Kisses from Heaven

I've been here in Romania for one week.  As soon as I walked off the plane, I felt right at home.  Through all of my traveling experiences, I've learned that The Lord has equipped me with the ability to find "home" wherever His next adventure takes me.  During this season of my life, it's here in Romania.

After the 6 months I spent here in 2014, I knew I was suppose to return but I was unsure when that would be.  I began to fund raise but found that it was much harder than before.  I couldn't figure out why.   Was it because of finding monthly sponsorship this time or that people didn't believe in what I was doing anymore?....I could go on for hours about all questions, fears, doubts and the roller coaster of emotions I experienced but for your sake I'll just say this - The enemy had a grand plan for me not to follow through with returning.

I became fearful in asking for help, both with monthly sponsorship and for help with different fundraisers.  Why?! Then a shift happened.  I found out Terence and Brad from Outstretched Hands were going to be in Wisconsin and flying back on October 27th.  I prayed about it and since I had raised just enough to cover airfare, I decided I would take that leap of faith and fly back with them.  This decision was made at the end of August, so now the pressure was on.

It was the strangest thing, I felt more relieved having the date even though it seemed impossible to accomplish everything I needed in the short time frame I gave myself.  (I did however still have moments of "oh my goodness...what am I doing?  Maybe I'm rushing this...") The Lord quickly took all my burdens and began to send down kisses from Heaven in the last month of preparation.  

I had 8 speaking engagements before leaving, which is quite comical considering I am not a public speaker.  Despite being out of my element, The Lord rewarded me for being obedient and allowing Him to put me in those uncomfortable situations.  I had incredible people encourage me and direct me on how to get up in front of people and share what The Lord wanted me to share.  The best part, getting to the place where I allowed His words to speak and not my own. 
Through these speaking arrangements, I formed new life giving relationships, almost became fully funded for monthly support, and gave God a platform to show what transformation He can do in a person!

The kisses didn't stop there.  Many blessed me with items to bring, one-time donations, beautiful words of encouragement - all bringing me to such a beautifully humbling place.  I received an e-mail on Saturday, completely unexpected, and I'm officially funded for monthly support! Thank you Jesus!  This is such a HUGE relief!  His timing is perfect :-)
I'm still trying to raise a little over $4,000 (This would be for emergency, blessing families, and the Hope Center), but I'm not worried.  I know I have exactly what I need, when I need it!

Not only did the kisses of Heaven come in the form of financial gifts, but they came in the form of people as well.  Each and every one of you that has prayed for me, encouraged me through the ups and the downs, listened to my testimony and missionary stories has blessed me far beyond any words could ever explain.  I love you all!

Because I've only been here a week, I don't have a lot to say, but I wanted to make sure I gave all of you a brief update on my day to day (this is sure to change week-to-week but this is from my first week).
Wednesday, Oct 28th- Arrived in Romania at 11pm (Arrived at my apartment at 1:30am)
Thursday, Oct 29th- First Full Day spent at The Hope Center (I'm sure you are all curious: I did end up with 17 flea bites that day...and after 1 week have stopped counting haha!  I'm still figuring out a good system to beat them)
Friday, Oct 30th- Off Day
Saturday, Oct 31st- Girls Meeting with Carmen in the morning (no girls attended this week)
Sunday, Nov 1st- Bethany Church in the Morning, Caramidari Church in the evening
Monday, Nov 2nd- Day Off
Tuesday, Nov 3rd- Hope Center 9-4ish.  Girls Meeting in Chiselet 5:30-9

Now that I'm settling in it will be like this:
Monday- Day Off
Tuesday- Hope Center, Chiselet Girls Meeting
Wednesday- Hope Center, Hope Center Kids Program
Thursday- Hope Center
Friday- OH Team Meeting, Possible time at the Hope Center
Saturday- Girls Meeting w/ Carmen, Chiselet Church
Sunday- Bethany Church, Roseti Girls Meeting

I don't have much else to say, so I'll leave you with a candid photo of me and Raymon on my first day back at The Hope Center.

xx,
​Becky