Vanuatu in Colors...

Here are some links to some more pictures from Vanuatu. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26800&id=1176913306&l=50d02bad5d

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27210&id=1176913306&l=5374558e0d

Back Home...

Life has been full of unexpected things lately... Things have not been as I have planned them. As I have told you, I was not planning on going to Vanuatu. But when the Lord said something, I had to obey. Then I was planning to come back home in December but the Lord changed again my plans. So, here I am, back in Romania for a couple of months. I am so thankful for the blessed time I had in Vanuatu. The Lord taught me many things there. I have also seen some other sides of life... and experienced things I have never experienced before. God knew I really needed this experience. It was a wonderful gift and I thank the Lord so much for it.

Now, new chapters of my life are waiting to be written... The Lord had so many surprises for me so far and I am sure He will continue to surprise me and continue to give me more wonderful gifts. So far it seems that the new destination will be Africa but only the Lord knows what is next... I'm looking forward to seeing God's leading. I know I am in His hands and I am sure He has wonderful things in store for me. Didn't he promise that "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor. 2:9)? I've seen this promised fulfilled in my life so many times and I know this is just the beginning. So, here I am, trusting and waiting for the Lord to fulfill what He has promised in Jeremiah 33:3: ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

More About Malua Bay

5.04.2009

Three weeks have passed since I came here. I am so happy I moved into my house. Even though it has no windows and I do not shelves for my books and cloths, it feels so good to have your own house, my own place. It is true that the rats and ants are going all over the place at all times but I still prefer living here than with some other family. I watch the rat every night running on the beams of my house and I also hear it every night when it comes to check what I have in the kitchen. So I have my own Zoo in my house. Sometimes we play hide and seek.  It’s been also good to be able to cook for myself. Somebody gave me a propane tank and another person a stove so I can cook in my house. Last week people kept bringing me fruits and vegetables. I had so many that I didn’t need to cook and I have also shared some with other teachers. I have eaten so far lots of papaya and avocado and pomelo.

I have finally started using the drum-oven since some students set it up for me. The firewood that people use here is very light and it takes lots of it to be able to bake but it is good to have something than nothing. So every Friday I bake bread and usually some banana bread and I share most of it with teachers and the church members at the fellowship launch on Sabbath.

Being a single girl has sometimes some disadvantages in the jungles. One of them is that people try to marry you. I have three options so far . There are two families who said they would like me to marry their sons and the minister’s wife wants me to marry her brother. So it is hard to choose at this time !!! I keep telling them I am not going to marry a ni-Vanuatu boy but it seems useless. It’s good that none of these boys are here in the village. This makes things easier for me for the time being.

I like so much the schedule I have here. Usually I wake up around 5, 5:10 and I go jogging for 35-40 minutes. Then I stop on the shore to talk to God. After that I go and take a shower, then I go and read my Bible. At 7:45 I have to go to the teacher’s worship. After the worship I come and eat if I do not have the first class period. It’s soo good to be able to stay on rock on the shore and talk to God… Sometimes on Sundays or when we do not have classes, after I jog I go to pray and read also my Bible on the shore. I just love this jungle life. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing in the world.

Back to the Civilization for a Few Days

Here I am, on Santo Island for a few days after almost 5 weeks of no Internet access... I have come to get my visa and I am thankful to have a few days off from school and to be able to meet Mario and share how God is working in our lives. It thrills my heart when I see that God is at work and that He is so mighty and powerful. Believe me, we have lots of stories to share (as ni-Vanuatu people would say). Mario and I have been going all around the town yesterday afternoon and today shopping and trying to do everything we need to do before we go back on Monday to our villages. I am so thankful he knows the town and is so kind as to take me around.

I will be back tomorrow with more news about my life in Malua-Bay and how God is working there.

If you want to see pictures just go here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23133&id=1176913306&l=05e49779c3

Some Pictures from Port Vila

For those of you who want to see pictures, go to the following webpage address to see them. The internet connection is very slow so I uploaded them on facebook. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=363397&l=b5642&id=1176913306

First Week in Port Vila, Vanuatu

Here I am, trying to give you a taste of Vanuatu. I so wish that I can bring all of you with me here so you can see it for yourself. I just love being here. I've been in Port Vila for a week. I still do not know when exactly I will be going to Malakula Island, but I think it will be in a couple of days. A missionary's life is full of surprises – I just love it. Until then, I am trying to do the shoppings (and believe me, I need to buy a lot of stuff from small things to stove and propain bottle, pots, matresse).

