God Sends Good Hearts to Help

Annamarie & Reka help me select light fixtures while we sit in the garden sipping mineral water.

God surrounds me with loving people to help with all my needs.  We still miss Dan, and are blessed with comforting conversations.

On a lighter note, when I stepped into the taxi Sunday morning, before I could say the address of the church, the taxi driver asked with a smile, “Kalvin Ter?”  That’s LST Headquarters where all the reading takes place.  The Grannies for God are becoming well known!

Andrea, Zoli and LIlla dropped by while Csilla was helping me pack. They all help me in so many ways.

“100 LITTLE  THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD, MAN AND SOCIETY,” gleaned from 49 years of conversations between Dan and Dr. Dick van Geet, Utrecht, Holland (our neighbor for 5 years and friend ever after)

THE SITUATION OF MAN

2. Mankind could be compared with people in a spaceshuttle.

They know they belong to another world than the world where they are living now. They know they stem from that other world and are destined to go back there one day. They also know they can only go there if they follow the instructions of the groundstation precisely. It is normal to do so but they are also perfectly free to refuse the commands from the earth. But, if  so it will not be possible to return to their destination. They will be condemned to roam in the universe forever.

3. Maybe mankind could even be better compared with the second generation people in the spaceshuttle.

A generation that has already lost contact with the groundstation roaming purposeless through the universe. They have some vague idea that things are not as they should be, and that they originally stem from another world where it is much better than where they are now. Deep in their hearts most of them would like to go back to that place, but there is no way; the connection is lost.

But then, at once, a message comes through: do this and do that, push that button etc. and the connection will be repaired so you could go back. But some people in the shuttle say: this message is misleading. Others say: life is not so bad here, we don’t like to return, let’s enjoy our stay here. However, others want to listen to the message and follow the instructions for returning. Many people try to convince others about what should be done. What will the outcome be?”  — Anne

(to be continued)

Knowing When to Rest

Learning to take care of oneself is a challenge for many people.  Exactly what does that mean?  Eat right, get enough sleep, exercise?  Maybe find a healthy way to deal with your pain?  Even though I thought I was doing a fair job, there is so much paperwork, accounting to do…so bedtime came at crazy late hours.

But, it caught up with me when the current virus that’s sweeping the area came through.  Fever, mild chills, exhaustion, 4 days of having to rest because of a sinus infection.  Come apart and rest, OR you will come apart!

The LST Team continues to do amazing work with the 45 precious Readers God has sent to them. Friendships are being made, relationships deepening, the Word is being closely looked at by some, for others it’s just a welcome exercise in improving their English.  And that’s okay.  We believe this is one of the best LST Teams in the World – the Gracious Grannies!

Dan’s memorial service was held last Monday in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania.  When I am stronger, I will write about that special time that the good people whom God has brought to us spent honoring Dan.  We needed to cry together, and recognize together that Dan is alive, well, happy, living with God in Heaven.  He will not return to us, but we can live so as to go to be with him.  We will be okay because of Jesus.  — Anne

The LST Team and I sang for the Readers at the Texas Party!

They danced for us!

Progress at My New House

The apples are ripening on the trees!  The time is drawing near when I will be living in the Green House.  The Electrolux fridge, vacumn cleaner, and the Zanussi oven moved in Thursday!  A divan, coffee table, credenza and magnificent view of the Sugash Mountains are in the living room; a divan which makes into a bed, end table and small chest of drawers occupy the Play Therapy/guest room with a lovely view of the Sugash Mountains; in my bedroom which opens onto a large balcony there is a wardrobe, night stand, and heartwarming view of the ancient fort and church across a small valley (can’t find a simple bed frame on which to put my mattress.)  The bathroom fixtures are in the house.

Even though the former owners of the house lived there for several months, when they decided to build on a larger lot, they delayed finishing some things in the Green House.   That is a good thing in some respects because I could choose the style I want.  I chose light fixtures today.  It still “feels” weird that I had to buy the kitchen cabinets and sink, but that is simply the way it is in many countries.  I expected the cabinets, sink, and built in stove top and oven to be included in the price of the house.  But they weren’t : > )  This is just an example of what happens when our expectations do not match reality.

My days are filled with a variety of joyful opportunities to counsel, invite people to LST, assist the LST Workers.  God is busy bringing more Light into  this city.  — Anne

Istvan read with Dan last year. Now, he reads with Wanda!

Jutka and Tibor (front left to right) read with Rosemarie. Csilla, in the center of 2nd row, hopes to begin reading again soon.

LST ’09 Has Begun!

Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, is blessed to have 4 outstanding ladies as guests for the next 3 weeks!  They are bringing Let’s Start Talking to our fair city.  The weather is sunny and cool.  The flowers are lovely.  The people of the city are gracious.  Sounds like a wonderful setting for an LST Adventure.

From left to right - Wanda, Kaki, Alva and Rosemarie

This ad is appearing in the Hungarian newspapers:

“Free English conversation practice offered by native-English speaking guests in Let’s Start Talking Project.  In Sepsiszentgyorgy 14 September – 20 October.  Call for more information 0747 55 41 57.”

