Home Sweet Home

I finally arrived home last night (Mon) at about 10pm. I was tired and weary, but very willing to wait up for my girls to get home. They rolled in from Funtown about 11pm and jumped in bed with me and asked me questions until the last thing I heard was "I think she's asleep" ... I was wonderful.

I know it's going to take weeks to process and I'm sure the effects will last a lifetime. I have learned so much about myself these last 10 days. Most of all I've learned that "I CAN!" with the guidance and support of Christ, I can do anything that He places on my heart to do. I have no need to fear or be anxious. He will clear my path and light my way.

One of the biggest things that I have brought back is not to have expectations or concrete plans when God sends you on a mission. Sarah was great in preparing me for what I will do while there ... ANYTHING! She helped me to keep my mind open to whatever God has planned and to just let Him lead the way. We all have different gifts but the gifts that we 'think' we will give to the people isn't always the gift that we use. We discover different gifts and talents that we didn't know we had. It's wonderful. Honestly, I really expected to try to teach the girls a little dance while we were there, but it didn't happen and I'm happy just the same. I found myself giving in ways that I didn't expect or plan for, but were so joyful! I feel that I have expanded myself beyond what I ever thought I had the confidence to do. It is wonderful.

I am bringing home a greater knowledge of cultures, worlds that I didn't know exsisted and a strength that I never thought I would have. As I stated in an earlier post, that family on the agape visit was so emotional and close to home that I will never forget her pain. I feel it every morning when I wake to face the day alone with noone to lean on but the Savior. This trip has shown me a direction that my life as been missing. I am so thankful to God for tugging at my heart and clearing my path. Otherwise, I never would have gone.

Another very wonderful and teaching moment was making a connection with a very wonderful spirit on our team. She showed me so much that I didn't know about myself, so much that I had to offer and so much that God wants for me. I can't thank you enough, Tara, for what you have shown me.

Well ... it's just an update for now. As I process more, I'll fill you in more.

Thanks for all the support and comments.

All my love ~ Alma :-)

Thursday/Friday Update

Hey everyone ... Just a quick update for you ... Thursday we went to market in the morning. That was definately an experience in itself. I got some cool things, but they don't really have 'Romania' momentos so I just got handcrafted stuff. We just walked around market for a couple hours and then came back for lunch. After lunch a group went to visit the rehab facility for handicapped children but were unable to so they went to visit a gypsy village outside of town where a pastor was making a huge impact on the community by providing lunch to gypsy children every other day. I ended up helping Ana & Sarah with decorations ... the tent look incredible. Ana is such an amazing woman. For dinner, we all went to the family camp to BBQ and listen to Peter's testimony and his vision for REMM. Truely amazing. We ended the night with a 'interesting' game of spoons. ... more a little later .....

Love you all!

Hitting HOME

Hi everyone ... thanks for all the comments ~ I love reading them. It keeps me close to home while I'm away. Today was a very impacting day for me. I got to go on an agape run this morning. The first home we went to was so hard to see. When we first got there it was only children and as we started talking to them more started coming out of the woodwork. I think there were 8 at home and a total of 11 people living in the house. While we were talking to the kids about Jesus, mom came home. We gave the kids a goodie bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, bubbles, toys and etc. They were so exited. One little boy ran in the house and brushed his teeth and was so proud to come back outside to show us what he had done. The hardest part for me was when we asked the mom how we could pray for her ... she had such a hard time telling us. She got really emotional and started crying. She said she was so thankful that her family still had their health but she is having a really tough time getting food. She is having to choose between electricity or food ... way too close to home. I almost lost it. We prayed for her and her family and said our goodbyes. It was so hard to see. Next we visited a family with 14 children ... most of them were home, but a few were grown and working the fields. One of them had medical issues and it was very difficult for the family to cover the medical expenses. Next we went to another house with only two children, but one was blind & looked like maybe he had some retardation issues. The family's out here really struggle and I can't believe that walking around Beius you don't see it all ... but literally 5 min's down the road is such poverty. The work that REMM does is so incredible. We spent the rest of the afternoon with the girls at the orphanage doing VBS and playing.

We have the rest of the night off and we are relaxing at the coffee shop for a bit and heading back to play spoons. Check out the church blog for more pictures.

Cassie ~ I can't take any of the girls home, but I would love to. I will be giving the bears to Sarah to take on an agape run tomorrow (Thur) and she will get pictures.

