Patricia Hammond:  

I spent many years going back & forth to Romania...as well as numerous other nations spread over four continents (but for shorter periods of time...Sudan, Kenya, India, etc.) I maintain close ties to those that entered within my heart, and still oversee the projects that were started. They are flourishing, and I'm certain, only the Lord could have continued to sustain this. It all started again with being asked to help with the organization and establishment of the first Christian library...just days after the execution of the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu (and his wife, Elena), leader of the Communist Party. (Although, I had been here prior to this time) I thought it would be a "one time shot", however, I fell in love with the people...which is the reason it lasted for so many years. There were many challenges along the way, none of which were really much of a deterrent, as I knew I belonged here for this time and this purpose. If we were not steadfast in this knowledge...we'd have never made it. I've had to ride in the trunks of their vehicles at times, covered with sheep hides...all to get past some security check points, or to pass into an area that their military was using. There was a time their military prevented me from entering the American Embassy (which is illegal), another instance, I was slammed to the ground after being hit in the back with a rifle butt, another time our apartment had been broken into and a fire was started. Thank the Lord that a neighbor knew where I was and came to get me. Needless to say, informing the "authorities" wasn't even an option. The things stolen were my exposed film, and the tapes to my camcorder (plus two bras & an umbrella). There was another time that my passport was confiscated, and the contents of my backpack scattered at my feet. (This took place as I was walking down the street, but noticed that a huge anti-government demonstration was taking place. Both sides of this wide boulevard were lined with military, and all weapons drawn.) I was given NO information as to the reason behind this. This was one time I was tempted to panic, due to the fact I wasn't even being allowed into our embassy. Just as surprised I was that my passport was confiscated...48 hours later, it was returned to me, all without so much as a word, as to "why" it was taken! I still have no understanding, to this day, why that happened. The only thing that could add some rationale to what had just taken place...is that I was once accused of "walking free"...which translated means, that I wasn't constantly looking over my shoulder and would never avert my eyes when encountering military or police personnel. Many of the people I know, have a "room" built underneath their homes. These were used to have the ability to meet freely with others and to share their faith. The first time I went down into one of these rooms, I was suddenly struck with all the sacrifice these folks had to make simply to meet with others and to share their faith. It gave me an overwhelming feeling of 'unworthiness'...it also gave me the feeling of humbleness, at the thought of just being able to breathe their air. Due to another change within their government, I had to substantially "modify" what I was doing, in order not to cause harm to these beautiful people of Romania, so......after much prayer and a boost of ...Expand for more