I’m Moving to Romania!

The Anticipation is Over – I’m Moving to Bucharest, Romania!

I’m part of RevivEE Eastern Europe, a missionary program that spans five countries: Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Croatia (and previously Ukraine). Our mission is to strengthen local churches, help people know God, serve the local community, and teach English. Each team member is placed based on their unique skills, the needs of the region, and proximity to our program directors, Shawn and Lena Wooten (who will be based in Zagreb, Croatia, for RevivEE 6.0).

For months now, I’ve been waiting and wondering where I’d be sent for this next chapter of my life. Well, the wait is over—I’m headed to Bucharest, Romania, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Romania is a beautiful country with a population of over 20 million people. It’s the largest of the Balkan nations, bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary, and has a gorgeous coastline along the Black Sea. You’ve probably heard of Dracula—yep, the infamous vampire character was inspired by Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century ruler from this very region. Romania is also home to stunning mountain ranges, lush countryside, and some incredibly well-preserved castles, especially in the Transylvania region.

The waiting process itself wasn’t too stressful. I intentionally didn’t research any of the possible countries—to stay open-minded and reduce expectations. Instead, I prayed and trusted that God would send me to a place where I’d be best used for His glory —a place where I would be immersed in the culture, establish community, grow spiritually, and, most importantly, help people know Him. And now, looking at Romania, I truly believe He’s answered that prayer. There’s nothing like uncertainty to draw you closer to the Author of your story—the One guiding every step of your path. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  (Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV)

God has been so good to me. Despite a job loss, a transcontinental move, and a breakup, I am filled with unexplainable peace and confidence that can only come from Him. The decision to become a missionary and my placement in Romania isn’t random—it’s part of His divine plan for my life. How can I not have peace and confidence when He is my treasure, purpose, and goal?

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him”  (Acts 17:26-27 ESV)

I’d be remiss not to acknowledge that there will likely be moments of loneliness and homesickness, frustration and anxiety, culture shock and loss of identity, and even times when I question God’s plan for me in Romania during this next year. I anticipate this experience will be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done—one that will humble me to the core but, prayerfully, also transform me from the inside out. 

But even so, it’s one year in His hands—and that makes all the difference. And whether I’m in San Diego or halfway across the world in Bucharest, I know that my true home isn’t tied to a location or people—it’s in Christ. That’s where my comfort and security will always be:

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”  (Deut. 33:27a, ESV)

I’m excited, nervous, hopeful—and more than anything, ready to walk this road with God leading the way. Bucharest, here I come!

In Him, 

The Citizen Diplomat