So I’ve officially been in Moldova for 10 days and the funny thing is that before we got here, I didn’t know a thing about Moldova. I just knew we were going there and that it wasn’t a short journey. Both squads took a plane from Ireland to Romania, and our team stayed in Romania (lil boy we played with in Romania)
for two days waiting for train to take us to Moldova. We then took a 13 hour train ride from Bucharest, Romania to Chiseanu, Moldova and then 5 hour train ride to a small village we’re in now. Our train rides were eventful. I felt like I was back in WWII because we traveled by sleeper train and that was an ordeal. We gotten woken up like 4 times to have our passports, bags and rooms checked. I kind of felt like I was in a bad movie or bad dream, but its all good cause it was actually kind of funny. 
We arrived and met our amazing contacts, Andre, Larissa and their little boy Eric. We fell in love right away. They were so excited to have us here, all 15 of us. We set up camp in their house, taking over three of their rooms and cramming all in. I share a room with 5 girls. There are 3 of us in a bed and two on the floor along with our stuff cluttered everywhere. It can sometimes be a little irritating but we love each other so much so we get over our lack of personal space real quick. We go to the market each day to buy our food and help prepare our meals which can be interesting with 15 to cook for on a limited budget and different types of food. I love it here because there is fruit everywhere, apples, grapes (the best ever), plums and tons of veggies for like 10 american cents, UNREAL!!! I’ve learned to share everything, my space, clothes, food, money, bed and electronics. I think its only making us stronger and giving us opportunity to trust God with the little things. 
One of the big things we’ve had a chance to do over the past week and a half is PRAY. Our contacts are such an example of faithfulness in prayer and encouraging us that’s the most important element of us being here. We think God is teaching us to REST in Him and to go to Him about everything. Andre (our contact) 
has told many stories about how prayer has changed things and how God has provided for them all they need. He reminded us that if we have faith like a mustard seed, powerful to bring change that we can tell the mountain to move and it will for God’s glory. We were given the ministry of VBS with the kids for the time we were here. Its seriously been a miracle to see God move beyond the language barrier to bless these kids. 
We’ve come up with a curriculum for them each day to teach them Bible stories, songs, prayer, crafts and of course some horsing around outside to let out some steam. We have really fallen in love with these kids and we think they kinda dig us too. I’ve really enjoyed leading them in song and helping out with skits. One day we did a skit from Daniel 3 with Daniel in the lion’s den and the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego. I had way too much fun doing voices and characters to play out the story. A couple days ago we talked about Creation and I really felt the Lord telling me I needed to preach a little. I told the kids that they were created uniquely, and that God had created them to be creative just like Him. I also said He gave them talents so that they could glorify Him with them. I told them there is no one else in the world like them and God takes great pleasure in them just the way they are. We had them all draw their talents and at the end share them with everyone, sooo cool because I never really learned that as a child and what a joy to share with them.
God had given me a vision of these kids the day before and that they are the new generation and God is going to use them to be leaders for Him. What a privilege we have to be able to love them and share so much truth with them. We’ve actually had a handful of opportunities as a team to share testimonies, songs and sermons at the church. I’ve really enjoyed that because it pushes me to step out and speak the truth. (the pastor of the church we’re helping)
One of the first days, a few of us went to the mountains where there was rehab center Andre had started a year before. Its literally in the middle of nowhere but there are 3 guys there that are safe, getting help and getting to know Jesus. We had an opportunity to share more stories about our lives with them and how God has been faithful. I think it really touched them that we came there to talk with them. It also reminded me wherever we are there is suffering, and that the only one we can count on fully is JESUS. It was also eye-opening to see them use what they had. They were thankful for everything given to them and made the best use of it. 
During the day when we’re not preparing meals, planning our kids time or spending time with our local friends 
Irene (amazing translator) and Serg (her husband)
and contacts we have time to read, pray and journal. I have loved that because I tend to be too busy to sit still and read. I have read some amazing books, Ruthless Trust, Irresistible Revolution, Red Letters, and Compelled by Love. I would say that I just plow through and my team says I’m crazy reader! I would suggest all of these books but especially Compelled by Love by Heidi Baker.
I think God is definitely preparing my team to be strong force for Him and we’ve had our struggles. Yesterday, I was spending time with God and he began to speak to me about my heart. I need to be content with the team and place God has given me. I also need to be thankful for where I’m at and grateful for everything, even the struggles. At the very same time I was praying and worshipping my dear spiritual mama Maggie back in Flint was being woken up from her sleep to pray for my team, that we would stay strong and unified. I just love how God works! Thank you JESUS!!! 
On a funny note, we all headed to the mountains last Friday to cut corn and see the beautiful countryside. We started our journey on foot with our packs. We hiked 9 miles in 3 hours and set up camp in Andre’s mountain house. Only moments from arriving we headed back on foot to the river that divides the ukraine and moldova for a swim. We walked another 5 miles total there and back but it was worth it. We cliff jumped, rock climbed and hiked which was too much fun. 
A couple days ago we found out we would not be going to Egypt. We aren’t going because of safety reasons and we also don’t have enough contacts for all of the teams to work there. We are having whats called our ATL month which stands for ASK THE LORD. We are praying and asking God to direct our paths to the ministry He wants our team to do next month and whichever Eastern European country He wants us at. Please pray that we all hear from Him and that all the details would come together in a short amount of time. (this is leroy from last month, the puppet on the left is the one I played)
Also pray for our last week in Moldova. We have 4 more days here and its been such a gift to be here. Some of my team is going back to the hospital to have a Bible Study with 3 men we had a chance to talk with today. We also would like to continue to pray for healing for the sick and share God’s truth about His amazing love to whoever He wants us to. 
Beautiful gypsy kids from today! Please pray we have more time with them!!
I have posted a video from today and talking to one of the men at the hospital. His heart became so open that he invited us back tomorrow to share more from the Bible. Love you all and thank you so much for your love and support!
