Back in Romania and A Journey Towards Dual–Citizenship

Happy New Year! La Multi Ani! It feels so good to be back home in Romania.  I had a really nice month with my family and some friends, but getting back into my routine, has been so nice! After School Program – The Village The kids in my classes were so sweet when they finally saw me.  Telling me how much they missed me.  We looked on the big map together again to show where I had been and to talk about California. It’s been good getting the kids back into their routine as well after the Christmas break.  I really am so thankful to God for how good these kids are and the incredible growth between last year and this year.  Last year it took a couple weeks to get the kids back into the swing of things after the break, this year, on the first day back, the kids were asking to do math and writing!  Thank you Jesus!  We have such wonderful children, who really have a hunger to grow and to learn.  I know this in large part due to the prayers that are being said.  God is listening and we are seeing transformation! Internship Program It is great to be back with my interns as well.  This next year, we will be changing the name of the Internship Program to the Discipleship Program.  We have a new logo and website for FFR and the Program as well!  You can click HERE to see the new website for the Program!  If you know any young ladies between 18-27 years old who might be interested in the Discipleship Program I manage here in Romania, please pass on the link to our website! Currently the interns and I are going through a Bible study called, New Thru 30, where we are reading through the entire New Testament in 30 days!  We are almost done.  The Bible studies and materials that go along with the study have been great.  It has been a really good way for us to jump start this new year by diving into the Word of God! We also had a little Intern Christmas party this month since we were all in our home countries for Christmas, complete with making gingerbread houses!  Well, Romanian cookie houses that is…. A Journey Towards Dual – Citizenship “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Probably the biggest and most exciting news I have to offer for this month is that I became a dual citizen!  On January 20th, I was sworn in as a Dutch Citizen at the Embassy of the Netherlands here in Bucharest. Becoming a Dutch citizen also grants me EU citizenship which allows me to be here in Europe so much easier.  It comes with many benefits and responsibilities, and I am honored and beyond blessed by this opportunity. I love that the Lord is writing my story.  He has plans for my future I know nothing about.  I had hoped that maybe someday I would be able to gain dual citizenship with Romania, but that dream seemed to be very difficult.  10 years ago I had looked into becoming a Dutch citizen through my mom (she was born in Holland) but the law was such that it was not possible at the time.  Then in March 2015, we had a volunteer here in Romania who encouraged me to look into it again, and what do you know, 5 years ago, the law was changed and I was able to begin the application process.  I am so thankful for my parents and my family in Holland who helped me gather the paperwork I needed to complete this process.  There were a few stressful moments, but honestly, this process went very smoothly.  I had a friend here in Brasov who helped me with the application and a wonderful contact at the Dutch Embassy here in Romania who patiently answered all my questions and the efficiency of the Dutch government was amazing! My interns joined me in Bucharest at the ceremony.  It was so comfortable and beautiful.  They had set up a table with Dutch cheese (YUM!) with little Dutch flags, and little fruit tarts, champagne, tea, coffee and some GIANT wooden shoes.  The Deputy Head of Mission lead the ceremony, explaining to me my new rights and responsibilities.  That I am able to now vote not only in the Dutch elections, but also in the EU Parliament elections.  That I am protected by the Netherlands, heaven forbid, if I should ever need their protection and that I can even run for Mayor someday!  Of course there were many other things that she explained to me as well.  Then it was my turn to give my Declaration of Solidarity in Dutch. Ik zweer (verklaar) dat ik de grondwettelijke orde van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, haar vrijheden en rechten respecteer en zweer (beloof ) de plichten die het staatsburgerschap met zich meebrengt getrouw te vervullen. Zo waarlijk helpe mij God almachtig. In English this says, I swear (declare) that I will respect the constitutional order of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its freedoms and rights, and I swear (promise) that I will faithfully fulfil my duties as a Dutch citizen. So help me God almighty. After the ceremony, I received my official paperwork stating my citizenship status.  We then had some goodies and stood and talked for about a half an hour, just about the work I am doing here in Romania and what this citizenship means for me now.  They also gave me a whole gift bag full of wonderful Dutch treats!  The Deputy Head of Mission gave me a hug and 3 kisses (it’s traditional to give 3 kisses back and forth on the cheek for Dutch people) and she told me more than once that she was very happy to have done this ceremony for me and that it made her emotional as well. Everyone was so kind at the ceremony, they made it truly special for me! I brought a picture of my Oma (grandma) from one of her visits to Holland and a picture of my mama and I on the day she received her US Citizenship with me.  It was special to have them with me on this day! “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” - Philippians 3:20 Honestly this journey has been very surreal for me.  It caused me to think much on where my citizenship ultimately lies, with my Savior in Heaven.  It was also a very emotional (in a good way) journey to share this with my mom and family from Holland. But this journey also caused me to think about what an amazing God I serve!  I never in a million years would have thought about doing all of this.  But God takes me out of my comfort zone, brings me to places and to events that He has written for me, and if I am only obedient to follow Him one step at a time, I find my life is truly the best adventure possible. I do honestly wonder why He has had me go through this process to gain this citizenship and what that means for the present and the future…but for now, I can only look one step ahead, and follow Him and see where He leads. “But as it is written:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 I am thankful for each of you who have shared this journey with me, these past 15 months here in Romania.  Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers.  I am beyond blessed to be here doing those things that God has prepared for me to do! Grace and Peace, Rachel

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas - Craciun Fericit from California! For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy holiday season.  I have really enjoyed being able to see friends while I have been in California this month.  But the highlight has been being able to spend time with my family!  I will leave to return to Romania on New Year's Eve. I hope that we all remember the true reason for this season.  Let us rejoice, that God became man, a baby born in Bethlehem, for the one purpose of growing up and sacrificing His life that we might have eternal life if we believe in Him! Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14 Donations: I have a new way of receiving Donations.  If you are looking to make an end-of-the-year (or anytime) tax deductible donation to help support my ministry work in Romania, I now have a way for you to do that! I have been accepted by Helping Hands Ministries, Inc. Helping Hands Ministries, Inc., a registered 501c3. All gifts are tax deductible.  You will receive a receipt for your gift in January of the following year. I am still able to receive support from ChaseQuickPay, Paypal, or Check - These ways are NOT tax deductible.  For more information on all the ways to support me and what your support goes towards, please click HERE.

October Update!

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - Jesus (John 10:10b) 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. 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!   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! My Interns during our Book study time 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. Intern Izzy, celebrated her 21st birthday this month! “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)   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. “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   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. 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 Copyright © 2015 Rachel Titiriga, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you asked to be on Rachel's Missionary Update List Our mailing address is: Rachel Titiriga Strada Neptun 16 Bloc 61 Scara B Apt.20 Brasov 500348 Romania Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list