Brittany ~ I hope you are doing okay ... Love you/Miss you too ... Have fun in Six Flags

Dad ~ I'm okay ... REALLY! ... Don't worry.

Love you all and please leave your comments, it's great to read and stay in touch with everyone.

Chocolate Kisses to you ALL!

Hi everyone one ... we are at the coffee house again ... that's the best place for us to get on the internet. Last night we worked at the coffee house making tarts, sorting chocolate kisses (and by the way ~ they don't travel well) unloading tents, adding everyones photos. We were all pretty tired so when we headed back most of us all went right to bed ... BUT some of us splurged and had a Nix party in the girls bathroom in preparation for the gypsy village visit.

Today, we are doing wedding preparations for Sat's wedding and cleaning up outside the coffee house. We went to the orphanage this morning and played with the kids and worked more on sorting all the clothing donations. We are making great progress but there is still alot to do. A few people went w/Peter to minister to a couple of gypsy villages. We will be going to do VBS at a gypsy village this evening at 7:30 for about 50 children.

The culture is very different but does have some similarities. They eat losts of carbs, not much for sweet and LOTS of fresh veggies. I will try my best to get all the pictures on the blog a little better, having a few difficulties, but there are a few pictures.

Miss you all ... but this place is really great and has many needs. I feel very blessed to be here and will do my best to serve God in whatever way is needed.

God Bless ~ Alma :-)

Bundles of Joy

Hi everyone ... I'm at the Bridge again. We've had a very full day and it isn't over. This morning we all arrived at the table for devotions suffering from extreme jet lag! ... Noone could fall asleep last night and felt it this morning, but we've all managed to get through the day and I'm sure we will all sleep well tonite.

* Anita shared devotions this morning. This was new for me because I've never really done devotions in a group, but everyone is wonderful and very supportive. I don't think we could have found a more diverse group that works so well together.

* A group of 5 went on an agape run to some outskirt villages to deliver food and clothing. Here's a couple of pictures ...

* The rest of us stayed at the orphanage to play with the girls. OH MY! ~ Nothing could have physically prepared me for their energy except training for the ironman! Gabriella took my hand immediately and showed me around everywhere and played, and played ... and played. Between all 8 of them, My upper body strength has tripled. I carried two of them back to the house after taking them outside to play on the swings & slid. It was precious. What was very heartbreaking is the greatness and emptiness of the building. So much space is not able to be used due to lack of funding and the orphanage is HUGE! Here's a few pictures ...



Me and Dalia ... they had a blast taking pictures with everyone's cameras.

This is Sanda ... she is so precious. If I could, she's be coming home with me!

They enjoyed getting new hats & scarves for the winter.


* After visiting with the kids, we went back to the clinic for lunch while they napped. We came back after lunch and worked with Anca to sort TONS of clothes that were brought in ... an entire room for the foster families and another room for agape families. Tons & Tons of clothes ~ It is truely amazing the work that Peter & Ana are doing with R.E.M.M.

* Now we are at the Bridge setting up some stuff & doing some baking for the wedding and taking turns checking out emails. Check out the church blog for more pictures and stories.

Miss you all & Lots of Love!

Beautiful ...

Right now, I'm at the Bridge Cafe' ... this is the local hotspot for locals to gather in a smoke free/friendly environment and have great coffee & treats. This morning we had a wonderful breakfast and went to a small church about 30mins away. The service was beautiful ... listening to the little choir sing "How Great thou Art" was so awesome. The message was on the how the Samaritan woman brought an entire village to Christ with just her testimony. My new friend, Carol, shared her testimony with the congregation and prayed with all. We all sang "Amazing Grace" ... the Romanians on one side and the Americans on the other, each facing each other. It was powerful. There was a little girl there with long blonde hair (just like Cassie) that was just singing her heart our to the Lord. You could see the love in her eyes, she was just so precious. We came back to the clinic to yet another great meal. Now we are taking a little break at the Bridge to reflect and relax.

We will visit another village church a little later this afternoon and get all the team supplies unpacked and organized. Sorry I don't have more pictures ... I forgot my camera cord at the clinic. But, here's a little of what I have ...

Hope to hear from you all soon ~ Love Ya!

Safe & Sound

Hi everyone ... very quickly - we are here safe and sound. Our trip was blessed ... great flights, no lost luggage, excellent border crossings. 25 hours total that ended with a wonderful meal.

Girls ... I'm OKAY - Don't worry. Love You!

