Train rides and Gypsies

I haven't been able to update nearly as much as I would like, as my room renovations have consumed my life for the past week and a half! But, I have new and exciting information to pass on to you all!


View Larger Map This is a map of where I will be! A: JFK Airport, New York, New York B: Helsinki, Finland C: Budapest, Hungary D: Oradea, Romania E: Suceava, Romania F: Ploiesti, Romania Here is a closer map of where I will be, strictly looking at Romania:

I get super excited every time I look at this map! Here are some other random facts for you: 1. at my former church, we were involved in the Russian Bible Ministry. Now I was a young child, so I don't really remember all of what that ministry entailed, but I do know that we sent A LOT of Bibles to countries in the former Soviet Union after the fall of the Iron Curtain, since many of those people knew nothing of Christ. (I should have asked my parents more about it before I posted, but alas.) One of the places we sent Bibles to was Oradea. And now I'm going there! How awesome is that?!? 2. JFK is the only airport I've ever flown out of. Twice on JetBlue flights, Once on SilkAir (which was a crazy nice plane, even in economy. They gave you hot facetowels. It was awesome) and now we will be flying FinnAir. Yay! 3. Even though I get a little claustrophobic at times(thanks, mom) I really LOVE flying for the most part. I shared before that I struggled with anxiety on the 12 hour flight from Frankfurt to Singapore, so please pray that God will give me peace and calm and take away any anxiety for the long flights and travels. 4. I get incredibly motion sick. Like I can't sit in the back seat for more than 3 minutes before my stomach starts to roll and my head gets that unique motion sick feeling. No worries, though, I will be packing (and taking) a lot of dramamine! The only downfall is that Dramamine completely knocks me out and I feel larthagic and drugged for the rest of the day. So here's another prayer request. Please pray that the motion sickness and taking of medication won't hinder my ministry in any way. 5. There will be three of us traveling to Suceava and Ploiesti. We will be traveling by train to both places. (I've always wanted to travel by train through Europe. I can totally cross this off my (imaginary) buckey list!). Apparently the trainride from Oradea to Suceava is going to be FUN! And by fun, I mean needing to supply your own toilet paper, and being haggled by gypsies and beggars. But after using squatty potties and being harrassed by adorable children beggars, I say BRING IT ON! In my experience it's those unique and sometimes frustrating situations that make the trip. well my friends, I need to start focusing on my packing list!I've always said that if you have deodorant and clean underwear, you can make it through with little else, but i need to add some form of dental cleaning to that, whether it's gum, a toothbrush, or mouthwash! Ready to fly, Ali