My Time in Cluj (Week 3)
My goodness, I'm exhausted! Today I traveled by bus from Cluj back to Târgu Mureș. Then due to a miscommunication, I ended up walking (hiking) over 2 miles and up a steep hill back to the base, all while toting a backpack, a suitcase, and food. I'm worn out! But, I managed to unpack, do a load of laundry, and eat dinner; this is my current (comfort) state, so that makes me feel a little better.
Last week was primarily spent making art for the base in Cluj. My biggest task was creatively depicting the 18 foundational values of YWAM. I painted the watercolor backgrounds, then sketched and lettered each value. I recruited my housemate Geo (pronounced "Jo") to help with gluing Bible pages to pieces of poster board. Finally, we glued the watercolor paper to the decorated poster board to create these! (Click on photos to scroll through)
I'll be posting each value on my Instagram and Facebook pages over the next 3 weeks if you would like to check periodically to see the pieces up close. You can see the Instagram posts without an account.
Making this much art (pretty sure I put in at least 40 hours on this) leaves me completely exhausted -- in a good way. With my previous job, I would leave feeling exhausted and not wanting to do anything, ever. I would go home and crash on the couch, lacking the motivation to cook dinner, socialize, or even get ready for bed. Art, however, is rewarding and invigorating; I love that I can do it whenever I want (i.e., not strictly 9-5), and I get excited to come back for more. I'm totally in my happy place when I turn on a podcast, tune out the world, and plug away with each creation. I am interpreting this as a very positive sign as I consider focusing on my art business when I return home!
My afternoons varied throughout the week. Tuesday and Wednesday I taught a worship dance routine to some local boys. I didn't get to record it, but here is a video from a dance I taught the children at church on Sunday morning. I chose Blessed Be Your Name (Fii Binecuvantat) because I love how universal the song is. Check it out below (so sorry the orientation changes!):
On Thursday, I went with a few staff members to visit some members of the gypsy community that they have chosen to support. We asked if they had any practical needs that the DTS students could fulfill. The team will work to repair the roof for one lady, provide a washing machine for two other families, and do housecleaning for all of them. I won't post those pictures, but I do want to share a photo of this adorable stray dog we saw. There are lots of stray dogs around; thankfully, they're very harmless. I have a fear of dogs, but these guys barely even notice us walking by. They simply roam the sidewalks and sleep in the shade.
Not related, but seeing this cat made my day. It looked so content to be sunning and bathing itself in this lush windowsill! (Can you tell I'm much more of a cat person?? ;) )
Lastly, I want to backtrack a tiny bit to say that we celebrated Miream's (roommate) birthday last Sunday. We had barbecue, ice cream, and a sweet time of fellowship. They started to brainstorm plans for celebrating my birthday in July (e.g. decorating the "cake"/me), but I don't anticipate being in Cluj that weekend. We'll see, though! In the meantime, enjoy some photos of our "kidnapping".
Coming up next week: Honestly, I have no idea! I imagine we'll all meet Monday morning and develop a game plan. I'm sure it will be great!
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Oh wait, one last photo to add. Since I like to incorporate lettering with each post, enjoy this throwback in honor of Father's Day last weekend! As my Dad's cousin says, "That's why you are in Romania - they had you on an elephant (!) before you even knew what an elephant was!" Thankful for my dad's unending encouragement and support as I pursue my passions.
