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Another month has come and gone. Right now I
have been enjoying such beautiful Fall time weather. October was a
month of getting settled into my classes with my kids in the After
School Program. It has been so nice to have consistency with the kids
and to get to know them more. I can see the difference in them as
well. Stability in the classroom, a schedule, them knowing what to
expect and what my expectations are, makes such an enormous difference
in their behavior and learning. This year because the school in the
village has the grades all mixed up as to what time they attend school, I
was not able to take kids all from one grade, instead I took the kids
who are all on the same level learning and knowledge wise. As with last
year, I have the kids who are furthest behind. I do not have any first
graders this year, which is a little sad, as I really loved working
with those kids last year. This year I have all second and third
graders. We have seen a few kids who are not able to be in the program
anymore because they refuse to go to school, and unfortunately that
means they are not able to attend our program either. We have over 115
kids and there are so many we had to turn away because we just do not
have the space or staff. So we need to be sure we are working with the
kids who are actually attending school.
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Vasi who was in my first grade class last
year is in my second grade class this year. She is so amazing. She is
now the only child out of 11 who is attending school. She goes on her
own and comes to our program. After snack she will pull out her school
books and begin her homework. Even if the rest of the class does not
have homework to work on and together we are all learning something new
on the board, Vasi will be diligent to sit at her desk and complete her
homework. Homework is a main part of the After School Program, as many
of the children do not have a parent or family member who are educated
enough to help them with their studies. I’m so proud of Vasi. Seeing
her grow and her desire to learn is awesome. I still get a giant hug
from her every day before she walks out of the classroom. She makes my
heart so happy!
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Time with the interns has been amazing as
well. Our individual monthly meetings are revealing to me all that God
has been doing in their hearts and lives during their time with us. We
also have been reading “Knowledge of the Holy” by AW Tozer and going
through what we read together each week. Seeing their knowledge of who
God is and what His attributes are grow is really encouraging. This
past week we finished our Bible Study series “Breath on a Page” by Louie
Giglio, where he taught us all about the Word of God. These young
ladies are so open to grow and learn. I am truly enjoying being able to
disciple them. They have true servant’s hearts and God is blessing them
so much through their time here. I love watching them grow!
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My Interns during our Book study time
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We also do fun stuff together. Each month
we have an Intern Adventure and we also have a craft time. This month
we decorated pumpkins for the fall time! Last month the girls each
painted a canvas with their theme quote for the year.
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Intern Izzy, celebrated her 21st birthday this month!
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“I have told you these things,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
-Jesus (John 16:33)
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October had a lot of really hard stuff in it
for me personally as well. God is stretching me and challenging me in
new ways. I want to grow in Him through it all. There has also been a
lot of spiritual warfare stuff. Let me tell you, when you commit to
follow Jesus, and then get out there in the battle and are discipling
people, and sharing His love, you will have opposition! I had been
warning my interns to be aware of it and boy did I get nailed with it!
It is so important to have people standing with me and lifting me and
these ministries up in prayer. Also please pray for my health, I have
had a sinus infection for 2 weeks now, which has not been fun.
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“I
rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for
me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13
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Finally I found out this month that my
support I receive will be decreasing in January. I do not usually bring
things like this up. I have actually been praying about it all month,
whether or not I should say anything. God has been so faithful to me in
the past, and I have felt challenged by Him before to not say anything
and to just watch Him work to supply. He owns the cattle on a thousand
hills and has time and time again throughout my history of living in
Romania and even my short term missions trips provided for me, without
my making a request for support. But God has been showing me, that I
have always loved to give through my tithing to support missionaries in
other countries, knowing that my finical support for the work they were
doing was actually laying up treasure in heaven for me. Whatever work
was done through their hands, was also credited to me in heaven because I
support them. God even challenged me to continue doing this even while
here in Romania. It’s all His money, and His work. And as the widow
gave out of her poverty there is no reason I should not be tithing
myself.
I had budgeted that I would need about $700 a month to live here in
Romania. I have only had $475 a month committed from supporters, but as
always, God was faithful. There have been numerous people throughout
the year who gave a one time donation that made it possible for me to
live. God also provided in other ways, by providing material things I
needed. I would have had to buy them, but God provided them saving me
money that way. He also provided me a “free” place to live for my first
few months here, which allowed me to save up money to use throughout
the year. He is always incredibly faithful to provide for my needs,
just like He says He will in His Word. My support will be decreasing to
$425 in January. My rent and utilities are almost 2/3 of that amount
alone. I do believe that God still has for me to remain in Romania, He
is not calling me somewhere else, so I know He will provide, but I
wanted to give you the opportunity to come alongside of the work I am
doing here. I don’t want anyone to give out of guilt. God is bigger
than that, and He asks that we give from a cheerful heart. If He places
it on your heart to help support me, that is awesome! You can click HERE for
more information. If He does not, that is ok too! I do have faith
that He will provide, He has proven Himself to be faithful to me on so
many occasions that I do not doubt His Word. I do ask that either way
you would keep me in your prayers. Prayer support is even more critical
to my life and work here than financial support, and I am in no way
being sarcastic when I say that.
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November begins tomorrow and it will be a
crazy month!!!! I am a bit intimidated by all that is coming up.
Please keep me in your prayers. There are some exciting things around
the corner for me, and at the beginning of December I will be coming
back to California for a visit. After being in Romania for 14 months,
it will be time to come home and see my family and friends. I can’t
wait to fill you in more next month!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
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