I simply canNOT believe it is MONTH FIVE of the World Race already!
Early tomorrow morning we head to Tirana, the capital of Albania, where we will meet up with the squad. We then get on a bus and drive through Macedonia and Bulgaria before ending in Bucharest, Romania.
Downtown, Bucharest.
In Bucharest, we will be having Debrief for a few days, where we will say goodbye to the Squad Leaders that have been with us for the first four months of the Race. We’re super sad to see them go, but they’ve raised up two awesome new squad leaders that will take good care of us 😉
We will then head to Oradea, Romania, to live at an orphanage complex. We will be outside the city, about five miles from the Hungarian border and about a five hour train ride from Vienna, Austria.
We’re SO excited to be back at an orphanage! We’ll be there until on or about December 12th, when we’ll catch a flight to SOUTH AFRICA!!!
Thanks so much for your prayers. We’ll be in 4 countries in the next 4 days, which is absolutely insane. Pray for sleep on long busrides, spiritual refreshment at Debrief, and renewed energy to start ministry in Oradea. Thanks!!
You cannot go to Vienna unless you take me! Ha
Hi Steph! Sorry you haven’t heard from me in a while — just not enough hours in the day sometimes, and I’ve been so tired at the end of the day. Anyway, just because you don’t see any comments from me doesn’t mean I’m not thinking of you every day and praying for you!
I can’t believe it’s MONTH FIVE already either! The days and weeks are just flying by. I
I’ll definitely be praying for you, asking the Lord to allow you to get some sleep on the long bus rides, for spiritual refreshment at your Debrief, and for the renewed energy you will need to start your ministry in Oradea. I’m looking forward to the photos you will send of the children in the orphanage — I know they will be blessed to have you and your team there to love them. I pray the He will continue to keep you safe and feeling well as you move on to make a difference in this world.
I miss you, and I miss being able to give you a hug, but I’m so thankful for the frequent communication that the Lord and technology has made possible since you left. Not quite as warm and fuzzy as a real hug would be, but a blessing just the same to be able to stay connected and in touch when you are so far away. (By the way, don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel the urge to sing “The Hills Are Alive, With The Sound of Music” as you get closer to Austria!)
In His love,
Angela Martine
Steph, WE cannot believe it’s been five months either. Your Dad and I were just speaking about that at prayer meeting on Saturday. We have all seen your relationship with the Lord grow tremendously, with a total reliance on Him to deliver you through every situation. YOU teach US so many things along the way, and these experiences you encounter will prove to be invaluable for you as you move on in life.
Thank you so much for your constant blogging. They keep us updated and informed (and sometimes give your Dad the willies!). Most important, they teach us how to pray as you move on in each journey.
We pray that the darkness you experienced in Albania will be lifted (even though that was necessary) and pray for God’s power to continue to be unleashed as you remain a steadfast witness in the Romanian orphanage. God Bless.
Ken and Sally
P.S. Skype with your Dad as often as you can – he loves and needs that!
hi steph! how are you? is every thing ok in rumania? how was the trip for here? i just come home in iasi.
so the plase that you are staying is oradea-mare? if i will have the posibility i will be there to se you. have a nice stay and i miss you.have fun bye.
Steph: The Incredible World Racer (I imagine an action figure in your future!). Every time I check my email, I look with anticipation to find a new post from you. The updates that you share with us are absolutely inspiring, informative, convicting, challenging, transparent, and peppered with a lot of personality! I definitely see the Bernatos in you!
I felt as though I was right there with you fighting the spiritual warfare in Albania, and then standing on the chairs and pouring my soul out rejoicing in the Lord over the victory won! (Well, I wasn’t exactly standing on a chair!) Thank you for taking us with you on the World Race – for allowing us a glimpse into your experience, so that we can weep with you, fight with you and rejoice with you.
We miss you, but know that God has called you on this mission – he has selected you for this purpose – and you will NEVER be the same again! Enjoy being God’s arms of love around the children of Romania. They need you to be Him! Keep on being those crazy people from training camp!
We’re praying for you and love you!
Jeanne & Jim