Rest

My devotional verse today is "Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; He created all the world. He  never grows tired or weary. No one understands His thoughts. He strengthens those who are tired and weak."  How many of us walk around tired and weak because we try to be the planner of our days and the author of our story? I am so guilty of this. But He promptly reminds us that He is the foundation in our lives and His grace is truly enough.  He  gives grace beyond what  you and I deserve.  He gives us much needed rest.

Rest was what was needed today for everyone  in different ways. We had two of our awesome team members fall ill with a stomach bug. It was horrible. Please pray that Nikki and April will find the strength that only God can provide to continue to press on and feel better. Also, pray that we  continue to do God's work the next three days in Feldioara and Brasov despite if the sickness spreads ( hopefully not)! We are expecting to hit our capacities as far as patient load is concerned very early in the day and work until the "cows come home" literally! Pray for  us to maximize the time to meet physical needs but also share the hope of our Savior with these precious people. I know God will see to it.

Today we did some sight seeing at Castle Braun (aka Dracula's Castle), shopping at the markets and at Metro (Romanian Costco/SAMs Club!),  Wok Street and taking in  breath taking sights on overlooks! As busy as it was, it was restful and nice to just recharge your batteries.  I can't wait to be able to share all the photos. I've said before that our team is an awesome bunch and a funny group but to get to just be with them today was just awesome. You start to hear what is going on in other parts of the clinic and their stories and how God is working in their life. I thank God for today because it was truly good and restful.

Pray for our team as we begin our three days straight of clinic. Pray that God is  preparing the way for His grace and love be impressed upon the Romanian people.  It is amazing how at home I feel here. As we stood on an overlook that looks down on Brasov, our team joined hands and we prayed for  this community.  It is overwhelming at times, like today, to know God hand picked this team one by one  to be sent in His name here. He chose me....3  years ago and knew what a seed of love He planted of love in my soul for these people.

Thank you for praying and just taking the time to read my thoughts. It is how I decompress. It is how I praise. It is part of how experience this joy when the busy of the day dies down. Pam and I talked about how tired we were tonight. But she said it best.... " It is the best kind of tired and exhausted to be." Amen.

Love. Love.  And rest.

Melissa