Well, I can finally share my ministry video that I've been holding back until I had shown it at all the churches and speaking engagements in the States. It's just a glimpse into my first year in Romania. I'm hoping to share more videos along the while over the next 20 months, or so, that I'm in Romania.
Just click the link below:
Allyssa's 2013 Ministry Video
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Ceau America, It's Been Swell!
I've spent 11 weeks and two days in America and much has occurred.
The second day I was Stateside I was able to celebrate my dear little "niece" Ruby's first birthday. Soon after I got to spend Christmas with my family. Then, see my bestie, Tiffany, and her family; where I basked in the joy of being "Auntie Lys" some more. (Auntie Lys has become my absolute favorite name, even tho I have no "biological" nieces or nephews.) New years was spent with one of my favorite families, the Linhardts. My wonderful church in Manhattan (Westview Community) welcomed me in the midst of an icy storm and sub-zero temps. Molly, my old and faithful Cavalier, got me to Kansas City and back for my training as well as a stay with my fabulous cousin, Callie. My dear friend, Nina, flew me up to Montana so I could be there for her wedding. She was a beautiful bride and I'm grateful for every minute of my time with her. It came to an end all to soon and I tearfully boarded a plane back to Kansas. After three years I was reunited with my kindred spirit, Courtney, in Kansas City and we spent a few gorgeously warm days in the City of Fountains & Boulevards, haha! Shortly after this I returned home in time to be snowed in for a while. I read books, went sledding, watched movies, played games and sewed my way thru the cold days. Now I'm grateful for the time I had to just stay put, but at the time I dealt with a bit of cabin fever. Once that snow melted I decided to start traveling again and made it to Oakley, Manhattan, Wamego, Henderson, NE, Wichita, Valley Center, Ellsworth, Olsburg and all sorts of roads in-between. About a week ago I had the joy of meeting Jett Timothy; he's the adorable baby of Melissa, who I have called friend for over 22 years!
I've spoken about my ministry in Romania in front of crowds of differing sizes at least 8 different times. Sometimes it was 5 people, other times it was a couple hundred. I've shared during Sunday school, women's groups, youth group, mission moments and more. I've shared a video, passed out prayer cards and had countless conversations with people about what I do in Romania. Questions I never imagined answers for have been brought before me. Encouragement I never expected has been poured over me. I've been caught speaking, praying, singing and exclaiming in Romanian. My supporters, prayer partners and church families (yes, I have multiple!) have blessed me beyond belief!
Hands on creativity has also kept me busy. My mom & I have finished at least 12 sewing projects. Including but not limited to: a vest sewn out of an old lace curtain, a 2XL men's sweatshirt turned tunic, and a couple dresses turned skirts. I knitted my first scarf and hat, all on my own. Created a new prayer card on photoshop, using techniques I've never used before. Took pictures of countless people in multiple States. Helped decorate for my one of my dearest friend's wedding. Of course my creative list wasn't exactly completed, but it never is.
I've enjoyed endless supplies of Dr. Pepper & Cheetos. Eaten more Mexican food than is probably healthy. Bit into giant, juicy hamburgers. Cut into freshly grilled steak. Frequented Chipotle and Radina's. My dad even supplied my late-night cravings for coffee ice cream. One of my favorite restaurant adventures turned into a night of food poisoning. Winter Olympics was a gravitational pull I couldn't resist as I cheered and cringed with the athletes, all the while sipping my DP and crunching on Cheetos. Popcorn Sunday nights, Grandma's cinnamon roll mornings, meal planning with Mom and favorite restaurant visits rounded out some of my American food cravings.
All in all, it was a wonderful time. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to come home and spend time with family and friends. It was wonderful to meet with supporters, supporting churches and those faithful prayer warriors who fight for me at home. I can't believe I have to finish packing tomorrow and be ready to head out Tuesday morning bright and early. I can't really explain the bittersweet feelings I'm enduring. There is a great sadness in leaving paired with excitement to see my loved ones in Romania. I'm also lead by the steady assurance that Romania is where God wants me, and my heart longs to follow my Lord's direction.
I've told so many people during my time here in the States that the call to obedience in spreading the truth and love of the Gospel is a call to every follower of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that I will be faithful in serving for this purpose in Romania.
Until next time,
Ceau America!
The second day I was Stateside I was able to celebrate my dear little "niece" Ruby's first birthday. Soon after I got to spend Christmas with my family. Then, see my bestie, Tiffany, and her family; where I basked in the joy of being "Auntie Lys" some more. (Auntie Lys has become my absolute favorite name, even tho I have no "biological" nieces or nephews.) New years was spent with one of my favorite families, the Linhardts. My wonderful church in Manhattan (Westview Community) welcomed me in the midst of an icy storm and sub-zero temps. Molly, my old and faithful Cavalier, got me to Kansas City and back for my training as well as a stay with my fabulous cousin, Callie. My dear friend, Nina, flew me up to Montana so I could be there for her wedding. She was a beautiful bride and I'm grateful for every minute of my time with her. It came to an end all to soon and I tearfully boarded a plane back to Kansas. After three years I was reunited with my kindred spirit, Courtney, in Kansas City and we spent a few gorgeously warm days in the City of Fountains & Boulevards, haha! Shortly after this I returned home in time to be snowed in for a while. I read books, went sledding, watched movies, played games and sewed my way thru the cold days. Now I'm grateful for the time I had to just stay put, but at the time I dealt with a bit of cabin fever. Once that snow melted I decided to start traveling again and made it to Oakley, Manhattan, Wamego, Henderson, NE, Wichita, Valley Center, Ellsworth, Olsburg and all sorts of roads in-between. About a week ago I had the joy of meeting Jett Timothy; he's the adorable baby of Melissa, who I have called friend for over 22 years!
Hands on creativity has also kept me busy. My mom & I have finished at least 12 sewing projects. Including but not limited to: a vest sewn out of an old lace curtain, a 2XL men's sweatshirt turned tunic, and a couple dresses turned skirts. I knitted my first scarf and hat, all on my own. Created a new prayer card on photoshop, using techniques I've never used before. Took pictures of countless people in multiple States. Helped decorate for my one of my dearest friend's wedding. Of course my creative list wasn't exactly completed, but it never is.
I've enjoyed endless supplies of Dr. Pepper & Cheetos. Eaten more Mexican food than is probably healthy. Bit into giant, juicy hamburgers. Cut into freshly grilled steak. Frequented Chipotle and Radina's. My dad even supplied my late-night cravings for coffee ice cream. One of my favorite restaurant adventures turned into a night of food poisoning. Winter Olympics was a gravitational pull I couldn't resist as I cheered and cringed with the athletes, all the while sipping my DP and crunching on Cheetos. Popcorn Sunday nights, Grandma's cinnamon roll mornings, meal planning with Mom and favorite restaurant visits rounded out some of my American food cravings.
All in all, it was a wonderful time. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to come home and spend time with family and friends. It was wonderful to meet with supporters, supporting churches and those faithful prayer warriors who fight for me at home. I can't believe I have to finish packing tomorrow and be ready to head out Tuesday morning bright and early. I can't really explain the bittersweet feelings I'm enduring. There is a great sadness in leaving paired with excitement to see my loved ones in Romania. I'm also lead by the steady assurance that Romania is where God wants me, and my heart longs to follow my Lord's direction.
I've told so many people during my time here in the States that the call to obedience in spreading the truth and love of the Gospel is a call to every follower of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that I will be faithful in serving for this purpose in Romania.
Until next time,
Ceau America!
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