The first week we spent in Michloshane. We boarded a bus with our translator, Mihai each morning and spent a few hours playing with the neighborhood kids after school. It was really fun to get to know them, nd we saw many a rain & hail storm while there. Their church feeds the needy kids in the neighborhood and provides a safe place for them to play.
The second week, we packed up and moved to Calumanesti, where we joined Natasha & Arkadi’s ministry to the children of the village there. We had 2 hours after school to play with the kids and teach them a little Bible Study- We played games, sang songs, and taught them about the Fruits of the Spirit, the Armor of God, Being a Good Friend, How to Pray, and How To Be a Blessing. They were so cute and are HUGE fans of musical chairs
While at Arkadi & Natasha’s house, we got fed WELL! We helped Natasha peel potatoes, make invertitia, make cookies, and other baking adventures. We got to be in Calumanesti for Palm Sunday, and I got to do a little elementary school flashback by teaching them how to make palms!
The following week, we went back to Nisporeni to live with Victor’s family again. He had set up little presentations with the local school for us to come in and teach English as well as share what our journey has been. I gotta say, it felt a little scandalous to speak in a public school about Jesus. The kids were so interested about our lives back in America, and I loved getting to know them as well.
One of my favorite parts of the month was EASTER!!! Easter is a big holiday in Moldova, as “To be Orthodox is Moldovan”. I was slightly dreading the first big holiday away from home, but God totally provided all the family I needed. First of all, the Easter Bunny woke us up with lots of candy! Not just any candy, but American candy, thanks to Myrna!! Roberto & I shared at church that morning (the most important Sunday all year! Crazy that I spoke in front of all those people) and then we came home to a FEAST! We did another church/big dinner at Calumanesti, but my favorite part of the day was getting to Skype with my family. The camera was pointed at the dinner table, so I got to chat with them during Easter dinner! Thankful.
The following Monday was a holiday, so the church threw a picnic in the forest. We weren’t quite sure what they meant by the “forest”, but it was literal! We had a fun day full of volleyball, soccer, barbeque (well, grilling), and just hanging out. I went on a solo hike and loved getting the alone time in the Lord’s creation
There’s a lot more that went on in Moldova, but I can look back on it and see that we made a difference. Be praying for this country, as much of them are unemployed, many experience depression, and the economy seems to be irreparable. God will do great things in this country!
(there’s more pictures that go with this post, but it was taking too long to upload!
