Well, we’ve officially been back in the States for 6 weeks. To be honest, emotionally it still feels like we have our “contacts in the wrong eyes”…see Scott’s blog on June 27. We know HOW to do everything, and the language is no problem, generally. One day I offended someone by using the word “toilet” (which is common in Europe) instead of “rest room”. And we forget how to pay for our meals at restaurants. The most difficult part, I think, is the tension between knowing friends have moved on over 4.5 years (which is healthy) and figuring out where one fits within their lives again. Well, then there is the overwhelming feeling we get every time we walk into a grocery store. 
Since we last wrote, we celebrated Scott’s birthday with fireworks in downtown Columbus as a part of the annual 4th of July celebration. Okay…true, they weren’t specifically for HIS birthday…but we didn’t tell him that. Lydia participated in her first marching band activity, the 4th of July parade. It was a hot day…but she was awesome! Then came my birthday with a movie together and a week later our wedding anniversary.
The second weekend in July was spent at the Tri-State Family Camp in East Liverpool, Ohio. We had a wonderful weekend sharing information, our stories and our love for Romania. We are thankful for the opportunity and the new relationships.
Scott just returned from a week of vacation with is parents to see family in South Carolina. He had a great trip and got to splash in a few waves. This past week and this next week, Stephen and Lydia are participating in a re-entry seminar for missionary kids. This seminar is designed for high school/college age students who have spent a significant amount of time living overseas. Even though at first they were skeptical, today they told us they are having a great time and definately are glad they have gone. They will be back on Friday…following which I (Paula) leave for a two week visit to Romania. I will be checking in with friends and ministry contacts and spending some time with the Oaza children…and maybe a little relaxation. Please be in prayer for my trip that it will be beneficial to what God has in store.
Even though we have been asked to take the summer “off” of mission “business”, we are making contacts for speaking with churches and others about our time in Romania and what God may have in store next. Tomorrow night, I have been invited to speak with a Girl Scout group about how the poor find healthy nutrition. Easy answer…they don’t…but I’ll still have a great time helping them see another part of God’s world and Kingdom. Please be in prayer that God will direct our times of sharing and that He will use this season for His Kingdom growth! We continue to be thankful for all of your support and your prayers!! Be blessed! paula
