On the Road - 6 Weeks in the US

For the past 6 weeks, I’ve been in the United States to raise support for the next year of ministry in Romania. I thought it would be fun to share with you a few of the things I got to do while on this side of the Atlantic.

Preparing Sunday School Material– I gathered together 10 years worth of used children’s Sunday school curriculum materials. I removed the English content, then focused on the teaching pictures and cut-out characters. Next, I spent about 5 hours in front of the laminator at my home church…and then about 2 days cutting all of it apart. I’ll be bringing these materials back to Romania, where it will be distributed to the various churches and ministry locations.

Speaking in Churches – I spoke in 10 churches in the past 6 weeks – in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, and Kansas. I enjoyed sharing about this first year of ministry in Romania to those who helped support me already as well as making new friends. Although my schedule was not completely filled, I was able to raise enough money to cover my traveling expenses and help with expenses this coming year. (Click here to listen to a podcast of my sermon.)

Promoting the Romanian Studies Program– I had my first real taste of promoting the Romanian Studies Program. Although it was summer and I wasn’t able to meet with prospective students interested in spending a semester in Romania, I was able to talk with study abroad directors and faculty members at 3 universities.

Visiting Family & Friends – Out of everything I’ve done during the past few weeks, the most memorable has been spending time with my family and friends. I got to have lunch with a few high school friends one day. I went to another friend’s wedding whom I’ve known since my first day of college. I spent a whole day at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center visiting former coworkers who have become close friends. I’ve shared meals with countless others. I even went to a Kansas City Royals game (which they actually won!). As a family, we spent an evening watching home movies from when my brother and I were children.

A busy 6 weeks!
It has been a busy 6 weeks. In case there is any confusion, this has NOT been a vacation. It's been much more like an intense “business trip.” As much as I’ve enjoyed the past 6 weeks, I am looking forward to getting back to “normal” life in Romania. I fly back to Romania on Thursday.