Greeting From Romania!!

Hello all and greetings from the great country of Romania. For the last two and a half weeks myself, Josh Hopkins, Trina Paulson, and Katrina Olson have been staying in Timisoara, Romania and visiting some of our churches, as well as attending the Romanian Youth Camp. We have had the pleasure of having Ben Marincus and Wayne Butler as our leaders, so to speak, although Wayne had to leave us early as he was needed back home in Woodlake, CA for their Youth Camp.

This trip has been quite an experience. It has opened my eyes soo much. I never knew just how great I have it in America. The following are just a few examples...

1) Running Water - This has been quite an ordeal while visiting. Some days the water is WAY too hot to take a shower. Some days there isn't hot water to take a shower. On one occasion, the water was yellow and even brown. And still sometimes, more than once, no water at all. (And I'm only talking about showering in it... let's not bring up the fact that if you drink it... well, you may staying in the bathroom for the rest of your trip.)

2) Paved Roads - Well, let's just say that I won't mind road construction at all when I get home. Although most roads are paved, you wouldn't think it 'cause you feel like a human pinball, no bettter yet, a human bobble head!!

3) Food Variety - Not to say that the food over here is bad 'cause it's not... it's GRUBBIN!! But I could definately go for something other than potatos. Give me a nice JUICY steak!! Mmmmm... that sounds so good right now. And coffee... havn't had any "GOOD" coffee since I left the states. Bring on Starbucks and a Double Short Caramel Breve!! Mmmm mmm mmm!!!

Well, those are just a few examples of what I'm thankful fore. All kiding aside though, these people know how to worship the Lord. I'm telling you what, it has been amazing!! And boy can they ever pray!! The prayer services at Youth Camp were, well... I can't really explain them. And Ben even said that they weren't even as good as they have been in the past. I can say with out a doubt that even though there is a language barier, the spirit of the Lord is universal. You could feel it in every single meeting.

Well, now that I have taken forever, and written probably the longest blog in the history of my blog, I will let you go. I leave tomorrow night for Budapest, Hungary (about a three hour drive), then fly to Frankfurt, Germany (about and hour flight), a lay oaver there for about three hours, YUCK, then on to Portland, Oregon (I'm gonna ballpark that flight at around eleven hours). Can't wait to see you all!!