1. We are doing ministry in the country of Moldova. However, inside this country is another "country" called Transnistria. It is not viewed as a true country by the UN, but they do so we have to agree. Moldova has strong ties with Romania, Transnistria is more like Russia. Locals believe that the USA is going to come and destroy their country one day.
2. We are working 12-15 hour days during the week. Let's just say the teams are pretty tired, but still pushing!
3. Our contact is a former bodybuilder named Yuri. In the early days of his church, he preached outside because they had no building. For the two years he preached outside, it never rained on his church. Every Sunday he was interrogated for hours by the KGB. Very intense dude!
4. Its cold. Not snowstorm in Canada cold, but I'm from Miami and I dont have the proper clothes cold.
5. The women here dress like fashion models. They got nothing on the G squad women, but the women make most at home look like hobos.
6. The people genuinely want to learn English! This makes teaching so much more fun. The other day we taught them the song "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Not sure if there is anything funnier in the world!
"Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes."
7. This country is still communist, to a degree. There are a few places of capitalism, but everyone still acts as though the iron curtain is on them.
8. We are having Thanksgiving dinner with many Russians! They are bringing popular dishes like placenta (dont ask, just eat).
9. People here think I'm a terrorist or Muslim with my beard. As one church member told me, a good Christian should hate a Muslim. I'm pretty sure he was kidding.
10. Ordering food here is hilarious. None of us can read the menus, so we do our best describe what we want and hope the server brings back what we asked for.
11. The month is going by too fast. The church is amazing here and have been such a pleasure getting to know. God is using Pastor Yuri in ways that are incredible. He is a great leader and I know that God is being glorified!
