July 2005

It's been hot, then it's hot--random thunder and lighting storm--and then it's hot again! That would describe the weather these past weeks. Spring has flown by and summer is quickly settling into the Transylvanian Alps. The weather has been a wonderful blessing though and has helped us become very productive. I have some great updates to share with you all! I am excited... they are as follows (Whoo hoo!):

MINISTRY HOUSE: Finally this humble little house is under construction! We are moving quickly to get this house ready for winter. Last winter the house had water damage because we were not able to keep it warm enough to prevent mold and other damage. The damage was bad but nothing too serious; however, the house cannot take another winter without heating. We have knocked down the old kitchen and bathroom and we are beginning plans to build the new ministry kitchen and bathroom. We have hired local boys from the streets of Colonie to help with some of the work. It has really been a blessing to share with them about the love of Jesus and to pay them for an honest day's work. A young boy yesterday asked if he could help us because he was tired of being bored on the street; we of course gave him work and fed him. All of the boys are doing a great job and it is encouraging to see their smiling faces while working very hard to rebuild the ministry house. We still need funds however to complete this house by winter. At the end of this newsletter, of you feel led to help with this project, I have attached a list of needs--including this one and others.) We are very excited about the completion of this house as it will be the center of operations when teams come to visit, when we hold home bible studies, and continue in general ministry needs.

NEWS: In the last newsletter, I mentioned that I had begun looking for another apartment due to the high rent price of my current situation. I must admit, I was really focused on getting an apartment in town, but God had other plans (don't you just love that?!). God had a beautiful house in mind. The house is very close to the ministry house and near the church. It has a beautiful backyard and, even more, a garden--tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sweet peas here I COME! The little old lady that we bought the house from is a sweet grandma and is very helpful telling me which flowers I should keep and which flowers to move into the house during winter... I have all the help I need! She is a blessing and a great woman. We call her "tanti" which means "auntie." She does need some prayer; she has a virus under her fingernails that does not allow her to work with her hands. She is taking medicine, but cannot do much packing due to the pain she experiences. Last week Andrei went over to help her move boxes, trim some trees and cut the grass. I did a lot of weeding... of course under her close and watchful eye! The house came with a dog as well. She is a very sweet protective dog, named "Muki." Thank you all for your prayers. The money transfers went without a hitch and the paperwork went very smoothly, Glory to HIS name!

NEW BEGININGS: Alin, a friend and team member with the Saturday Children's study, is getting married June 25th to his beautiful fiancée Catalina. They have both been a blessing to the children of Colonie and I am so happy to be apart of their special day. Please pray for them as they begin their life together. They will be living next door to the ministry house in the home of Rick Rotondo (a missionary who is currently serving the Lord in Cluj). I am so very excited for them!