Work hard today, but I need you tomorrow.
We started our first actual ministry today. It was long and hard, but oh, so worth it. Yesterday as we were driving from the city of Chisinau to the town of Chinesti, I learned so much.
I get sick in hot vans, driving through streets full of potholes for 2 hours. (Could have called that)
Moldova is beautiful!! Full of green, sunflowers and amazing views!
There is very little hope in Moldova – the majority of the citizens immigrate to other countries. The population has been practically cut in half.
Our contact is amazing. It was awesome to hear him talk about his ministry here, hear his stories and see all the things he has done. The other girls in my team and I have the honor of staying in his house with his amazing family, including 4 adorable children.
Planting a church is a struggle. There is a huge orthodox background here – since 1000 a.d. And they do not make it easy for protestant churches.
Moldovans speak Moldovan, not Romanian. It’s like the difference between American English and British English.
The government is in turmoil. Half of them are Communist and half of them are what people call European-minded. They wand democracy. The senate is split right down the middle, and since they are the ones who elect the president and they need a majority vote, there hasn’t been a president for two years.
Today we got the opportunity to clear a plot of land to make a greenhouse. The church (which also houses a boys and girls home) is trying to become self sufficient, so they make their own food. A team in the past made a beaver house here. So there are beavers. Seriously.
So for 4 hours this morning, two teams got to take hoes and clear out a field of weeds. Hard work, but so rewarding. They’re starting construction tomorrow!
This afternoon we got to participate in a program for the children. We took a bunch of kids to a field and played games. These kid’s stories are heartbreaking. There was a family of 5 children that lived on their own. The oldest kid couldn’t be more than 13, but he took care of the rest. I fell in love with the youngest – she was to young to really participate in the games, so I just chased he around. To her, it was the best thing ever. They seem to unwilling to receive love – they shriek with glee when you tickle them, but push away when the tickle turns into a hug. Every time I saw someone sit by one of he older girls, I saw her move away. It’s devastating that the are no used to just having a hug. I’m so excited to be able to spend more time with them. I want to give them as much love as I have gotten in my life.
Tomorrow we get to go to the market! It’s right on the street where we live and the church is on. We’re going around inviting people to go with us to a city on Sunday to see a “Strong Man” be strong and talk about Jesus. I’m not really sure how it works, but I guess he rips apart phone books and bends horseshoes and then shares the gospel. I guess he’s famous.
Just a little about living in Moldova –
People look at us like were crazy every time we walk down the street – often they will shout the only English phrase they know.
There is no a/c, running water, or showers in this town. And we are limited to a bath a week.
No internet. At all. Not even an internet cafe. As I write this, on word, I am wondering when I will be able to post it.
People will jack up the prices because they think since you are american, you must be rich. We were told to only go to one store. It’s hard to tell though, because one Moldovan Leu is worth 1/12 USD.
It’s hot. And sticky. But the Good Lord isn’t called that for nothing. We are surrounded here by uplifting and awesome people in the church. It’s easy to be ok with stinking and sweating and having blisters on your hands when you feel such immediate love from people.
We’re really lucky to be starting our Race here. I can’t wait to see what will happen in just a month.
