Yes, welcome to Moldova! Moldova is in fact a country just as Delaware is truly a state.
Forewarning: This blog was written over the course of a few days in a Word document since I don’t have internet. I will date the sections for your convenience and my sanity. It will still be all over the place.
Friday 10.14.11
It is 10:30 pm and I’ve retreated to my flat on the second floor amidst a destitute town. I’ve retreated to Mat Kearney’s Runaway Car and the 40-degree lufuma sleeping bag that Mark and Kelley Yohe insisted I take after my appeal to travel the world a bit lighter. Whoever suggested that I should not bring a sleeping bag was insane. So, thanks again to the Yohes. Moldova is bone-chilling this time of year. Sunday 10.16.11 My nose never ceases to run, but it releases clear fluid (not green), so I am okay by my momma.I have yet to buy a winter coat. I have just been wearing every layer I brought. The church we are working with let us rummage through their massive supply of secondhand clothes and I snagged a few sweaters. So now I smell like Goodwill…perfect. : ) Tomorrow I will take my weekly shower. I eat heaps of bread and potatoes. I admit to you that I am not very comfortable as far as personal “rights” are concerned. You know, just in case you couldn’t tell from the above ramblings… : )
My apartment building.
Sunday morning market.
Yes, my comfort level has decreased, but more significant matters frequently trump this uncomfortable state.
Now for an “FYI” session… Let me tell you a bit about Moldova. This country has lost approximately 50% of its population within the past decade due to emigration. It’s astonishing, however, I don’t doubt this statistic because many of the buildings in this town are vacant and rundown. It is said that many parents will move elsewhere such as Italy, Romania, and Russia in order to make money and send it back to their children here in Moldova. Unfortunately, many of these orphans spend the little money they receive on drugs and/or fall into sex trafficking. Situations vary, of course. I could go on about the ‘hopelessness’ of this place. Am I really still in Europe?
Glimpse of the many vacant buildings.
Little boy I see in town everyday.
The ministry I am working with makes me more than excited. The ministry contact makes me double excited…yes…double excited. I feel as if for the first time in my life I will be working toward and learning about what I am truly passionate…combating human trafficking. Our contact, Vitalie (only 28) started a church here in Cornesti (pronounced Corn-esht) not too long ago. God gave him a vision to plant 30 churches in 30 years in his country. Through the church, he has also established an NGO that is a shelter for youth. Currently, there are about 12 orphans. Some are trafficking victims and others have been prone to the cycle. And if all this isn’t a lot to juggle, there is additionally a small farm through which he hopes to become self-sustaining for all parts of the ministry. There are other facets as well…all fresh and exciting! I’ve only been here a few days and this man’s passion for the spiritual and physical restoration of his country stuns my mind.
So far, I have worked on the “land.” This included feeding the beavers (yes, beavers) and pigs, harvesting gourds, hoeing on a mudslide of a hill, and picking tomatoes (I ate a few). It is hard work, but I will work in the freezing cold and hail any day that so directly saves lives.
Cute, right? Pictures of beavers are to come.
I think you’ve heard enough, or I think I’ve typed enough.
But here are some fun facts for you. I think they’re fun…or maybe I just can’t ponder up a better adjective.
-As I already mentioned, the farm has beavers. There are approximately 40. They look a little different than beavers to me, but we like to call them beavers for the sake of the name. There may be a beaver barbeque in the near future.
-Before I use the facilities, I gather a bucket of water to take with me. This is for flushing.
-I sleep with a My Little Pony comforter over my sleeping bag. I would have been overjoyed about this 16 years ago.
-My contact is HILLARIOUS. And that’s an understatement. And his family is beautiful. They are an inspiration. They are housing nine of us missionaries in their home. A little orphan boy already lives in their kitchen. Kingdom minded, for sure.
-My hands smell like goat cheese. I helped make dinner tonight and had to mix the noodles and cheese…with my hands.
-God is pressing me to pray more than ever before. He keeps showing me different verses. Today, I read in 1 Thessalonians, chapter five how it is the will of God for us to pray without ceasing.
-I have a much-needed 8-am run with some fellow world-racers down the street. I am dreading it because it will most likely be roundabout 29 degrees.
-I love it here! It is scary at times. It is uncomfortable most times. But I see the Kingdom being advanced. God is revealing His heart for His people.
I am here for 23 more days and I want to serve these people and this land with all that I am (from, through, and to the LORD). I am not exactly sure what this practically looks like, but I am open to what He wants from me.
Love to you all. I’m out. 12:14 am Monday 10.17.11