It has been very good to be here with my friends. I like that we are a team. God has really blessed us with a wonderful time together. I've been used to working alone and being alone and it is such a blessing that we can be here together. It is true that I will be going alone to the place where I will volunteer, but at least I will have signal for my phone and I will be able to keep in touch with my friends. I've been told that it is cheap to call here in Vanuatu.

Port Vila is a very small town. Georgetown is much more developed than Vila. They have two supermarkets. The majority of shops are Chinese shops. One can also find very expensive shops for tourists, but they are not for us.

I've been gathering information about people and customs, food and life style. I am so glad to find many similarities between Guyana and Vanuatu. A lot of the fruits and vegetables are the same (here are a few of them: papaya, mango, pineaple, bananas, pomelo, tania, sweet cassava, avocado, plus the vegetables that we are also using – carrots, peper, tomatoes, cucumber). As for people, they are as relaxed as they were in Guyana, if not even more relaxed. They are just taking their time and making sure that they do not get tired. I understood that it takes ages to start and to complete something. Why should they worry and stress when life is short? As for food, they are eating mostly Lap-lap. Even if they have vegetables, I understood that they do not know how to cook them. If one asks how to cook a certain vegetable or root, he will be told he has to boil it. That's all. Food is not really tasty because they do not know how to give taste to the food.

People are very, very friendly. I was amazed to see them greeting me on the streets of Port Vila. I was also surprised to see that it is not dangerous to walk through the town at night. Coming from Guyana where men will call you all kind of names and try to get your attention and where it is dangerous to walk through town by yourself especially at night, I really came to appreciate that people are so different here.

From what I have been told, I will be teaching in a Malua Bay SDA school. I was told that I will be living with the minister's family (they call here minister the bible worker) for a while until they will fix my house. I have no ideea what I will be teaching, or how many students has the school but I like this life full of surprises. Florin told me that they were glad to hear that I know a little bit of music.

I can hardly wait to go to Malua Bay. I know God has wonderful things prepared for me there. I know He will do whatever it takes to grow me there and to shape me more and more.

In Auckland for a Few Days

We spent an awesome time in Auckland. God was so good to lead us to a pentecostal family who was so kind to keep us for almost a week. On Thursday afternoon we got to see Takapuna beach. We were supposed to go shopping on Friday and since all the stores are out of the town and we also wanted to go to the Adventist Book Center in the other side of the city (by the way, the city is 80 Km long) it seemed pretty impossible to do everything in one day. But God was good again and sent a friends of our host to take us shopping for the whole day on Friday. We only payed for his fuel. God was good and we found what we needed and even things we didn't think about but were needed in the jungle.

Sabbath morning we decided we need to go to church. The wind was blowing hard and the rain was pouring outside but we left the house. With our new raincoats and a map we started walking to find the church. So if you saw two crazy people walking in the cold weather and rain in church clothes and one of them bare feet (my new shoes made me blisters) that was Mario and I who couldn't spend a Sabbath in the coziness of our host's home.

We had a nice time in church. People were very nice and kind to us. They came to greet us and talked to us. Even the pastor came and talked to us and was impressed when he saw we are wet and we walked all the way to church (by the way, it took us 40 minutes to reach there).

I don't know how many of you know, but three and a half years ago, when I was thinking about going to Guyana I also had another option: New Zealand. They needed a secretary for 2 pastors and a youth leader. They have even accepted me to come and work only as a youth leader when I told them I hate secretarial work but I received their email a day after I decided to go to Guyana. When he pastor started his sermon and I saw his name on the screen, I realized that name is not strange at all. I knew it from somewhere. Where from was the question. It was not hard to realize that the only contact with someone from New Zealand was 3,5 years ago. So, after the sermon, I went and asked the pastor if he was looking for a secretary and youth leader 3,5 years ago. And yes, he was the one. I just couldn't believe my ears and my eyes. Here I was, 3,5 years later, visiting the very same church were I was supposed to volunteer. Isn't God wonderful?

The church invited us to stay for launch and then go with them for a baptism. Mario met an Indian guy who offered to take us to the baptism place that was next to a water fall. We had an amazing time at the baptism and then visiting a black sand beach. Just before we left, the pastor came to pray for us. It was so nice of him to do that for us. He also made me laugh... While praying, he asked God to bless out marriage life. Poor him, he didn't know we were just friends traveling together to the mission field. So, I was cracking up while he was praying. Later on, Mario had a chance to tell him we are going on separate islands. Then, he realized we are not married. Poor him, he was a little it embarrassed.

On Saturday evening our Indian friend offered to take us to a restaurant to try Indian food. Since it was Valentine's Day, the place was packed and we had to wait more than usual but is was worth waiting even though we ended up waiting around 10 PM.

