WOW!  Since there is really no way to adequately describe all the experiences from our time in Romania, I will simply try to recap and highlight some of the major things that stand out to me. 

• Jesus changes lives when and where He chooses!  There were 49 individuals who met Christ in a remote village on the other side of the world last week. No matter who you are or where you are from – there is simply nothing more exciting than seeing people come to know Christ!
• Religion will never bring salvation.  I heard different statistics while we were over there, but as far as I can tell, roughly 80% of the Romanian people are practicing members of the Eastern Orthodox church.  There are so many people trusting in all sorts of rituals and superstitions for their “hope”.  I wonder how different we really are here in America?
• Availability trumps ability.  One of the recurring themes that surfaced throughout our time in Romania was that of inadequacy.  We should most certainly give God our very best.  We do not however have to be the very best for Him to use us.  In fact, when I read Scripture, I see God using a lot of rejects!  Ever checkout the family tree of Jesus?  He wants us to be available and depend on HIM.  That way, we know the results are from Him – not us.
• God is concerned with politics.  (Well, at least in this example) We spent time with the mayor of a village who is genuinely concerned for his people.  He desires to see freedom from the oppression and control they experience from the Orthodox church.  Even though it may well cost him an election, he is determined to see change take place.  Pray for this man and his efforts for change.

There is also a future ministry opportunity for a camp ministry in the part of Romania we were just in.  This is huge!  There are many questions and details that God has to work out, but there have been a number of confirming assurances that God is definitely stirring something up on this opportunity.  The relationships that Washington Avenue has established coupled with the camp experience of Damascus Road Ministries are a great combination.  Pray for discernment and direction on this issue.  Pray about how you might be involved.  I envision a situation in the future where we could send multiple mission teams throughout the year.

Well…today’s the day!!!  We leave in a couple of hours for Romania.  We are running around trying to do everything we can to be sure we have not forgotten to pack anything.  We have learned a few things so far as prepared for our trip:

• The metric system is stupid!  I hope we never switch to it.  I keep trying to convert the kg. to lbs. in my head and it’s just not working!
• We have so many snacks packed there is a strong chance they will stop us at customs and interrogate us as food smugglers.
• We learned that those vacuum seal bags for packing will compress space but they will not do anything about weight!
• I have been warned that with my head shaved and my curtain goatee, I look like a terrorist.
• Toilet paper does not pack well!

We will miss you guys!  Tab and I are having a little difficulty leaving the kids like this.  We haven’t been gone this long without being able to easily get in touch with them.  They are fine.  Us – not so much.  Clemson will at least partially decide their fate in the ACC while we are gone.  Well…gotta go.  I’ll update as soon as I can in Romania!