The Curcas

“To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being.”

Today I had the pleasure of picking up Sebi from childcare. We got in the car and we went by the Charles River to see the ducks. After a little walk we were hungry so I decided to use our hunger as an excuse to eat a burger. I know that’s unhealthy, but that’s not the point of my story . Once at the fast food place, Sebi saw the little toy display that shows the happy meal toys. I did not pay much attention and went ahead and ordered two burgers. After I ordered I noticed Sebi trying to get to the toys. So did the woman working there and another customer. I really did not want to spend another $4 on a happy meal since I already purchased two burgers. I manage to move him to our table without much fuss.

When it was time to pick our meal, I noticed the woman leaving the counter, going to the back, picking up a little toy car, and handing it to me at no cost. I was stunned. Not because of the value of the car. Not even because the fast food place was so generous. But because this woman noticed my son a few minutes ago, chose to stop serving a customer for a few moments, walked to the back, and brought the toy. Wow. Talk about a little act of kindness that took me by surprise. I am wondering why I was surprised. Is it that I am not used to this kind of act of kindness?

A few things that I learned and was reminded of:

1) Stress does not excuse the lack of kindness. This woman had a line of people that needed to be served. Yet she chose, in this stressful time, to show kindness.

2) A random act of kindness, small as it may be, can give hope in a time of need.

3) Kindness needs to be a way of life. You must look for situations that allow you to practice it. This woman was able to be kind because she saw an opportunity.

4) These acts of kindness need not be grand. They can be as little as a cheap Chinese make toy car.

5) Kindness is contagious.

Be more kind to our fellow human beings. Actively seek those situations where you can show kindness. Maybe once a week do something kind that you wouldn’t normally do. Who knows, maybe before you know it, you will do something once a day. People will notice, and will follow your example.

“No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”

YouTube – First driving Lesson.

I think my son has talent. In a few years he will steal my car keys. He was not happy when it was time to go home.

Picasa Web Albums – Cu bunicii in 2003.

Multumesc Bica pentru tot ceea ce ai facut pentru noi. Multumesc pentru ca ai avut grija de noi in fiecare vara cand eram copii. Multumesc ca, pentru 3 luni in fiecare an, ti-ai deschis casa sa primesti trei copii nazdravani. Multumesc pentru mancarurile gustoase care le-ai pregatit pentru noi. Multumesc pentru toate cadourile pe care ni le-ai dat atat noua cat si parintilor nostrii. Desi nu am fost intotdeauna cei mai buni copii, ai continuat sa ne primesti in fiecare vara si sa ne iubesti cum ai stiut mai bine. Imi aduc aminte de multe lucruri care le-am facut sa te amarasc. Imi aduc ca am rupt florile, am omarat catva pui, si multe cele. Insa dumitale ai continuat sa ne iubesti. Multumesc pentru hinta. Multumesc pentru amintirile care o sa le am pentru restul vietii. Multumesc! Thank you grandma.

My grandma passed away Tuesday 8.4.09. Here are some picture from 2003. After Moni and I got married we went and visited my grandparents. They were so sweet to Moni.

Picasa Web Albums – Cu bunicii in 2003.

Picasa Web Albums – My big boy

A few pictures we shoot while walking by the Charles River. This particular place is probably one mile from our apartment. There are people biking, walking, canoeing, barbecuing, or simply sitting on the grass. Also, there is a nice water park where Sebi loves to play. A couple of pictures are from downtown Boston.

My big boy

“You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit, and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”

These are Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-7). Here are a few things worth mentioning …

-The church knew Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. They knew their reputation as men who preached not only empty words, “but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance.” (v5a)

-Because of that report, the people of Thessalonica became imitators. When people choose to live powerful lives for Christ, others are not only encouraged to follow them, but are also pointed to the Lord. (“you became imitators of us AND of the Lord.).

-As a result of this imitation, “[they] became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”

A strong life grounded in Christ becomes a clear example to other believers. They imitate that life and become closer to Lord. In turn, the imitators become examples to others. This is what discipleship is all about. The truth is that we are all in a “discipleship” circle.  We see an example, we imitate, and we become examples to others.

Who is an example in your life? Are they pointing you in the right direction? If not, you might turn around and point others in the wrong direction. Is your life one that is worth imitating? Would you be proud seeing a third, forth generation of your imitators?

I love the picture above because it shows that we are being imitated all the time. Don’t be fooled thinking that nobody is seeing you as an example. If you breathe someone is following you. Live a life worth imitating and in turn seek to imitate those people who, “in power, in the Holy Spirit”, make you an even better imitator of Christ.

Last Saturday we went for a bike ride by the charles river. A mile into our ride we found this nice park so we had to stop. Sebi was walking in the water by himself until he saw a little boy “swimming” (his hands were on the bottom of the pool). Of course my boy wanted to try it as well but his hands were to short. But with daddy’s help everything is possible .

YouTube – Sebis first swimming lesson.

Yesterday it rained once again in Boston.  Sebi and Monica were in the living room, when I had the greatest idea . Sebi and I had to go outside in the rain and play in the puddles. Before you judge me, let me explain. My boy was born in  Southern California where it doesn’t rain. I think, in the last two years, he has seen rain twice or three times (exaggeration to make a point) and never has he actually played in it. So … I asked Sebi, who was still playing with his mommy: Sebi, do you want to go play in the rain? His answer was: “Bye. mama”. He was more than ready to get wet. Need I mention that Sebi loved being in the rain.

