After my furlough in Kansas in December, I returned to Romania to host the Holiday Team. They were here for 10 days and in that time we visited the orphanages, handed out Christmas presents, celebrated New Year's and spent lots of good bonding time with the kids.
On January 8, the entire Romanian based staff headed to the US for the long awaited 20th Anniversary celebration. The first 10 days were spent with the staff scattered around the US to speak in different churches, small groups, and missions committees. It was a busy time, but full of so many blessings as we were able to visit many people who have spent time with us here in Romania, and have become important parts of the H2H family!
My first 6 days were in Reno, Nevada. We have had a team come to Romania each year for the past 10 years from Reno. The first evening, there was a dinner in which past team members and their families were invited. There were over 30 people, many of which are near and dear to my heart. I was able to stay with my good friend Katy, and see her world in Reno, as well as visit with many past team members and missions committees from 2 different churches.
From Reno, I spent the next 5 days in Sacramento, California. I stayed with Shannon and Mark Toews and their little one, Mariana. It was so fun to be a part of their family, as well as meet with past team members and speak in 4 different church services at the Bridgeway Church.
Then it was time to head down to Southern California. On Tuesday, the 21st the festivities kicked off with a trip to Disneyland! What a fun day! The staff was joined with some friends and past team members. Going to Disneyland and riding rides with our Romanian Staff was a riot. I laughed so hard that there were tears at times. It is so rare that we get to just have fun together! It was a priceless day that I will not soon forget!
The rest of the week flew by with day trips to visit sights around San Diego and also speaking engagements with different small groups. Each day the number of guests from out of town increased. In a blink, it was Friday, and time for the celebration banquet. In true H2H fashion, we prepared the meal and spent the day preparing the location. It was a special evening with too many highlights to name, but in the end we were able to accomplish what we had set out to do, which was to be able to come together and reflect on God's faithfulness to us over these past 20 years!
The current staff and some of our retired staff that were able to attend.
Speaking during the program.
The staff presented Jim and Jodi with a quilt made by Sally Lepley and friends from Indiana. It was made out of H2H t-shirts from past years.
Saturday and Sunday were spent with guests around the San Diego area. It was so nice that many people were able to spend the whole weekend so we had a better chance to talk and catch up. My parents were able to come out for almost a week and it was special for me that they were able to be there to experience this important event with me.
The sunset on our time. Our guests returned home, and the staff returned to Romania. But the memories made during this time will last a long time! To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done!
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