Gipsy Kings, A Cultural Experience

As you know we  minister among the Romany or as many Americans know them, the Gypsies.  Over these last 18 years we have been dismayed and entertained by the stereotypes many believe about this cultural group.  This past week we did a first hand investigation of the "Gipsy Kings" band.

We have been asked many times about the group but had no personal knowledge.  Our good friends, Vicki and Peter Nelson, changed that with an invitation to hear the band while sitting on the grassy hillside on a warm summer evening enjoying the company of good friends.  How could we refuse?  We considered it a "cultural experience" and an "investigation" into Romany stereotypes.  Yeah, right, right...

It was a great evening and we discovered the "Gipsy Kings" (that is the way the spell it) are Spaniards who fled to France during war time.  The Spanish version of their group name eventually turned into "Gipsy Kings" when translated into English.  They are really NOT Romany.  However, like the Romany culture they love music.  Their music is fun and certainly makes you want to move your feet, swing your arms and sway your hips.

It was a fun evening and we recommend seeing them in concert if you have the opportunity.  Just don't go expecting to see Romany. :)

Project Ruth - Associated Baptist Press

Take a look at the Associated Baptist Press article about Project Ruth's 20th anniversary celebration.

http://www.abpnews.com/faith/missions/item/7617-project-ruth-grateful-for-past-2-decades-as-it-plans-for-next-20-years

WOW! Time Has Flown!

I've always thought of myself as a pretty consistent blogger.  What happened the last six weeks?  I have felt like a hamster on a wheel that just would not stop!  It started with our 8th grade recognition chapel.  With the help of our staff we called each student by name and said a few words about them.  This was to encourage them as they move into high school. (Pray for their exams in the coming weeks.) We also wanted to encourage the younger students.  The message was: "This CAN be you!"  It was an emotional and exciting chapel.

Dr Vestal, CBF Coordinator, with Oti Bunaciu

Next came the big celebration for Project Ruth's 20th birthday.  Our guests came from several different countries including Great Britain, Germany, Austria, and the USA.  All were united in their support of this ministry.  We had a great three days of worship, fellowship, sharing of meals, and celebrating. We heard the story of how Project Ruth started as an outreach of the Providence Baptist Church and now has 160 students, a day center, a
leader training, and a women's center.  Through many people, organizations, clubs, and others working together a great thing is being done.  To God be the Glory!

And...  The Naomi Center for Women is open and growing!  The Sewing Club is a huge hit.  We have 15 sewing machines and have hired an instructor.  Ladies in the neighborhood can learn to sew or if they already know how they can use a machine.  Already the women are sewing different crafts in hopes of generating an income for their families.  The Club is becoming so popular we may soon outgrow our room!  God is blessing this new ministry.

Ralph and I have arrived in the USA for our four month off-field assignment.  We have been busy getting physicals, visiting the dentist, seeing our families, and helping our son, Josh, move into his first apartment.  We are also preparing for CBF's General Assembly that will meet June 20-22 in Ft Worth, TX.  We're celebrating Project Ruth's birthday at the Missions Picnic on Thursday, June 21.  Come and join us!

Happy Birthday Joshua

Ralph and I want to wish our son, Joshua, a very happy 23rd birthday today.  This picture was the first birthday he celebrated in Hungary - #6.  We passed out cupcakes to all his friends in the kindergarten and he received kisses from all the girls.  He was not too happy about that!  We are very proud of the young man he has become.  If you are traveling through the Greensboro, NC airport look for Officer Stocks on patrol.

Happy Mother's Day

 Taking a personal moment here to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom - pictured on the left with my siblings and me. 

Living in another culture faraway from extended family has given me a deeper appreciation for all those who have played maternal roles in the lives of my children and other children that needed a hug or a word of encouragement.  Thank you.

Tyler, Amy, & Josh

Naomi Center for Women Opens

On April 24 Project Ruth officially began our newest program - The Naomi Center for Women.  This outreach to the community offers individual and group counseling with child care and sewing classes.  It is designed to empower the women of the community to improve their own lives as well as the lives of their families.  We are excited for the future!

Random Thoughts or Perhaps Spring Fever?

1st grade at the United Way banquet

Ministry as with many vocations has its great moments and its frustrating moments.  I admit I had one of the not-so-good ones this week where I wanted to scream, shut myself up in my apartment, drink coffee at the sidewalk cafe - anything but try to teach English to a group of wound up 7th graders.  The Ruth students have spring fever and it seems the sunnier the day, the crazier the kids.  How do teachers do it?!?! 

Our wonderful God knows what we need and he sent me a dose of sweetness in the form of the little 1st graders.  This group was singing for the Romanian United Way banquet and I had to help transport them from the hotel.  One little "sweetness" we have affectionately nicknamed "Crazy Girl" because she just can't sit still.  Sabina's (her real name) mom works in Italy so she lives with her dad and a few other assorted relatives.  Knowing this I try to hug her every chance I get.  As Sabina was practicing her song she spotted me watching and shyly smiled, then waved.  I beamed back and imagined I was her surrogate mom for the evening proud of my little Sabina singing her heart out.  The whole group sounded so cute and represented our school well.  The ride home was rowdy since I had four boys in my car!  It was a gentle reminder that this is why I'm here.  To help these kids have such opportunities, to give hugs, to be the presence of Christ as I can.  Thanks for the reminder, Heavenly Father!