"When In Doubt, Choose Change" --Lily Leung

I have yet to mention that after I get done with my work in Romania, I am getting on a train and heading over to England to work in an internship for at least a year with a group called Pais. What this means is that I will be in Europe for a minimum of 16 months.  (Seeing that in writing just made my stomach drop a little.)

I am very excited about this, but I am also a little nervous. It seems the closer I get to leaving the more I look around and the little things about America stand out to me. 

I know that a great way to get complacent and take a step back is to look at what you might lose instead of looking forward to what you have an opportunity to gain. It is like only ever eating vanilla ice cream because you know it tastes good, which then makes you miss trying the best cheesecake in the world. Probably the cheesecake from Friends that Rachel and Chandler ate from off the floor. 

So in this blog I am going to write a list of things that I am going to miss about America, but rather then just leave it at that, I am going to write a list of things I am going to be able to gain by branching out from vanilla ice cream. 

1. Wal Mart                            ~~~~~~~~~       Real Neighborhood Markets

2. Sonic  Drinks                     ~~~~~~~~~       Real English Tea

3. Starbucks                           ~~~~~~~~~       Starbucks in Europe

4. A car                                  ~~~~~~~~~       A chance to walk through history every day

5. My old church family        ~~~~~~~~~       My new church family

6. American TV                    ~~~~~~~~~       BBC all the time

7. A job that pays                  ~~~~~~~~~       Trusting God to pay my bills

That about sums it up. I am sure that once I get overseas there will be plenty that I miss from America that I don't even know about yet; but until then I'll keep it to the things I know I am leaving behind. 

What would you miss most by moving to Europe? Let me know by commenting below. 

Greetings

Hello everyone!! First, let me thank you for coming on to check out the progress on the "What's Next" project to Romania and beyond.  Currently we are in need of $7000 by the end of March. I say we, because if you're interested in helping in the slightest, you're in this with me. 


Let me explain to you why going to Romania is important, and what any support you provide will go towards.  It is a globally accepted fact that if a person knows English, they will have more opportunities in their local homeland and abroad. These opportunities are even more important for those whose life started without the support of a family and first hand knowledge of a better life. 

Every year, in Romania, orphans are put back on the street once they reach an age where they are deemed able to provide for themselves. Often they lack a formal education, and end up begging or working in low paying jobs. Their children are given up to be put in orphanages and the cycle continues.   I am a college graduate who plans on changing this cycle. With a Bachelor of Science in Theater and experience working with children, I am going to Brasov, Romania to teach the community English through a drama program, and to work with the local orphanages as a temporary staff member. 

On April 23rd, 2012, I will be leaving with a program called Projects Abroad and will be working with them for the three months that I am in Brasov.

I am sure you are sitting there wondering how in the world you can help get this project going and jump on this international band wagon. You are in luck, because I have the answers for you. There are 5 ways you an get in on this action.

1) BUY A T-SHIRT

Why yes, we do have Romania 2012 T-shirts available. They are pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. If you are in the Oklahoma City Metro area, myself ,and some lovely volunteers, will be selling them in front of the Wal Mart on Santa Fe and Danforth the 21st of January. If you are not in the area, no fear because we do ship. Cost is a minimum $20 donation. Sizes come in adult S-XXL. If you would like to order a t-shirt, simply email me and I will reply with instructions on how to do so.


2) DONATE MONEY
If you would like to skip over the hassle of ordering a t-shirt, and would simply like to donate money, I will accept that too. Simply email me and I will reply with instructions on how to make that possible.

3) SPREAD THE WORD
It is no secret that the success of anything comes from building a community of followers. This is not a cause we would like to keep secret or overlook. If you do not have the ability to help finically with this project; your next door neighbor, family member, or co-worker might be able to.

4)SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG
It seems so simple, yet will mean so much. I will be posting updates weekly on the progress of this project.

5) PRAYER
If you have checked out the Projects Abroad website, you may have noticed that it is not a specifically Christian organization; however seeing as I am specifically Christian, I understand the power of prayer and ask for as much prayer support as I can get. if you would like to let me know you are praying for me, and the success of this project, email me!!