I have lived off and on in Romania for over 3 years. I just recently moved back to Brasov however 7 months ago.
Where are you from originally?
Huntington Beach, California
What brought you to Romania? How did you start working with FFR?
My first trip to Romania was in 1997 with a youth missions organization. I came back in 1999, 2005 and 2007. I met the FFR team on one of my trips and eventually in 2009 began to work with them here in Brasov.
What’s your favorite FFR project and why?
Hard to choose. But right now I love working with the After School Program. I love the kids I have in my classes, seeing them grow and learn. Being able to love them and share the love of Christ with them is such a rewarding experience. I’m also VERY excited to begin our Internship program this year!
What’s one thing from “home” that you miss?
My mama. She’s my best friend! I’m thankful for the internet and phone, but I still miss seeing her all the time.
If there was one food or drink that you could bring to a Romanian grocery store, what would it be?
Kale. Seriously. I miss Kale. And maybe Dr. Pepper. We have it here, but it’s not the same recipe.
Where’s your favorite vacation spot in Romania? Outside of Romania?
In Romania, I LOVE Timisoara! It is such a beautiful city, and it is the city where the revolution to end communism in Romania began in 1989. It also happens to be the very first city I visited when I came to Romania in 1997. Then in 2007 I did 2 months of language training there and have very good friends there. It definitely holds a special place in my heart! Outside of Romania, I love Zion National Park in Utah. OR Budpaest, Hungary. They are both completely different, but I love them both!
If legality, finances and logistics weren’t an issue, what’s one project you would love to see FFR start?
I would love to see a home/shelter for pregnant women. With Romania having the most abortions in all of Europe, I would like to see a place where women who have no other options can come to have their babies in a safe and loving environment. A place where they would be able to learn life skills, maybe skills for a career to become self-sufficient, and a place where they can learn to be healthy and be good moms.
If you had to pick a Romanian name for yourself, what would it be?
I do have a Romanian name! I go by Rahela here, as Rachel is difficult for the kids to say.
What’s your favorite traditional Romanian dish?
Sarmale. It’s a rolled sour cabbage leaf (think sauerkraut) that is stuffed with meat and rice. I also LOVE mamaliga, which is similar to polenta.
Approximately, how many diapers would you say you’ve changed in the Brasov Children’s Hospital?
Not that many. I work on the Neurological/Psychiatric floor of the hospital in the Play Therapy Room so I don’t change diapers.
If you could spend the day with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to hang out one day with CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein, together. I think that would be an epic day.
Who is your hero? Why?
I have a lot of heroes. I’m inspired by so many missionaries from the past, even when I was 8 years old I remember reading about Amy Carmichael for the first time and it impacted me so much, then when I was 9 I read about Nate Saint, my desire to be a missionary was sparked even at that young age. But I think my biggest hero would have to be my mama. She is an amazing godly woman, who helped inspire me to be the person I am today. She is my biggest supporter and encouragement. She can call me out when needed, and is always there as a sounding board for me. I am so blessed to have her wisdom and love and grace. She is my best friend and my biggest hero for sure!
What about the Roma people inspires you to continue working with FFR?
The idea that we are able to point the way to Jesus. He alone is able to transform their hearts which in turn can transform their lives and whole society. That is a pretty exciting opportunity! Plus being able to be His hands and feet to a group of people who are looked down upon in this society, to love the kids in the After School Program and give them the tools they need to succeed in life is an awesome and humbling experience.
If you were granted one wish, what would that wish be?
For more of my friends and family to come and visit me here in Romania! To see this beautiful country and meet its wonderful people. To be able to see the ministries I am involved with through FFR and to see what life here is like!
No comments:
Post a Comment