A wise and respected missionary that I know once told me before my first incursion into Romania: "There are things you will lose but imagine how much you will gain." I had no idea those words would echo just the same as leaving the land I was sent, to be back in the land I was born in.
California was more than good to me. The feeling of my two feet being on ground I have so much history with was healing to me in a way I have still yet to articulate. It was a time of reconnecting with my roots, seeing old friends, rediscovering the amount of prayer and support that have come from those who have held me as an infant in church, and as well as deepening my relationship with my family. It had never occured that one of the effects of being a missionary would be a closer relationship with my family.
The first notable event of being in my old stomping grounds was when the radiator blew on mom's Sequoia. I had to pull to the side of Highway 4 and waited for California Highway Patrol to push me to the left side of the road. Soon, a loyal family friend by the name of Corey came to pick me up. It reminded me of all the years of friendship between our families, a hallmark of the familiarity of home.
Since my last post, I was able to briefly work for All Things Interior. It is a small stair building company that my dad has worked at for several years. With the owners being members of my home church, it was a blessing to receive some income while being here. I helped work on several ongoing projects throughout the Bay Area with my dad and other employees.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the gold-worth wisdom that my dad gives. He has been the most influencial in shaping the way that I think and how I humorize the challenges that come my way. I had the privilege to watch him preach his first full sermon as pastor and elder at Harvest Church. His exposition on 1 Samuel 30 and its forshadowing of Christ was impactful, convicting and comforting.
One of many blessings of being home was reconnecting with a best friend from highschool, Austin. In his typical fashion, he rolled up to the house in a fast and loud car. This time it was a Checy Nova. For years, I have had random moments where I would think about him and pray for his salvation. I got the privilege of hearing how the presence of God stirred a desire in him to know God more. This led to him being baptized the day after Easter. It filled me with joy seeing him happy and years of prayer being answered.
I am happy to share that I have made it back to Romania safely. It has been a 6 weeks since I had to say goodbye to students and friends within the church because a lack of paperwork required to stay for 2 years, not knowing when I will be back. My mom was so nice to feed me breakfast and drove me the airport in San Francisco. She is my number 1 fan and I love her with all my heart. The life of a missionary seems to be a continuous, unplanned cycle of hellos and goddbyes. I am gratefull for my family's love and support on this journey I am on.
The day after I landed, I had my appointment at immigration to submit my documents to apply for a residency permit. The lady who recieved my documents was polite(my last appointment there, the other lady was not). She informed me within one month will the application be processed and I would have to appear at the office again to recieve my permit within that time period. The process took less than 5 minutes, completely painless this time. My pastor Ted was there to witness and support me that day. He worked hard to find the direct connection to the right people who would help to get me to stay in Romania legally. His determination to bring me back to the Land The Lord Will Show Me encourged me greatly.
I thank God for His faithfullness as I ease back into the life of a missionary here, including making changes to my personal life. I started writing again, changing my financial strategy, and changing my diet. I am grateful for this process that God took me through while being in America, even as stressful as it was in the beginning. My heart has softened for the things that God wants to do through me in this beautiful country. Certainly, I would not be here if it wasn't for the giants of the faith in my own life who have pushed on to keep moving forward toward's being His Handiwork for His Kingdom.
Prayer requests:
For peace and strength as I assist in summer events that the church will host
For a focused mind as I attempt to learn Romanian(its really hard)
For a continuous joyful heart as I serve Salem wholeheartedly
With Oceans of Gratitude and For God's Glory
Noah Reynolds