What started out as a 'simple route' to Romania ended up being a marathon of security checks, passport checkpoints, airport waiting areas, and delays. These images were taken once we arrived (finally) in Cluj. It was late at night, and the airport was practically deserted. We waited patiently for our gracious hosts to drive about one hour to pick us up at the airport.

What happens when you have been awake more than 24 hours straight? Well, one thing that COULD happen is that you might brush your teeth with sunscreen. One of our team members, Ryan, accidentally brushed his teeth with Coppertone! It provided a good laugh for some.... fear for Ryan.... but mostly a good topic of discussion.

Monday Evening

***We wanted to apologize for not much posting so far. We have been having computer problems, but we are slowly working through them. Thanks for being patient. Pictures will be coming soon.

Today Team Romania had an awesome day ministering to a state run orphanage and a local village. At 8:15, we left Elpis and began a whirlwind of a day. Half of our group headed to Illisua
which has orphans who did not return home for the summer, so they were very happy to have comapny and one-on-one attention from our team. Our group played with the kids, passed out gifts, and gave lots of hugs!!!!!!! After their time in the orphanage, they spent the rest of the day witnessing and inviting village people to our evening program on Tuesday. Skits, a short movie, testimonies, and snacks will be provided tomorrow to the families. Please pray they will be receptive!!!

Our other team members spent the day in a village called Mintiu. God was so GREAT and opened up the chance for us to minister to the children in a local school. This was a rare opportunity because the local government usually won't let us use the schools. God has opened up new doors such as use of the school because of the relationships our group and others have built with local community leaders on previous visits. Years ago, it was difficult to do much in this village, but now we are welcomed with open arms!!! God is GOOD!!!! Today was the first day of a three day focus on this village. We had 87 kids who eargerly arrived. We spent the day working in conjunction with local missionary efforts. We presented bible lessons, music, scripture memorization, and games. The lunch we provided was quickly engulfed, and they headed to play soccer and to do a foam hat craft. The day wrapped up with more songs testimonies. They were so excited and can't wait to come back tomorrow!!!!

Monday Morning

Morning,
We have all had a much needed goods night rest and are ready to tackle our first camp day.
We are going to the village of Mintiu to hold camp today. We will be hosting children from 10-6. We will be playing games, bible stories and crafts; much like our vacation bible school. Part of our group will be spending the morning at one of the larger orphanages here in Romania.
Please pray for our day!

SUNDAY

After over sleeping having had only a few hours sleep we made it to church this morning. We had an awesome experience worshiping with our Romanian brothers and sisters in Christ. After we went to several different homes for lunch. We spent the afternoon handing out invitations in a local village. We will be holding a camp for children starting tomorrow. We have about 10 minutes before we leave for sevices tonight.
We have been reunited with our many of our awesome translators from last year and have started practicing our music that we will be singing tonight.
more later.....................

GOD IS GOOD

It is around 1:30am sunday morning and we just arrived at our destination.
Needless to say we're a little tired from having been up around 36 hours. Too tired to blog tonight but wanted everyone to know we made it. Will send more tomorrow.
love you

on the way

We are still on the way!!!!! Our plane was delayed from leaving charlotte on friday evening. Apparently the plane hit a bird on the previous flight and one of the engines had to be checked. Everything must have checked out ok because we finally left. Unfortunately we missed our connecting flight from Munich to Romania. We had several hours delay in Munich then we flew to Frankfurt which is where we are now. We will be leaving here soon and flying into Romania. We will arrive in Romania around 9:30, then we have about an hour drive to where we are staying. Despite all the delays things are going well. more later

THURSDAY, JULY 24TH

Hey,
Well it is finally here! Will be leaving from the church around noon tomorrow. Have been folllowing the Indonesia team. They were delayed in Seattle for 24hours. Remember to pray for them. Looks like we will all be traveling at the same time!
Love ya, Regina