Sunday morning we left for the airport bright and early since our flight was 8 o'clock. We had no idea that another surprise was waiting for us there. To make a long story short, we were not able to leave because of the same problem: their system said we need a visa for Vanuatu. So we changed our tickets for Wednesday hoping that meanwhile we will be able to get a paper that will mention the fact that we do not need a visa.

On Sunday afternoon, our Indian friend took us Rotorua, a 3 hour drive to an active volcano and a place where we could see Maori traditions and music. We had an amazing time there, took lots of pictures and enjoyed the volcano and the Maori music.

Monday and Tuesday we spend the time trying to reach a Vanuatu Embassy or Immigration office to get the papers. But all our efforts were in vain. We even went to see the honorific consul of Vanuatu in Auckland and we waited to for in the front of the house for over two hours just to realize we could have got in touch with him by phone. He promised to talk to the immigration office in Vanuatu to send us the paper. But we received no email from them.

On Monday we also went to change our tickets (Auckland - Port Vila) and to bring them from December to March. But when we went to the traveling agent, I discovered that I forgot my ticket at home. So we could only make the booking. We promised to come back the next day to change them and pay for it. The next day, since we waited in front of the house of the consul, we arrived after the office closed so it was impossible to change it. We no official paper and the tickets not changed, it seemed that everything was against us. But God knew why I forgot my ticket at home and why we arrived too late at the traveling agent. He knew that will be an expense that we didn't need to pay for since our budget was already running low because of the extra time we had to spend in London and Auckland.

Terance, our Indian friend was more than kind to us. He took us all over the town in the evenings, took us to dine in town and even gave us very nice things to remember New Zealand. We had nice talks with him and we had a blessed time together talking about God and about the way He has led us so far. He even told us that he has never been to close to anybody in the 12 years he has spent in New Zealand than he is to us. So, thank you God for people who are so willing to share what they have with strangers. I know the Bible promises that he will be rewarded for what he has done for us.

So Wednesday morning we went again to the airport knowing that chances are few for us to be able to fly since we didn't have the official paper. Believe me, I had butterflies in my stomach and I was praying that the Lord will do His will. We went to the check in desk, the officer asked for our passports and tickets, he issued our boarding pass, took our luggage and that was it. He didn't say a word about the visa, about the extra kg we had... Nothing. Mario and I were just looking at each other not being able to believe what is happening to us. Upon arriving at the gate we just prayed, as we always have done, thanking the Lord for the miracles He performed for us.

Our Romanian missionary fellows waited for us at the airport. It was a happy and joyful reunion. There are 8 of us Romanian missionaries here. We have had a great time together so far because we are a family, aren't we?

I'm not sure how long I will still be staying in Port Vila. I am supposed to go on the island of Malakula, to teach in a SDA school in Malua Bay. We will see how the Lord will lead things and where He wants me. I am sure He knows the best place for me and I am looking forward to seeing the miracles He will do for us here.

I am very, very excited to be here. I just cannot believe that I am back to the mission field and back to the jungle. This is the life that I want to live. I just love this simple life. I feel at home here even though I have never been to Vanuatu before. And I know I feel at home because I am where God wants me to be and because I want to do what He wants me to do. I know I do not deserve God's goodness and I cannot understand why He loves me so much. I just know what He loves me and this makes me sooo happy.

Please, pray for us. Satan is angry. Our friends here have different problems with visas and other stuff, but we know that God is powerful and that He will never disappoint us. We know that, if there were so many obstacles so far, it is only because Satan is angry, because he is afraid and he knows that God has might plans with us and for us here.

I will try to keep you posted with what is going on. I don't know how often I will be able to go to the internet (anyway, it will not be before a month is over) but I am happy that at least I have a phone and I will have signal there.

Trip to Auckland

Where do I start and where do I end? So much has happened in the last 10 days that I feel I cannot keep up with it. I saw these 10 days the Lord working and leading me more than I have ever seen it before. I saw closed doors that I thought will never open because it was impossible humanly speaking but the Lord opened them. I have never ever lived such an adventure with God and I so glad God chose to teach me so many things while passing me through the valley of darkness.

We left Romania on Monday being supposed to stop for 3 hours in London and then in Dubai to change the planes before we were supposed to reach Auckland, New Zealand. We where were supposed to stay there for a couple of day and then continue our flight to Vanuatu.

