I'm back!

Just got back yesterday straight from Paris. I need to write out my thoughts before all the Europe leaves my system.

Germany had an exciting culture to get immersed in. The language was fun (and btw, very pleasant to listen to contrary to its depiction in the movies). Berlin, in particular, had a diverse population and many of the people spoke a million different languages it seemed. Germany and France and Belgium, they all showed me a new world. These European countries made a unique impact on me. Germany, I was touched to hear the hardships your country has endured... and your sarcastic humor. France, I loved your language... and hearing "oh la la" being used within its context. Belgium, I loved the diversity which originates at its formation... and your waffles.

But I pray that the spread of this attitude of indifference ceases, especially when it comes to such life-changing topics. I pray that the indifference would be replaced with our natural curiosity about our origin, existence, and destiny. I pray that everyone that crossed paths with our team would see God in all of it. I hope that the Holy Spirit continues to work through the ministry, Studenten fur Christus, in Berlin. It was so encouraging to see the core of believers within that ministry.

My compassion has only been strengthened and not only for the people in Europe. We are heading towards this attitude of indifference here in America. I pray that the Lord continues to use me to do His will right where I am.

Thank you team for your sacrifice of time and energy and your support. You have been amazing. I pray that God continues to grow you and stretch you. Thank you leaders (Stacy, Rich, Brad, and Dale) for your guidance and peace even in times of danger and the resorting to Plans B, C, G, and M. Peace out, folks!

~Romeo

Nerdin' it up!

We passed out free coffee at TU today, pretty much the MIT of Germany. You can bet that I got into some conversations about engineering and research. I made a friend today. We got to talking about mechanical engineering, the school, and his background. We'll be keeping in touch. TU also has a very international population, just like at Georgia Tech. I didn't talk to any people originally from Germany. There was someone from Poland, someone from Costa Rica, and someone from Venezuela. Weird, huh? Needless to say, it was easier to get into conversation with the students at this university.

We'll be going back to TU later this week. I hope to meet more people and show some more love!

People keep telling me that my picture is wayyy outdated! It was a year ago. I keep my hair shorter now. Is that what it is?

Send me. I'll go. Keep us in your prayers, including the Romania team.

Hello from Belgium... for now.

It's Romeo Stephan Cabanban! You'll know it's my post if the label says, "Romeo." We will be leaving for Berlin in a couple minutes.

We have been at the Continental Theological Seminary (CTS). It has existed here just outside of Brussels for decades but the castle has been here for centuries. It's crazy to see all the castle-y doorways and stairwells. It's even crazier to get to know some of the students here. They are studying BA's and MA's and are currently in their, what we would call, "Dead week," studying for finals. I'd say on average, that each student here speaks 3 languages. Many speak 4 or 5.

Joseph is the president of CTS right now and he is an inspiration to me. His first studies we mechanical engineering and he went up to his Master's in it, specializing in internal combustion. Then God steered his life in the direction of ministry and he acquired 3 European Ph. D's, which are more involved than America's Ph. D's (from what I hear) in Christian history, some specific theology field, and something else. His explanation of Europe's history and spiritual status was so... systematic. That was the inspiring part.

I'll write again soon! We should have easy access to the internet in Berlin.

"If you know three languages, you're trilingual. If you know two languages, you're bilingual. If you know one language, you're American."

May 16th is HERE!! Congratulations Team!!

You like my prayer card?

These are the cards I'm giving out to my supporters and anyone that's willing to pray. (Click the picture to enlarge.) I have the actual cards printed out, but what I most appreciate is that people are praying for what's listed there while we are overseas.

Pray that we have genuine compassion for the students in Berlin.

If we don't, we are simply tourists doing what we're told.

Luke 10:2 "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Pray that we just open our mouths.

Ephesians 6:19 "...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel..."

Pray that we do God's will.

Rom 12:1-2  "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. "

K. Thank you so much for reading. If you'd really like the prayer card itself, I'd be happy to get it to you somehow. Just let me know. 99 hours to go!

Backpack Backpack

I just bought my big ol' hiking backpack that I'll be shoving all my stuff into. It's an obnoxious light blue color so it'll be easy to spot on the carousel. Don't hate! 170 hours to go!

Try This!!

Can you name the countries of Europe??  My record is 1min 40secs!

Final Stretch!

Tomorrow night I'll be talking at my church here in Atlanta about the plans for Berlin. They are having a missions conference and want to hear what they are paying for. lol It'll be a good chance to share everything that God's been doing through Chi Alpha here at Tech and what I would like them to pray about regarding the mission.

Now I just gotta pass this horrid final so I can make sure I pass all my classes. Oh! And last Plug (Chi Alpha worship service) of the semester tonight! Lord, do I need it!

May's coming out of nowhere!

It's almost overwhelming to see all the support I've been getting financially and, more importantly, spiritually. So many people from back home (Jacksonville, FL) and at my church are excited for me. I can tell because it's the first thing they ask about when they see me. I've been imagining what these next 3 week's are gonna be like. Run a million experiments, write a million papers, finals, a week of family time and packing... Then, (what?) I'm on a plane on my way to Europe! Crazy! I think I will really be shifting gears once I sit down on that first plane.

Next Friday, I'll be speaking at my church conference here in ATL about our plans in Berlin. I'll let you know how it goes.

5 Weeks Away!!

We are only 5 weeks away from leaving for our Annual Reach Europe Mission Trip!!!

Why Europe...

This Year's Promo Video!