YouTube – Sebi playing in the rain.

I found this “old” video of Sebi in my Iphoto library. He must have been 13-14 months old, so almost a year ago. Hasn’t he change allot?  I can’t believe my eyes. This is a good reminder to enjoy as much as possible every stage he is in. I must confess that it is not easy to do that. Hopefully I will get better at it! What a cute boy! and I am not saying that simply because he is my son.

YouTube – Sebi soon after he started walking.

Recently I have been reading through the book of Philippians.  This is one of the better-known biblical books since it contains often preached upon passages (Phil 2:5-11; 4). One verse in particular has hunted me for the last days, namely Phil 1:27: “Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” In the immediate context Paul is urging the Philippians to unity and to boldness in front of persecution. Although that contextual message still resounds today, I dare to ask myself – how do I live a life that is worthy of the Gospel? How to I, amid new circumstances (new city, no close friends, searching for a job), live such a life?

I have been struggling with this answer because it seems that most of my days are focused on me, and my need of a job. Even more, this necessary job search managed to take away my peace and, as a result, anxiety started to creep in. This anxiety, subdue as it may be, continues to grow. These signs seem to point to a life lived for the self, a life governed by self-reliance. How can I chance my life amid these circumstances in order that it may become worthy of the Gospel?

The answer to my endeavor is in Philippians chapter 4. Paul says that “the peace of God which surpasses all knowledge will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.  This peace is reached when one “[doesn’t] worry about anything, but in everything, through petition and prayers, [lets his] request be made know to God.” The core issue is trust in God. When that trust is broken anxiety moves in and peace moves out.

My life can became worthy of the Gospel if I choose to always, regardless of circumstances, put my trust in God alone. This season of my life needs to be governed by that trust. It is interesting that, in the passage,  God does not promise to grand the request; actually there is no mention of an answer. The only thing claimed is that peace will surely follow when one trust in God. I pray that God will give me the strength to cast my anxiety on him; to trust him at all times. The result will be a life lived in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

The Curcas have picked up the caravan and moved across the country to Boston, MA. Yup, we have done it and there’s no way back (for now). We began considering this move last summer.  While I was finishing up school, Moni was applying to grad school. Meanwhile we were working full time with Back2Back Marketing and raising our boy. Time went by fast and, after my wife was accepted at Brandeis University, we decided to move. At the end of May we sold most of our stuff, pretty much everything except what I could fit in my Honda minivan. I started driving on June 2, while Monica and Sebi flew in on the 8th. The drive was incredible, one of those once in a life time experiences. I saw the deserts  of Arizona, the Colorado mountains, the plains, Chicago, Cleveland (I saw the king James’ picture by the arena), Buffalo, New York, and the beautiful Massachusetts. Before I knew it I was in Boston. On the 8th I was joined by Monica and Sebi.

The first few days we stayed at an inn. After viewing a couple of apartments we were disappointed thinking that it would not be easy to find a place. Yet, with God’s grace, we found a beautiful apartment in Watertown, Ma. Our place is about 7 miles from Boston Common (the greatest park in Boston), and a mile and half from Harvard Square and Harvard University. We are about 4 miles from Brandeis, which is not that bad of a commute. We have a couple of parks within a 5 min walking distance, and a mall within 10 min. We managed to paint the apartment to our liking, and furnish it as much as possible.                       In the few week we have been here we got a little taste of the city. The weather is a “little different” than California but LETS leave that one alone. The city is much more urban than LA. People are walking, biking, taking the bus or metro pretty much everywhere. There are little shops at every corner selling all kind of goods.  We really like living in a very multi-cultural area of Boston, any given day at the park you can hear about 5-10 different languages.  Also we are in a Greek and Armenian neighborhood so the 3 closet mom and pop grocery stores are all middle eastern food.  Monica loves this because anytime she needs some extra ingredients its right there.  We are very happy and know that we have been led by the Lord here.  We do ask that you join us as we pray for God’s continued provisions on our life.   Please pray for us to find a church that preaches the word of God and lives out a life of victorious faith (very few and far between). Please pray forme (Ovi) to find a job that will provide for us.  Please pray for us to make friends and become part of a community.  (its getting a little lonely not having our friends and family here, we really miss you guys.) Sebi is getting bigger everyday and is talking more and more we are constantly shocked to see that he understands most of what we say (in English and Romanian); please pray that we can find some good childcare for him this coming fall.  And lastly please pray that God will prepare Monica to be diligent in her studies and that while it will be a big change for her she will transition seemlessly. Thank you so much.

Pictures from my Cross Country

Picasa Web Albums – Cross Country Drive – Cross Country Drive.

Short Videos from Boston

Picasa Web Albums – Mihai – San Francisco friends and Kids.

Last Sunday we took a quick trip up to San Francisco to see our friend Cora from Deva.  We did the typical tourist things: boat ride around the bay, embarcadero walk and WE sans Sebi got to go on a date to little Italy.  It was really nice to visit with Cora – she is a nanny for three kids, only one of them Anika age 2 1/2 joined us.  She is a real cutie, Sebi and her had a two day romance that ended abruptly when we had to leave on Tuesday night at 9 pm.