In the Throes of Travel Planning......

Most of you have probably heard, but our church is planning a missions trip to Romania this spring. We're in the prep stage of applying for passports, raising funds (and lots of them) and scheduling plane flights.

Arad, Romania

Rachel and I both feel the Lord leading us to be a part of the team going over there, and are looking forward to Him working in amazing ways through the whole experience! Personally, I'm really psyched to participate in something like this! I've never been out of the country and am hoping/praying on my eyes being opened to the diverse world outside my cozy little circles.

I know we would all appreciate your prayers as to the details of this big trip, along with the overwhelming topic of funds. Basically a round trip plane ticket is close to $700 during the spring. That doesn't include the money needed for train transportation, food, or emergency stashes. :P For a young, unemployed person like myself, that is a bit like beating a dead horse. 

But.

I know that as the Lord has given me peace and led me here, He will be faithful to provide everything for this to happen. I'm trusting the Lord to lead us in profitable ways of fund-raising and praying fervently that He would take care of all the gazillions of details. I know this because of all the amazing ways He's already worked; giving us several different connections in Romania to churches there, a friend who's family has been serving in Romania for years (and who "just happens" to be going this spring as well;) and various other ways. 

Romania looks to be very beautiful and I'm very interested to meet and serve the people there. :)

gypsy family

boys in a gypsy village

Bucharest, Romania

Oh, and apart from the wonderful ministry, I'm excited to see a whole new culture, different ways of living, and the awesome architecture there seems to be there! :D

So, that's what's in bold, 72 pt. font on my prayer list right now. 

Until Later,

Sarah

p.s. I got back Sat. from a week spent at a ball and working on a media project of last year's DOD camp with great, fun, and hospitable friends. More on that later. :)

camp 2012

It's high time I clued you all in on how our week in the mountains of NC went. :) Here's a picture-loaded (winks at Kelsey) post for any of you who were curious. 

I'm going to split up the time in 5 groups: The Trip, Camp Life, Snack Shack (it's a highlight of every day. ;), Talent Night, and The Sacred Music Concert. 

The Trip

We left on the 5 hour trip to NC at about 7:30 or something of that early sort. 

Rachel asked Dad to pull over our big van so that she could complete a bucket-list item and stand with each foot in a different state. :D Thus, the roadside picture.

Anna and our cousin Emily. 

FINALLY THERE!!

Camp Life

 The view from the lodge is total gorgeousness.

Tetherball and Gaga (aka Octo-ball and other things) were always available to be played. 

Every day we had 2 sessions in the lodge where our speaker, Mrs. Bjorlie spoke to us on "Who We are in Christ". :) 

Inside Cabin 5. :) I believe I was probably memorizing my verses. 

One of the Creative Arts classes.

^The Dining Hall in action.

Ain't it bee-yoo-ti-ful?!

The "If Life Gives You Lemons" class I was in. 

Bobbin lacing. I took this class and am so glad I did! It was very confusing and overwhelming at first, but was so fun once you got the hang of it. :)

Our wonderful director, Mrs. Blessman.

And our speaker, Mrs. Ann Bjorlie

morning exercises. ;) 

Our great cooks having a pizza-rolling competition. 

These guys were the CITs. (Counselors in Training) Despite the crazy schedule and late nights, they were real troopers. :) 

haha. this picture makes me laugh. Cabin 5, meet my readers. Readers, Cabin 5 in it's craziness. 

The Photography class girls had cameras in hand at all times.

Snack Shack

"The Hike"

Every year we hike up to the top of Pinnacle Mountain and it's worth the effort.

Me 'n Alaina. <3

Talent Night

"Your Great Name".

Anna and Emily did a superb rendition of Tangled's "Mother Knows Best." 

Any guesses as to what this is?^

It's actually Cabin 2's outstanding performance of "It's a Hard Knock Life"! Rachel was "Ms. Heffington" and I was honored to be asked to do the "bum-bumming" with the orphans for this song. :) There were real memories made. :D 

I accompanied Anna doing "The Call."

Banquet & Sacred Music Concert

Cabin 5 right before the banquet. 

Mrs. E. did all the videography documenting the week. :)

I sang Meredith Andrew's "Draw Me Nearer". :) 

:D Up-cycled waste-baskets-made-hats.

The graduating CITS. :) Proud of you three!

Me and my buddy, Amy. :)

Goodbyes :(

After a wonderful 5 days, we said goodbye and went our own ways....

always leaves you with a lump in your throat.

Rach with two of her campers.

The friendships made, friendships refreshed, uplifting conversations, challenging Bible studies, scripture memorized, skills learned, camaraderie to the hilt, memories created.

God used this week to encourage every girl there and we also appreciate all the hard work of the counselors, staff, and directors! :) 

DOD CAMP 2012

{photo credit to Jennifer Meng, Lauren C., Alaina, and yours truly)