Student Ministries
2004 Summer Mission Trip to Romania
Email Report: 6/30/04
From: Bill Pitts Jr
Sent: Wednesday, 30 Jun 2004
Subject: Last Romanian Team Email Update
This will be our last team email. I will try and check messages again on Friday to see if there are any responses. Otherwise we will see everyone on Monday!
VBS continues to go very well. The students play very hard with the children each morning and night. Linda has done a great job of getting them ready with the skits and face painting and all the little things that the children love. She has also done a fantastic job teaching the students each morning. In the evenings the students are giving testimonies or teaching about the day's subject - they are awesome! I believe God is really using these times to speak to the teenagers and adults present from the community.
McDonald's and fresh doughnuts last night was a great break from our daily soup and bread intake. (the coke's had ICE!!!) 30 people ate for $70 U.S.! I think McDonald's in the US is definitely fleecing us...
We are learning much culturally just as missionaries do - from our hosts taking us to a pool where not just the guys were topless to having to start one of our vans directly from the engine, it has been a learning experience. The team could not be getting along better and the trip could not be going more smoothly. This is the best mission trip I have ever been a part of and that makes me even more sad to have to announce my resignation effective immediately. I will be staying in Romania after the team leaves to promote and tour with a new singing group I have formed. It turns out they really dig my off-key voice over here and promise to pay me $32,000 a day to record and distribute my music. I will miss you all, but with that kind of money I should be able to fly home often. (note to self: check the exchange rate on $32,000 ROM next week...)
Bill
Group Emails 6.30, Wedesday June 30, 2004
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Mom, Dad and Steverino, Yo, what up dawgs? Hey, what's with not e-mailing me back! I actually took initiative and wrote one and got nothin' back! Is this how college will be? Better not be! We ate dinner at McDonald's tonight- yay! And I got a McFlurry too. It was nice to eat American food -having eaten soup, bread, potatoes and veggies so far. It's all very yummy but American food is quite a comfort. I've been sick for the last two days and have a feeling it ain't goin' away for another few days. So blah to that. Daddy, I have a coin for your collection, perhaps I'll get another one sometime in Vienna or something like that. Everyone's banging on the tables right now so I'm going to end this so I can get out of this room, hehe. Good night! (Good afternoon for you though, I think) Love you, Amy |
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Hi Hon and Teri and Jody and Dave (hope they are sending this to you!), Monday morning, 5 minutes before their Bible teaching time (led by them in Romanian) I was asked to do a teaching for the kids. I asked what the topic would be, which was the attributes of God. I told them I wouldn't know what was taught before me, and they said that didn't matter. Talk about being flexible!!! I found a quiet place, asked Kathy to pray with me, and started working on it. God is SOOOO GREAT!!! He gave me ideas and after I spoke, the Romanian teacher said it complemented what she had taught beautifully. They have asked me to speak after every Bible teaching this week, so pray God will continue to give me creative ideas. We are having a wonderful time, our kids are so willing to help, we are very proud of all of them. They all are exhibiting such servant hearts. I haven't even started counting the days till we return. (Of course I miss all of you, but all is going well) I don't miss preparing all the meals... I could get used to this. I know I took up too much space so I'd better close. Love to all of you, Linda |
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Dear parental units, we, your sons, are having a thoroughly marvelous time here in this dear country. Our mornings consist of waking to song birds and roosters, showers, making our beds, breakfasting, brushing our teeth and hair, shaving, dressing ourselves and hacky sacking. Then we head out to the village children where we host a successful and rewarding vacation bible school which consists of songs, bible verse, fun games and snacks, and then off to lunch we go, back to our home base here at the school. In the p.m. we head back to the church for the evening session of the vbs. Each night the children are sad to see us leave for base camp at the bottom of Mt. Timisaura, but each morning they greet us again with smiles. Love and peace in the middle east. Rock and roll, mike and dan. |
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Mother and Father, Greetings from the eastside. I enjoyed getting your email today. I'm really ready to go home now. I can't wait to use all the Romanian language I've learned. I really don't have much to say. Other then vbs seems to be going well. The days are really long, and Thursday we will be taking a break from vbs to visit another orphanage that is state run. Did you hear about the Gerkens baby? So exciting! Ok im heading to bed. See you in 5 days! Love, Do Do |
