Romania 11.14.23
“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am.Send me.” And he said,“Yes, go...”
Isaiah 6:8-9
One final Romania Update.
That’s right, this is the last update I will be writing while in Romania. I can’t believe I’m starting to pack my things, say goodbyes, and get ready for a flight (3 flights actually) back to the states. Here is a recap of the last 2 weeks.
This week has marked the last English class, last Wednesday night prayer, and my last pre-teen group. In English we played games and laughed a lot. I soaked in the two hours of prayers remembering how the first week I was here those two hours felt so long haha. ButWednesday night prayer has become one of the things I most look forward to during the week.
On Friday I went with my roommate and Pastor Addy to a city 2 hours away from us called Sibiu. Addy was our personal tour guide as we explored the old fortress, climbed the clocktower that was built in the1300s, and took photos all around. The history of the city was amazing and it was a great time. Not to mention, the beautiful landscape as we drove. Seeing the mountains, rolling hills, and farm land.
Saturday evening we planned one last pre-teen hangout before I leave. Little did I know, that when I showed up there was a surprise party they had planned for me. Most of the pictures from this newsletter are from Saturday. This group has made me feel so loved. I have been honored to serve them and hopefully teach them just a few things over the last few months. I could talk about them for hours, but I’ll save that and try and keep my thoughts short. This is a passionate group who is at a pivotal age. So much pressure from the world trying to form them in this season of their lives. The goal here is to give them a safe space to grow and ask questions. A place to focus on God and not be afraid of being themselves.
This group is incredibly talented, each in their own way. Amazing artists, translators, leaders, etc. They have challenged me with their willingness to ask HARD questions at a young age, yet not be afraid to wrestle for the answer... and sometimes there just isn't one. But I can guarantee one thing, this group will change the world.
As Addy and I were talking the other day he told me that he knows God brought me here strategically at this time and for this group. Had I come earlier there wouldn’t have been an open position for me to lead and had I come any later, they might not have had enough pre-teens to start the group. On top of that, I have the honor to passing the baton to my roommate, Iasmina, as she takes over the leadership of this group. Another reminder of God having a bigger plan, as Addy told me they had never considered Iasmina leading the group until she started working and translating for me when we first started.
Thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness every step of the way. From the timing of me coming to the timing of me leaving.
Although this is the last newsletter, I will be writing some blogs to process and share stories of things that have happened in the last 3 months. I’ll be writing those slowly and posting them to my website in the coming weeks!
At the moment, it’s hard for me to put words to my time spent in Romania.
This season is marked by the word redemption. Romania was a place I swore I would never return to do ministry. God had different plans and I’m glad He did.
I have learned so much, about myself, about ministry, about the global church, and more about God’s character the last 84 days.
Prayer Requests
- Travel day. Starting on Thursday at 7:00 am (Romanian time) I have around 19 hours of travel to get back to Greenville. 2 hour drive, 3 flights, and 2 layovers. Praying for energy in the airport, smooth flights, and easy layovers.
- Transition. Coming home after living overseas is always strange. I’m so ready to see all my family and all my people, but transitions can be difficult.
Music:
Here’s what I’ve been listening to the last two weeks!
Once again, thank you for reading and thank you for the support. If that has been prayers, financial support, or simply reading this newsletter, I would not be here without you. 2 days until I fly home, which means I have started saying goodbye to people here.
A life changing 3 months. To my Greenville people, I’ll see you soon!
Love ya, Sumer
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