Inspiration

I must say that my time in Romania hasn't gone exactly how I thought it would, and that is neither a good or bad thing. The one thing that I am fortunate about it having time. I like that I have the ability to do many things which have interested me over the years. Whether it's getting ideas down on paper, playing the guitar more, or simply reading, it is nice to have the opportunity to do said activities. With this comes a lot of patience. as things have not gone smoothly, I have had to deal with things as they have come. So, it is very much so a blessing. I am thankful for all the Lord has shown me in my short time here, and continue to look forward to progressing in his love.

On a lighter note, I am trying to think of more ways to show people what it is I do (and also because I am in a fairly mischievous mood). Therefore, I have begun devising videos which will be posted, showing Romanian life in all its forms (hopefully these will be humorous forms). With that I bid you all adieu.

Sorry for the break

It is Thanksgiving day, and I am ecstatic to post some things which I am very grateful for. First and foremost, I am thankful for the ability to live a life that has been redeemed. I'm am thankful for all the opportunities I have had because of my acceptance of Christ. It's incredible to see the places life will take a faithful person. Secondly, I am so grateful for every single person that has contributed to my life on any level. Those that have financially invested into the work I am doing, and those that are regularly praying for the work the Lord is doing through me.

I also am thankful for health and safety. Not many people know, but I have been having some recent health problems which appear to be on the mend. So, I am excited that things are beginning to head back the way of normal. For the safety of others, as recently there has been an epidemic of car accidents with my family. All have been minor, with no one suffering severe injuries. So, with all of this, I am thankful for answered prayers.

And I'm back...

Well...I am very thankful to report that even though the schedule what nothing short of hectic, my trip to Ireland was a smashing success. 43 hours of travel accompanied with 31 hours of face time (eleven of which were being slept through), and I was successfully able to say a long goodbye to some friends I will not be seeing for quite some time.

Do I regret this voyage? Absolutely not. It was in many many ways completely mandatory. This was really one of the last times the "Korean Klan" was going to be able to be gathered in a single location (with the unfortunate exclusion of Ed...who was desperately missed, and brought up in conversation on several occasions). I am very glad that I went, and would do it again, if I had to choose to. However, with that said, there is absolutely no way I would ever make such an abbreviated trip (if I can avoid it).

All I'm saying is that if I am coming to see you, I better be getting more than the time it took to travel to hang out. So, I am in the process of recovering. I am also wondering what else I can get myself into while I am over here. I have basically lived behind a fortified wall for a weekend, went parasailing, and have been to Ireland. Crazy.

A Whirlwind

It's kinda crazy to think this (being that I am not a spur of the moment type person at all), but being as though I will shortly not be able to see two of my closest friends (as they will be going to New Zealand to start a new life over there), I have purchased my ticket to see them this weekend. Now like I said I am not a spur of the moment type of person, so there are a lot of things that I am having to do in a very short period of time. And truth be told...it's kinda exciting. I mean, as long as I am not sleeping on the street, this should be a wonderful trip. Oh yeah, I'm going to Ireland (which is the other best part).

Korea is going to be revisited, as a group of former strangers, who had a chance encounter in Korea, meet up again in a foreign land. And this time we have a mascot. So, look out Emerald Isle.

Count Dracula

I have taken a break from my usual humdrummery, to go on a bit of a trip. Scott was going to a conference in a different part of the country and asked if I would be interested in going to see a city called Sighişoara. This is a really interesting place, because it happens to lie in the county that Vlad Tepeş was the ruler of.

If you don't know who that is let me give you a little background. Vlad Tepeş (aka Vlad the Impaler) happens to be the prime material a man named Bram Stoker used to base his very famous book, "Dracula" on.

