We left Romania on the 6th in pursuit of Bulgaria.  Leaving Romania was really hard on me; I think I may have found my first or second favorite thus far on the Race.  The people are encouraging and they persevere through so many hardships; it’s incredible.  As we were in Draganesti-Olt, we were working with a church and were involved with their programming.  Since I studied Communication Disorders, the men in leadership wanted me to teach English to both believers and non-believers.

I was told that I would have 1-on-1 lessons with individuals that way I could work directly with them and encourage them in their English.  On the first day of English, I walk into “class” to find 5 grown men and 2 young men sitting waiting for me teach.  Umm, let’s just say it was AWKWARD at the beginning.  This became my ministry for the next 2-3 weeks.  

 

One man, Valentin, sticks out to me in a very unique way.  Valentin was the man I was most intimidated by on the first day.  He knows English very well, but is fearful to speak it.  Valentin everyday would come to class with completed homework, but not only that; he would come with extra work and would bring his dictionary.  He was very dedicated to his studies and it encouraged me that the work I was doing was going back to encourage at least 1 individual.

 

 

Throughout the month, we presented dramas in church and Valentin was always present.  We did a drama called “cardboard testimonies” and my testimony was talking about my parents’ divorce.  The other side talked about how God has shown redemption in this area in my life.  Another drama we did was put to the music from Third Day and a series of characters were not focused on Jesus, but rather things like alcohol, friends, school, sports….

 

I say that, to say this.  Instead of me giving Valentin homework, he gave me some.  He told me he wanted me to write out my testimony for him and not knowing, he wrote his out for me.  God never ceases to blow me away!

 

Part 2…Valentin’s testimony.