Steven and Haley

When people ask you what you do, or what you used to do, you get some interesting looks when you say "missionary." Their minds either go straight to images of Mother Teresa, or knocking on doors like a salesman. Neither is accurate. So I've stopped telling people my "title" and just tell them what I actually did. Taught orphaned and abandoned children with special needs how to read. Lead summer camps and youth group. Stood by them, prayed for them, and loved them in every capacity I could.

So that's the what, but inevitably after the what, comes the why. Why did you choose to work in Romania? Why have you been going to Romania for the last 9 years, then live there for 3 of those years, and why do you keep going back?

The why is really simple, and dates back to when I was in middle school. I used to watch 20/20 with my parents on Friday nights (super cool) and happened to see a special on the conditions in Eastern European orphanages. This was back in the late 90's when many news outlets were investigating institutions in places like Russia and Romania. I saw hurting kids and thought, I'd like to help them one day. Fast forward to college, when I found an organization dedicated to ministering to orphaned and abandoned babies and children in Romania. I signed up for a two week trip, packed a suitcase full of toys and games, and flew around the world.

My life was forever changed. It was changed from the first moment I stepped into the abandoned baby hospital. And it continued to change as I visited school-aged children living in the orphanages, and then met young adults who had grown up in institutions.

In truth, God has used Romania to change me daily, and, over time. He has broken me, broken my heart for these kids who struggle in every way imaginable. Being broken is painful. But brokenness spurs on love. And when people ask, "Why Romania?" my only response is that I have to. It's not that I have to go to Romania. It's that I have to go to see my kids, who have rooted themselves in my heart and soul.

{haley}

{going back}

10:57 AM

{pride}

2:30 AM

Often, we tell our kids that we are proud of them. They work hard, they are up against a lot, and when they succeed, it's a beautiful thing. They smile, until we ask them if they are proud of themselves. Some kids do say "yes," with an emphatic smile. But others can't respond. Or flat out say "no." We spend all of our time telling, showing and trying to prove that we love them. That they are valuable. That they are important and that they matter. But we can't force them to believe it.

Often we hear, "I'm not that good at it" or "I'm not smart." Those lies envelop and attack them EVERYDAY. For every compliment or encouragement we give them, there is an equal amount of discouragement, fear and doubt that surrounds them.

Often, we want to tattoo it on their foreheads. "You matter to God," or "So many people love you and are praying for you." Sometimes I tell them they have to listen to my compliments and believe them, "because I said so." There are only so many ways you can shout love at someone until you run out of options.

Often, God shows us his love, and we ignore it or reject it because we refuse to believe and accept it. The Old Testament is a prime example of human tendency to forget the value and worth we have in The Lord. (Am I the only one who reads the OT and keeps shouting, "Not again!?" I think not...)

Often, our kids are quick to highlight their own shortcomings, and slow to recognize their accomplishments and growth.

Very often, thankfully, God gives them opportunities to grow, learn, and develop their skills. And when they realize it for themselves, their smile that breaks out is reflected 10-fold on my own face.

Pride. One of those things that is both good and bad. Helpful and harmful. But my prayer for my kids is that they will take pride in themselves. In their abilities. In their character. In their smarts. In the wonderful way that God created them. And I pray that often.

Working on "publishing" their own books- another opportunity to shine!

Writing a fable in the style of the Boy who Cried Wolf

Making his own "I am special" book

We were honored to work with these wonderful kids, and reward them for all of their hard work with a fun celebration. They each received a certificate, their published and laminated book, their very own books to read over the summer, and of course, an ice cream sundae!

We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for joining us on this wonderful journey. Please continue to lift these precious children up in prayer, that they will grow, learn, be proud, and love.

{h}