Note: This month we are in Transnistria which is somewhat of a separate country from Moldova. In the early 90's, the “country” that is now Transnistria began a civil war for independence against Moldova. Big brother Russia stepped in to stop the fighting, but essentially no resolution was ever reached. As such, Transnistria considers itself an independent country. However, Moldova still considers Transnistria a part of Moldova. Over the last 20 years, a mutual understanding has formed between the two countries and all hostilities have stopped (even though at the border there are still tanks pointed at each other). Transnistria has its own government and prints its own money. No other countries around the world recognize Transnistria as an independent country. That being said, the Transnistrians are fiercely loyal to their “country” and will defend its sovereignty at all times.
5.31.13
9:40 pm. Bus leaves Brasov, Romania
6.1.13
1:46 am. Bathroom break. We have no money to pay for the bathroom because the facility wanted payment in Euro (a currency we didn't use in Romania). Timothy “inspects” the back wheels of a parked semi truck while Hannah begs the lady to let her in the bathroom
2:11 am. Bus pulls away (bathroom break ends in success)
3:55 am. Bus stops so driver can wake everyone up and talk about border patrol process
3:58 am. Bus stops at Romania border
4:10 am. Bathroom break at the border bathroom (worst bathroom on the race and that is saying something)
5:05 am. Leave Romania border
5:09 am. Arrive at Moldova border
5:45 am. Leave Moldova border
7:15 am. Arrive at bus station in Chisanau, Moldova
7:45 am. Our team finds out that our next bus will not leave until around 2:00pm (Grrrrr!)
9:30 am. It starts raining on us!
10:00 am. Our team gets a taxi to a nearby mall to get food
10:15 am. Arrive at mall (the name of the mall is Mall Dova- how original)
10:30 am. Eat a nutritious brunch at McDonalds
12:50 am. Leave Mall Dova
1:30 pm. Arrive at bus station (there was terrible traffic on the way to the bus station)
1:50 pm. Get on bus
1:55 pm. Bus leaves Chisanau, Moldova
3:00 pm. Arrive at customs in Transnistria
3:10 pm. Customs officer asks everyone but the Americans to get off the bus
3:11 pm. We all get a little freaked out
3:12 pm. Customs officer walks to the back of the bus where we are all sitting and we have to individually tell him our reason for being in Transnistria and what level of education we have.
3:20 pm. Customs officer gets off bus and we leave the Transnistrian border
3:35 pm. We arrived at bus station in Grigoriopol, Transnistria and were greeted by our Pastor and contact
3:40 pm. Arrive at church where we will be working for the month
