We have finally arrived in Bucharest!  It has been a long time coming, and we are so thankful to be back.  On our first day, we had orientation, then got to go to the orphanage.  We were so excited to go see all of our kiddies- and they remembered us, even though it has been two years since we have been back.  We got to give and receive many hugs, from kids we already knew, and some new ones.  We played futbol, jumped rope, and talked with the kids (through a translator.)  A lot of them asked when we were leaving, and we got to tell them that we are staying for a very long time.  It felt really good to know that we will be seeing them very often, and get to be a consistent part of their lives.
Steven with some of the older boys!
Haley and Rebecca with some new and old friends!

This week we have been organizing our room, which is in a house outside of Bucharest.  Moving is a lot of work!  We are also figuring out things like grocery store shopping, which will be challenging at first with the language barrier.  We have staff meetings and will be finding out in which programs will be supporting the H2H staff; art class, music, dance, etc.  We also start our language lessons in 2 weeks.  This will be a big challenge but we are so excited to get started and get talking.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and supporting us for all these years leading up to this moment.  The smiles and laughs at the orphanage put everything into perspective, and we know we are right where we need to be.

   Well life continues to move at a crazy pace. From going away parties, to visiting family and friends, to appointments and last minute details, it seems like each day goes by way too fast. Now the days are numbered as we have an official leave date; September 17. We will leave from San Diego fly into Dallas, fly from Dallas to London, and finally London to Bucharest. At times it all seems surreal as we process the emotions of leaving family and friends, but we take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. Last week we met Josh and Missy Essman, who like us, will be headed to Bucharest on September 17 to work for H2H!
   As we continue to prepare, pack, and tie up some last minute details we would appreciate your prayers in the following areas:

-Time with family and friends: That we would be able to cherish and spend as much time as possible with our loved ones.

-For our language lessons and that we would be able to absorb and speak the language quickly.

-Prayer that the rest our funding and financial support would be provided.

-For open eyes and heart and to experience what God has for us each day as individuals and as a couple and to not get lost in details and preparations.

So-  we don't actually know when we are leaving yet.  We thought it might be August, but now it will be in early September.  We are so excited to go, that we kind of feel like we are in limbo... loving spending time with family and friends, while wondering what our new life will be like!

Things we know:
-we will start language school pretty soon once we get there
-we will live in some type of apartment (think Eastern Euro block apt)

Things we don't know:
...everything else

For a person who could be considered type A, the unknown is a little scary, because it is, well, un-known.  But a freeing part of being a Christ-follower, is that I am not a slave to my own planning/organization "issues."  There is freedom in knowing that however and whenever I get to Romania, God is preparing each step of the way for his purpose.

One thing I am sure of; I have only a small glimpse of what the Lord's purpose and intention is for us over there.  And how exciting is that?!

{haley}

  We have been in Brasil for about a week now, and we are LOVING it!  Probably because we have gotten to spend time with some really great friends, Leo and Tati, and their new, adorable, perfect, beautiful baby, Bella!
  We have seen many sights, eaten LOTS of food and had a great time just being with our friends.  This is just one goodbye in a long series of goodbyes that are to come before leaving for Romania.  So, needless to say we are NOT looking forward to leaving on Saturday.  But, such is life, and we still have a few more days of fun left!  More pictures coming soon!

well summer is here and school is out! I have had a wonderful experience working at the elementary level kids for the  past few months. it is such a joy to watch the kids explore and grow. I already miss all the kids, but am excited to get back to all my kiddos in RO! happy fathers day everyone!
-steven

     So, it's official- we are moving to Romania at the end of August!  A few weeks ago, we met with the directors of H2H, who said we had raised enough money to start our ministry in Bucharest.  We will be spending our first 6 months in language lessons, and assisting other staff members in the abandoned baby hospitals and orphanages.  We are so excited to begin this journey, but it is crazy that we only be in the United States for 2 more months!
     As we prepare to leave, we are asking friends and family to pray for us.  We have raised 70% of what we need to work in Romania for 3 years.  We are leaving in faith that the Lord will provide the rest of the money once we are there.
     We are so blessed by all of the prayers and support we have received.  We will be updating more frequently so we can keep you posted on our new adventure!

  I've heard people say, "when you wait patiently, God speaks." 

  But sometimes he doesn't.  Or, more likely, sometimes, he just says, "keep waiting." 

  This is the overall message I get as we wait for our funding to come in.  The only thing, at this point, that determines whether or not we can go to Romania, is money.  We have asked every human being we know for prayers and financial support!  Sometimes, in the waiting, God says, "pray."

  We pray that the Lord blesses and keeps safe all the kids in the orphanages in Romania.  We pray for strength for the current H2H staff to continue to minister and love on all the kids.  We pray that the laws could be changed to open up international adoption from Romania.

  And we pray for money- that God would continue to provide the funding that we need to go to Romania.  Just today, a friend gave us another check, because she got a bonus at work!  It never ceases to amaze me how generously God gives to us through friends and family.  But, in everything that we pray for, I know that money is nothing to God.  There is not a currency that stops him from carrying out His will. 

  So, while we keep waiting, we pray.  And while we pray, we hope and believe. 

This week we had two H2H staff members send us notes from some of our kiddies.

Our little Marius said "hi" and wanted to know when we are coming!

Laurentiu, an older boy sent us this message:

Dear Steven and Haley,
Thank you for the card and for the picture. Thank you that you came here with us and that we got to play together.  I hope you will come back to Romania soon.  I have a brother at another orphanage.  His name is Nicu.
Love, Laurentiu

We cannot wait to be in Romania, working with these boys, and others who we haven't met yet.  Please pray for continued financial support, and for every precious child to know the love of Christ.