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Hey Everybody!! Well there's really not much to say, mostly cause I'm too lazy to type anything considering you'll hear all of the stories when I get back. Well we're all having an awesome time here, hanging out with kids doing VBS and some other services and Thursday (I think) we're going to visit more orphanages. You smell bad (that's from Melissa Z) she told me to type that cause I didn't know what to type. Well I guess I'm going to go now. Have fun and say hi to Chip. Ohhh and the who's new thing, umm just use your judgment cause I don't really care, so I guess that's a no?? since I know you won't really want to do it anyway. Thanks Love ya!! Pam |
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Hey parents, sister, and brothers Moochie, I smell bad. I don't think ive used soap this whole time. Ive showered but actually using a bar of soap is another story. Right now I smell like, hold on *smells hand* poo and sulfur just because the water is sulfur water and I don't know why it smells of poo ...so I guess the dove bar you packed was a waste of time and space. sheesh... anyway I don't know really what to say... did y'all go to that place *wink*... if you did I hope you had fun. I cant wait to see you guys and amber and hannah and everyone... psh... anyway I don't have much to say... cuz im tired and lazy... love you guys bunches ~melissa |
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Hey Momster, Popster, Kristinite, and Shellwad- Sup homies. I still haven't gotten sick yet. I'm learning to master the "Circle Game" and I'm being trained in the art of The Hacky-Sack. Aaaaand... there's the whole Jesus thing. That's cool. I have a cling-on named Adi and his sisters are cool too. They call me "Mommy", which is kind of ... weird. I've been butt-kicking my small group like I do to Kristin. It's our new "Secret Handshake." Oh, and I smell. But usually just at the end of the day. And. That's all. See you soon! I love yous! Love, Julie |
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Good morning (Although for you I guess it would be the middle of the night). I am still feeling pretty good. We have been doing kids camp in the morning and at night. Even though we only have them for four hours, they are pretty consuming emotionally and physically. (The kids attach themselves to your hip). We heard about Maddie G., give my best wishes and that of the team to Renee. I am still breathing, and trying to remember the many details that we are constantly surrounded with. I look forward to talking to you, for the first time I am starting to feel like I might be ready to come home (still pick me up at the church). I hope everyone is well, I can't wait to see the boat. Love you, Emily |
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Hi Mom and Dad! We're now just 3 days from heading out of Romania, although it feels like we've been here for a lot longer than a week and a half(in a good way). This week we've been doing VBS at the church. We face paint and just hang out with the kids during their lessons in the morning, and we learn a different kids' Bible song in Romanian everyday. In the evening we go back and do a program for them that's basically just singing, a skit, and two students speaking or sharing their testimonies (has Bill already told you all of this?). Anyways, by the end of the day we're usually exhausted, although recently the kids(the girls at least) have still had LOTS of energy at bedtime. I'm having fun hanging out with the girls - last night I learned 3 middle school lunch table games, it was pretty sweet. I'll have lots more stories when I get home, but for now I'll sign off. I miss you and I love you! Send my love to William and everyone at church this weekend! Love, Kristina |
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Hey Family Minus Mother! Wow, its been an amazing week and a half. I have enjoyed all aspects of the trip. We have worked with the kids the past 2 mornings and evenings and have three more days to go. I've loved being with them, they are so loving. Whenever they see us they come running up to us hugging us so excited. Their faces brighten up so much and put a smile on my face! However, most of the kids I have been hanging out with have all been taller than me (hmm... they find that one amusing). I'm off, I can't wait to see you all in 6 days. Love, Lori (I luuvvv you THIS MUCH!!!!) (PSS- thanks for all your notes in the suitcases, they were an encouragement and made me smile and laugh!) |
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Hello Mom, Dad, and Becca! I hope you haven't been too distressed about my short emails.... I think everyone else sums it up better anyway, so read their messages first. I'm still in Romania, and I still have all my limbs and I still love you all very much. I would like to stay here much longer, but look forward to home. Lots of Love, Kim. |
