Greetings from Sibiu, Romania! We are so glad to report that we have been able to move and have had a few days to get settled. There still remains quite a bit to do in the preparation of the house, but it is now very livable. We are also very glad to report that, after much difficulty, God has provided a great VW van for the ministry. Many thanks to all who prayed. It seemed to us like pulling spiritual teeth to get this much accomplished! There seem to have been so many hindrances, but we know Who has the last word!

Our greatest concern with all of the delays has been the young women that so desperately need a safe place to call home.  We could only watch and pray as these young women struggle with the decision to believe that God cares and would be interested in helping them have a better life. It seems that, for them,  the fear of disappointment is so much greater than the hope of a better future. We wanted to quickly have a place for them to come so the struggle over the decision could end. This, however, wasn't to be. Now we must trust God to continue to encourage them. Pictured here are Leslie and Cristina in the Sibiu city square. Cristina is one of  "our girls". She came to Sibiu with us in January on a fact-finding trip. She continues to struggle with her decision about moving.

We have learned that Romania has recently begun to enforce accreditation for facilities for women. This was put in place to prevent the exploitation that has become so prevalent in this part of Europe. We are unsure at this time how this will affect us, but this provides another opportunity to dig in and remind ourselves of God's calling and His ability to resolve problems. 

After so many difficulties, it is easy to begin to question ourselves about what we heard from the Lord. Do you think Noah ever questioned his instructions? I can imagine the conversation Noah must have had with God. It might have gone something like this:

"Noah, I want you to build an ark."

"God, you mean like a really big boat kind of ark?"

"Yes, Noah. I'm going to send a flood."

"Okay, God, but I do have a question. What's a flood?"

Following God's instructions was not an easy task for Noah. Building a boat that size must have been very costly financially as well as costing him many years of his life. Being obedient also cost him his reputation. Surely his neighbors thought he had lost his mind. And likely, as he continued to work with no clouds in the sky and no animals scampering to find him, he must have begun to doubt. "Was that really the voice of God I heard? Maybe I really am crazy!"

In some ways, this is how we feel right now. We have financial questions and concerns about the future. We are often frustrated when those we want so desperately to help resist this help. And then there are the many rolls of red tape to wade through. Sometimes we question ourselves. Was it really God we heard?  And God, in His patient and understanding way, gently encourages us to press on.

Surely many have been through the same struggles. This is the path we as Christians have chosen. We are called to step out of the boat when the waves and wind are roaring. We are called to come alongside the Master of the wind and waves and learn from Him. After such lessons, we are not the same.

Thank you for your continued prayer for us and for the girls God has called us to serve. There is still so much to be worked out, but God's timing is perfect. Even when progress appears slow, we know that God is at work accomplishing tasks that we know nothing about.

Blessings to you all,