lots of laughs and lasts

It’s the Vee again. It has been a week of lasts for us. On Sunday we said our Good-byes to the children of Sabolciu although it was raining the kids still came out to greet us. We were unable to do a large group children’s church but we went into the homes and worshiped with the children and played inside games. It was quite refreshing as they are so much more behaved in that environment instead of the half completed Children’s Center (I believe It’s like having church outside for them).

We also did our last Campus Bible Study and Craft Club this week. The groups are dwindling a bit because many of the girls have had opportunities to travel including my Eva. We still had a lovely time with the girls we had and for once the VeeBees completed a craft project for ourselves. The Bee’s have all agreed that we want to spend every spare second of these last 5 day at CP2 just hang out with our new young friends that will forever be in our hearts.

The Minor’s Center Ministry had many first for us this week. On Tuesday, we went on our own as our friends that we partner with, Pat & Joy Hardin, were unable to make it. I think it was the hardest thing we had to do the whole trip. Not because it was anything different, but that we were getting pounded on…Both Bee’s were under the weather and since we were doing one of the VBS days that we already prepared for Sabolciu we thought we had everything…but we didn’t. The notes for the lesson were missing, so I had to wing the teaching. Everything turned out ok and God was glorified, but we were exhausted. As we were leaving, one of the workers told us that some of the new girls that were there and been freed from men that stole them. I believe they were working the streets, got picked-up and brought to Children’s service. It’s been heavy on my heart since then and when we return today I was told by the Hardin’s that all of the 5 teenage girls were brought there because of prostitution (and most of them not willing prostitutes.). It is sad that there is not more we can do for them and since it was are last visit to the Minor's Center all we can do is pray. I know that prayer is a big thing that we all can do but it doesn't seem to be enough with situations like these. We have been blessed to see a lot of good work happening here for the kingdom and it is great to be a part of it, but we are also reminded everyday how cruel life is for so many children. Please pray for them…God knows their names.

Rested and Back in Ministry!

Sue (The Vee) here...

It brings so much joy to my heart to watch the relationships being built between the Bee's and the girls of CP2, as well as the children of Sabolciu. When we arrive at Sabolciu for VBS, it's exciting to see the children run to greet us and with hands held tightly, walking down to the chapel. You can see the love the girls have for these children all over their faces. As a whole group, these children can be quite overwhelming, but when the Bee's individually work with them with their crafts you can see a gentleness in their spirit.

Since returning from camp, the girls of CP2 seem to want to spend every moment with us, on top of us at our house. As soon as they enter the house for Bible study, they run into the room and climb into the Bee's bed. (And hog the computers!) Bible studies are filled with enthusiasm and questions. and it seems like they're making more crafts for us, instead of themselves. Since four out of the six girls that have been coming for crafts&Bible study are aging out of CP2, it's incredible to see the Bee's come along side me in my desire to find these girls a home in a Godly environment.

Now it's time for the Bee's:
If camp wasn't enough nature for Chelsea Burt, Sue and Ali Bee decided to drag her along back into nature. This time there were no safety harnesses for her to cling too. We joined 6 of our Romanian homies, and 2 CP2 girls (see this is ministry) for a hike into the mountains an hour outside of Oradea. Our trip began with a 7 AM train ride, followed by an hour walk on the tracks, where Chelsea found all of the dead frogs of Romania. After the uneasy, ankle twisting walk on the train tracks, we found ourselves in a cave...which was the only place in Romania with air conditioning. After climbing slick stairs and uneven ground, water rushing below us, and clay dripping off of the walls around us, we finally made it out...I mean, we really enjoyed it's beauty....Anyway,

