up in the vans and drove to Taşad, a small Roma town near Oreada. It was clear upon entering that we would soon witness something extraordinary. As we approached the church, we saw hundreds and hundreds of people gathering. They were overflowing the church; many clustered around the entrance and flowed into the unpaved road. Speakers were set up so that they too could hear what would soon happen within the walls of the church. As we approached the area in which we were supposed to be seated, I saw  a beautiful sight-a group of about ten Roma dressed completely in white waiting to be baptized. How they had so nicely preserved their white clothing, none of us knew; their town was dusty and literally collapsing. They sat patiently and waited for their time.

The Girl with Her Mother's Dress

They had a lot of waiting to do. The service lasted well over two hours but featured some very unique elements. The pastor of the church (also a Pastor George) spoke, a man rejoiced in the privilege to finally sing with his son (a prayer that he kept in his heart for 14 years), a Romanian senator shared his thoughts on the holiday, a worship group played Roma folk music while the congregation sang. It was a significant contrast to the quiet service we attended earlier that morning, but it was just as wonderful. 

Mass Crowd of Spectators 

After the service, there was a procession to the baptism pool. I didn't make it very far. The crowds had moved, surrounding the pool in a giant mass. I ended up spectating from the church but still had a good view. One by one, they entered the pool, held the pastors hands, and were smoothly "dipped" (as if ballroom dancing) by the pastor until they were completely submerged. Then they were pulled up from the water with such vigor that life seemed to flow right into them. Their eyes were wide with shock and each of them spent a second gasping for breath before a towel was hastily wrapped around them. Whether these looks were caused by the power of the Holy Spirit or the frigidness of the water, I'll never know. Either way, it was amazing to watch. 

We reentered the church to find that a dinner had been made for us. Before sitting down to sarmales (the Romanian national food that is not unlike a cabbage roll), stew, homemade bread, and a five-layer cake, Courtaney and I made a quick voyage to the local restroom. That in itself was a blog worthy experience but to save your sanity, I'll leave it to your imagination. 

Outhouse Adventure

  

When we got back to the clinic, we all needed a time to debrief. Several things had left an impression on me. First, the openness of the first church we attended. There was a time of prayer during which members of the congregation prayed aloud at random. It was only a small part of the service, but it was inspiring to see the ease with which they contributed. A second thing that I noticed was the diversity of those who were baptized at the second service. The young lady wearing her mother's gown appeared to be younger than I, but there was also a woman of 71 years. One of the men, I later learned, had robbed both the church and the pastor some years before. His was truly a story of grace and, as Dr. Miller said, a justification for celebration among all believers. Third was the hospitality of the Roma people. When we entered the church, they had an area reserved for us at the front of the room. When they saw that there was not enough seating for us, the family members of those to be baptized gladly moved and offered us their bench. Finally, the children of the Roma. Of all of the places we have visited so far, they were the least timid though the barriers of communication were the greatest. Unlike most of the children we've met, they spoke absolutely no English. However, we were still able to have fun together. I will never forget their smiles or their joyful eyes. 

Me, Feri, and Courtney-Marvelous View

MI Seed is Sown in _________ Ground

Today was the first day we got to sleep in. And by "sleep in," I mean we got up for breakfast at 8. I had an earlier start than everyone else because there is a lovely flock of roosters that rest right underneath my window. Needless to say, I consumed some Double Shot coffee that we brought over from the States. After a long breakfast, we had a wonderful morning devotion led by Jamie Baker. This morning's passage was Matthew 13:23, the same passage we enacted in the school yesterday. Our theme verse for the trip is 1 Corinthians 3:8 (He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.) The passage in Matthew is the Parable of the Sower; the two are related. In short, it teaches that those who sow seeds in fertile soil shall reap the most reward. However, it also acknowledges that some seeds fall astray. Some land in shallow land, springing up quickly but lacking the roots to last through the trials of life. Others land in fields of rocks, where they are simply tossed about by the wind and never develop.

At Feri's.