I'll fill you in more in the morning ... it's 11:00pm right now and we are very tired and in dire need of a shower!

Noape Buna (Good Night)
Love you all - Alma :-)

On my way ...

It's finally here ... I've dropped the kids off, shared some hugs & kisses (yes, Cassie let me give her a kiss!), and I'm now at Dore's Cafe' enjoying some quiet time to reflect. I want to stay focused on why God is sending me and the plan He has in store for me.

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

You know my siting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off.

You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O Lord,

You know it altogether.

You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain it.

God's knowledge is perfect in every way. He knows my heart and I am confident in every way that if I seek Him with all my strength, He will clear the path that was intended for me to follow. He has settled my anxieties, cleared the way for this journey in so many ways.

Kim (& Carlos), Jen, Kathy & Sue
Here's the JCB's ... my unendingly faithful bible study chicks, my prayer team, my Emmitt's, my best buds, my anchor when I'm floating aimlessly and my floatation device when I'm sinking into the pits. I love you guys with all my heart and I can't thank you enough for ALL that you have done and been to me over this last year and before. (Josh Groban is on the radio ... You Raise Me Up ... LOL)

Brittany & Cassie ~ I'm so proud of you. You've been very brave and supportive these last few days and I can't thank you enough. I love you and I'll see you soon.

Rodney ~ Thanks for the kick in the butt! I can't wait to see the work that will be done here and what God has in store for YOU on your journey! I am so excited for you. This last year has been one for the record books and will never be forgotten or regretted. A while ago, I was praying for you and Isaiah 51 was placed on my heart. I have read it several times, but haven't been able to understand what message I'm supposed to give you. But my bible has a heading on that chapter ... "The Lord Comforts Zion" ... maybe that just it. So, I'm gonna focus and clear myself of everything else that has been distracting me and let God do a mighty work. Love ya ~ :-)

Alright now ... signing off until Beuis, Romania ... can't wait to read your comments (that's that little section at the end of the post ~ LOL) and please keep us in your prayers as we travel and minister.

God = Love ... Alma :-)

WOF Ripple Effect

I probably didn't need to post two right in a row, but I am ... I just wanted to share with you the wonderful ripple effect that Woman of Faith as caused.

One of the speakers at the conference, Carol Kent, spoke in great detail of her new kind of normal that life has now become for her. Her only son is currently in prison serving life without the possibilty of parole for the murder of his wife's ex-husband. Him and his wife had suspected for some time that the ex-husband has been sexually abusing the two children in this family. After the many reports and investigations, nothing was being done to protect these children. So, weakness overcame and he comitted the unthinkable ... 1st degree murder ... to, in his mind, protect his step-daughters. Well ~ it was a wonderful testimony to how God uses everything for good and how even in the darkest days, His light will shine.

So ... upon hearing this story, I immediately thought of a good friend of mine that is dealing with a very similar situation. My friend is being a wonderful advocate for her ex-husband who is currently awaiting trial for murdering his father. He had suspected that his father was sexually abusing his 4 sons and was in great fear for them, being a victim himself of that same abuse as a child. I forwarded her the story and I am so thankful to God for giving me the courage to reach out because she was absolutly stunned and so thankful that there was someone out there that could relate to her situation. She has ordered Carol's book, and is forwarding all the information to the sister and mother of the accused. This family is completely torn apart by this event, but I know that God will use this for good.

Everywhere I turn and see women that attended this conference I see a light that all of a sudden got flipped on that had been shut off for a long time. It's amazing ...

Well ~ I really should try to get some sleep now ... HUGE day tomorrow (today?)

God Bless!

Prayer & Preparations ~ Part II

There is so much going on in my head right now that I can't even sort it out and put it on paper. But, a few minutes ago ~ I dwindled it down to two words ... SPIRITUAL WARFARE! This morning at bible study I felt so 'high' from WOF and from feeling a great peace about preparing for the trip that I think I got caught with my armor down ... LOL ... but no joking, I just got knocked out at the knees. In dealing with some issues that I have been trying to overcome and face over the past week or so, I had started to finally feel secure, confinent, focused and trusting. But Satan knows every little tiny hole to creep his slimy little voice into ... and he did ... and I listened, briefly. But it was long enough to put that lump back into my throat and take me down a peg or two. So, pray for me if you would please and for this incredible journey that is about to take place. A friend once told me "My purpose here must be so huge that Satan is double timing me to keep me down" ... I'm gonna remember that ~ this lump in my throat and anxiety IS NOT of God. I really liked this verse:

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord,

point out the right road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you.

