Summer is slowly transitioning into fall, and the weather has been pleasant for us all. It was a little surreal to wear a jacket in the evening again—a simple reminder that summer really is coming to an end.
As usual, I took plenty of photos this month, but it would be impossible to use them all here. There have been so many moments worth remembering.
Camps 🏕️
Our youth camp, "Înflǎcǎrat" was a success, and the presence of God was so sweet to us throughout the week. Nate brought excellent messages, and we played plenty of games that brought everyone closer together. I also had the distinct honor of taking pictures of everything and having the opportunity to prophesy over several of our students.
It was a powerful time with God that I will never forget.
The week after youth camp, I attended a young adult camp that was a little more relaxed. “Rooted. Refreshed. Ready.” was the theme, and it described the week well. Being surrounded by good friends, worshiping together, and spending time in the beautiful landscape of Laz was simply good for my heart. After such a full summer, it was a welcome opportunity to slow down, be refreshed, and enjoy the presence of God and the people around me.
Adventures Down South 🚗
Just when I thought my summer adventures were over, one night I decided to make a trip down south to see the fortress of Deva and then continue on to Craiova—the hometown of my online Romanian language teacher.
I figured that if there was ever a time to finally meet her in person before she returned to school in Spain, it had to be now!
Exploring Craiova was a treat. I feel incredibly fortunate that living here continues to give me opportunities to see parts of Romania I had never experienced before—places that are beautiful, full of history, and yet not very well known to much of the world.
Every trip like this reminds me how much more of this country there still is to discover.
Salem in This Season 🔨
This month has also been productive around Salem.
Before the elementary school started back up, I helped put a fence around our shed to keep the little ones out and worked on cleaning up wood and debris in another section of the property. It was an exhausting week, but well worth it. With the help of several people, we were able to get the work done quicker than expected.
Also worth mentioning, the process of repairing our damaged cazan (boiler) has begun, with the hope of having it operational for the upcoming winter. After the problems we experienced with it, seeing that process finally moving forward is encouraging.
With the beginning of another school year, Salem also continued a tradition that I really appreciate. Pastor Ted and the congregation prayed a blessing over the children and teenagers who are beginning another year of school—asking God to protect them, guide them, and help them grow in the year ahead.
Changing Seasons 🍁
For some reason, the changing of the seasons feels more nostalgic and sweet to me this year.
I have seen and experienced so much in such a short period of time that this summer has reminded me of summers when I was a kid—when a few months somehow felt like an entire chapter of life.
There were camps, ministry, worship, photography, long days of work, road trips, new places, old friends, new friendships, and countless moments in between. Now the evenings are getting cooler, school has started again, and life is beginning to settle into a different rhythm.
There is something beautiful about recognizing that seasons are temporary. God gives us seasons to enjoy, seasons to work, seasons to grow, and seasons to prepare for what comes next.
Daniel 2:21 says:
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
As summer gives way to fall, I am grateful for what God has allowed me to experience and am looking forward to what He has for this next season.
Prayer & Support 🙏
I would appreciate your prayers for a few things as we move into fall:
• The upcoming Christian veterinary conference that I will be helping host at the church next week. Please pray that everything comes together smoothly and that the conference is a blessing to everyone attending.
• Strength and peace as the workload begins to pick up this season and continues into winter. Please pray that I would have the wisdom and energy to serve well in everything God puts in front of me.
• Financial support. I am still in need of additional monthly and one-time financial support. If you have been considering partnering with me financially, I would be incredibly grateful if you would prayerfully consider giving during this season. Your support is a direct blessing to me and helps make it possible for me to continue the work God has given me here in Romania.
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray, encourage, give, and follow along with what God is doing here. I am grateful to have you as part of this journey.
Here’s to the changing seasons—and to being faithful wherever God places us in each one. 🍂🇷🇴