The Romanian language newspaper has the same ad except that the name of the city is listed as Sfantu Gheorghe.

We also put the same announcement (for free) online at elado.ro and szentgyorgy.ro.  We have contacted a number of our former readers.  The Information Meeting is Monday 5 p.m. at the Red Cross Headquarters in the center of town across from the beautiful Museum.

What a better world this would be if we’d all learn to communicate well with each other.  Please, pray that God will send good people with hearts for Him to practice their conversational English with the LST Team.   Many good people have helped us prepare for this special time in our lives.  Now, let the Adventure continue to unfold! —  Anne

“100 LITTLE  THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD, MAN AND SOCIETY,” gleaned from 49 years of conversations between Dan and Dr. Dick van Geet, Utrecht, Holland (our neighbor for 5 years and friend ever after)

THE SITUATION OF MAN

1. Our real situation

We all are people condemned to death, sitting in a cell waiting for the moment of the execution. We don’t know the day but that it will happen is beyond any doubt.

But then something strange occurs. At once someone turns up with confidential information about a way out, a way to fly, an escape route that could bring us out of our cell into freedom instead of execution.

But then something occurs that is still more strange. Instead of taking this vital information seriously, we don’t even think it worthwhile investigating. We go on beautifying our cells and continue feasting in our prison, shrugging our shoulders about the information received. Even though we get this information again day after day. Even if we should doubt seriously its credibility, our situation is so hopeless that every escape pssibility is worth an investigation anyhow. Like someone with a hopeless, mortal disease maybe expected to be interested in a new medicine that pretends to cure him, even if the results are not beyond doubt.

This human behaviour seems so irrational that it  could hardly be explained in a normal way: one is almost inclined to consider the influence of a negative higher power, a devil.”

(to be continued)

From the Front Window

Begun a year ago, the apartments in this 4 story apartment building are being assigned to lease on a point system.

Built by hand, boards for scaffolding were passed up the side from one man to another on the floor above, then nailed in place.

Stucco applied on top of the white insulation, was held in place by thin netting.

Interesting contrast - dark wet stucco being applied over the white insulation.

Seven Apple Trees!

One of the joys of life for me is sharing.  For many years I have continued to ask God to bless me so that I can be generous.  God does that in the such special ways.  For example, take the house God has graciously made possible for me to own…I understood that the lot had 7 fruit trees.  As soon as I heard that, I began to think about who I could share the fruit with.  Seriously, I can’t eat all the fruit produced on 7 trees!

Today, while waiting for a few pieces of furniture to be delivered to my house, there was time to wander through the little orchard.  I was surprised to discover that it extends the full length of the yard.  There had never been time or necessity to examine the trees…I was buying the house.  The trees were just lovely “extras.”

As I strolled in the shade of the fruit trees, I began to see several apple trees.  I thought, “What am I seeing?  If there are only 7 fruit trees…I’m seeing too many apple trees.”  Going back to the first fruit tree, I walked through the trees again.  This time counting the apple trees.  There were 7 apple trees!

The next question that arose in my confused mind was, “Well, if there are 7 apple trees, how many fruit trees do I actually have???”  Walking through the orchard again, I counted all the fruit trees.  To my utter amazement, there were 12, yes, 12 fruit trees!  The apples will be ready in about a month.  Being completely organic, they have a few “defects” like a worm here and there, but those apples will make delicious applesauce after a bit of work with a paring knife to remove the guests.

And, guess what???  God answered my prayer to help me be generous by giving me 7 apple trees.  I have already told Maria that the apples are to be shared with the young adults she helps.  The entire little church group will also pick all the apples they want to store for the winter.  In the Spring, there’s pears, cherries, then plums. There’s enough for all of us.

And, here’s another, “Guess what?”  I always wanted berry vines, but never had them.  Guess what is growing along a 15′ span of the back fence?  That’s right – berry vines!  Praise God!   He keeps on surprising me in the most wonderful ways so I can be generous!  —  Anne

In the middle of the fruit orchard

Looking across the valley from my house to the near side of Sugash mountain

LST Information Meeting Scheduled!

Things are moving along getting ready for LST next week.  The Information Meeting will be Monday, 14 September, 5 pm (17:00) at the Covasna County Red Cross Headquarters.  At that meeting, people can sign up with one of our four Texas ladies to work on improving their conversational English for 3 weeks.

On the “home” front, things are progressing there also.  Reka will take me to choose light fixtures Wednesday afternoon.  Several pieces of inexpensive furniture will be delivered Wednesday.  Beds are typically divans that fold out and have a foam mattress that doubles as a bed, and the seat or back of the couch.  In our missionary travels on 3 different continents, we learned that each country has their own specific way of living…and even though it is not “our” way, they manage okay… we learned to adapt.

May God help us all to adapt to His way, His will, not our will.  It is the Best Way. — Anne

“100 Little Thoughts about God, Man and Society,” a collection of Dan’s thoughts gleaned from 49 years of conversations between Dan and Dr. Dick van Geet, our former neighbor in Utrecht, Holland.

