Comfort Zone

Family,

They told me one purpose of this mission trip was to remove us from our comfort zones and challenge ourselves to see things in a new God centered way.

I know many of you were worried if I would be able to make this trip as I am just recovering from an angioplasty surgery. It was a very tiring trip in which we stayed awake almost 24 hours on the trip to Romania, with a few hours of sleep stolen in very confining airplane seats.

Don't worry. I am fine. Pastor Rich was the head scout as we hit three airports and found our way to the right gates. He was great. Even though Steve was strapped down with carry on equipment (tech guy) he always strood to let me have a seat on the buses that take you to and from the planes, if it was crowded (and it was always crowded). It is great to have my best friend and wife Karen along to support me in every way.

I am definately out of my comfort zone, away from family and friends who are supportive and Christian. One infamous episode of the trip was that I had a man sitting behind me on the 10 hour flight to Frankfurt, who would not let me put my seat back. He cursed at me everytime I tried to lean back and he would hit the seat and jolt me to keep my seat upright, even when the plane was darkened and everyone was sleeping. I don't know if I should say he was French and rude, or just rude... but I could only do my best to not lose my temper. TALK ABOUT THE LORD testing you.

As we left Munich, I was dragging my carryon by the shoulder strap rather than carry it and I was very tired... everyone could see it and as we were descending six flights of stairs, I just prayed on every flight for God to give me a second wind and strength... AND HE DID. As I got on the plane for the last two hours to Romania, I felt it come over me. As most of the team slept, I was awake and reading Fresh Wind Fresh Fire. I told Pastor Rich I HAVE AM REFRESHED and how I had my prayer answered. When we got to Romania I took a 20 minute nap, but other than that I walked to the square, uphill, upstairs, and across two large plazas. I watched the activity of Sibui in the plaza... kid playing in the fountain, an old lady feeding circling flocks of pigeons, and families strolling. It is a beautiful, peaceful, friendly place that God delivered me to here in Sibui.

Today, I am going to a Christian, mountain retreat to minister to families struggling to be what God intends for all of us.... to be happy in life through being happy in the LORD.

Your Brother In Christ,
Jerry Borden