friends & family!! hello from Romania!! my team and i have been here for about three weeks, helping with Ukrainian refugee relief! 

i've heard so many stories, have experienced so much & have witnessed the Lord in an abundance of ways. I'll try to get those stories out as soon as possible! thank you for your patience!

as our time in Romania comes to a close, we're supposed to finish out our trip by having debrief in Egypt. A chance to reconnect with my squad, look back on all that the Lord has done, and close out my time well. 

However, a few days ago I began to dream with the Lord & ponder what it would look like to stay for a bit longer. I had the opportunity to skip debrief and extend my trip, so i said Yes! 

I was scared, not even thinking it's an option because everything in Egypt is so secure. I have secure lodging, meals, a plan, and all of my friends are there. 

Yet for the past few days the Lord has been teaching me what it looks like to truly pour out my life, my everything before the Lord. 

There's a story in John 12 of a woman named Mary and Jesus. And in this story Jesus is sitting with Pharisees and teachers of the Law in a home, and Mary comes, kneels before Jesus and pours out her jar of perfume on His feet. Her most valuable possession, her wealth, her security. She comes before Jesus and pours it all out. 

I feel like the Lord has been asking me to be like Mary lately. To pour out my everything and say to the Lord "i trust you." 

With that being said, i've decided to stay here until May 6th! I'll be helping the church I've been with these past few weeks thats providing aid and hosting Ukrainian refugees. I've also been getting to build longterm relationships with refugees who've been here for a long time and with missionary families who are helping them. I'm so excited about these next few days and all that the Lord is going to do in them!! 

Fundraising Update!! 

I still have about $390 left to raise until i'm fully funded!! If you'd like to donate you can do so here on my blog, or my venmo is 

Marissa-Newell-02

May the Lords favor be upon you, 

• M