My last
week and a half of ministry were spent in Cahul, Moldova, where I was given the
privilege of working at a Deaf school. I
am convinced that no-one in the history of the World Race has finished in a
more perfect place!
We
worked mostly with Class 4 which consists of 6 of the greatest kids I’ve met anywhere
in the world (I know, I claim this every month!). Ivan (12) was my psuedo-translator;
he somehow understood most of my gesturing and feeble attempts at Romanian Sign
Language. He loves to be in charge, has
an answer for every question (even those not asked of him) and would hug me at
least three times before I made it out the door each day. Roma
(12) has the sweetest voice and always ensures that his things are perfectly
ordered. He would spend minute after
minute straightening his books and aligning them perfectly with the edge of his
desk. Cristian (15) who is deaf due to early child-hood abuse carries a scar
on the back of his head as a reminder.
He has a pure heart, tender spirit and artistic soul. His patience is evident in how he deals with
the younger children and his joy is contagious.
Alexii (12) has one the best
laughs I have ever heard. He works hard
and is un-distractible when he is studying (trust me, I tried). Cristina
(15) is beautiful and loving. She would
practice the hand-clapping game all day if given the chance, she makes great
faces and gives big hugs. Natalia (13) has a great heart. She is perfectly happy to simply sit beside
me and smile, feeling and showing love through merely being close. Their teacher Maxim was also a pleasure to work with. He has taught this class for a year and a
half and plans to stick with then until they complete their last year (Class
10). He came to the school not knowing
how to sign. He has since learned the
language and fallen in love with the kids.
His patience is never-ending and his heart toward them pure.
The
children live at the school (along with about 90 others) and function as siblings. They play, work, eat fight and laugh
together. I loved being able to observe
this family, and even more being invited into it. I was included in games, hosted as an honored
guest in their dorm rooms, set a place for dinner and picked on as though I
were one of them. I couldn’t say much
since Romanian and American Sign Language have few similarities, but I could
communicate multitudes. Gestures, facial
expressions and the few signs I knew were enough to form the foundation of
friendship.
Our
last day of ministry was amazing.
Melanie, Lisa and I spent the afternoon at the school playing and sitting
in on their homework time. We then took
the kids out to Andy’s Pizza for a good-bye feast where they stuffed themselves
with pizza and dessert. It was such a
blast to be able to watch them enjoy it all.
Hands were flying in communication and laughter was ringing through the restaurant.
Each of
these kids were a joy to be with and to spend time at the school was a
last-ministry gift from God beyond all I could have hoped.
