Tabara: Big Brother Big Sister

1. Village of Roades where the camp is located; 2. Lesson on Integrity (theme for the week);
3. Decorating mugs to exchange between big/little brothers/sisters; 4. Playing Flying Dutchman; 5. Decorating camp shirts

I have been home from camp for one week, and I miss it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. 

Camp (Tabara) was fun, amazing, incredible, and not something that I can sum up in a handful of adjectives. I think one of the best things about it was the fact that it wasn't "camp in Romania"...it was just camp. Meals together, group devotions, a treasure hunt, an obstacle course, silly games, songs, lessons, talent show, daily foosball, helping in the kitchen, late night chats, etc. Just camp.

1. Silly group photo after the obstacle course; 2. Games with visitors; 3. Camp bonding with red noses;
4. My favorite "little house"; 5. Obstacle course - build a house challenge

 As I shared in a previous post, I have been working with one of the social workers at Veritas on a Big Brother Big Sister project. This camp was for the kids and teen volunteers who are participating in the project. We had 7 kids and 7 (8 later in the week) volunteers. They got to spend a lot of quality time together, which was great. There were activities geared toward Big/Little Brother/Sister bonding, but also just for the kids and volunteers separately. 

1. Gorgeous scenery on our way to the obstacle course; 2. Nonverbals! The volunteers had to arrange themselves in order of their birthdays...without talking;
3. Steluta (Social Worker) and some of the kids and teens; 4. Foosball...every day, multiple times a day;
5. Charades; 6. Leap frog challenge during treasure hunt; 7. Morning exercises; 8. Helping in the kitchen with my pal, Lacramioara

I was in charge of the lessons/workshop time with the teens/Big Brothers and Sisters. We used a book called, "It Takes Courage", which includes chapters about creating a vision for life, communicating effectively, building healthy relationships, and making wise decisions. We focused on the chapter about Creating a Vision for Life. The activities required some self-reflection, and the teens seemed to take it very seriously. We had some fabulous times of sharing, and really bonded as a group. I'm thankful to have been able to start that discussion with them, and I look forward to working with them to continue creating vision for the lives. Those eight teens already hold a very special place in my heart. I was sad to leave camp and not be able to spend so much time with them. However, the building blocks of those relationships were being set up, and now it's fun to see the teens throughout the week when they come to volunteer at Veritas. I'm confident that the relationships will continue to grow during my time here...and beyond.

1. Again, the beauty never gets old; 2. On our final day; 3. Treasure hunt challenge; 4. Obstacle course photo op

Aside from lots of fun and relationship building, I was also able to practice my Romanian quite a bit while at camp. I can understand so much more now, and speak a TINY bit better. I'm just happy to be making progress! Almost all of the teens speak English very well so it was fun to chat with them in English, while also having them help me with my Romanian. 

Overall, camp was the best. Such a good summary, right? I don't think I mentioned this, but originally, I wasn't going to be able to attend the camp. I was just going to help plan it due to limited spots. However, God had a plan...and perfect timing. I'm so very thankful to have been able to spend a week with the leaders, kids, and teens. Definitely a week of my Romanian adventure that will forever be remembered. 

Currently: Romanian Edition Part I

This photo has nothing to do with this post. 

As you may or may not know, I LOVE BLOGS. Like a lot. I actually haven't been reading them nearly as much as I used to, but nothing beats a good blog or blog post. The "Currently" feature is one of my favorites. I first came across this feature on Sometimes Sweet, which is one my absolute favorite blogs. I thought it'd be fun to do a Romanian version (possibly the first of many) of Currently so here you go...

Reading: I am reading Cross-Cultural Connections by Duane Elmer, and it has been very helpful. I'm only a few chapters in, but it has already offered some valuable information. I feel like I do a fairly good job of being culturally aware and sensitive, but there's always more to learn. There's a quote at the beginning of the chapter I'm on right now, and I think it's worth sharing. "One of the greatest stumbling blocks to understanding other peoples within or without a particular culture is the tendency to judge others' behavior by our own standards." -James Downs

I'm also continuing to read Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker. I love love love her. I won't spend too much time gushing, but I long to be friends with that woman. And of course, I'm constantly reading all of the Romanian words that cross my path. Since I'm learning Romanian (and will probably forever be learning Romanian), I try to read every sign/word I see. 

Eating: The most amazing homemade bread made by my host mother. Seriously, I already know that this is one of the main things I'll miss when I'm living on my own or back in the USA. There always seems to a fresh loaf or two in the bread drawer. Romanians eat bread with every meal. It's a staple. And her bread is the most delicious addition to every meal! I could go on and on. So good. 

