Whenever God changes man’s plans, there is a reason. Our initial plan of being in Russia for the 3rd month was changed to Moldova, then changed to Transnistria. We were told, “you will be in Transnistria. Transnistria is a country that doesn’t technically exist. It has fought, won, and declared independence from Moldova. However international governments do not recognize it as an independent nation. Therefore it’s a country that doesn’t exist. It is aided by Russia, therefore it’s a communist country full of KGB and mafia. Do not take any pictures of military, tanks, anything.”
Add to that we arrived on the countries independence day on which they invite military from surrounding countries to march in the celebration parade. So fourteen doe-eyed Americans watch as military men pile out of covered trucks fully armed throughout the city. Father, what did You get us into?
We found very quickly that what we had learned about Transnistria was not true. Within a week we had fallen in love with this beautiful country, with its beautiful people, and their eagerness to meet and talk to “REAL LIVE AMERICANS!” We have taught English for 4 weeks to young (10, 11 years old) and older (50’s, 60’s). We began enunciating excessively, talking with our hands (more than I usually do), and for some reason, speaking louder to everyone; including my own teammates.
Because of the Soviet influence on the culture of Tiraspol, many appear depressed, solemn, showing very little emotion. When we would take pictures (we found out you CAN take pictures there…) we would tell our Russian friends to smile with American smiles (teeth), not Russian smiles (no teeth). Yet in spite of their solemn appearance, they were drawn to us crazy Americans with our loud laugh and highly emotional personalities. I don’t think it was just because we were Americans, but because of something deeper. A hunger in their hearts for the freedom and love from the Lord.
Coffee with REAL LIVE AMERICANS (and Russians)! Love these girls so much!!
Many just could not believe that we would quit our jobs back in America and do this. Why would anyone quit their jobs? In Transnistria, jobs are very difficult to find, so if you have a job, you keep that job. Well, beloved of Transnistria, I came because of the freedom and the love I found in the Lord. To many Transnistrians, religion is a building, rules, something to do on big celebrations. I grew up going to church but for many years, church was just a building, rules, a place I would go to feel better about myself. I definitely would not think about anything of the Lord throughout the week .
This last year especially I have seen and experienced the LOVE of the Lord in a new way and can’t get enough of Him. I’ve been able to hear the Lord say ‘Sarah I love you! You are my daughter!’ and really believe Him! My heart is for these beautiful people to realize that! That religion is so much more than a place to go occasionally, a set of rules to follow, a worry of whether or not you are ‘doing’ enough to get into heaven. It’s freedom. Jesus. Hope. Love. Assurance of eternity through faith alone.
Some pretty awesome boys from church
The kids from Enlish at the Park
Our morning English class
Oh, yeah, and pretty much the best part ever… a Futball match!!!! Ole!!!