One of the interesting points that was made was that we, as Christians, do not have the place to judge the ability of a seed to be receptive to what we have to offer, but rather our charge is to provide the fertile soil in which it can thrive. One of the members of our team admitted a relative personal challenge: she shared that her son does not believe in Christ. She said that she does the best she can every day to share Christ's light with him, but sometimes, she feels she is powerless. Dr. Miller then shared a very interesting concept-a growing seed cannot be dug up every day so that the farmer can check to make sure that it is progressing; it's counterproductive. It's like staring at a painting that's two centimeters from your nose. It's undeniable that something is on the canvas, but you can't understand the significance of the smallest details until you step back and look at the painting as a whole. 
After our devotion, Courtaney, Janette, Ana, Steve, and I headed to Feri's apartment to give him a surprise. Upon arriving, we promptly kicked him out and began our version of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Feri lives in a Habitat for Humanity home about a mile from our clinic. Although we were given the day to "take it easy," this project was a pleasure to undertake-few are more deserving than Feri. We cleared off his porch, cleaned and organized the kitchen, redecorated the living room, and power-scrubbed the bathroom and walls. While Courtaney and I missed the "Move that bus!" moment, we got to watch the Casa Josef girls so that everyone else would have a chance to see the apartment. Nati, Pami, and Delia worked on their gymnastic skills while Geta continually put me in pauza (Romanian "time out"). Then, we all gathered at The Bridge for pizza and sharing time. After dinner, we played some volleyball then came back to the clinic. 

Me, Geta, and Courtaney at The Bridge.

MI Testimony is Not Only My Own

This morning had an early start. Courtaney and I woke up around seven for breakfast. Immediately after, I left to go to the schools once again. Today, we visited three different classes: two of the third grade and one fifth grade. At each one, we did a skit, based on Matthew 13: 3-8. We got the kids to act out different parts and they really enjoyed it. Then, we handed out pots, seeds, and soil for them to plant their own flowers. After we visited the classrooms, we met with the director of the school. Unlike the United States, the Romanian school systems cannot sponsor or in any way acknowledge a PTA or other parent volunteer organization-they must only rely on the classrooms. The director explained the stress this put on her, especially since funding for her school is extremely limited. One of the larger challenges she faces is overcrowding. Next year, two new grades (kindergarten and ninth grade) will be added to the school. Some years ago, in an attempt to prepare for this change, the government wiped out the sports center on campus to prepare to build new classrooms. Midway through the project, they quit because of funding issues. Now, there is an open construction site and, according to the director, there have been numerous injuries.
We left the school to return to the clinic for a delicious lunch. Ana made us bean soup and gogosi. You may be thinking, "Hey! No bread!" However, gogosi is indeed bread (and certainly the best bread I have ever tried). It is the Romanian version of a donut. A soft dough ball sprinkled (coated) with powdered sugar served with tart cherry jelly or honey. While this was nothing short of a foodie's dream come true, the highlight of this afternoon was getting to listen to Feri. He grew up in Romania as an orphan and shared his life story with us this during our post-meal devotion. It was incredible. As a ward of the state, he faced many challenges. Until eighteen years of age, he lived in the public orphanage-home to 900 other youth. On his eighteenth birthday, he was driven to Oradea, told that he would have an apartment and employment opportunities awaiting him. Instead, all he got was a street corner. After 6 months of living on the street, he returned to Beius. One day, he attended a church that some missionaries had built through the REMM ministry. It was there that he came to know Christ and was connected with the Lucacius. He has worked for the ministry ever since. Though he has been through a lot, he continues to shine the light of Christ every day. He said his beliefs are often challenged, but he has learned to use the Bible to explain what he believes to others.
That is one of the more incredible things about being here-this trip for me has not so much become the mission work that I do but building relationships with the people I meet-hearing their stories and sharing my own. It's much more relational than I would have ever anticipated. 
This evening, I had the opportunity to once again voyage to Oradea, this time to share my testimony at a youth service. While I was very nervous, there was something that happened that eased all my nerves. While Courtaney, Bradley, and I were all mentally preparing, the youth-led worship band began to play "Blessed Be Your Name." While the entire congregation sang in Romanian, the three of us joined them in English. That was one of the most powerful moments I have ever experienced. It was, in a nutshell, the global church coming together-though we could not understand a word the other was saying, we had a unified purpose, praising our mutual Lord. After that song, I was energized and so prepared to share my story. I talked about the struggles I had faced over the past year, in the end relating it back to Colossians 3:15 (And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.) I admitted to the audience that a peaceful heart is something I struggle with-I'm a worrier. I have always wanted to control the circumstances within my life instead of surrendering them to God. This past year, with the help of the college application process, I realized that was next to impossible let alone extremely difficult. I encouraged the students that if they were in a similar situation to pray that God would open their hearts to Him and release their burdens. Courtaney spoke on the stigma  of being the "pastor's kid" and her struggle at SMU to prove that her faith was genuine. Bradley talked about being the eldest brother of his family and his desire to be a positive example for his younger brothers as well as his entire fraternity. After we finished, many students came up to us to ask us more about our lives in America and our stories of faith. While we were all very nervous at first, I think we could all agree it was certainly one of the most rewarding occurrences of our trip thus far. 