Click here for more pics

after making it out, we stopped for some lunch. Then we decided to take a real hike, the steep, muddy, I'm going to slip to my death kind of hike to see a quaint and beautiful, yet not what the picture showed, waterfall. It was nice and refreshing, and soon Ali Bee decided to rock climb to the top so she could get in the middle of the waterfall. It was magnificent, or so I've heard. The water in the pool was crystal clear with a hint of blue, but also freezing. After the waterfall, we journeyed back on the train tracks searching for the infamous yellow dot trail. We thought we found it, and we risked our lives up a mountainside full of slippery rocks, just to realize that the trail did not exist. Or had existed 10 years ago, because all that was left was a bunch of overgrown weeds and trees on the way down the mountain. Okay, so it wasn't really a mountain. Sue says it was only about 10 meters, but that was one heck of a 10 meter slippery slide on our butts, downward. Ali Bee taught Chelsea how to do the backwards turtle crawl. If you don't know what this is, Ali Bee will be holding a seminar when we return. Anyway, Chelsea Bee found some more dead frogs on the train tracks, but good news followed. We met an old man, shirtless, with blue running pants who pointed us in the direction of the REAL yellow dot trail. Ali thought he was a creeper, but turns out he was Romanian Map Quest man. This hike was much better than the first. It was more scenic as we strolled alongside the river bed until we found our way back to the tracks. The yellow dot trail really started to pick up right across the tracks, up a "REAL mountain" as Sue says, but Chelsea took one look and said, "NO way". So we decided to take the tracks all the way back to the train station, where we took the next train (which arrived 2 and a half hours later) back to Oradea. While waiting for the train, Ali and Chelsea, with the help of Eva, found some more gypsy kids to entertain. But they were quickly shooed away by the train station manager for making too much noise. Chelsea and Ali that is, not the kids....okay, just kidding.

One last adventure that doesn't really pertain to the children, but goes along with the Facebook album, "What the VeeBee's Do When No One is Looking" is what we encountered yesterday after the pool. So here's the story, all about how my life got twisted upside down...sorry, Fresh Prince attack...back to the story. So we filled it, so the gas tank is completely full, and we headed to the pool. It was cloudy, so we had the pool ALLL to ourselves. After 3 hours of cloud bathing and swimming, we ventured out to our vehicle to find none other than a river of gasoline spread around the car. Gasoline that costs $7 a gallon. Needless to say we were slightly aggravated. BUT, since our Bible study the day before pertained to suffering and endurance through trials, we giggled about the fortune lying on the side of the street. Using Google Talk, we texted Mr. Bee (Ed Behrens). His response was, "Just find an Auto Zone, or stick a twig in the oil tank". I think he forgot we were in Romania, funny guy. So we were standing on the side of the street far away from our car.. Because every European smokes... While Chelsea Bee is selectively asking for help from attractive Romanian boys who drive nice cars. It was all out of fun... None of them stopped.. that's how we knew they weren't for Chelsea Bee. After calling everyone in Sue Vee's contact list, we came to the realization that today was No Cell Phone Day, and Sue, holding back her frustration, told us to rejoice in our trials. So Holy. But then...it happened. The ringtone, Bamp, bamp, banamp bananananan.....then a voice...it was David Vede. He was coming, along with his Romanian mr. fixit skills (which these kids are born with by the way) to fix our urinating car. A steady flow of gas urination. Vede fearlessly sped his ministry van to the scene...he got some help from the pool/hotel maintenance guy and plugged the hole with a screw. Now came the tough part. The decision to let Sue Vee start the engine alone, or to die alongside the Vee...we chose the latter. Yes, it's true. Were writing this blog from Heaven, with some help from the the Big Guy...J.C. Great wifi, gotta tell ya...better than any internet cafe I've ever been too...okay just kidding. We got to the apartment, where our poor red car sits outside dribbling. It's now just a steady drip instead of the rushing rapids it was before. We'll update you on how grocery shopping goes taking the tram.

That's all for now. VeeBee's over and out.

p.s. don't stress...only 14 more days until you see our smiling faces once again.

A week of adventure and Jesus in the Romanian mountains...

