Dear Semenyuk family, Mary Kay ladies, English students, Park attendees, Dima (waiter from Shokolad), and all the Random people we met alongs the way,

 
What can I say about Transnistria? 
Transnistria, a Moldova breakaway, whose political status is unrecognized. Transnistria is a dry, ugly little non-existing country influenced by the Russian mafia. 
 
Our ministry for the month was pretty consistent. We taught English, helped with English clubs and classes, passed out flyers inviting students to practice English in the park and practicing English in the park with students.
 
Our ministry schedule was as follows: 
Mondays – Off day
Tuesdays – 9am-11am English class; 4-6 Youth English class; 9pm-11pm Beginner English class.
Wednesdays – 9am-11am English class; 2-4 Invite University students to practice English in the park; 4-6 Youth English class, 5:30-6:30/7 Sports ministry, 5-6:30 Practice English in the park with students we invited; 9pm-11pm Beginner English class.
Thursdays – English class; 4-6 Youth English class; 9pm-11pm Beginner English class.
Fridays – 9am-11am English class; 2-4 Invite University students to practice English in the park; 4-6 Youth English class, 5:30-6:30/7 Sports ministry, 5-6:30 Practice English in the park with students we invited; 9pm-11pm Beginner English class.
Saturdays – 9am-11am English class; 11am-2pm Youth Evangelism; 3-5 Youth service; 6-8 Young adult service.

Sunday – 11am-3:30pm Morning service/working with kids; 4-6:30ish Second service/working with kids.

Who made Transnistria beautiful:

English club in the park:
 
I don’t know if you could guess by the schedule, but this was one of our busiest months on the Race.

 
During our time in Transnistria we were often asked how we liked it there; this was a common question. Whenever I would respond by expressing my love for the country, I would receive confused looks followed by the question, "Why?". I would then be told how ugly the country is, how there is nothing to do, etc.
 
Transnistria is the most beautiful place I have ever been to. 
 
Yes the unrecognized country is hideous.
It took hours to exchange money.
It was a pain to get money from the ATM.
The government is evidently corrupt. 
The markets in this communist country rarely have what you need.
Half hour walk, at least, to and from the grocery store.
There was nothing interesting.
Nothing to do.
Nothing to see.
Half hour walk to bus stop every morning and back from bus stop every night.
Random non-English speaking Transnistrian man always walking through your house.
Half hour bus ride from where we were staying to our ministry location was always an adventure.
Drunk people following us.
Police/guards always suspicous of us.
Ministry contact has been persecuted and threatened by the mafia.
Having to keep evangelism, ministry and everything concerning Christianity on the down low.
Etc.
 
Despite ALL that, I would honestly consider Transnistria one of the most beautiful, most interesting places I have ever been; in no way because of location, landscape, nor the oppressive culture.
 
I absolutely fell in love with Transnistria. Why you might ask. Why have I fallen in love with this unlovable non-existing place? Why would I choose this country to return to and consider it to be the most beautiful above Ireland, Kenya, Ukraine, Moldova, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique?
 
. . .
 
Dear Semenyuk family, Mary Kay ladies, English students, Park attendees, Dima (waiter from Shokolad), and all the Random people we met alongs the way,