Sometimes, ministry looks like going and cleaning houses!  And that's what we did the other week for our sister Gabbi.  She is a sweet lady from the church we attend (and live at) while here in Romania.  

Whitney and I took on the kitchen, Shelby and Courtney tackled the bathroom, and Maci and Bianca helped in the living room.  We didn't spend a long time cleaning, but just enough time to have everything looking spic and span.  

It reminded me of cleaning my Grandma's place.  Usually, any time we visited, I would end up washing her dishes (which is what my task was at Gabbi's) and cleaning out her refrigerator.  All my dogsitting clients know I love to clean--especially refrigerators :)  

After we were done cleaning, we sat with Gabbi, let her talk about her deceased husband, her younger days, and her trust in God.  You could tell she enjoyed the company.  We took pictures with her, prayed with her, and then she walked us down to see us off.  

As we said goodbye, we gave her a hug and in return received a kiss on the cheek.  

If I'm completely honest, this has been one of my favorite "ministries" in Romania.  If I'm even more honest, it was one of the toughest as well.  There was such a connection between Gabbi and my grandma.  As we hugged and she kissed us goodbye, my eyes filled with tears.  I felt like I had just hugged my grandma.  Although we went there to "minister" to her, she has no idea how much she ministered to me. 

Gabbi came to church this past Sunday and told our host that our group was special.  At the end of the service, I got a chance to tell her how much of an impact she's had on my life.  Sometimes God gives us opportunities to let people know how much of an impact they've had on our lives--don't let them sneak by.  Sometimes it's the hope the person needs to help keep them fighting.  Ministry is life, life is ministry.  Live what you believe.      

Shelby, Bianca, Florina, and I ended up going back today just to talk. She was thrilled for the company and ended up giving us rings to remember her by.