–80% of the country is unemployed
–Over 50% of the population has emigrated in the last 10
years
–40% of human trafficking victims are kids
–In 2008, there were 25,000 victims of trafficking for
forced labor
–Every hour 6 people die, 5 people are born, and 4 people
emigrate
–Moldova is the leading European country for human
trafficking
–It’s also the leading European country for alcoholism
–Women are second-class citizens; spousal abuse is a huge
problem.
This isn’t all Moldova is
though…
It’s true that
the spirit of hopelessness and depression are heavy here. It’s true that injustice reigns in a
corrupted church that oppresses and even murders opposition. It’s also true that the only place I
was able to shower this month was once a week in a brothel, and a real sex
trafficker lives 50 feet from where I’m writing this blog…
But this isn’t MY Moldova.
My Moldova looks like this:
**I got to enjoy
Moldova in the autumn, so I enjoyed orange, red and yellow leaves and rolling
hills! Cornesti is a charming
village with beautiful people and vibrant nature.
—
**Hardworking people
who do the best with what they have.
With no electricity, water, or means of employment, they work their land
and enjoy its fruits.
**Beautiful side
streets that wind up and down the town.
Dogs everywhere, grape vines, horses-drawn carriages…
**Even the rough
exterior of the houses (and the people) are just a façade. Beauty is everywhere! You just have to look for it.
**Outhouses! No matter how many squatty potties I
used this year – nothing can replace a porcelain toilet! Cornesti is charming, but I really miss
plumbing : )
Yes, this is MY
Moldova. A vibrant place with
vibrant people all longing to know Christ! I’m so glad I had the honor to bring Him to this place on my
last month of the race!
