Home Again.

It's been several weeks since I returned back to the States from Romania. I have started my fourth semester at UNT (crazy!), and with it many new adventures have arisen! Over the last several weeks I have become more and more involved with I Am Second UNT, as well as CollegeLife at Denton Bible Church. I have been filled with so much joy and complete THANKFULNESS for all the new friends I've made, and how I've already seen God work through them. But more on that later. :)

I left Romania with an idea in my head of what I thought God was calling me to do here in the states. Since then, my plans have changed many times, and sometimes it's hard to know which "voice" is really God's. However, He is teaching me more on how to daily depend on Him, to die to myself and live to Him in the small things. His rod and staff comfort me!

All that to say, I sense that life is going in a new direction this year, and I hope to use this blog to track whatever happenings the coming days bring. I have quite a lofty list of goals to pursue, including cooking, sewing, Bible study, journaling, and of course blogging. ;) I hope to use these short-term goals as means of reaching my long-term and daily goal, which is to grow as a godly woman in Christ, and pursuing His glory above ALL else.

Bring on Fall 2011!

Otniel Orphanage

My time at Otniel Orphanage has ended, and I'm so very sad to say goodbye. I learned so much just being there with dear friends and sweet kids. I've been wanting to post something new for a long time, but I couldn't find the words fit for a simple blog post. What the Lord teaches deep in my heart is often so hard for me to describe. In the coming weeks, hopefully I'll be able to unpack a lot of the Spiritual side of things that I've learned and wrestled with while I've been here.

I went to Otniel wanting to serve. I wanted to "help." However, God had different plans. He taught me, through those kids, what it really meant to serve, to work hard, and to be joyful in all things. Within those pink and blue painted walls, it was not an "orphanage" that needed some American girl to come "save the day." It was a family, in need of God's new graces for each day, just like everyone else. Most of the kids there are around 14-15 years old, with a few younger and older. Many have been there for 10 years together. I saw some of the pictures from when they first came to the house. All of them have grown and matured into much healthier and happier children than they were so long ago. Praise the Lord for renewed life!

Days started with breakfast (bread with butter, cucumbers, and cheese.. or cereal with milk fresh from the cow that morning), then a "nugget" from Scripture, a few songs, and then chore time. Chores were of course the least favorite, but they were completed with minimal complaining. ;) One of the main spiritual lessons I've learned so far in Romania is that God desires humble obedience over grand sacrifice, and He sees us when we do the seemingly "small" things. He delights in us when we joyfully wash dishes, sweep floors, and milk cows. ("Whether you eat or drink, do it ALL for the glory of the Lord..") After chores, if it wasn't a school day, it was time to play, watch a movie, or swim! I swam twice in their huge underground concrete pool.. Once on purpose, and once thanks to some "help" from the kids. ;) It was cold, deep, and occasionally you found yourself swimming next to a friendly "broască" (frog)! He would then kindly be asked to exit the pool (a.k.a.. captured and thrown into the field). :)

I became very close with a little boy named Darius, who graduated kindergarten AND turned six while I was there. I was so happy to celebrate him! He has only been at Otniel for a few months, and is the sweetest little toot ever. Naturally he ended up
in most of my pictures from the orphanage. :) You could hardly find me without him!



Darius wasn't the only new friend I made. There were several more that I loved to laugh and try to speak Romanian with. One 14-year-old boy that has been at Otniel a long time, gave me a very sweet gift as I was pulling out of Otniel for the last time. He ran up to my window and in Romanian said, "Don't forget me." Then, with a smile, he handed me his "WWJD" bracelet that he received as a prize for perfect attendance at their church group. This is just a small example of the generosity and joyfulness I saw in these precious ones! Of course I will never forget him, or any of the kids at Otniel.

Now, it's time for beddy-bye. ;) Tomorrow is an early morning and a long day of travel. Goodnight, world!

One Week. Part B.

I have now been in Romania for one week. It seems so strange, to be back here again. It's been a great week of rest and spending time with my parents, and now I'm ready to go to the orphanage. I just wanted to write a little about the past seven days, at least for my own sake. I know by the end of my time here I'll be struggling to remember everything that I've experienced and learned during these first few weeks!

