Day 20: Susani, Romania.
She became my constantly smiling photography assistant for four days. We dodged soccer balls at sports camp and ate sarmali and mici (cabbage rolls and sausages made of lamb and pork) at a Sunday dinner that filled a 40-foot table in a village community center. She was staying the summer in Cliciova with her grandparents – the fall would find her in Lugoj, a much larger city hours away where most children in rural areas journey by themselves to attend school.
I’ve been traveling now for years, and I wonder if there will be a day when my heart won’t ache at the thought of leaving the places that are added to the “feels like home” list in my soul. But with every trip, God shatters and mends my heart again to hold more beautiful and painful love. And so it was with Timea and the summer in Romania.
And so it is now, as I sit quietly and think about the past month. Kenya. Guatemala. Jamaica. I am aching. Aching. Aching.
And then, there hope is – popping up on Facebook Messenger like an epistle.
“Hello.” It’s my little assistant, sending a note for the very first time.
“Cum se numeste muzica ce am ascultato in microbuz cu fratele ovidiu?” (What is the name of the song we listened to in the van?)
“Am cântat “Spune Da.” Michelle Williams cântă.” (It is “Say Yes.” Michelle Williams sings it.) We must have sung it fifty times as we drove from village to village. Loudly. With the windows rolled down so all could hear.
Four days ago, I sang the same song in Jamaica. Miss Hyacinth joined us on stage to dance as the rest of the church joined in.
And now we both listen to the song – Timea in Lugoj and me in Austin. And all the places that feel like home feel a whole lot closer.
Join us in the singing today.
Isn’t it amazing how a song can bring us back to a time and bring it near once again. So glad to visit you this morning from the 31 Dayers FB site! Nice to “meet” you too 🙂
Nice to meet you too! And yes, this song – and the note from Timea – were just what my heart needed as I get my footing back in the US.
Music really is the universal language, isn’t it?
You have a beautiful writing style! Glad I found you through the 31 Days Facebook page!
Lynnae, I believe every day should have a soundtrack. 🙂
This song rocks! I hadn’t heard it before. I’m going to share it with my kids. I think they will all love it (ages 18 to 6 years old). I love how your blog writing brings me into your experience. Our unity in Christ truly brings us together as brothers and sisters in Jesus. It gives me chills to consider.
Thank you, Sara! Your words are so encouraging today – you’ll never know how much they mean at this moment!
<3
Wow!!! Today’s blog readings have all hit it out of the park!!!! Amazingly sweet post and I absolutely love the video you shared!!!!! When Jesus say YES!!!!!!!! Amen, amen, amen!!!
Oh yes, I have so many places (and people) that feel like home, too.
Fondly,
Glenda