MI Thursday in Beius

Romania Day 2. Yesterday, we took a technology fast so this post is a day late. Apologies.

This morning we awoke to wonderful breakfast of bread, salami, and peanut butter. I know it sounds weird, but it was actually quite good. After, we went to the market. It was a crazy experience. It was jam-packed on every side, vendors selling everything from produce to wicker baskets to leather shoes to animals to power drills. Outside of the cheese strip, there was a baby goat tied to the back of a car. Not twenty feet away was a man selling veal heads from the trunk of his car. I bought some local honey, Hungarian paprika, a hand-carved wooden spoon, and a tile. I needed a nap by the time I was done. However, our agenda did not allow. We departed the clinic once more to see the local elementary school. We visited the third grade-a class of about twenty students (Pami and Delia, two of the Casa Josef girls, were in the class). We started by singing together (Father, I adore You) then proceeded to introduce ourselves.

Third Graders at Nicolae Popovicu School.

 After each introduction, the students had the opportunity to ask us questions. Many chose "What is your favorite color?" or "What sport do you like?" Although, some were more difficult: "Who was your favorite king in the Bible?" and "Which is your favorite Psalm?" To the latter, Dr. Miller replied, "You all guess: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Hands flew into the air. The girl whom he called upon rose from her seat and declared "That is Psalm 23." She took a breath and began to recite the entire Psalm in Romanian. It was beautiful to watch. We visited for a while longer, but then they were dismissed at noon. After class, we stayed and talked to the teacher, Catrina. She is a woman of amazing faith. She said that, of the fifty teachers at the school, only four were Christians. She talked about that struggle, how it was easier for her to see the flaws in her fellow staff rather than their qualities but, with the help of the Lord "acting as a mirror inside her" she tried her hardest to love them. She believes with all her heart that God charged her with the duty of planting seeds within the children she teaches. It was evident from the manner in which she spoke that she was being genuine. As if on cue, a student told us that Catrina taught "with all her heart" because she loved each one of them. 

Catrina Sharing her Story.

Suddenly, there was a cry of "Elliottttttt!!!!" It was Geta. Upon passing the classroom, she saw him and immediately changed course and came hurtling at breakneck speed towards him. Elliot dropped his guitar, fell to his knees and simply held her for the longest time. Not gonna lie, I cried a little bit. He later told us that she had never done that before, that it always took her hours to warm up to his presence. I honestly don't know how he does it-his love for her is so apparent and yet he manages to go on with his day to day life, continually awaiting the day when she can finally join him in the US. 

After a lunch of soup, bread, and bread with cheese and tomatoes, we headed to Casa Josef to sort clothes for the Agape run tomorrow. Geta found us once again and we spent a while playing. Sadly, we could not stay long. The rain came in (so beautiful here in all weather) and we had to head back to the clinic for Anka's birthday celebration. We had a greek feast-chicken, lamb, tzatziki, orzo, cucumber, tomato, goat cheese, pita, and eggplant hummus followed by a wonderful cake made by The Bridge (REMM's local coffee house). It was by far the longest meal we've had so far-there was no rush so it was nice to talk with everyone. A great ending to a truly amazing day. 