At first, being in Romania again was bittersweet. I was so happy to be here, but at the same time it made me miss a lot of old friends and teammates that used to travel with us. It was strange to reminisce about memories from years past, but not have the same friends here to laugh with. It was my first reality check: this is going to be different. Not bad, just different. :)



The first few days we spent roaming around Timisoara, exploring downtown, and visiting the mall. Everywhere we go is either on foot, by taxi, or by bus. The taxis are fun to take, because that means we get to speak a little Romanian. Well, TRY to anyway.. :) We are learning more a little bit every day, thanks to my parents' sweet Romanian Profesoara Emma at Areopogus!



Mom & Dad have been meeting with her several times a week since they moved here, and she has graciously allowed me to come sit in and participate in the classes with them. I absolutely LOVE going. Emma, while sometimes intimidating, is such a good teacher and I've so loved learning to speak and understand a little more of the language. Areopogus is about a twenty minute walk from my parents' apartment. Since I have been here it has been pretty hot, but the Lord sent rain to us, and it has cooled off a LOT! Mom and I even put on sweaters today.


We made the walk home in the rain, hurrying along under our umbrellas and enjoying the refreshing 60 degree gift from the Lord. :)

I talked a little bit about the church in my last post. Oh, the sweet church! I love it so! I wish I had more pictures. I'll try to take some more Sunday if I get a chance. Tuesday night we went to Bible study, which was entirely in Romanian of course. I could hardly understand a word, and my butt hurt really bad from the chairs haha, but I just love being there.


Sunday night after church (I know I'm not writing about days in order! bear with me!), some of the girls called and asked me to join them while they went to the Centru. Of course I said yes, and I was so blessed to spend an evening eating dinner and walking around Timisoara with them!

This past week, God has taught me so much through the books of Hebrews and Romans. I rarely have much time to just sit and reflect on.. anything! These past seven days have given me the opportunity to do that. He has taught me so much about Grace, and about how much I depend on myself for my "right standing" with Him. How funny, that I came to share with an Eastern Orthodox country that Christ has provided salvation as a free gift, and I am the one needing a lesson in grace. Christ is our High Priest, the One who has come and paid the final sacrifice to pay the price for my sinful heart. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain." -Hebrews 6:19.

In the coming week, it looks like I will finally get to start volunteering at one of the orphanages here in Timisoara! Lord willing, I will go on Monday. I seriously can hardly wait to serve the Lord by spending time with these kids. I have absolutely nothing to offer them but the incredible unconditional love that I have received, but I so want to share it with them!

I suppose that's all I have for now. For those that are praying, thank you so much! I know you are, because I can already see our Savior moving here. He is so sweet to us, to allow us to be a part of His Kingdom.

Until next time,
Hannah

Sunt aici! :)

The Flight

Traveling alone was quite the adventure. After saying goodbye to my amazing Aunt Donna & "Unk" at the airport, (whom I could not have gotten here without!) I went on my own for the first time into DFW airport. I was nervous, emotional, and pretty much ready to barf. Just kidding... but seriously. When we finally boarded the plane, I had a window seat next to a very nice woman from India. She was very friendly, and offered me her cookie from the airplane meal ;) I fell asleep & slept most of the flight to London! At one point, the turbulence was so bad that I woke up, only to hear several passengers ask the flight attendants if "everything is alright.." They assured us that it was only turbulence and that it was normal.. but I still prayed anyway. ;) I decided to "pull an Amy Carmichael" and sing a hymn to myself as we bumped and jolted around. It helped me feel better.. & I prayed that God would put me in a deep sleep so that I would not notice the scariness. He answered, and next time I woke up we were nearly to our destination. :)

Once we got to London, I found out I had missed my flight and would be put on the next plane to Budapest.. which was 6 hours later! At 8:30pm (London time) I boarded the plane and fell asleep, once again. :) I arrived in Budapest, Hungary around midnight where my parents, Liviu, and Daniel met me with sleepy smiles and lots of hugs. They had been waiting to pick me up ALL DAY! When we crossed the Hungarian/Romanian boarder, Liviu said, "Bine ati venit in Romania, Hannah." "Multsumesc!" I replied, and he laughed with surprise that I could understand him. Even though it was 3:30 in the morning, we still had a joyful and entertaining car ride. The sign of a believer, I think, is joy despite any circumstance, and that is exactly what Liviu and Daniel had along the way. By the time we got to Timisoara, the sun was coming up to greet us. As I laid in bed to finally get some horizontal sleep, the birds began to chirp outside the window. Next thing I knew.. it was 3 in the afternoon and I pulled my groggy self out of bed to get some eggs and sausage mom was cooking in the kitchen. :)






Saturday was spent walking around downtown Timisoara, eating dinner, and resting up for church the next morning! The church my parents attend is one that has been very close to my heart ever since I came to Timisoara three years ago. My favorite part of being here so far is going to the church, to try and understand the language and speak a little myself. :) (More on the language part later.. ) The happiest I am here is with these sweet people from the church. I'm so blessed to know them and call them my brothers & sisters!