Also, eating a covrig (pretzel) every so often. Gigi's has the most FABULOUS (the word is back!) pretzels. They have pretzels in the shape of a circle filled with apple (my favorite so far), vanilla, chocolate, cherry, etc. I've only been to Gigi's three times...I'm practicing self-control! 

While we're talking food, I've had sarmale for lunch both last Sunday and today. Very tasty! I think everyone makes them a little differently, but the two times I've had them (made by different people), they were delicious. 

Thinking about: Many things...but mostly camp this week. I have been working with the social worker in the kids program on a Big Brother, Big Sister project. We are taking the bigs (high school volunteers) and littles (5th-8th graders) to camp this week since they have a break from school. I've been spending the last few days planning lessons for the high school volunteers, as well as some good ole camp games. I'm a little nervous, but also very excited to experience camp in Romania. I'll be gone from Tuesday through Sunday so if you don't hear from me...that's why. 

Listening: To the Romanian language. I'm an observer...always have been and always will be. I love to sit back and watch my surroundings, and I've been doing a lot of that. Sometimes I sit back and observe for too long, which isn't good. I'm trying not to do that while I'm here. I'm working on getting more and more involved as I get more comfortable with the culture and the language. Anyways, the Romanian language is so beautiful. I love listening and picking up more and more words as I continue with my Romanian classes. 

In regards to music, I have been obsessed with Damien Rice's newest album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy. One of my pals raved about it awhile back, and then it was one of the listening options on my flight from London to Bucharest. I listened to the album on repeat until we landed. So addicting and beautiful. My favorite song is The Greatest Bastard. His voice is just too much. Also, this cover of Twilight by Elliott Smith. I love the original song as well, but I can't get enough of the cover. 

Watching: Let it be known that the answer to the question, "What are you/have you been watching?" will ALWAYS be Gilmore Girls. Like always. Lorelai and Rory...those two, I love them. I used to pick a random season when I was in the mood to watch, but I’ve preferred watching from start to finish over the last few years. If only I could tell you how many times I’ve watched the entire series. Honestly, I wish I knew the number. 

My host family doesn't have a television so I haven't been able to watch any Romanian tv shows. I'll keep you posted if that changes. 

Loving: The gorgeous scenery and historic buildings in Sighisoara. Every day, on my walk to work or wherever, I'm in awe of what I see. The citadel is literally one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I'm finding that I love history a lot more than I ever have before. I feel like it's bound to happen when you're surrounding by such rich history. I was in Bucharest earlier this week, where there is a ton of history. The buildings, monuments, memorials, palaces, etc. Such a fabulous experience. 

First Impressions

Clock Tower in the Citadel - Sighisoara, Romania

I've had this blog post open for about a week now. I have a lot to say, but I'm still getting the hang of this whole blogging thing. As many people know, sharing about my personal life is not one of my favorite things. I consider myself to be a pretty private person so updating a blog regularly is a new challenge for me. However, I hope to post at least once a week. We shall see...

Lindsey and I enjoying afternoon coffee at Dorothy and Roberta's home in the citadel.

I have been in Romania for a little over 2 weeks. To sum it up...So far so good! I was very tempted to end the blog post like that, but I'm not THAT mean! Things really have been going well though. My host family is fabulous. The family I'm staying with has 6 daughters! Only one still lives in the home so I kind of have a little sister here in Romania. I've been very blessed to overlap with an Olivet social work student (Lindsey) who is also staying with this host family. She has been a tremendous help during my transition into a new country, host family, language, etc! She actually leaves this week so it'll be another time of transition, but it'll be good.

Kids' Club...singing and dancing

Teen program...game time!

The organization I'm volunteering with, Veritas, is also fabulous. Apparently, I'm a fan of the word fabulous today. As you read in my support letter, among other places/conversations, Veritas offers social services, educational programs, and community outreach. I've been working mostly with the social services portion, which includes programs for preschool, kids, teens, special needs, elderly, and domestic violence. I've been spending the most time with the kids program, which is broken up into younger (Kind-4th) and older (5th-8th) kids. It's kind of like what we would consider an after school program with fun, games, homework help, food, and so much more. Aside from helping with the regular kids program, I've been working with the social worker on a big brother/big sister type of project. There's a group of high school students who volunteer with Veritas...some of them have been volunteering for awhile and others are new. They have each been paired with one of the older kids (5th-8th) as a mentor. It's been great getting to observe the bonding between the pairs, and working with the high school students on understanding the role of a mentor. I'm excited to continue with the project! I've spent a few days with the teen program as well, which has been great. They have lessons, social activities, English classes, etc. The two leaders of that group, like all of the Veritas staff, have amazing hearts and really love the teens in the program. It's always great to work alongside people who truly care for the ones they serve.