When we reached London, we were told the plane is stopping in Australia (the ticket didn't mention that aspect – we only knew that the plane is stopping somewhere for fueling). So, here we were, needing a visa for Australia and not being able to take the flight. We could have applied for an Australian visa but that meant to stay in London for a few days. It seemed there is no way out and we have to buy other tickets but the Lord had a solution for us. One of the ladies who was working for Emirates changed out ticket to Air New Zealand so we had to stop in Hong Kong instead of Dubai and Australia. The flight was only in 24 hours so we had to stay a day in London. Thank God for Irina and Gabi who were willing to squeeze in and put us up for a nigh and for the lady who didn't charge us a penny for the change even if the ticket was more expensive.

Since we were going to be in London for a day, we decided that it will be good to see a little bit of the city. The weather forecast was not too promising. Rain and strong wind has been announced for the next day. But the Lord was good again. Not only there was no rain, but we had sunshine and a very good time visiting for a few hours the well known places.

Tuesday evening, we presented ourselves at the check in desk just to be told we cannot leave because we need a visa for Vanuatu. All our efforts and reasoning were in vain. They system said we need a visa and nothing but official papers that we didn't have could change their mind. It was late. All the check in desks were closed and a lot of officers were around us trying to figure out what to do with us. Time was passing by and no solution was in the sight. We tried to make some phone calls but nothing seemed helpful. Somebody suggested that we buy refundable tickets but we didn't have the money. And anyway, the tickets could have not been issues before long. Time was passing by, the check in was supposed to close and we still didn't have a solution. Finally, an elderly officer said: I assume the resposability of letting them go. That meant he will get a fine of 3000 pounds if we were sent back from Vanuatu because we didn't have a visa. God bless this man for his goodness. They asked us to write to them and let them know if everything was OK. So, this was again another big miracle.

Still on the Way...

It's been 8 days since we left Romania. So much has happened in these 8 days that I feel I cannot keep up with everything that is going on. I tried to make a summary but I didn't have time to finish it so I will be posting it later. A summary of the summary is that Satan is angry but God is working and He is more powerful.

Until I will be able to finish writing more about the trip, I thought of posting some links with some of the pictures we have taken so far:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18456&id=1176913306&l=4cb9e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18457&id=1176913306&l=94618
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18451&id=1176913306&l=8c63f

So, enjoy!!!

Leaving... I'm Really Leaving!!!

The past two weeks have been really hectic for me. Having just two and a half weeks to get ready for Vanuatu (with everything that this includes - buying plane tickets, working on paperwork, packing), I had to run from here to there. Even though I am tired right now, I am really happy. In less than 24 hours I will be on my way to the jungles of Vanuatu. I still cannot believe it!!! It's just like a dream.

God is working in mysterious ways. Last week I got my passport back from the Guyanese Embassy and I had one of the biggest surprises ever: my Guyanese visa was granted. Huh... too late. I guess the Lord knows what is He doing.

I guess I have to get some sleep so, I'd better run...

It's Official... I'm Leaving on the 9th of February!!!

I just cannot believe it... Just 6 days ago I was not sure as to where I will be heading and what I will be doing. Today not only that I have an answer, but I also have the plane tickets and less than two weeks to get ready for a long, long journey. I'm speechless and overwhelmed. God is so good...

So, as I already posted, on Thursday I decided to go to Vanuatu Islands. That was all I knew. I didn't have the money for my ticket and other expenses, I didn't know exactly where I will be working, if I will be working alone or with someone else, if I will be traveling alone or with somebody else.

Just yesterday I found out that somebody else is leaving for Vanuatu on the 9th of February. That meant in two weeks. So just two weeks to get ready and 2-3 days to buy the ticket with the money that I didn't have... It seemed pretty impossible but I prayed and waited for a miracle knowing that God made so many miracles in my life and he took care of every detail and every need in the past. I didn't know how God will make it possible or if He will help me get it so fast to travel on the 9th but I kept praying. Yesterday Sebastian wrote me and asked me if I want to work alone or join some of the missionaries who are already on 3 islands. I told him that I prefer team work but I am ready to go wherever he needs me. So I let him choose for me because he knows the needs.

I woke up this morning knowing that I need to buy the ticket today even though I didn't have the money. And I did!!! Yes, I did buy it! I had to borrow some money for a while but I did buy it. Today I also found out I will be spending 2 days in New Zealand. Mario, the other missionary I am traveling with, wants to see Auckland so I will be staying, too. I am sure we will have fun. It will be a very, very long journey and I am so happy I am going to have somebody to travel with. We will be leaving from Bucharest, stopping in London and also in Dubai before we reach Auckland, New Zealand.

So, here I am, having just 13 more days to get ready... I am so happy and excited more than words can describe it. I am happy that I have a Father who loves me and takes care of all my needs and surpasses all my expectations. I feel so privileged... I feel unworthy of such a love. I know that He doesn't love me because I deserve it but because He is my Father and He is LOVE.