Final Preparations & Prayer

Well, today feels a little strange. Peacefully strange. I stayed up a little later last night and did some packing with Brittany. She decided she wanted to crochet some scarves for the orphans. She fell asleep before she got the first one done but at least her heart had good intentions. The girls have been helping me complete my will and I've been including them in everything to get ready. They're not as anxious anymore and are seemingly a little excited to hearing about the journey.

During yesterday's reading, I came across a really great verse that was so fitting for missions.

Romans 15:20
"My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else."

To me, this just reaffirmed our need to be there and spread the Good News of Christ. Not just in our own comfortable surroundings, but to the far reaches of the world. I'm so excited to be a part of God's plan and I can't wait to wake each morning and see what he has in store.

I've got lots to do and two very special young ladies to enjoy the evening with ... I'll write more in a little bit.

Women of Faith & then some.

I've returned from what has to be one of the most amazing 'FIRSTs' of my life. If you have never been to the "Women of Faith" conference, GO! It doesn't matter if you're a Christian or not. There is a goldmine of wisdom, encouragement and just plain fun all in one weekend. If I had to nail ONE thing that changed in me (there were MANY) it would be the profound effect that God has in our lives and how we really CAN'T do it without Him. I remember thinking, "Wow, this woman overcame this and is standing up there?" I couldn't do it ... No, I couldn't ~ But with Christ ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Those that know me, know that speaking is utter torture, but I came back and couldn't shut up! There were so many heartbreaking stories and spirit filled recoveries. The endings were not all storybook either ~ they were reality. The reality is that we are all lost (aka: broken beyond repair) and without Christ, we will remain separated and lost. If we let Him, He will change our lives and our hearts.

There was so much to digest and take in that I can't even begin to get it all in this post, but trust me, it was like nothing I've ever experienced. I feel like I can get out of the boat and walk on water ... heck, I'm running across the ocean! It truely is AMAZING FREEDOM!

Phil 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Thank You, Lord!

My passport has finally arrived after SEVERAL calls to the government agency and finally a call to Senetor Collin's office (Thank You, Jamie) to move the process along a little quicker. I was only starting to worry yesterday when they said I may not even get it in time. But I knew God would provide and it would be here eventually.

It has been quite a week ... I met w/Ruth for some one on one time and WOW ~ what an amazing spirit. Not only did she give me some great scripture, but she helped me open my eyes to my lack of dicipline in getting into His word EVERY day. How important it is and that I will not find my answers or even learn how to find them if I'm not getting fed by reading. It was great that she didn't try to anwer my questions exactly, but she inspired me to want to dig into His word and search for the answers and pray for God's guidance. Since that meeting, I have been faithful to pray every night ... face down and usually crying my eyes out but I can see that He is working in me. I have been reading every morning in my daily bible that has a chapter of Old, a chapter of New, a Psalm and a Proverb. It's amazing how I've already been able to actually understand what I'm reading and use it. I am so thankful, Ruth for your guidance and fellowship. God has used you in a great way to change my life, may you be blessed in a great way.

I'm also preparing for Women of Faith this weekend. I've never been, but I've been told it is very emotional, impactful and life changing ... ~ Honestly, I had decided not to go because I really don't have the finances to do this, but I was convinced by two very special people that this is needed for me to prepare for Romania. One, I can personally thank ~ the other ... I will lift my eyes to the heavens and forever be greatful. So, I'm just gonna go and know that God will provide. I've been given the ticket and the housing, and the rest is in God's hands. It was also recommended that I watch "Facing the Giants" ... I did and I can't even express how much that movie touched me. I would have to say that for me, it was right up there with "The Passion of Christ". So many teachable moments and issues to reflect apon. I advise EVERYONE to watch it ... but be prepared to be face down for a while afterwards in complete thanksgiving.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me your love.

Psalm 20: 1-5

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.

May the God of Isreal keep you safe from all harm.

May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem

May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,

flying banners to honor our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Psalms 126: 5-6

Psalms 126: 5-6

"Those who sow in tears,

Shall reap in joy.

He who continually goes forth weeping,

Bearing seed for sowing

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him."

