June 10th

For those of you who do not know, June 10th is our return date to the United States. Wow, where has a year gone? It is very difficult to explain all the emotions involved in leaving. Of course we are very excited to return to our home, our family, our church, and our friends. Conversely, we are leaving all these very same things here in Romania. We are happy, nervous, and sad all at the same time. As I face our impending departure here each day, I usually go through the whole spectrum of emotions depending on who I am speaking to or the topic of discussion. Goodbyes will be very difficult here, we have developed some incredible relationships with people that we will never forget. We also have been reading a book about re-entry for missionaries back into their home culture, and we also know that this will be difficult. We have changed. In our year here, Romania and the people have reshaped who we are as people. We are no longer typical Americans anymore for many reasons. This is not good or bad, we are just different. How do you become a former missionary? If you have any insight please let me know. I have been told that you never really do. I have also been told that we will always feel that half of our heart will be here in Romania and the other half in America. Hopefully I am not rambling and you can get a glimpse of the emotions that we are going through.

I also want to take this opportunity to thanks the Dunns. Scott, Paula, and their children Stephen and Lydia are Free Methodist missionaries who live in Arad, Romania. Scott is our country leader for us here in Romania. The Dunns have served us as mentors, wise counselors, encouragers, but most importantly friends. When we were stuggling and did not know where to turn they were always there for us. They more than anyone perhaps, knew exactly what we were going through here. They did this while handling many struggles of their own. I hope that we were able to help them in some way and not just be a burden with our issues. So thank you Scott and Paula for all that you have done for us. We look forward to working with you and helping anyway we can in the future. Romania is lucky to have such committed Christians serving here. Keep up the great work. Maurice