“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6, 19-21)
“It is hard to imagine the freedom we find /From the things we leave behind” …. These are two verses of one of our favorite songs written by Michael Card. Lately we were both challenged and blessed to find out for ourselves just how true these words are. It will be soon nine months since we left Romania and everything we used to call “home” and started a new adventure. We are headed for the country of Georgia, Eastern Europe, with a one- or two-year detour through the United States, time that we are using to prepare our project, get trained with AFM and raise funds that will allow us to go.
Starting a whole new life can be both exciting and overwhelming. We had to leave our home and part with some things that meant a lot to us. Some got thrown away, some given away, others stored or sold. The rest of it was packed into four suitcases to travel with us over the ocean. This was difficult, but we were going to discover that it was only the beginning. When we had to say goodbye to our friends, church, coworkers and families, it started to feel more real. A few days later, we were standing at the airport with tickets in our hands, ready to begin our new journey, when we suddenly realized that this was all we had left—four suitcases and, of course, our sweet baby sleeping in his stroller. And each other. And God. But instead of feeling anxious and scared, as many times before, we were strangely calm and happy. Even as we left everything behind, we still had everything we needed. And no, it wasn’t in those suitcases!
Many years ago,the simple thought that we could ever do such a thing made us feel extremely uncomfortable. And the fact that we are gladly and voluntarily doing it now is living proof that people can change. In fact, God changes people, and He usually does it using other people. Living here in the U.S. is quite a life experience for us. It is both easy and difficult, fun and sometimes sad, lonely and crowded. But God provided us with a new family, our AFM colleagues, who do everything in their power to make sure we feel at home. We also have been blessed with you, our friends and supporters. You are the people who make the Georgia Project possible. We value your support and your prayers. Please continue to pray for us, as we need wisdom in planning and faith that God will fulfill His promises in our lives.
Yes, Michael Card was right. Freedom sometimes comes from leaving things behind. It is hard, but it is worth it. This is what we hope to share with the Georgian people—freedom in Jesus. Thank you for joining us in this ministry!

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