Moldova has it’s own language….well actually they speak Romanian and Russian here.I’ve been able to pick up a few sayings, but one of my favorites is yum yum. That is probably not how you spell it but that is how I envision it. Why? Because it means meal time! I know right! Perfect! I think I may coin it and bring it back to the states to use when it’s time to eat…..I could sound crazy, but whats new right?
My new shepherd friend.
As I was sitting in a field a
shepherd and his sheep came by. I ended up saying hello, he kindly
escorted me
down the field with his sheep talking to me in Romanian while I smiled
and nodded. At one point I
think he asked me to marry him as he reached for my hand to hold it
(inter-digitary),
but I quickly changed the subject to his sheep and his home…..an
awkward but endearing moment 🙂
Flowers from Maria.
While out praying walking Derek and I made our
way up a hill and passed by a house with an incredible garden! I have found out
on the World Race that I LOVE flowers, they just bring so much life and
joy!
Well, I told Maria, in English so she really didn’t understand me, that I
loved
her garden and that it was absolutely beautiful! She smiled and went
back into
her gate. I thought I said something so Derek and I headed back down the
path. A few minutes later I heard
my name and she had picked some roses for me! I thanked her and prayed
with her
and gave her a big hug! The flowers may have been simple to her but such
a gift from her and the Lord!
Well, only 2 days later I was at church for the grand
opening and she came walking by on her way to the hardware store! I
honestly
felt like I just saw a long lost friend, it’s not every day you see a stranger that you know in Moldova. 🙂
This time there was an interpreter nearby so I could get her name,
thank
her for the flowers, and tell her more about church. Thank you Lord for
this
special gift and new friend. Hoping to stop by her house one last time
before we leave. Please be in prayer for her.
Chopping Wood. Also while on our walk we ended up stopping to talk with a
newly wed couple who was expecting. The husband was chopping wood while the
wife watched and talked with him. We ended up staying with them for a little
while and helped them chop wood (Derek did most of the chopping, but I tried 1
piece) and I talked with the wife in my very limited Romanian �” mainly through
smiles and love. They showed us their rabbits and got them out so we could
play/pet with them. It was a short time but a time we just got to enter into
someone’s life, share some love and give a gift (I left the flowers with her). They were very sweet and full of joy! Just fun to be around…..
Free Fruit friends.
It’s a simple story but a testament to Moldovan culture. During the grand opening of the church I was watching Gabby, a son of
one of the missionaries here that I have fallen in love with! He ran
over to a
vrrum vrum (aka car) and in curiosity looked in the trunk which was
filled with
watermelons and he got really excited. We said hello to the man at the
car and
told him I only know English. “Ah, American.� Yes, American. He smiled
and gave
me a melon. Not sure what kind, but a huge blessing and gift from the
man. They people here open up their home (or cars) and all they have for guests, this time was no different.
And my favorite part of Moldova, my walks. The country side is breathtaking and refreshing
here.
I’ve learned through my month in Haiti to cherish your walking time.
Here in Cornesti there are endless paths and country roads to walk down.
Our prayer walks around Cornesti have become some of my most favorite
and sacred times. These walks and this area (around the railroad) I will
miss dearly.Thank you for this gift this month Lord and for the many unique aspects of Moldova.