So I bet most of you are asking, "where have you been for a whole week?!" The answer to that question is...in the mountains! The VeeBee's joined Pathway to Joy and the orphans from CP2 for a week up in the mountains somewhere beautiful in Romania.
Let's start out by saying what an 8 hour bus ride it was.
1. It was 100 degrees outside...plus 10 degrees hotter in the bus....and then 20 degrees hotter for Ali Bee who was still on fire from her sunburn she got the previous day.
2. Romanian air conditioning is not what you think. It is a sun roof, the size of one you would find in a 2 door saturn, on the top of a 60 passenger bus.
**and here's a Romanian culture tid bit for ya; Romanians believe you will get pneumonia immediately from anything that's cooler than 60 degrees....this includes drinks, and apparently air. Trying to find AN ice cube in the country of Romania is like trying to find Waldo in the city on 4th of July. To further express our discomfort with this, we will give you another example: (tid bit #2; Romanians love examples) After a day in a mobile sauna, we stop at a gas station, heading for the cooler for a cool, refreshing drink. However, since we are afraid of pneumonia, so we get lukewarm water. DELISH.
Okay, done ranting, back to the good stuff.


We arrive at camp, and it is absolutely gorgeous. This is exactly what Ali Bee's heaven is going to look like...and feel like because it's 30 degrees cooler than the city. In preparation for the children's arrival, (this is about to get spiritual, can't you tell it's our fearless leader Sue Vee talking?) we had church and team building exercises...which I, Chelsea Bee failed at. The team building brought 2 things: friends and bruises. Lots of bruises. Needless to say, we were done with outdoor activities even before the kids arrived.
Later on, the CP2 kids arrived...and so did the chaos. Chaos of fun that is!  It was nice watching friendships form between the American team and the children. Next, we were pleasantly informed of our activity and small groups. Ali was separated from the VeeBee flock...to make sure she was truly saved. What a week of lessons she had. And if Sue Vee wasn't under enough spiritual attack, as soon as she found out she was teaching small groups her ear ache exploded into full on sinus infection....nu bine. The good thing is, God prevailed. Both in Ali's life and Sue Vee's. And we now have 6 additions to our girl's college Biblestudy.


While Sue and Ali's tests were with people and health, mine (Chelsea) was the activities. and I conquered every one of them! The activities are as follows (prepare yourself for something dreadful): a 50 foot wall with no steps, just human strength to help get you over. Talk about bruises. (Oh and by the way, we are leaving the non fatal activities out of this) On to the wheel of death...picture this: a wooden wheel the size of a truck tire, but looking like a giant spindle. Now imagine the ginormous spindle, 6 feet up in the air between 2 trees. Now imagine you and your 14 other teammates trying to get over to the other side via spinning. Your team mates, who want nothing to do with this and Sue Vee volunteering herself as the camp photographer, otherwise known as get out of hell for free, and ditching us. Next up the rock wall. 15 meters (you do the math) of upper body strength and leg stretches. Good thing Ali Bee had a harness on because she made it all the way to the second row of rocks before her butt cramped up and she could not go any further. She is now doing push ups everyday. You go, girl! Chelsea made it about halfway before she slipped, gave up and just jumped off. I got way farther than I thought I would, but Ali Bee and I plan on practicing in New Jersey with a certain Colombian. That way we can show up babyface (our group leader, who we didn't know had secret spidey senses) next year and make it up to the top in about 10 seconds, just like he did. (Yes, were already planning next year. Start saving, sponsors!) The last of the strenuous activities was the crate game. For this one, you just have to refer to the pictures...because Sue Vee actually got pictures of this, unlike anything else. It may look easy in the pictures, but it was very deceiving. However, this one was probably the most fun...so much so, that even Sue Vee with her crippled knee even gave it a try. We all had the support of our new friend, Calin, who continually made us laugh the whole week. Finally, the thrill upon thrills....THE ZIP LINE. When she wasn't taking pictures, Sue Vee attempted the zip line upside down. Now that is true talent. Speaking of thrills, it took us about 2 hours to even get Ali Bee in a zip line harness. Then another 15 minutes to get off the platform. However, it didn't take Chelsea this long because she was pushed off the platform TWICE. Thanks Paul, aka Peter Pan. Didn't know kindergarden flirting was your second language.

