STS Team: Jenny

Every spring break a youth group from Church of the Apostles in Atlanta Georgia sends a team of high school students to work with us. This is an account of one of those students.

This was my third time on a mission trip to Romania and by far the most meaningful. After experiencing many of the activities for the third time, I have seen a lot of growth in many different areas of our mission field. This has been extremely encouraging to see how God has truly worked in the hearts of so many Romanians. Through these, God has truly changed my heart and perspective. This was my second visit to the teenage orphanage. During my first visit, I remember being so uncomfortable because of the apparent darkness in the building. I remember talking to a girl named Dana who claimed that she was a stout atheist. This year, I was so encouraged to see that God had transformed her life and now she had become a beautiful sixteen year old with God so apparent in her life. On the other hand, sadly, I recognized a few babies in the hospital I have seen since my freshman year in high school. I realized that this may be the last time I will ever see some of these precious babies. I have so much appreciation for the beautiful nurses who sacrifice everyday to be with those babies. My few hours of discomfort were nothing compared to all the other people who sacrifice everyday of their life to serve God in Romania. I was so privileged to be a part of this trip for a third time and I hope that I will have many more opportunities down the road to continue to serve in Romania.