If you noticed from the Ukraine photoblog, the majority of homes in this part of the world are enclosed by gates. It makes it really difficult to get cool pictures of the quaint cottages, but I suppose it’s nice for privacy.
These people were all about their gates. The wooden ones would be splashed with brilliant hues of paint and those made of metal were ornately decorated.
Our contact in Moldova was telling us that we would notice a lot of that here, too because it is a culture that is all about appearances (Hmm… that’s unfortunate for month 11 World Racers).
“Everything is a façade,” he continued.
The people figure if they invest in a great posterior (like the gate), no one will look beyond it and see the true state they’re living in.
We experience this mindset firsthand almost daily.
Come cobblestone streets, treacherous weather, or wobbly public transit, these girls will brave 5″ heels like it’s their job. They are dressed to the nines every single day. So you can imagine the way we get looked up and down as we pile in rocking our threadbare, ratty clothes and sawdust covered fleeces. Our contacts felt so bad for us that they took us our shopping several times. “You’re sure you don’t need new shoes?”
Well, I was until I saw the look on their faces as they surveyed the wreckage on my feet.
It’s all about that gate. That first impression you get of me.
But underneath, it is generally a very hopeless society. People don’t trust their government. They don’t see promise for their future within Moldova. People want to get out.
Steeped in Orthodox Christianity since the 900’s, the country is not lacking in religion, but the church is stale and lifeless. The church is not known for its love or grace. It is a very solemn place where people are stoic and serious.
As I sat there, putting my pen to paper, my heart was heavy for this nation.
But before I could get too deep in sympathy, the wrecking ball swung back my direction and crashed into my reality.
I was like this. For so many years of my life, this was my reality.
Finding value in performance and appearance. Keeping the gate fancy while my ceiling caved in.
But PRAISE GOD for His mercy and grace! Praise God for a chance to be spared from this hopeless and futile way of thinking! And praise God for opportunities like this to be reminded of where he has brought me from, because all too often I find myself retracing my steps.
Thank you, supporters and readers, for enabling me to go on a little field trip beyond the gate this year. I pray that yours has been opened too.