Onto the spiritual highlights. Actually, the whole week was full of spiritual highlights, but if we had to choose just a few here they are. For Sue, it was the girls in her small group and their diligence to do the homework she assigned (Bible Reading) despite their late nights and full schedules. And also their desire to join us for our Wednesday Bible studies.
Ali Bee enjoyed the intimate moments at the campfire with all of the children who snuggled with her and fell asleep on her lap. One even shared his jacket with her, so sweet. A young man from CP2 who greatly inspired Ali was Csaba. This boy who only had full motor functions in half of his body accepted every single challenge with enthusiasm and integrity. If he could do all of the activities, so could we. What a kid.
My (Chelsea) highlight of the week was the excitement and gratefulness shown by each and every kid. It clearly showed that this week was the highlight of their year. You could just tell by the enthusiasm they had when they arrived, the permanent smiles all week long and the tears and waves goodbye as they departed. It was a week I know I will never forget and pray I will be able to attend next year. The sleep deprivation, bruises&bug bites, and hot 8 hour bus ride were all made worthwhile by those enthusiastic, joyful smiles. :D (btw, Ali Bee and Sue Vee second that)

PS: See slideshow on the right for all the pics from camp.

Friday... A day of Epic proportions.

So, yesterday we updated for the previous week, what we left out was...what we actually did yesterday (Friday) We woke up, got ready and headed out to the Minor Center. We met new missionaries through Pat and Joy (people we met from Project 1:27) They were nice people, and you know... the VeeBee's love meeting new people :) even if we scare them a little :p

So! at the Minor Center we said hi to our friends and listened to the Bible Story and 'play' the other missionaries put on for the kids, it was really nice! The kids seemed to really understand it too! which is always a plus :) After they did there thing... The VeeBee's handed out Bibles! to each kid!! (such a blessing!) Sue Vee found a new translation in Romanian that is a bit easier to comprehend. Once the older kids received their OWN Bible, they sat down and started reading, looking through the books, and a few of the kids were even highlighting certain verses... it was ABSOLUTELY wonderful... blessed us VeeBees tremendously!

NOW onto the traumatic near death experience of Ali Bee...

It all started when the VeeBee's decided to go see the movie Transformers 3..Which was pretty awesome... we're big fans of the Autobots! ANYWAY! so in Romania, there is assigned seating in the movie theaters, and you have to go early to select your seat and purchase your ticket. When we arrived we were with our friend Salomea... Then we saw this realllyyy buff guy! Apparently he was cinema security... like.. legit security guy.. not like the ones we have in the States... he was a little intimidating...but had his eye on Chelsea Bee! sooo when we purchased the tickets, we said the row we wanted then, Ali Bee said to the cashier 'make sure to put a cute guy next to her seat (pointing to Chelsea Bee) All giggled and headed out..since we had 3 hours until the movie was starting.

When we headed back to the theater... is where we almost lost Ali Bee.. forever.. like..death...not like misplaced...

NOW... The story of Ali Bee's demise... in her words...

hahahah well. sue knowing that i am PETRIFIED of escalators thought it was an excellent idea to hop on one... unexpected..AND it was not an ordinary escalator... it was one that was FLAT going upwards!!! INSTEAD of scary steps...it was a constant fight against gravity on this escalator.

