Dear Friends and Family, 04/14/10
Once again, I have opportunity to return to Iasi, Romania July 9-18th. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since my last visit because it seems like yesterday in many ways. I became very close with four ladies and will have an opportunity to see them and work with one of them again. This year, however, the trip will look very different as it will not be medical. Instead, we will be working with the “forgotten children”…orphans. These children live in what has been named “the phantom block” which is a row of abandoned apartment buildings with no electricity or running water. They have no access to education and I really do not know how they survive. We will be partnering with a church in Iasi (Yah-sh), Romania called Way of Joy that is located in this impoverished area and provides clean running water, and one meal a day for up to 40 children. They teach them basic life skills, (like eating with utensils) and some education, while showing them the love of Christ. We plan on hosting a “Backyard Bible/Vacation Bible School” type of program as of right now. Of course, depending on the needs we encounter, we are prepared to be flexible.
When praying about where to go this summer, another trip caught my attention, as well. I was truly wresting with whether to return to Romania or to join another trip that is scheduled for Delhi, India Sept. 17-26th. This trip will specifically focus on a battered women’s home that has just opened, along with an orphanage. It will focus on grief counseling and vocational training as well as literacy and educational training. This is a strategic partnership with a well-established ministry and is only one of many trips throughout the next few years to carry out these initiatives.
As you can see, this is no easy decision. Ideally and prayerfully, I long to take part in both trips. Please pray with me for the Lord to give me clear guidance and provision as these trips are being planned. Also, pray for the leaders and for the tasks ahead, as well as safe travel and ‘eternal’ success.
Thank you for your constant prayer and support! I’m truly grateful to share this journey with you! I’ll be posting some more about the trips as we get closer to the dates we’ll be leaving.
“For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight… Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.” Ps. 72:12-14,18-19
Karen Connor
kconnor7@yahoo.com