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Hey Dad, Matt, and Peter- hope you're all surviving well on your own, just kidding. We're leaving Romania in only three days and although I'm excited to have normal food and hot showers, I'm going to miss it. The kids we're working with this week are really cool and they all are really loving and hyper- kinda like Peter. Tomorrow we're visiting a state run orphanage to see what it's like compared to the Christian run orphanage we visited last week. See you guys soon, Love Katie and Kathy |
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Caitlin, Cody and Mason Hey guys! I'll be home in less than a week! I can't wait to tickle you and wrestle! I hope you are guys are all having fun with your friends. Caitlin, have you got to go to the Stoneleigh pool anymore with Lizzie? Cody, did you go back to karate this week? Mason, how many ice pops are you eating each day? I'm praying for you guys. Pray for me as well. I love you. Daddy (Bill) |
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Hi Dad, Elizabeth, Mom, Mr. Jay, and Stephen! Everything is going really well. I love being here. I'm starting to pick up a little of the language from interacting with the kids and learning new songs in Romanian every day. Fortunately, many words are similar to Spanish. I just realized today that I'm really going to miss these kids. When they call me to come sit next to them (we where name tags to help them remember our names) or hug and kiss me goodbye, it really captures my heart. Yesterday, I was able to share my testimony - it was really cool. I was also in a skit, in which I had to dress up as a pig - I felt pretty goofy, but hopefully the kids were entertained. The food here is terrific, by the way, and yesterday we got huge chocolate filled donuts after dinner - wow! I hope you are all doing well. I miss you all. Love, Elizabeth |
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Hey dad, mom, and jay - How are you !?? I hope you are doing really well !!! Have you checked my email ?? I just wanted to know if Petra or Franzi had written ?? We are still doing VBS and the kids are so cute and they are all so sweet !! I can't wait to show you pictures !! I' m doing my testimony tonight I'm a little nervous and I still have to so the final touches on it!!! I wrote it all out because I'm working with a translator so I can let you read it when I get home I can't believe I have been here a week and a half but I still can't wait to see all of guys !! We are spending all day Sunday in Austria !! I 'm so excited !! Guess what the first thing I want to do is ?? Find a bakery !!! Hhehe I also will miss petra!! I 'm not looking forward to the plane ride !! AHHH !! LOL I love all of you guys can't wait see you ~*~BEKAH~*~ |
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Hi mom and dad. We only have 2 days of VBS left because tomorrow we are going to go to a state run orphanage. And then Saturday we are leaving for Vienna. Even though I miss being home and everyone there, it is going to be sad having to leave, I love it here The kids have been a lot of fun and love us being here. Give Isaac a big fat hug for me! Love you and can't wait to see you again. MOOAH Sarah |
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MOM AUS DAD BAZ WHATS HAPPENING? HOWS everything? Today I ate too much lunch, just like last nite I ate too much at mcdonalds. I might be fat when I comehome. By fat I mean phat. The kids are getting wilder each day, I thought I was going to lose some buttons today when they were jumping all over me. Tonite I think erich (austins age) and marian, a local guy at the church, and gaby (another local) will play soccer with some other locals. Hopefully we will win. America represent. 2 more days after this. I'll be glad to get on the plane outta here, but it's a nice place and I'd come back a lot. Love, jessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssie. |
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This week we have been working with the kids at the church, its fun but im
getting tired of them jumping on me. Today we used the bubbles, Jessie,
gabbi (Romanian boy that is 14 and is with us) and I play soccer with the
kids and in free time. Tonight there is a game at the church, I wont be out
of practice. I play all the time with gabby and paul (gabbys friend), we go
to the parks where the is always games the guys are so good. Its fun though,
don't forget my smoothie when I get back. Hope you are having fun in
Pittsburgh and dad don't suck to bad at golf this weekend with chuck. cya you guys - erich |
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mom & Jer, oww, my back hurts... ive been carrying little kids around all, sometimes 2 at a time. Tomorrow, we're going to a state-run orphanarium, which should be interesting, to say the least. Looking forward to our time in Vienna. Ive gotten pretty decent at playin hackey-sac this trip, as well as singing in front of large groups. See ya soon, lahrevehdehreh -mike |
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