PLUS earlier. i had decided to wear Chelsea Burt's fancy sandals...that have SHALACK on the bottoms...and were super slippery. SO ..fight against gravity weakened by slippery shoes. so picture me.. with my crazy fear of escalators... on the escalator of death, trying to fight gravity.. with slippery shoes.

i slid down... and almost fell... It was SO scary.

then... after the movie... we decided we'd hop on it again... this time..the added pressure of having to pee, after a cup of coke... enhanced the fear. and the traumatic-ness of the current situation.

oh. by the way..we had to go DOWN this flat

escalator... so... instead sliding backwards...this time i was sliding forward into Sue Vee. to my death

i held onto the germ infested handle thing for dear life. and some romanain boys..stared and laughed at my demise

That is her story...

When we finally made it to the movie theater The security guard was STILL THERE!!! and FORCED Sue Vee to allow him to help her... JUST so he could see Chelsea Bee..

Then Transformers 3 started and it was AMAZING...end of story! Good Day!

This week in Romania...

We have been busy little worker (vee)Bee's for Jesus! And what a blast we've been having doing it! Sunday we headed to a gypsy village called Sebolciu which is where all the previous pictures are from... that Vee posted :) It was a wonderful time! We were warned that these kids could get a little out of hand... so when everything went smoothly... we just PRAISED GOD AND THANKED HIM! (the bee's were a little nervous) The kids all seemed to have had a good time.. Chelsea and I shared a Bible story, then we did a craft with the kids.. Surprisingly they stayed focused for the whole story! The craft was to make a windchime from washers... That kept their attention too. Which gave their parents more time in Chapel with Dan and Steve... (who are from Pathway to Joy Ministries..and preach there to the village people) soooo we did Bible study, Craft time, and some time just hanging out... A few of the girls from the village spoke spanish so Chelsea and I were able to communicate even more! It was sOOOO wonderful :)

Monday:::: Was America's birthday... soooo as Americans in a foreign country often do... we gathered with fellow Americans and had a BBQ... southern style... WHICH WAS AMAZING! our new friends Laurie and Steve invited us.. There was potato salad, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, PEANUT BUTTER PIE!... The list goes on and on.. SO DELICIOUS.. After we filled our bellies we played some volleyball and some foosball.. Had a great time with new friends :)

Tuesday!:::: We went to the minor center and spent some time with our friends there.. Shared the Bible study we had for Sebolciu and did some water colors! :D a few of the kids gave Chelsea and I their paintings... it was really sweet.. we'll have pics up of the paintings soon :D After leaving the minor Center we headed to CP2 and hung out with some of the kids there.. We played games.. Chelsea and i had piggy back races with a few of the younger kids. soo sweet how loving they can be :)
The older girls that we have over for Bible study and Craft time on Thursdays were there as well. .they've been opening up to us a bit more too... (such a blessing!! <3 ) we headed home with Eva, had dinner and headed to bed!

Wednesday::: we went to another Gypsy village with our new friends Laurie and Steve... We played one legged races, wheel barrow races and then headed into for Chapel.. Fellow Missionaries shared the gospel through a puppet show... and 9 kids received Christ!! it was SO beautiful!!! Please keep them in prayer :D

After a VERY eventful day we headed to Campus to have Bible study... Only Teresa was able to make it... so it was veryyy personal... which was good and prayerfully effective for her own life :)

Thursday::: We headed over to Laurie's and Steve's and babysat their NEW additions to their family.. OFFICIALLY as of today!! :D twin boys, 2 years old.. and sooo happy :) After babysitting we had craft time with the girls from CP2 here at the apartment... Shared on the book of Job and had pretty good conversations.. please continue to pray for the girls... that they would come to know Christ completely...and thirst for His word. (thanks!) We walked all the way across town.. the whole mob of us :D we talked about God.. talked about life... and laughed a lot.. We've been so blessed to get to know these girls.. and that they are welcoming us into their lives... truly a blessing!

MUCH TO DO

Since the VeeBee's came to Romania as sojourner for Christ, it pretty amazing how much our days are filled with ministry!

A Picture is worth a thousand words!