* * * * *

It's only 10am and I'm already heavy at heart and ready to spring a leak at the drop of a dime. I've been like this for days but can't seem to understand why. This verse that Roger spoke of Sunday helps ... Even though this season or journey is painful, I need to work through it step by step until it is completed. If I am faithful and obedient, I will rejoice in the end.

I think I'll have to re-read this entry now and again to remind myself when I'm down.

Oh Lord, Be Thou Near to Me

As I was heading out to our Team Packing night at Sarah's this evening, my heart was very heavy with God only know's what. My passport is not here yet and I just have so many unfinished things with home & work that I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. But, I'm sticking pretty solid to our theme ... Step by Step ... I just try to get one thing at a time done and let things fall into place as God would have them. Sunday's sermon was great. I really could relate to the message.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

"To everything there is a season.

A time for every purpose under heaven:"

*****

I know that every season will have a beginning as well as an end, but how do we know when it has ended? Roger explained the story of Ruth ... Ruth 1:16-17 ... that we need to stick it out and not give up, not quit, to stay the course. My battle is how do we know that a particular season has ended if we are at the same time trying to stay true and not give up and quit? My gut tells me to PRAY! ~ to ask for clarity and strength.

So ... I heard one of Selah's songs on the way to Sarah's and the line stuck in my head ... "Oh Lord, Be Thou Near to Me" ... and that's my prayer tonite. Just for Him to hold me and be near me. I'm getting anxious about the coming week and I would like nothing more than to just rest in His arms.

STEP by STEP

It is so amazing to see God's hand all over this journey. When I think it's just about Romania, I get a huge realization that this trip is more than that. We had our meeting last Sunday and was so blessed to have Ruth Martin join us for prayer and encourangment. She shared her testimony with us as well as her lifelong journey on the mission field. She encouraged us to memorize Psalm 25:4-5 and use this verse daily. She also advised us to be aware of the spiritual warfare that will be coming our way as we draw closer to the trip. Then she asked us all if we needed any individual prayer ... that was going to be her assignment ~ our prayer warrior. Well ~ when it came my turn of course I couldn't get the words out (surprise, surprise) but I knew I really needed prayer. The previous night I was talking to Sarah about a particular struggle I was dealing with and she just encouraged me to take things one day at a time and I would get through it step by step. During Ruth's message to us her words were "step by step, day by day" ... I couldn't believe how overwhelming those words were to me. It was like God was speaking them to me Himself through Ruth.

Psalm 25: 4-5

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

Guide me in your truths and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

* * * * *

For me ... He is my hope day by day and STEP by STEP in what I am struggling with. He will guide me and teach me the truth. Thank you Ruth for being such an amazing inspiration and graceful spirit.

A GOOD PLACE TO START

I guess a good place for me to start would be to answer the question that I've been asking myself for months ... "Why on earth would a single mom travel halfway around the world during the financially WORST time of the year just to play with some kids at an orphanage?"

My answer: This is what God has placed on my heart to do and it is WAY more than just playing with the kids!

About 2 years ago, Sarah mentioned the Romanian Mission Team to me at church one day and said that I would love it and it was perfect for me. I didn't think a whole lot about it (being a new Christian and all) and just sort of filed the thought away. Then, last year for "some reason" that thought crossed my mind again but I didn't hear anything of it at church, so I didn't ask. Sarah had gone by herself with another team from the U.S. I now knew that this was something I might want to consider looking into, so I asked Sarah to let me know when something comes up. I didn't hear anything for a while and then one Sunday morning during service I was moved to tears and completely overwhelmed by this video that was played to inform the congregation about the great need in Romania and the overwhelming number of abandoned children in the country. After lots of prayer and finally "listening" to where God needed me to be, I signed up for the journey.

The night of our first meeting, we all exchanged prayer requests ... Mine was for God to financially provide a way for me to get there. I am usually out of work from June to August with very spotty income, so August is usually the hardest month of the year for me do ANYTHING ... let alone go to Romania! But, I have learned that He will provide. He would not have given me this assignment without giving me the necessary means to follow through. At times it doesn't seem possible, but I have faith ... first and foremost. He will get me there because I know He has something very life changing for me to see or do there.

So, what will we be doing? We will be working with a privately owned Christian orphanage and helping in whatever capacity is needed. We also conduct VBS in the area gypsy villages and distribute food and clothing to the poor families in the area. In a nutshell ... just love them like Jesus.

And now the journey begins ... I've had my shots, applied for my passport and I'm starting to get things around the house in order.

I can't wait to share this journey with all of you ...