January is almost over! As I sat down to write a blog post, I realized it’s been more than a month since my last one. To all future racers, this is why you don’t get behind on blog updates. It feels like so long ago I don’t know where to begin for life updates! So I’m currently living in Craiova, Romania! This is my squad’s second country as we’re starting the second half of the race. Guatemala taught me many things, and life there was completely different than life here. The atmosphere showed me how to stop and enjoy small things like a simple “buenas,” making chocolate cookies in Hannah Powels house, or spending all day to build a kite that took 15 seconds to fall into a tree. God taught me how to hear his voice and gave me a desire for more of him.

   Now we live in Romania where there’s a fancy bakeries on every corner, and the malls look like they’re from the future. Recently I bought a new phone, after being without one for about three weeks, and was able to talk to my family again on a more regular basis. A couple days ago my oldest sister asked, “besides the coffee shops an bakeries, what’s your favorite part about Romania?”

We’ve only lived her a week and still there was so much to think about. We met so many new friends. We finished our first week of ministry that mostly includes street evangelism and youth ministry. I’ve ridden in European trains, visited castles, and, with the help of Brooke and Hope, made fried chicken for our squad of 42 people. After a couple minutes it came to my mind, and I got to explain how Guatemala is completely different. The people there are very welcoming as you greet every person with a “buenas!” or “hola!” You may even stop for a whole conversation before you get where you’re going. On the other hand, Romania is a fast moving place. Even when I’m just smiling as I walk, I get stared at with confusion. They look at me as if I have a secret I’m refusing to tell them. I enjoy greeting everyone with a “hello” in English, with the biggest smile I can find. It doesn’t work with all of them, but for half of them their confused stare turns into a small grin as they greet me back with a “hi.” The simple greeting shows me how much God enjoys spreading his joy. Sometimes it comes from long conversations with someone who speaks the same language, and other times I see joy in the little smiles it get in return and it brightens my day every time. It’s small but it’s my favorite thing.