Nate and Noah to Romania

I used to run cross country (that isn’t a flex, it was over ten years ago), and any runner will tell you that the final leg of the race is the goofiest. I don’t remember much about running cross country, but I certainly remember that fact to be true. Flash forward to today, and while I haven’t run in longer than I care to admit, I certainly feel that dynamic in a similar sort of way.

In running, and throughout this several-month process of being in the States, I’ve found that you have to reckon with tension. There is tension between pushing and holding pace, between focusing on steps in front of you and visualizing the approach to the next leg, and between discomfort and anticipation. All in all, this little five-month race has held a lot of tension, which isn’t surprising when one finds themselves existing between two worlds.

There have been a great deal of wonderful moments seeing and enjoying time spent with friends and family. There have been plenty of moments of missing our friends and church family in Romania, as well. While balancing these thoughts and emotions can at times feel tricky, in the end, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of thankfulness for two worlds, both so incredible and complete in their respective joys that being caught between them causes such tension in the first place.

As the final leg of this “in-between” race commences, I wish to write a brief summary of events while also sharing the final outlook of the next few weeks before Noah and I set out at the end of this first month of 2025. These will parallel the update I recorded and posted below. Thank you for all of those who have been with Noah and I in this past year and a half; and I hope this update is an encouragement to you as we prepare for the upcoming return to Oradea, Romania!

The Past Few Months:

The time in the States certainly has yet to present a dull moment, as the past months have been quite active. Generally speaking, most of October focused primarily on fundraising efforts and precious time with friends in Portland. November was a whirlwind, and I had the incredible honor of being a part of my little brother’s wedding before flying out to Colorado Springs to spend time with extended family while continuing fundraising efforts there. Montana was the primary stop for December, where I once again spent Christmas and New Year’s with my family (we got the whole band back together!). There have been some big events, but much joy has also come in the little moments of spending time with loved ones and retracing the steps of God’s faithfulness in each place I visit. Everywhere I go, I’m reminded of how God places us in the right places at the right times and makes everything beautiful in its time. Each interaction with a familiar face is a reminder of the blessing of the Body of Christ and the Lord’s kindness expressed in the people He places in our lives. This time has been an incredible joy to me.

Moving Forward:

My time in Montana will conclude in a couple of weeks, and what remains of the time before we fly out will be spent in Portland as Noah and I wrap up our affairs here and prepare to depart. As we meet with individuals, families, and churches to deliver reports of the past year and raise the final funds and pledges for the coming years, we will also begin meeting with Pastor Ted and our own team back in Oradea. There is a great deal ahead this year, and we’re anxious to hit the ground running upon our arrival (once we overcome the jetlag, that is)! As we tie up the practicalities with a neat little bow, we are also beginning to pray for specific vision for the coming months and for the transition back into our lives in Romania. There is a lot to look forward to!

Prayer Points:

I would love you to be praying for both Noah and myself as the time in the States comes to a close! Here are three specific points I would implore you to be praying for:

Practicalities and logistics: There are lots of organizational and practical pieces that need to come together, from final meetings to flights to visa paperwork… and more! Please pray that the necessary “to-dos” will be concluded smoothly and free of problems.

Transition back into ministry and day-to-day life: We know much of what to expect, but a lot can change in five months! Pray that as we jump back into serving, church life, dorm living, relationships, and a regular routine, the Lord will bless the first days and weeks of our return and bring us back into the rhythm of life in Oradea!

Personal health: Recently, I had some medical tests done to ensure that I will be returning to Romania healthy and free of any outstanding issues. Thankfully, the tests did not indicate anything serious, but there are some minor issues that will need to be followed up on and addressed. Please pray that the proper appointments can be made in time and that proper treatments and solutions can be found. Better yet, pray that the Lord will bring complete healing to my body! We serve a God that heals the sick!

I cannot begin to describe how loved and cared for I feel as I connect with so many wonderful brothers, sisters, moms, dads, and grandparents in the faith here in the US! Thank you for your unwavering love, support, and prayers. There are a great many ways in which I know the Lord cares and provides, and one of the truest proofs is you. There are not enough words to express my gratitude and the fire in my heart knowing that we get to reach the world together as one Body and one Spirit! Great days lie ahead!

There will be more to come soon! Until then, I send my love and blessings,

– Nate