parabola floarea-soarelui

parabola floarea-soarelui

We've been thinking a lot about the bazillion sunflowers we find ourselves surrounded by and believe there is a parable worth sharing.  As the sunflowers grow, as with all plants, they get taller and more vibrant.  However, the sunflower is a bit different on a daily basis.  As the sun rises in the morning, they begin to raise their heads as if looking for the source of warmth and light.  They don't stop there though, they continue to focus on the sun and follow its every movement throughout the day until it drops below the horizon, and then quietly bow their heads, facing the direction the sun was last observed, and go to sleep for the night and repeat the process the next day.  It is this pattern that creates a strong core and a productive and happy countenance.  So that, at the end of their life, the value of what they leave behind is such a commodity and blessing too so many.  Oh, that we were more like the "floarea-soarelui".  If as we awoke every morning, we would seek out the greatest source of warmth and light, the "Son", that we would keep our eyes open and focus on Him throughout the day and humbly bow our head in prayer when the sun goes down each night.  And, what a blessing we could be to so many, that throughout our life we become a greater commodity, more productive and improve our countenance, on a daily basis.

We found ourselves exploring more parks and happened onto the local Anatolian Food Fest.  Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, is a large peninsula in West Asia that constitutes the majority of modern-day Turkey.  We couldn't try everything, even though we really wanted to. The top one is Tantuni, folded in a nan like bread similar to a taco.  The bottom is Gozleme, which is also a nan like bread, in this case filled with cheese.  We also topped it off with Baklava, sorry no photo to verify, too anxious to consume. 

We also found ourselves taking a P-Day tour of a few churches around Iasi.  These four are only a fraction.  They are some of the older and all within a 20-minute walk from our apartment.  They are all beautiful and meaningful in their own respects.

This week was our first Zone Conference.  We traveled to Brasov, about 5.5 hours away.  The countryside is awesome and reminds us of many places in the US, the fertile farm ground and the mountains of the West, the corn fields of the Midwest, and the winding roads and hardwood forests of the East.  It's a super diverse country and we feel so blessed to be here.

The Zone conference was inspiring, and we made more life-long friends.  The photos of the Sisters and Elders separate, is indicative of who we are working with.  I do not recall ever experiencing a banjo accompanied hymn.  It was awesome.  Reminded me a bit of the West Virginia days.  We finally got to meet the Roseborough's, serving in Brasov, and the Gibson's, serving in Ploiesti, in person and spent the few days getting to know them and love them.  We enjoyed helping with serving the meals that were largely prepared by the Roseborough's. What a pleasure.  President Fowler was monitoring or conversation, so it didn't get out of hand.  The two-day conference concluded with a service project in a very old building where we removed from the attic several bags of old ceiling tiles, wood and various other things to help the owner prepare it for usable space.  It was very hot and dirty and wonderful all at the same time.  Then to the "square" for some fun, frolic and foto's in front of the "Black Church".

The ride back was eventful.  On our way to Brasov, we weren't exactly sure where we were going and how long it would take so we didn't stop much.  On the way back however, we took our time and enjoyed the sights.  In some of the villages in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains we found a real treat.  The Kurtoskalac, aka, chimney bread.  Many of the homes were cooking and selling them along the road.  Had to grab some fresh potatoes and a very large loaf of fresh bread too.  We couldn't resist and we were not disappointed.  Some sights we didn't expect, ie., bikers and very large bird nests.  They are the barza alba or white stork and Romania is a primary nesting spot for them on their migration to Africa where they winter.  Then of course the locals that are still using the beast of burden daily.

What a fascinating place?  God is good and very mindful of all of his children.