It's Official!

  Plane ticket to Romania is BOUGHT. I am officially going! Trip is from the middle of June until end of July! I will be working with the Emmaus Home in Bogata, which is in the northern part of Romania. Where they, might I add, speak Hungarian which is completely different from Romanian! I would rather stick to Romanian because I am actually able to read Romanian (that's half-way there to being fluent right??).... but hopefully I'll pick up a lot while I'm there!

  To be honest, I'm still so apprehensive about the whole thing. I will not have a phone and probably very minimal Internet use. I don't like being out of touch with family and close friends. They are what ground me. Another thing is this is the exact orphanage that was at the very bottom of my list to go back to! The need there was very overwhelming and I left very heavy-hearted for the children there and felt like we didn't make a difference. Of course that is a lie from the enemy. And I know that I am making a difference in Bernadette's life by sponsoring her, praying for her, and writing her. It's gonna take a lot of Jesus and His strength to sustain and encourage me. I feel like I took a big step of faith by even considering going back (although that was a given!) and am taking an even bigger one by actually doing it!

  When I found out for sure that this would actually happen, I was thanking God, but even before I could finish the thought, I felt Him say, "No thank YOU - I had the money lined up all along. You were just willing." There is so much need in the world! And let my life be a personal testimony to you, that money or time should never hinder you from your calling. If the Lord is calling you to do something that you're passionate about, He will accomplish it - if you are willing! The "harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." - Matt. 9:37

Kidstown Charity Auction

I am excited to help put together a charity auction for Kidstown! Please consider this your official invitation! While we have been given many generous donations, including sports/event tickets, salon/spa features, restaurant gift certificates, X-boxes, music lessons, free nights at hotels, we still need more donations! Anything you could contribute would be great, or any ideas you have from attending other auctions. If you've been reading my blog, you know what a great organization Kidstown is. But beyond all of that, my heart is to touch the orphans in some way. We all have spheres of influence and connections, and even if you personally don't have items to donate, be thinking about people you know who do, and who would love to donate to a wonderful and legitimate cause.

You can contact me directly at chariti.smith@yahoo.com

Wine Tasting Kidstown Charity Auction