In some respects, it seems that time has flown by (we can’t believe it’s almost finished). In other ways, it seems like forever ago that we left to come.
Here are a few things we have learned, not in any particular order.
People are most important – we have done many things and seen much of this beautiful country, but we value most the relationships we have built. We have created eternal friendships that will last despite the distance.
We have seen the value of a longer term view. People do not change quickly. They need time and most of all they need to trust.
Here are a few things we have learned, not in any particular order.
People are most important – we have done many things and seen much of this beautiful country, but we value most the relationships we have built. We have created eternal friendships that will last despite the distance.
We have seen the value of a longer term view. People do not change quickly. They need time and most of all they need to trust.
We do not change quickly either. Some of the habits we look most forward to continuing have been developed over many months and have evolved slowly. One of these is doing weekly planning together. Our weekly calendars have improved through our mission, and we have learned the value of being on the same page.
There are things that we hope to never take for granted again, like being able to drink the tap water and driving without cars coming at us rapidly from every direction. We may be tempted to park on the sidewalk, however. My wife tells me I am not allowed to park on the sidewalk when I get home.
We will likely never fully understand the emotional scars caused from living under Communism, but we have truly grown to appreciate those people who lived through that period and who have an optimistic, positive view of life and of the future.
There are things that we hope to never take for granted again, like being able to drink the tap water and driving without cars coming at us rapidly from every direction. We may be tempted to park on the sidewalk, however. My wife tells me I am not allowed to park on the sidewalk when I get home.
We will likely never fully understand the emotional scars caused from living under Communism, but we have truly grown to appreciate those people who lived through that period and who have an optimistic, positive view of life and of the future.
sWe have learned that less is often more. Most people here have very little of the “nicer” things in life, but many live lives full of purpose and hope. They don’t have much, but insist on giving everything they have, especially when it comes to feeding us. We fear we may have offended some by not being able to eat another bite.
Communication can take place when there is sufficient desire, even when language is a barrier. The people have been very grateful for our clumsy efforts to speak their language, but we are certainly not fluent in Romanian. Sometimes not many words are spoken, yet feelings are conveyed on a deeper level and we know that we have communicated.
Romania is a hidden treasure. It is full of natural beauty, resources and amazing people.
We have learned the value of working as a team. We have discovered (fortunately) that we are good at it and the final products of our combined efforts are better than either of us would have produced alone.
Families are important everywhere. We can typically start a relationship with someone by asking about their family. We look forward to spending quality time with our families and appreciate the love and support we feel from them.
Communication can take place when there is sufficient desire, even when language is a barrier. The people have been very grateful for our clumsy efforts to speak their language, but we are certainly not fluent in Romanian. Sometimes not many words are spoken, yet feelings are conveyed on a deeper level and we know that we have communicated.
Romania is a hidden treasure. It is full of natural beauty, resources and amazing people.
We have learned the value of working as a team. We have discovered (fortunately) that we are good at it and the final products of our combined efforts are better than either of us would have produced alone.
Families are important everywhere. We can typically start a relationship with someone by asking about their family. We look forward to spending quality time with our families and appreciate the love and support we feel from them.