Before I begin, let me share some fun facts about Moldova.
- If women sit down on the bare cement they will become infertile.
- Apricots are in abundance.
- Cross-breezes are not allowed.
- To be Moldovan is to be Orthodox (about 98% of the population is Orthodox Christian)
- It is absolutely beautiful here.
So, week one has come and gone. Crazy. It feels like its been 3 weeks with all the amazing stuff that has happened. I’ll do my best to break it down for ya.
We (my team and two other teams) arrived at our ministry site last Monday after a 14 hour train ride from Romania to Moldova. Our host is this awesome man of God with a passion for the Kingdom that is contagious. A majority of us our staying at the church while the rest are staying with three families.
Tuesday through Saturday are ministry days. The mornings are spent doing manual labor or other random stuff that needs to be done. After lunch our afternoons are spent helping out with the church’s kids program. We have authentic Moldovan food for each meal of the day and its delicious (although the meat is a little interesting). Another added excitement is when we run out of water, which tends to happen quite often. That means the toilets dont flush and showers only happen once a week. Livin the dream my friends!
Let me tell you though, this week has been far from typical. On Wednesday, my team and I went swimming with the kids in this sketchy lake (oh the things you’ll do for the children). Despite how murky the water was, it was so much fun. Its amazing how these kids bring out the best in you. On Saturday, my team had the incredible privilege of killing chickens. Yes, my team of warrior women took up an axe and hacked off chicken heads. Dont worry, it was all captured on film which I will post later. Mom and Dad, get excited.
And while there have definitely been outrageous moments, the Lord has been doing a might work in our midst. In a matter of days the Spirit has stirred in our hearts in such incredible and unexpected ways. Thursday morning, for instance, was one of those times. It was raining. So we decided to spend our time in prayer and worship together. Before long, we’re all on our feet, praying over each other one by one, asking the Spirit to fill our hearts. One by one declaring truth and sharing visions. It was powerful, to say the least. And it was only day three. In this past week alone, so much spiritual transformation has taken place. So much life spoken. New levels of freedom reached. Fresh revelations of the Kingdom instilled in our hearts.
Can I go back to the kids for a minute? They are awesome. In the beginning it was difficult, trying to break through walls that have hardened around their hearts. A lot of these kids live in a reality that I can’t even imagine. Some live with alcoholic parents. Others have been abandoned by their parents. All of them so worthy to be loved. And while it may take time for smiles to break out, its so worth it. Learning the art of making a complete fool of yourself is invaluable, for in doing so its like the burdens and hardships these children face are lifted, even if only for a moment. Acting crazy creates an environment of freedom for everyone to be themselves. For kids to be kids. And for joy to abound. Laughter is a powerful thing, my friends. Its beautiful.
I’m so excited for what these next three weeks have in store. Hope you are all doing well!
For the love of apricots,
cb
P.S. Once the internet situation improves I will do my best to post pics and videos. Until then, use your imagination.