Language practice

I'm utilizing the educational programs, as I've been taking Romanian language classes. I'm slowly, but surely picking up some Romanian. I can count with confidence...everything else is a work in progress! There are also some programs for teens within the educational programs. One is called It Takes Courage, which teaches teens about the importance of having good character. There's also a Ceai & Chat program, which is a regularly scheduled social event full of fun! I've been able to participate in Ceai & Chat a little bit, and hopefully I'll become more involved with It Takes Courage over the next few weeks.

As far as the community outreach programs, I've utilized the International Cafe a few times...aka COFFEE. It's the cutest environment, and I foresee many afternoons spent reading and sitting both inside and outside. They also sell handmade crafts and offer tours in the summer months.

For more info on Veritas...click here.

I'll also be working with the church, of course, but I don't know my role in that area just yet. I'm still figuring out what my normal routine will be (even with Veritas), but I'll keep you posted! I anticipate upcoming blog posts about the beautiful scenery, Monday Night Suppers, etc! 

Before I left...

I realized that I never posted photos from the potluck at church...or any details about my small going away party thrown by my friends.

A few weeks before I left the country, my church hosted a potluck in my honor. I know I touched on this event briefly, but it deserves another mention. My church family has been so extremely supportive...of my life really :) I was going to say that they've been supportive of my Romanian adventure, but it's been so much more than that!

The potluck was full of food, encouraging words, hugs, and some teary eyes...mostly mine. My childhood (and most of my adulthood) pastor and wife, John and Donna Hollis, came from Indiana to send me off. It felt so right to share this experience with them since they are definitely two (of the many) people in my life who set an example of how to love and serve others. I could go on and on...

I might be biased, but my church throws some of the best potlucks around. It was a good Sunday to say the least.

Next up, the "La Revedere" Party that a few of my friends threw for me on the day before I left. Another fabulous Sunday afternoon full of food, encouraging words, and more teary eyes. Christi and Erica planned an adorably decorated and fun gathering for my family and friends. They served most of my favorite foods, which included black olives, sunflower seeds, no-bake cookies, Reese's, meatballs, weenies, etc. Oh and coffee!

Did I mention that I have some of the best friends...like of all time?! Well I do. Everyone who attended the party filled out a travel themed postcard. I saved them and read them when I was in the London airport. They were the sweetest. I need to find a way to display them in my room. I am so thankful for the time spent with those who attended. Thanks to everyone who planned, helped, attended, etc.

Trying to point to Romania.

Most of the guests.

Peace.

Photo courtesy of my mother. Thanks mom!

I'm writing this blog post from the London Heathrow Airport. Now that is a sentence I could never have imagined typing! I texted a friend earlier saying that I had landed in London and it just sounded odd coming from me. I was always the girl who lived vicariously through other people's adventures, and never really thought I'd have my own. And definitely not one as amazing as this! I think that comes from a few different places, but mostly from the simple fact that I'm not much of a risk taker. As soon as I typed that, I thought “well I’m still not much of a risk taker so that really hasn’t changed”. However, I don’t really see this adventure as a risk. It’s truly what I feel like I’m supposed to be doing right now. The way everything fell into place…and much faster than I had anticipated…yeah, this is where I’m meant to be in life. 

(Side note…I use the ellipsis a lot. Just a warning!)

During my last few weeks at home, many people asked how I was holding up with all of the preparations and big changes about to happen. Honestly, I was fine…and I continue to be fine. I kept answering that question by saying that I’ve felt such a peace throughout this entire process, which just goes to show the power of prayer. I am constantly amazed and overwhelmed by the amount of support that I’ve received on this adventure. Even though I haven’t specifically asked for prayers of peace, that is what I feel like I’ve received. My personality is not always the type that goes with the flow…I’m learning though, and I feel like I’ve come along way in that area, or rather that God has done some work and helped me with that. 

To give a specific example, I packed and re-packed a few times due to 2 suitcases that I knew were going to be much too heavy. A few years ago, I probably would have freaked out and cried or got upset about it. Instead, I re-packed, left some items at home, rearranged, etc. Yes, the bags were still too heavy when I got to the airport and I had to rearrange and take more stuff out, but it was okay. HUGE thank you to my mother (and sister) for helping me with that at home and in the airport. And I have to thank Erica as well…she became my packing assistant on Sunday night and helped to rearrange a bit as well. Support and peace. Sensing a theme here? 

