God is giving me many opportunities as I transition to Romania: patience, courage, trust, and many more. While in Romania this summer, I visited with several Cru staff members as well as American missionaries in Romania. After talking with them, there are many things that need to be done before I can go. Most distressing is the information I found out about visas. It never occurred to me to get a visa (mainly because you can visit Romania without having one). While I am not sure about the exact cost, it is around $350 and the Romanian government can issue it for one year to five years (for the same cost). However, to get the visa there are several requirements: proof of health insurance, an invitation from a company so I can prove I can support myself OR an invitation from a family who can provide for me, and a health certificate. Add to that, my house hasn't sold, I can't speak the language, I'm still having problems with migraines, and I'm not even sure to what city I should relocate.
Despite the uncertainties, I know God is leading me to Romania. I have to depend on Him and His timing as I take each opportunity as it comes and ask Him what I am supposed to do next. I rely on James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Please join me in prayer so that I would seek God's will in these trials, not the easy way; that I would continue to persevere so that I may mature; that Julie and I would continue to have a blessed time together; that the doors and opportunities would open and close as God wills; that my house would sell so I have the finances to go.
I am working on an email list to keep people informed. If you would like to be on it, please leave a comment with your email or email me at [email protected] and ask to be on the mailing list.
Blessings,
Laura