MI First Day

Last night, we arrived at the REMM clinic in Beius. This small town of little more than 10,000 gives the word "beautiful" a whole new meaning: it isn't picturesque or quaint around every turn but it has a certain depth to it that is appealing to almost every sense. The difference between Hungary and Romania was a surprise to me. While there are certainly parts of Romania that are stunning, it is more rural and its poverty is more evident. After a welcome dinner of soup and bread (low-carb diets, beware-bread is everywhere), we took a walk around the clinic. We visited the Casa Josef orphanage, a place that is of significant importance to three of the members of the team. Casa Josef is the home to eight Romanian girls, three of whom (Gabi, Geta, and Pami) have been adopted by Elliot Forsyth (our team leader) and the Seibert family. However, in 2001, the Romanian government banned all foreign adoptions, meaning that the Forsyths and the Seiberts must travel to Romania to visit their daughters. It was breathtaking to see Gabi and Pami reunited with Mrs. Seibert and Bradley; when we each went around the circle to say our names, the two girls introduced Mrs. Seibert as "Mommy" and Bradley as "our brother." Elliot was not able to go that evening, but Geta expressed her excitement to see him, too. We didn't have much time to stay, but we played soccer and jumped on the trampoline with the girls. They are so joyful and so loving to one another-please keep them in your prayers. 

Pami

The following morning (this morning), we began with breakfast (more bread!) and a devotion. Shortly after, we travelled to Oradea, a larger city on the northwest border. There, we attended a church service at Universitatea Emanuel. My translator, a Romanian student named Paula, was eager to share her faith with me during my time there. While eating lunch, another member of my team asked her what she was studying and what she planned to do after graduating. She replied that she was studying management, but as for a vocation, she was not sure. She said that she wanted first and foremost to "be a Godly woman." Mid-way through taking a bite, I dropped my fork and simply stared at her. She went on to say that eventually, she wished to be married, have a family, and perhaps work so long as it was at home and she could spend time with her children.
This was my 'ah ha!' moment for the trip (thus far). For the past two years, I have been trying to answer and listening to others answer those very same questions but never had I heard an answer quite like hers. It was so simple and yet so inspiring at the same time. At that moment, I realized that I had been trying too hard to get my life figured out. Honestly, I have no idea what I want to study or what in the world I want to do with my life. I've heard of trying to make each decision as it comes, the "do not worry about tomorrow/cross that bridge when you get to it" lifestyle. But Paula had come to her bridge and realized that crossing it was a lot easier than others made it appear. I know I still haven't fully realized what this lesson is going to mean for my life, but it has made me think at the very least. 
By the time we returned back to the clinic, we were all pretty exhausted. After a dinner of cheesy potatoes and (you guessed it) bread, we had a quiet evening of sorting goods for Agape runs (short ministry time) and a group debrief. Tomorrow morning, we will head into the school systems and return to Casa Josef. 

Nati (the sassy one)

MI Arrival

Well, I am on the Road to Romania. Literally. We landed in Budapest a little over an hour ago. Everyone's luggage arrived safely and timely. #PTL. The weather could not be any more gorgeous. It's about 70 degrees and we have the windows rolled all the way down. Everything is lush and green. I can tell from the road how moist the soil is. As I look out the window, I am thankful the trip is not on the highway. Granted, we are only going about 35 mph and it will take over five hours to arrive in Beius, but I'm appreciative of the down time. The houses here (still in Hungary) are a lot like those of the Italian countryside; they aren't of the villa style, but their brightly colored concrete is so similar: yellows, reds, and oranges. Almost each has its own garden. However, there are distinct sects. While I have been to Europe on three separate occasions, I have never ventured into "Eastern" Europe. It's astonishing how different it is from its western sister. Some buildings are decades old, marked with the scars from both World Wars and from communism. While improvements have clearly been made, remnants of the old age are everywhere.