Here’s a rundown of the happenings in Ocnita, Moldova:
When we first arrived by train, it was 4:30 am and we were all barely coherent. Our contact, Andrei Luca, met us at the station with a big grin and happy demeanor which I could not help but appreciate. We all piled into his van which reminded me of the van that Shaggy and Scooby Doo rode in on their many adventures.
My team was brought to a quaint little house surrounded by gorgeous flowers and a friendly dog named Scooby…haha, what a fun coincidence! When it was light enough out, we were given a tour of our new living space and I immediately fell in love with it! Our home has two bedrooms and a kitchen that we share with the Luca family. Our bathroom, laundry, shower, and water in general are all outside. We use a squatty-potty as our toilet, hand-wash our clothes in buckets and hang them to dry, heat water up in a pot for warm bucket showers, and get ALL our water from a well.
So far, we have truly enjoyed our experience here. We absolute adore Andrei and Larisa! They have been such wonderful hosts, friends, and ministry companions. They have been solid and joyful examples of serving people as Christ did. They have been so loving, generous, and genuine with their time and space towards us! I will miss them a great deal when we leave.
Our ministry focus has been centered on Andrei’s church (House of Prayer). We go to the House of Prayer every afternoon to play games with the kids, act out a Bible story, and teach a little bit of English to the kids. This month has literally been about spending time with kids that don’t have the best home lives, may not have parents, may not have anyone to take care of them, may not have eaten, etc. These children only want to be loved and given attention to. So that’s exactly what our team has been doing! Each one of us has immersed ourselves into spending time with these kids, letting them know that we love them by playing with them and giving them our undying attention. A simple hug, a smile, a tousle of the hair, a kiss on the hand, laughing together…..you name it and they get it. It’s no-holds bar here – these kiddos need to be loved.
My heart has been drawn to loving on these kids even when I’m exhausted and would rather rest. They have stolen my heart and I doubt I’ll get it back. I’ve been leaving pieces of my heart in every country I’ve been to so far – by the time I get back, my heart will be spread all over the nations! I believe that’s what God has asked each of us to do anyways – to love the least of these, to love others over yourself, to love as Christ did. Ephesians 5: 1-2 says this: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” This has been my constant reminder while on the Race. When I’m tired, sad, upset, or need space – this verse has been encouraging and challenging for me. God calls us to love as He has loved….it’s hard but worth every minute of it!
I’m so thankful for this month, for the Luca family, for the kids we get to play with and teach, for everything God has done within our team. He is so good to His children – even when it hurts. His love surpasses everything we could ever hold in high esteem…it is totally encompassing and life-giving! An abundant and boundless life with Him is all I’ll ever want and need.
