Multumesc (mult-a-mesk)= Thank you
Cu placere (ku-pla-chera)= You're welcome
There are always key phrases that are needed to know in each country that we are in, but these phrases by far trump any other phrase we use every day (other than "da," which means "yes"). The reason we need to use these phrases is because I feel like I can't say them enough with the sweet Moldovan people. I have never met such a hospitable people in my entire life.
The other day, our pastor was able to take Sarah, Hannah, and myself to the home of an elderly woman from the church we are working with. We were told that this would only be about a 30 minute visit. She did not know we were coming, but was excited when we showed up at her doorstep.
We were escorted to her living room, had slippers put on our feet, because our shoes were left at the door, and immidiately asked if we would like coffee. We politely replied with a unanimous "da" and got comfortable. As we sat there she began to put together four stools for a little table and brought out a nice cloth to set on top. A few minutes later came our cups of coffee on top of saucers with spoons on the side. Sugar to put in our coffee was the next item to arrive in a beautiful glass dish. I was so excited to drink this cup of coffee and enjoy myself for a few minutes before we headed back to the church. Little did I know that this was just the beginning. Before we knew it there was a plate full of cake and a bowl filled to the brim of chocolate candies in front of us.
We then sat there for the next 2 hours simply enjoying the company. We could not communicate with the elderly woman and our pastor was having a conversation that we didn't want to interrupt, so the three of us began having our own conversation. Then the thought crossed my mind, "How many times would I actually do this at home?" When my friends come over I rarely offer anything to drink. I definitely don't have cake ready to eat. I also don't often have time, or try to make the time, to sit there for two hours while we talk.
I know that this woman did not have much, but she brought out what she did have to give to us. Without wanting any help, without desiring anything in return. She just wanted the company. After our pastor finished his conversation we got up to leave and she then said words that would sting my heart,
"Thank you for coming today. I am so happy because you gave me attention."
Ouch!
I just wantd to scream, "We loved it!" "We love YOU!" "God loves YOU!"
We barely spoke more than 5 sentences in our time together, but she was happy that I had even stepped foot into her house to sit and be in her presence! How often do you clear time out of your day to just sit and be with others? I know that I can't answer that question the way I would want to thinking about my life at home.
I walked away from our time together with a full heart and definitely a full stomach. All this woman wanted were people to sit with her, talk with her, and give love to her. I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to be a part of her life. She will forever have an impact on mine.