“SELF-KNOWLEDGE

Where is it that I am? My true me ? Me as an unique person?  Not in my head; I am speaking of my head. Not in my heart, I am speaking of  my heart. Not in any other part of my body. But where then?  Or do I belong to something that has no specific place ?

SHAME

1. Our body is a wonderful part of the creation. But there are people who believe in the creation – Moslims and Christians – who are not so sure that this also applies to the lower part of the body, especially the sexual part of it.  Implicitly they sometimes make the impression they think it springs more from the devil than from God.

2. Human shame could not be satisfactorily explained by evolutionary theory.”

(to be continued)

The neighborhood around my green house

Rodica said, "I'm glad Mr. Rodger and Mrs. Alva are coming! When is Judy coming back with LST?" : > )

Preparing for LST

Four ladies from Texas will arrive in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, next Sunday afternoon.  Alva and Rosemarie are well known and loved by the many here.  Kathy and Wanda will soon know the joy of being appreciated by the good people here.  A picture is worth a thousand words…so here are “3,000 words”  — Anne

The local Crew is making preparations for LST. The only one not here today is Dan. God healed him and gave him a new address in Heaven on Golden Street.

Dan with one of our first LST Readers, Reka, holding "Little Anne" in the courtyard of Agape Foundation where the LST individual sessions will be held.

LST Worker, Dan, reads with LST Reader, Adolf, in the auditorium.

Very Special Thoughts

Today was a blessed day, a full day.  Part of the time was spent with Andrea and Reka who are going out of their way to help me find the things I need, so I can move into my new home.  No one ever had finer daughters or granddaughters than these two young women.

Tomorrow, when Reka finishes at her school, she will take me in her car to buy the weekly groceries.  This is to be our routine.  I will buy my groceries when she does her weekly shopping.  That way, I won’t have to go to the store every day or carry heavy bags of groceries back to the apartment.  Praise God who provides my every need.  — Anne

“100 Little Thoughts about God, Man and Society,” a collection gleaned from 49 years of conversations between Dan and Dr. Dick van Geet, our former neighbor in Utrecht, Holland.

ROOTS

We could learn something from storms. When does a tree come into troubles ? If its roots are not deep enough. From the outside it might look well, but inside it dries up gradually and eventually starts rotting. One autumn storm and it is blown down. Thus is man. Thus is marriage or friendship. Thus are cultures. Thus is religion. Without deep roots everything will collaps.  Sooner or later.

SCIENCE AND FAITH

In a certain sense  knowledge by faith is more reliable than scientific knowledge. Nothing more sure than direct experiences.

If I have a toothache or if I love or hate someone etc. no one can tell me it is not true : they are just direct and therefore unrefutable and undeniable experiences. The same applies for my (religious) beliefs, my faith. Science however, is based on a lot of assumptions and presuppossitions, which after some time can turn out to be inaccurate or false (consider e.g. the methodologies of  Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos and Feyerabend). However, how undeniable they may be, my personal feelings, my inner experiences can – contrary to science – never pretend  general truth.

THE BIG SEDUCERS

Power, money and sex are the most dangerous seducers. Especially if there is a relation between them. Sex and money means prostitution, power and money (often) corruption, and power and sex often sex slavery.

SELF-DEIFICATION

It is our unconcious tendency to consider ourselves as a kind of god – how little it may be – that is responsible for the majority of our fallacies and misconceptions.”

(to be continued)

Canepei Street approaching my green house.

Front entrance to my house. The entire little front yard will be an English style flower garden with 10 rose bushes and other flowers.

The garage is on the West side of the house with the terrace (in Texas, it's called a back porch) facing NW.

A Sunny Day in Transylvania

A nice rain blessed the land in the night.  All the dust settled on the street outside this apartment.  The sun came out in full glory at dawn.  Inside the apartment, I needed a sweater.  But walking to the bank in the spring-like sunshine,  I was comfortable, uplifted.  Making my bank transaction without a protective sidekick, I amazed everyone.  “You went to the bank by yourself?”  People are discovering that it’s okay to turn me loose on my own!

This afternoon over dinner at Adolf and Reka’s, I met Greta, a retired Child Psychologist from Vienna, who helps support the Home Health program sponsored by the Red Cross.  She’s been coming here for years.   I hope to see more of her.

Tomorrow, we three shoppers, (Andi, Reka and Anne) are going to the Used Furniture Shop that currently has a nice inventory of good, gently used furniture.  Let’s see if I can find things there that meet the needs of my house/God’s Children headquarters.  (The apples will be ready to pick in about a month. Come on over and help me store them for the winter in the basement pantry.)  God is good.

The Scripture given to me tonight is so fitting for this precious work God has given me to do here in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania…”I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.  I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. But the sleek I will destroy.  I will shepard the flock with justice.” Ezekiel 34: 16 — Anne

Andi and Reka watch Gusti count out the cash for the rest of the bathroom fixtures.

As dawn breaks forth, construction workers gather across from the apartment.

For dessert, Romanian Chocolate Trifle with Reka, her mom & Dr. Greta looking on in anticipation!