Reflections on a Semester in Romania

February 7, 2001, was a life-changing day. On that day, I boarded a plane to leave the familiar to set out for the great unknown; I was about to spend a semester in Sighisoara, Romania, with 5 other students from Eastern Nazarene College.

Each year on February 7, the 6 of us “reunite” over the internet, by sharing stories and memories of the time we spent in Romania together.

Last year on this date, I shared my many pictures of Romania (click here to view). You can also read my newsletters from the semester I spent I Romania here.

With pictures and newsletters already posted online, I was trying to think what I could share this year. A favorite story about a memorable experience? Where would I begin? Instead, I want to share the reflection paper I wrote in August 2001, just a few weeks after returning to the U.S. from Romania. I want to share this paper because it demonstrates how I felt at the time of returning without the rose-colored glasses of 8 years looking back. In it, I reflect upon how God stretched me during the semester, how I learned about myself, about others, and about God, and about the friendships that were

As I just read through this paper myself, I am reminded of the faithfulness of God. He called me to spend a life-changing semester in Romania. At the end of that semester, I felt God’s leading to return to Romania not only for a year after college, but for a longer commitment after graduating from seminary. As those plans are materializing even now (click here for update), I can’t help but marvel at God’s faithfulness.

Click here to read my reflection paper.

Pictures from Spring 2001 semester:
Top: Romanian Language class
Second: Veritas Staff & Volunteers
Third: Working at the children's hostpital
Bottom: My host family