Moldova. Ever
heard of it? I hadn’t until I signed up for this trip and it was added to the
route of countries… I remember thinking ‘where?!’
heard of it? I hadn’t until I signed up for this trip and it was added to the
route of countries… I remember thinking ‘where?!’
Tucked in between
Romania & Ukraine, Moldova is the poorest of the European countries. The
economy depends strongly on agriculture- featuring fruit, veggies, and WINE. Life
is hard for Moldovans. To add to the lack of wealth, Communism and Orthodox
Christianity offer little Hope for the future.
I have been in
this country now for a week. We are staying in a home equipped with one
space heater, an outdoor squatty potty, and NO running water. =) I’m always up
for a good adventure & this month is just that: We actually hike
with a bucket to get all our water from a well.
this country now for a week. We are staying in a home equipped with one
space heater, an outdoor squatty potty, and NO running water. =) I’m always up
for a good adventure & this month is just that: We actually hike
with a bucket to get all our water from a well.
photos by Beka
The people that
live here do not want to be here. I’m not assuming this; they are coming flat
out and saying it. Last week I visited a school, and sat in on 4 different
classrooms- ranging from ages 7 to 16. When I asked the students what their
future plans were and what they wanted to do when they grew up, the only
response I got was… ‘Come to America with you’, and ‘Get out of Moldova’. Just
as I overlooked the significance of this country, so do the natives. There is an
obvious blanket of oppression, and it breaks my heart that I come from a
country that has PRIDE and OPPORTUNITY, while Moldova is SHAMEFUL of their nation.
live here do not want to be here. I’m not assuming this; they are coming flat
out and saying it. Last week I visited a school, and sat in on 4 different
classrooms- ranging from ages 7 to 16. When I asked the students what their
future plans were and what they wanted to do when they grew up, the only
response I got was… ‘Come to America with you’, and ‘Get out of Moldova’. Just
as I overlooked the significance of this country, so do the natives. There is an
obvious blanket of oppression, and it breaks my heart that I come from a
country that has PRIDE and OPPORTUNITY, while Moldova is SHAMEFUL of their nation.
We have seen
countless situations of poverty this year throughout Asia & Africa. The
oppression in Moldova ranks right up with them. This country is HUNGRY for change. Our purpose for being here is to partner with as many churches, schools, and community centers as we
can to bring this nation HOPE. We are running youth programs, and establishing
relationships with the people among the rural community. Among many other things last week, we visited students, joined taekwondo classes, and helped plant trees… All with encouraging words and smiles.
countless situations of poverty this year throughout Asia & Africa. The
oppression in Moldova ranks right up with them. This country is HUNGRY for change. Our purpose for being here is to partner with as many churches, schools, and community centers as we
can to bring this nation HOPE. We are running youth programs, and establishing
relationships with the people among the rural community. Among many other things last week, we visited students, joined taekwondo classes, and helped plant trees… All with encouraging words and smiles.
I overlooked
Moldova, in fact the whole world has pretty much overlooked Moldova. This is a country full of
wonderful people and culture. It is also a country disheartened by lack of
opportunities. No one should have to live ‘down in the dumps’ like this, and I
am so honored to be able to interact with the people of this Nation… This is already on it’s way to being my favorite month on the Race. I’m even
learning Romanian (Their main language)
Moldova, in fact the whole world has pretty much overlooked Moldova. This is a country full of
wonderful people and culture. It is also a country disheartened by lack of
opportunities. No one should have to live ‘down in the dumps’ like this, and I
am so honored to be able to interact with the people of this Nation… This is already on it’s way to being my favorite month on the Race. I’m even
learning Romanian (Their main language)
Lesson Learned: Don’t overlook anyone. Just because a place is not well known does not mean it isn’t full of INFLUENCE! Moldova HAS Influence. I see it after just one week… They just need to realize it.
