Picking up where we left off
My first several days in Romania have been, well, normal. Though I know that it is not every one's normal. But the type of normality that comes only when I walk through the foreign only to find the familiar. Sights, smells, sounds all bring comfort of an era that I once knew as home. Then there are the faces. Ones that I long ago said good-bye too, but through the grace of a good God, get to once again say hello to. The first photo is of some former students and a colleague. Hearing how they are following the Lord faithfully seasoned the joyous reunion. I was told recently that good-byes are just temporary, perhaps there is truth to that.
When people ask what I will be doing when I go to Romania, I don't really have a glamorous missionary answer to give them. Recently my trips here have been just living, walking, and serving alongside those I hold dear. Today it was watching the baby as her parents were in a meeting. It is shopping and helping prepare food for a reunion dinner. It is listening to ideas, and helping prepare for future ministry projects. It is stepping back into a role I left, so that I could faithfully serve else. I am thankful for the opportunity to come back and just be here.
I am here ... finally!
I will begin by saying that this trip to Romania began with a sense of normality. My bus was on time, I arrived at O'Hare, checked in (got an upgrade for free), and even went through security without a snag. Though we were 20 minutes late boarding, the entire adventure was routine. That was until we were far over Canada when a passenger passed out, and we were forced to land in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada to get him to hospital. Upon landing, a valve became stuck open. As the ground crew was working on the now mechanical problem the flight crew had reached their legal amount of time they were allowed to fly (yes, that means we were sitting on the tarmac for over four hours). That was when the routine was over and the unscripted began, we had to stay the day in Newfoundland. Has anyone been there?? I can now say that I have!
The airline put us up in a hotel for the day, provided allowances for meals, and gave us a vague time of departure around Midnight Monday night. Too tired to realize frustration and embrace the fact that I was in the furthest Eastern point in North America, I collapse on the cloud like bed of my hotel plotting my next move. Shortly later I shuffled down to breakfast and was welcomed by three strangers to join them for a meal. We spent the day exploring St. John's. Yes, there are places to explore. Lovely places nonetheless. Newfoundland is the hidden jewel of North America. If you ever find yourself in Newfoundland I would recommend the day tour of Signal Hill. Off the coast you can witness a drift icebergs, and historical land marks from the Age of North America's exploration to WW II. The scenery is divine and the people generous and friendly. Despite the wonderful day, I was never so thrilled to hear the roar of jet engines as we finally departed St. John's tiny airport in our massive jumbo jet.
My arrival in Heathrow was short lived. The gracious people at British Airways rebooked me on the earliest flight out of London. My new boarding pass came with the advice of "move quickly to Terminal 5." (All those who have recently flown through Heathrow just gasped at that last directive since getting to Terminal 5 is NOT a quick process!). God's grace gave me strength to run through the terminal and be allowed on a plane after the "gate was closed."
I arrived safely in Romania, minus one piece of luggage (it did not move quickly to terminal 5), grateful to see my friends, and somewhat rested from the midpoint stop in Newfoundland. Rewinding the last 48 hours in my head I can't help but be thankful for God's providence. Though I lost a day in Romania I did gain a new stamp in my passport. Seriously, I made new friends with those who may have never cross paths with a Christian before this unprojected stop. This gives new meaning to "make the most of every opportunity ..." for me.
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Pictures
Top: Compass Rose on top of Signal Hill. Notice how far I was from London.
Middle: Shot of the Atlantic Ocean, an iceberg, and a ship pulling in to harbor.
Bottom: Our plane was so large that it could be seen for miles. We had to dump fuel before we landed because the plane was too big for the airport. Our luggage couldn't be off loaded because St. John's International Airport didn't have the equipment to handle the mass of baggage.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
I moved again this week. Despite that fact that I don't like packing, moving, lifting, and unpacking, my recent moves have been an enjoyable experience. It was an opportunity for me to see Romans 12:10 lived out. The day after school got out for the summer, following a morning of getting the school ready for the summer, many of the teachers and staff I work with came over and loaded 3 trucks, 3 vans and my car with all my worldly possessions. 2.5 hours later I was moved into my new apartment.
I am amazed that I am privileged to serve along side these awesome men and women. They serve the Lord with their whole heart, which is evident by their actions.
The chief end of man?
I would like to begin by saying that I am extremely proud of my little brother, Joseph. He has graduated from Webster University in St. Louis and now is a distinguished member of "real life."
While I was sitting through his graduation ceremonies I heard a constant theme - you have the best education, now go and make the best of yourself. As I sat there I wondered, is that really our goal in life? And, how painlessly this untruth has worked its way into our thinking.
Though I am not normally accustom to siting confessions and creeds, but the the opening question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism worked its way to the front of my mind. "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is simply stated: to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
As thousands of graduates walk across platforms this Spring, let us not forget what truly is out responds to receiving a valuable education - to bring glory to God in each action, decision, and word (Col 3:17). Encourage your graduates with this Truth, live it out in your own life.
References: Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11; Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
