My name is Pat, or Mama Pat, as some of the Romanians refer to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read our posts. It is important to us to know you are out there following, caring, and praying for us.

I’ve been a leader on this trip since 2008. The ministry and ministers of Open Roads and those they serve are close to my heart. It is a privilege to be a part of this team and I am thankful to be going again this year. We have an awesome team of students and leaders – as we usually do –  that loveGod and have the desire to serve.

When I meet people that serve abroad as missionary doctors, nurses, teachers, and more, I am humbled that God chooses to use me. I’ve always said I am not a teacher or a doctor so I don’t have much to offer if that is the need, but I do have long arms to give loving hugs and offer a shoulder to cry on. This ministry can use what I have to offer. Praise the Lord! It is such a blessing to meet and encourage the young people we serve. Their lives have been extremely challenging by no fault of their own. Many of them were abandoned at birth into an institution where they were neglected and abused. And, now as adults, they are marginalized and discriminated against because they are ‘orphans’. Open Roads shows these young people that they are loved by the creator of the universe. They show them the love of a family, help them discover their potential and worth, and give them hope for the future. Really, what could be better than that? And we get to be a part of what they are doing. We sure are blessed!

Please pray that I will be sensitive and quiet as I listen to the Holy Spirit speak to and direct me. He has laid it on my heart to keep my eyes open and be aware of what is going on around me, to look for subtle messages, and discover those in need that are quietly calling for help. This trip can be a whirlwind of activity and I can easily get caught up in it all. But, this year I am thinking I need to take a step back and be sensitive to what is taking place. I am not exactly sure what this means but I want to be sensitive to what God is laying on my heart.

Thank you for your support. We all appreciate it. Please continue to read the blog posts throughout the trip… and make comments. We love to read your comments. The funnier the better!

– Pat

Hello, I am Larry. I have been going to Romania since 2009. I work at a small publishing firm and enjoy the great outdoors. Serving in Romania has been a privilege and honor. It has become one of the most life changing things I have done.

-Larry