the chase: Packing, Saying Bye, and Flying to a New Place Once Again

Its hard to believe my two months here in Portugal is over. It seems like I just arrived a few days ago but then when I think about all I've done and the experiences I've had it seems crazy that I have only been here for two months. I guess that's the beauty life.

I've once again made close friendships with the people I've met here, worked with and just lived life with. Once again I am finding it hard to say good bye. This past Sunday was my last at church because I fly out for Romania on Saturday morning, and I got teary eyed as I said goodbye to my friends and the kids I worked with over the summer. Even though I was here to serve them, they've imprinted themselves on me and made an impact. That is beautiful to me.

Youth from church+sponsors

I've had a great summer. I've laughed, lived, swam, ran, played, listened, learned, hugged, kissed, ate, drank, smiled, cried, made, rested, talked, read, watched and so much more. I've experienced culture, I've also experienced culture stress. I learned from it and kept moving. I've missed my family, my friends, my home, my comforts and my boyfriend. I've been out of the country for over 130 days. That is over 1/3 of a year. I've passed the halfway point and its been hard at times. But the good has far outweighed the rough times. When Jesus commanded us to go out and make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:18-20 he didn't say it would be easy. It may not be easy to wake up every day and know that I am 4,000 miles from home, but I've been commanded by my Saviour to reach all nations and if that means me being where I am right now then I will rest in Him and he will provide my strength. That is the wonderful part about our Lord, if we are faithful he is faithful and he is always there loving us and cheering us on even when we don't notice.

So I am finishing out my last week in Portugal. I spent Friday night with the youth at the church, we had a lock in. Then Saturday I went to Belem with my host family, in Belem there is a monument to the Portuguese discoveries! They discovered many places, and some that were very far away!! I also got to try some Pasteis de Belem- which are a traditional pastry from the area.. very good and creamy!

And of course the dreaded packing began this week as well. My least favorite part of this trip!!

Here are some picture from my weekend!! Keep me in your prayers as I travel on Saturday, my flight leaves at 6:55am.. so that is around 2am your time.. So say a quick prayer before bed. When I arrive in Romania I will pretty much be thrown right into action. There is a youth camp they want me involved in that first week so I should get into the culture very quickly. Pray that I adjust quickly and I fit into the team that I will be working with. The workers there are all Romanians so pray that we have clear communication and that I can connect with them!