Want to hear/read another example? Sure you do! My flight (out of Chicago) was delayed by two hours, which meant that I’d miss my connecting flight (from London to Bucharest). I had to call the airline and cancel my connecting flight. The lady booked a later flight, which meant that my layover would be 9 hours instead of 3 hours. I had to email the lady who was planning to pick me up in Bucharest and make sure she wasn’t stuck waiting at the airport for hours. How did I handle this? I spent the day people watching at the London Heathrow Airport. I ate a delicious breakfast, made myself all cozy and took a little nap, wrote this blog post, watched the people, etc. I’ve actually had a fabulous day! A day alone to spend however I please…introvert alert :) 

Now I don’t give these examples to talk myself up and say how flexible I am, but rather to show how God can change someone’s heart (and personality traits!). Obviously there have been a few ups and downs…leaving my family was extremely difficult, but I think that’s a good thing. It’d be a little odd if that wasn’t a difficult process. Leaving Raegan is something that I have struggled with, but I know we’ll Skype/FaceTime. I also look forward to telling her all about it when she’s old enough to understand.

Anyways, I need to go find my gate, but I wanted to make sure I wrote a quick post before I head to my next destination. I’ll be flying into Bucharest late this evening, and then getting a ride to Sighisoara, which is about 5 hours away I believe. Prayers for continued travel safety and peace would be greatly appreciated. Until next time…

The time has come...

The ticket has been booked. Monday, March 16, 2015 is the day. Despite thinking and hoping that the ticket would have been booked sooner, I feel like the timing is just right. It's funny how that works...

I cannot begin to thank everyone who has supported me since the start of this journey, and those who will continue to support me as I leave and serve. I have received a massive outpouring of support through prayers, conversations, generous financial gifts, etc. It's been overwhelming in the very best way, and confirms that this is what I'm supposed to be doing in my life right now.

To give you a few examples of that amazing support...My friend Erica (and Arbonne consultant) allowed me to host an Arbonne spa party for her, and so graciously donated her commission from the purchases that were made. I have THE BEST friends. It was also great to spend some relaxing time with the ladies (and kiddos) in attendance. A lovely Saturday afternoon.

Example #2: Yesterday, my church hosted a potluck in my honor. Have I mentioned how absolutely amazing and supportive my church is? Going into all of this, I felt such a peace because I knew that I had an incredible system of support. As you may know, I needed to raise 75% of my support before being able to book my ticket. That goal was met solely through support raised by my church. If that doesn't say "we love and support you", then I don't know what does. The goal was then exceeded by the support of my friends and family. Wow...that's all I can say.

No...Maybe...Yes

I was the girl who said “no” to God anytime the topic of missions came up.

I knew what would happen if I changed my answer...my life would change drastically, and I didn’t like change. Growing up in a mission-minded church, you can imagine the number of times that I said “no” to God. Throughout the last 8 years, I’ve had to work extra hard to hold on to that “no” as various conversations and opportunities came my way. I was always happy to listen and support in whatever way I could, but there was no way that I was taking it a step further. Over two consecutive summers of serving as a counselor at church camp, that “no” became a “maybe”. Finally, a small, shaky “yes” surfaced this past summer at camp. It was prompted by the week’s sermon series in which the pastor asked if we would “choose to hear His voice every single day”. I knew that I had been choosing to ignore His voice, but that simply couldn’t go on any longer. Every single sermon and song that week was being spoken and sung to me and for me. The “yes”, although still small and shaky, was out and there was no turning back. God had a plan and once I chose to hear it rather than ignore it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. And that my family and friends, is how I got to this point...

THE DETAILS:

Source

Where: Sighisoara, Romania

What: Serving on the Nazarene mission field as a child development specialist/social worker in the children’s programs at Veritas. Veritas provides social services, educational programs, and community outreach to the people of Sighisoara and the surrounding areas. I will also work alongside the local church to develop their skills for Sunday School and VBS-type activities.

When: In the very near future (Feb/March). I have a renewable 3 month contract.

How much: Around $6,000 to cover housing, transportation, food, insurance, language classes, etc. for 3 months

SUPPORT:

I believe that missions is best done through community, and that you can be a part of this mission that touches lives around the world. Please consider supporting me as a prayer partner, and ask that God would prepare my heart and provide for my needs. I would also ask for prayers for the people I will be working with and alongside, as well as travel safety.

The World Evangelism Fund (WEF) has provided a base for my service through the generous giving of people like you (i.e. support for the local missionary, leadership, and district development). As I mentioned above, I need to raise around $6,000 for expenses during the 3 months. Should you choose to support me financially to help with this ministry, here are the details:

• Checks should be made out to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene and mailed to Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184. Each donation should be clearly marked with “Romania - Bloom, Casey - Mission Corps”.

• In addition, I am in need of personal funds that are not eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Personal funds cover things such as toiletries, extra clothing, school debt, etc. If you wish to help with those expenses, you can send the donation directly to me. Remember, if you send funds directly to me, you will not be eligible for a tax deduction. Feel free to contact me with questions about personal funds, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

I cannot thank you enough for your support, both prayerfully and financially, as I continue to hear His voice and reply with a “yes”. One of the many reasons I feel at peace about doing this is because of my amazing support system, which includes you.

More details coming soon...