I'll write more later, but now... it's time for bed. Noapte Buna, y'all. ;)

One Week!

One week! 7 days! 168 hours! 10,080 minutes! I think you get the idea. Eeeeek! :) :) :) In just a matter of 7 days, I will be boarding a plane and heading home to Romania. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to any and all supporters who have so graciously donated funds and/or interceded on behalf of the people of Romania. Your prayers are being heard, answered, and felt by all involved.

A more detailed post to come soon, I am currently without use of my own computer. :)

In His Abundant Grace,
Hannah

Connect to your Source.

Last weekend was Easter weekend. (If this is news to you, you obviously haven't been to church or Walmart in the last couple months!) I just wanted to share a powerful sermon that was given last weekend at Crosstimbers. Pastor Toby Slough presented the Gospel of Christ in a very clear, moving, and relevant way. If you're a believer and you feel like you've just lost connection with the Lord, or you're not really sure about this whole "Christian" thing, I encourage you to watch this video!

http://messages.crosstimberschurch.org/easter-2011/



What a WONDERFUL God we serve! All glory to Him and Him alone!

Love,
Hannah

A Romanian Adventure :)

Buna Seara! :) I have some exciting news! But first, a little back-story..

If you've read any of my previous posts, you've seen how the Lord has broken my heart for the nations. He has specifically laid Africa on my heart, specifically the countries of Uganda & Ghana. He has also recently opened my eyes to the need in Kenya, as I pray for my sweet friends the Omondi's who are currently serving in Mombasa. The church I attend, Crosstimbers Community Church, is currently building a highschool in Uganda. The video updates of Pastor Dongo's work in Kampala send shivers up my spine in anticipation of one day seeing the fruit of their labor in Heaven!

If you've ready any of my past ramblings, you've ALSO read about my struggle with desiring not only to go to Africa, but to Romania as well. I've taken several trips there when I was in High School, but have not returned in nearly 3 years. I prayed and cried long and hard over the decision I would make. I had an intense longing to visit Africa, but I knew in my heart God had something different in mind. Over the weeks, Romania kept coming up in different random places. I knew this is where I would be sent this Summer.

So, needless to say, I decided to purchase a plane ticket to Romania in faith that the Lord has a plan. (Actually, I used the ticket I didn't get to use for France last year..) Lord willing, I will be spending two sweet months in Timisoara, taking language and working with kids (of course) in some form or fashion. I have a couple options open to me, so I'll be excited to see what I end up doing! I will be staying with my parents in their apartment, which should be fun. ;) (I'm very thankful to have a good relationship with them so we can all stand to live in such close quarters for 8 weeks ;)) I will be leaving June 2nd and returning sometime in July. :)

Starting now, I intend to keep track of this Summer's adventures! Especially for my/my parents supporters, I'd like to use this blog to keep you in the loop on what the Lord is doing in Romania, so hopefully you can have a taste of the work you're making possible. (On that note, I just have to say.. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!!) I have renamed my blog, "Little Gypsy Soul." The word "Gypsy" is defined as: "a person held to resemble a gypsy, especially in physical characteristics or in a traditionally ascribed freedom or inclination to move from place to place." They live with the freedom of a feather, able to come and go wherever the wind takes them. This is the kind of life my heart longs for.. to be able to move from place to place with nothing holding me down. Romanian gypsies are called the Romani people, and sadly, not everyone is as romanticized by these people as I am. They tend to be the poorest of the poor, and the most unreached in the country. I pray that one day (maybe even this summer!) I will be able to reach out to these people!

So, welcome to my gypsy journey. :) I hope and pray that this Summer Christ may be glorified and the Body encouraged to love Him and His people more. And, if you are not a Christian and all my lingo sounds like silliness, I hope that the stories you read inspire you and broaden your perspectives on the world. :)




I found this picture online, and I absolutely love it. Such a perfect picture of a sweet little Romani (gypsy) baby!