The house I am staying in, is run by two very lovely ladies (Dorthy and Roberta), who are Nazarene Missionaries. Their house is actually located in The Citadel, which is to say that it is within the walls of what used to be the stronghold of the city. It's really quite remarkable. From the window of the room I am staying in, I can see the highest point of the hill (the fortified church), along with 2 of the 16 spiers (various people had a spier i.e. the blacksmith), and a view of the city from high up. I was also, given the opportunity to meet some college students doing practicum work here in Romania (two from Mount Vernon Nazarene, yes it's a small small world). Just when I think that I'm getting used to things, I have the opportunity to experience something new, and remind me how amazing this all is.

I think Dracula is out to get me...or the mosquitos.

My Quarters...

Imagine if Heathcliff's artists and Garfield's artists got into a contest to see who would paint a room the fastest, and those are the colors of my apartment. I am literally living in what used to be a Communist block apartment. A prefabricated apartment that was is identical to every other one that was stacked either above or below it. I have always been afraid that one day I would end up living in a housing development where all the other people had the exact same house as me (ultimately adding up to one of my neighbors knowing every square foot of my place and robbing me out of house and home), but it's not that bad.

My apartment is comfortable for right now, but hopefully in a little while it'll be more like home. I'll get some wall decorations (some kind of art), some plants, and some kitch and I'll be good to go. Pictures to come later.

Day One

Today I was given my first true taste of what I will be doing in the country for the next _____ months. And I can say that it is going to be an interesting time. If it will go as smoothly as today, I can say that I am not too worried.

In addition, a conversation arose today about what other activities I am going to be participating while I am here. It is looking like a very good option (and I am very excited) that I will be teaching English courses (just like good 'ole Korea) for OAZA. The other option is to help start a youth group in the church. This one is a little more time consuming, because I would have to start from scratch. Now, even though I worked with a youth group in Ohio, it was a thriving youth group, and I have little experience building a youth group. If you have any advice what-so-ever (start-up advice or articles to read) I, and the kids, would greatly appreciate it.

All my bags are packed...

I'm ready to go. I have purchased my ticket and am very excited to report that I will be departing on the 24th of September. This has been such a remarkable journey, so far, watching God work in amazing ways. Thank you, to everyone who has supported me.

I am looking forward to being able to give real updates of what I am doing, being that I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to be doing. All I know is that I'm going to do my best to be a blessing and use my gifts, talents, and knowledge in whatever ways God is willing to work.

Times like these

To say that I am overwhelmed right now, would be a bit of an understatement. I have been very fortunate in my life to be surrounded by people that support me and have assisted me during all times of my life. I received a phone call today from one of the most incredible people I have been lucky to have known. Not only is this man the hardest worker, but has one of the biggest hearts. I know that many of the people who will ultimately be reading this will not know who Glen Hoffman is, but he has blessed my life (and the lives of others) in ways that I cannot put into words.

I am starting down a path of service for the next year, and if I can resemble half of the man that Glen is, then I will be doing a lot of good in the world. If you know Glen (or someone like him), please take the time to thank him. Because when it comes right down to it, there's no way of knowing all the good that the kindhearted have done.

Big News

I just received an e-mail confirming that I have a VISA. Now becomes the arduous process of raising funds. I will be getting in touch with basically every single person I know, so be looking for my letter in the mail (it will be the one with DESPERATE stamped on the outside.

I have been struck by lightening

I have had an epiphany. My entrepreneurial side has decided to open a business. As I have started thinking about the tasks which lie just around the corner, it becomes increasingly more and more daunting, to the point where I have no desire what-so-ever to do them. That said, I am going to open a business so that others will do the menial jobs for me (and others, but most importantly me). The question would be, who would I initially hire, but that doesn't matter cause I'll pay with the Euro. Anyway, my fear is that I am going to forget something hugely important. So, by establishing this new enterprise, I would be constructing a list of everything that need happen (and ultimately would grow as the business would grow and new cases be completed).

Basically, I'm in the weeds, but I'm not behind the 8 ball...yet.

So much to do...

The job is only starting and it is nothing short of daunting. As much excitement as has surrounded this decision, I am still left with all of the planning that needs to take place over the next several months. I appreciate the positive responses I have heard from everyone. I will do my best to keep everyone as well informed as I can.