Picking grapes, trudging across muddy paths, gathering walnuts, and eating an endless array of soups… the life of a missionary in Cornesti, Moldova. After 50 hours of travel from Ireland, 30 of which were by train, our arrival in the heart of what was once behind the Iron Curtain of Communism opened our eyes to a world totally unbeknownst to us, one that’s worlds apart from those of Haiti and Dominican Republic. It’s like we’re living in a time warp between the 1800’s and the Cold War… but with fancy 21stu Century REI gear haha. There’s not too many cars, and a good number of them are from some time before I was born. The only clothing store in town is a second-hand store (I got some sweet corduroys to keep me warm there), and all water is drawn from various wells located around town.
The countryside here is rugged and beautifully forested, almost reminding me of home at times. The people match the landscape in some ways too, as a simple, agrarian lifestyle is common to most of the Moldovan population we have seen. They tend to be rough on the outside, but when you get to know them they are extremely warm, humble, and giving.
Our World Race girls are living in a Cold War cottage, fitted with an old-school stove to heat the house and a hardcore outhouse (or squatty potty if you will). They do have a shower-;like contraption with a water heater though, something us boys are fine without. As for us, we live with Pastor Vitali and his wife and 3 kids in a small apartment. I’m pumped that we get to live just like the community does, with no running water or water heater. It does make us not want to shower too much, as Caleb and I are the only ones who have showered once since we have been here (6 days…plus 2 ridiculous travel days). You learn quickly on the race that showering everyday is overrated… D.O. is good enough to kill the B.O., if you know what I mean. We have all our meals cooked for us by women at the church, and they have yet to disappoint! I’ve never tried so many new things, with an assortment of soups being the staple to our diet…. besides the endless biscuit cookies, bread, and watermelon that we get with every meal. The mystery pâté is not so fun though, nor is the insanely sharp and strong goat cheese.
To give yall a real snapshot of life here though, listen to this story of the month so far. Last night we were invited to dinner at our neighbor Anna’s. We got there and she had us venture out into her grape vineyards to collect as many Concord grapes as we wanted to eat and to make juice. We couldn’t get over our reality… picking grapes at sunset in Moldova? Really? Wow. We put all the grapes in a bucket and smashed them down to make juice, then used this mesh cloth to strain all the seeds, stems and skin. The girls skinned potatoes and prepped other pieces of the meal, and then the epic feast began. There was 2 different kinds of bread with a smooth, light salsa to dip, and then another bread appetizer with some kind of onion and chive spread and cheese on top, (bangin!). Then there was sliced cheese and salami and an onion and pepper mix as well, but the peppers were white, and kinda strange. The show stopped when the main course was laid on the table… a perfectly roasted, juicy, tender, homegrown duck. It was a first for me, but probably won’t me the last. Of course, it was nicely complimented with some delicious mashed potatoes… we might as well called it thanksgiving. To end it, we had a unique fruitcake and some ridiculous watermelon, and some homemade strawberry juice to wash it down. Jesus was definitely floating heavy at this memorable meal and our prayer for Anna afterwards was one of the most thankful prayers I’ve ever prayed.
I guess thats how they do in Moldova, holla!
Ill be posting a more “spiritual” blog in the next few days, so stay tuned for some of that Holy Spirit fire!
Thanks for all your prayers and support, God is listening, He knows what’s up.
One love in J.C.,
Tommy
