Infinite Blessings

If service in Iasi has taught me one thing it's that there are blessings in all things. Always a reason to smile, always a reason to be grateful, and God's hand is in our lives. Always. These children have so little. They don't have families, many don't have the use of their bodies, and most all have disorders in some form. Yet, they are smiling. No matter how hard life gets there is never a reason not to be grateful! Walking into St. Andrews orphanage I was honestly scared. What if I can't handle this? What if I can't help the kids? My answer came quickly, it's not me that is handling this. It's them, and I am here to help them with their burdens in whatever small way I can. How could I not help them when all I have to do is love them?! Loving them, playing, and trying to understand them on a deeper level comes naturally. I love them with all my soul, and pray that I can help them with more.

Walking into the orphanage is not depressing, or to be feared. God is with those kids in a way I cannot describe. In one room MM2, is full of the sickest children; they are bed ridden, many are blind and/or deaf, and cannot talk. Upon entering this room I asked God, why? What is the purpose of these children's suffering? As soon as I sat next to the first child's crib I knew. They are so close to god, they are here not to endure trials like the rest of us, but to teach the rest of us. They love attention! Although I cannot speak Romanian I know they understand me. I believe the reason they can't talk to me is because they would tell me too much, they are so close to god!

The one room that stuck out to me most was Bambi 2. This room is full of the most adorable toddlers you'll ever see in your life! Luckily this is the room that I got! Some of the kids in my room can talk, they call me Floare which is Romanian for flower because Heather doesn't translate and nobody could remember my name. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen when these kids are calling me from across the room. 

I know with no room for doubt that this is where I am supposed to be. I have already learned so much, and not just from the children. Being in the culture has begun to stretch my mind. Life here is very different. The people don't have much and they are okay with this. I am grateful that we do have warm water (well about five minutes), I have a small mattress on the floor, an apartment to live in, and amazing flat mates! The natives are content and unselfish, above all god is a priority. No matter that the streets are dirty, and buildings are literally falling apart; every church is exceedingly beautiful, clean, and upkept. You make time and care for the important things in life, Romania is a prime example of this theory.

I am exceedingly grateful for the six other girls here with me. In only a week I have learned so much from them. I have amazing conversations with Madelaine, and Eva, often about the lessons we each learn everyday. The topic of Christ seems to make its way into every conversation, perhaps this is my greatest lesson thus far. God is in our lives, he cares, and we truly should be looking for him in all things. I have come to the conclusion recently that if we are constantly looking for reasons to be grateful this is where we find joy, as well as seeing our blessings.