Europe. It is just like the movies and the tabloids. I am currently writing this while pouring from a yellow tea kettle on a red and gold bench surrounded by tall green walls encrusted with gold shapes. I am typing under a ceiling patterned with chandeliers, next to candles and open windows revealing the busy streets of Craiova. If only my younger self could see me spread out at a table next to beautiful flowers, sipping from a teacup and wrapping my hands around it so my cold fingers feel the warmth. What a dream to be writing next to a case full of macarons and pastries in Europe. Let me be your tour guide for a moment and walk you through my days in the streets of Craiova.
Something is enchanting about walking in the streets of Romania. The chill of Christmas, the sound of people speaking in a Romance Language, buying croissants or crepes at one of the many pop-ups in the town square. Art museums in castle-like European architecture litter the wide stone paths; every building in old town square looks as though it is cracking from holding in too many memories of the passersby from long ago. The construction carries a sadness from withstanding the communist ruling in 1947-1989, something that still affects the majority of the adult population that creates an atmosphere of unspoken fear and shame.
When I am not playing a part in a coming-of-age movie as an American touring Europe, I usually fulfill my personal assistant job at Hope Church. My morning consists of waking up at 7:00, layering up with thick winter coats I am not used to wearing in Texas, packing my bag, and heading to this majestic green coffee shop with my sisters Holly and Peyton. After we grab breakfast and our caffeine for the day, we prepare ourselves for the coming heartbreak of the city. For me, that means reading through my bible or journaling. At 8:50, we head to Hope Church to worship and pray for the city, followed by a teaching from our host and pastor, Raul, until 11. We discuss the plan for the day until 12 when we get our 2-hour lunch and break to explore more of the city. Yesterday this was spent walking with some friends to try more Romanian food, buy winter coats, grab some boba tea, and take pictures of the beautiful park. I’m talking about swans, a fountain with colorful canoes, and giant trees shading the zoo attraction in the center.
We have our ministry from 2:00-6:00; for some people, it is street evangelism or kids ministry; for me, it is the job of secretary, dealing with day-to-day, big picture needs of the church such as planning schedules and delegating different administrative responsibilities . As someone who grew up wanting to be the White House Secretary, this is right up my alley. After ministry, we walk back to the mission house while one team cooks dinner in the cute kitchen while blaring our favorite music. After squad family dinner, we end the night by having team time to debrief the day and occasionally talk about how Europe is affecting our hearts. I am so thankful the Lord has placed me here and I cannot wait for the coming adventures.
