Day 5 - this was a much-needed pick-me-up day for the team.
The day started with many of us visiting the home of Nelo, the young man with severe difficulties whom I met on Sunday. Although agitated at first, he sat well through testimonies and prayers. This may have been down to the time of day and medication or to the prayers of Gwynneth, Rachel, Charlotte and Emma back at the house or a combination of both. They had an intimate time of sharing which was special for them.
We had a short time of children's ministry on the street. Terri and Rachel did some paints on the little ones' hands while Emma told the story of Noah, and Tom and Charlotte got 'wired in' to a full-blooded game of footie with the older boys. Charlotte had to be put in goals as her tackles in her gladiator boots were too vicious even for the street-hardened Romanians! She impressed in goals as the only female and we are currently waiting for the call from St James Park. I'm sure Stephen will be busy at home negotiating the transfer fee from Bethany to Newcastle United.
Gwynneth told the Bible story of the feeding of the five thousand, and did well, despite the noisy audience. 'oh for the tranquility of Grindon Hall'.
We then squeezed into four cars as we headed into Bucharest with our Romanian friends. First stop was the western-style mall. The UK team treated everyone to lunch; the look on the McDonalds employee's face when we ordered 18 McFlurries will live with Tom for a long time. They were then given an hour to have a look at the shops. Choice seemed to be plenty and many boutique shops were there. I bought a sun hat from Debenhams, figuring if it didn't fit, I could return it in the UK. I'd love to see them reading the receipt and working out the currency exchange.
We then went to the Museum of the Villages, this displays many real life houses which have been relocated to this pleasant park location in central Bucharest. The houses each represent a typical dwelling from different geographical areas in Romania through the ages. The normally avid learner in me was defeated by the tired and hot me, and I enjoyed walking and talking, and a cold drink, rather than becoming an expert in ancient Romanian cultures. This was a seriously hot day again, and it made for lots of nice photo-ops.
Home again through the Bucharest rush-hour. Same gridlock as any other major city, but throw the heat into the mix, and add in the fact that our car had no aircon, and it seemed like I was being slowly cooked. Finally we were free of the city, and the open windows ushered in a welcome breeze. This combined with a beautiful summer sunset to give a nice memory of our day out in the Romanian capital.
Back at base, it was good to see Rachel actively and voluntarily interacting. This has been her best day yet, from my point of view. The bbq was a nice day to end a long day. Rafael and Gordon did the dishes which amused Ramona who stood and watched like the dishes inspector. Rafael said she was spectating because she'd never seen adult males working in the kitchen before. A late-night reminder of the different society we're living in.
Comments and reflections on the day:-
1. Contrast. A 30 minute car journey takes you FROM the depths of poverty and a very basic backward-looking community, still held hostage by its own past, as well as by others' prejudices and corruption TO a world of Porsches, Mercedes, McDonalds and Body Shop. We talk about postcode lotteries at home with regard to schooling choices. This is much bigger, and much harder to jump the fence.
2. Temperaments. In a team people will not always get along with every member of the team all the time. We know that. Most of the week we have worked well together. When someone has dipped in morale, others have pulled them through. That's what I hoped would happen . As leader I am ever conscious of my responsibility in bringing these dear young people to this strange place. I need to know how they are, but also to let them know how they're doing, so tomorrow I'm going to meet with them all 1-1 and do a bit of reflection. Then they will be given a challenge to encourage others, before we pray together. Looking forward to it, and we will try to have a British approach to the appointment times!
3. Struck again by the disparity between Padureni and Bucharest, I considered that I, at age 41, have lived a life of luxury. To spend 1 week in someone else's shoes should not be a challenge, yet it's tougher than any of us are admitting. Anything else is bravado or the answer to impress the teacher syndrome. Reality will kick in and these expressions will be tested severely. Will we settle back into our comfort, without a backward glance to Padureni, or will it have any kind of lasting impact? For some the answers may be different, and it will be an interesting story to follow. So not only the disparity between Padureni and Bucharest - it's only a few minutes . The distance between my heart and my will may take considerably longer.
4. Delighted in Rachel's increased volume and contribution today. She's a slow burner. When Alli cooks meat in the slow cooker it's the tastiest. Rachel will go home a lot happier on Sunday because of today. More between now and then please Rach.
5. Prayed for Anna Smith from OM today - her mother's cancer has returned aggressively. Please pray.
6. Remembered too the Bethany team away to Zambia today. Also their families at home.
7. Tomorrow's plan is coffee fellowship at 9, then children's ministry. I'm going to use that time to write a letter to pastor Marian, and also prepare for our 1-1s later. The afternoon will give everyone an opportunity to reflect within themselves, spend time with God, and reflect with me on their experience so far. No doubt I will be dealing with highs, lows and all the inbetweens. Bring it on.
8. Claire's been badly struggling with her eyes today. She got to a pharmacist for drops but was in a lot of pain when we got back to the house. We prayed together and within a few minutes her pain was gone, God is good!
9. Scotland lost 4-0 to Norway so guess who won't be going to the World Cup? Again?
10. I only had number 9 but Tom subconsciously wanted me to put in a number 10. He's saying 'da' in his sleep. Goodnight Tom.
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