Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and La Mulți Ani! Well my time in California has come to an end and after 27 hours of travel I made it back to my home in Romania!  It is so good to be back! I had a very nice and refreshing time in Cali.  I was able to see many friends and family.  I spent the majority of my time with my parents and it was really a special time for me to have with them.  I am sorry for all of the friends that I did not get to see or even talk to when I was in the US.  There were so many people that I had wanted to see, but was not able to.  Being in Cali only once a year I set aside only a short time for running around to see people, as my main priority is to be with my family.  I am thankful for the time I had and for the many memories that were made and the amazing support I received. This past year has been a year of seeing God's hand guide me through good times and hard times.  I have seen Him use so many of you to support me through you prayers, encouraging words and financially.  I am humbled to be able to see how God can provide for all of my needs and how He works in ways I could never imagine.  My trust and faith in Him was stretched and strengthened so much in 2016. This new year my journey will continue with the Discipleship Program and there will also be new things on the horizon, as life is always changing.  I know through all of this though, that God will be there with me, guiding me and providing for me. Thank you for all of you who were a part of blessing me this year.  Thank you for your support and encouragement! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for 2017! love rachel

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I want to wish all of you, my dear friends and family a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year! Let us not forget in the busyness of the season, what this time is all about. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  - Matthew 1:23 Immanuel, God with us. One of my favorite Christmas Hymns is O Holy Night. O Holy Night The stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees O hear the angels voices O night divine O night when Christ as born Every time I sing the line, "'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth", it brings tears to my eyes.  For I can truly say that because of Jesus my soul does feel its worth. I pray you and your families will be blessed during this holiday season and that you too will know the true joy and worth that Immanuel, Jesus, God with us, can bring! Love, Rachel