Village Outreach (Love Moldova B)

Time sure seems to be going a lot faster here in Moldova. The last outreach I was on one of two village outreach teams. We mostly did children's programs, 5-6 hours every day. It was a lot of fun. My team consisted of Vitalie (LMT Paiku), Sora Paulina (LMT Paiku), Al (England/Germany/Chisinau), Ester (LMT Rezina, from Austria/ England), a family of 4 from Holland (Ellie, Gert, Jary, Noa), and Jellina (also from Holland). Note to self: try and find hagelslag when I get to LA. The two villages that we went to were Lucesti and Zirnesti. The first village was rather difficult because they mostly spoke Russian. At this point I was thinking "where are Ruslan and Zhenya?" because translation would have to go from Russian to Romanian and then into English. However, it was amazing to see the relationships that we were able to build with the kids, despite the language barrier. Us girls were able to enjoy a life of luxury in the second village with normal showers and toilets at the host home. Our team woked really well together, and I am glad that I had an opportunity to get to know everyone on my team. However, at the moment, I am really tired and am looking forward to having an empty room tonight :D

Construction Team (Love Moldova A)

Well, I guess it would be good to update all my prayer and financial supporters now that I have some time in Chisinau :D However, I feel that it will be hard for me to summarize the last two weeks. So much has happened! The first day was mostly spent with introductions and general information sessions. There was a total of seven people on my team Ruslan and Jenea (from Russia), Chris (from Georgia), Tamara, Rita, Gheorgie (Moldovans), and myself! Then, off to Crocmaz! Crocmaz is a village on the east side of Moldova. It was very beautiful. While there, we did children's programs and helped with some practical work. Everything was going quite well and then (dun dun dun) almost everyone got sick, including myself. 5 out of seven had some sort of stomach problem. I was out for almost an entire day, but God is good and we all recovered rather quickly. I can't help but feel that we were bombarded by so many bad things. Around the same time we all got sick the weather got very bad and there was a lot of rain. This is not such a bad thing, but it meant that out plans to actually do construction in Caplan were ruined for several reasons. So we spent an extra day in Crocmaz while we waited to hear from some people in Chisinau with word on what to do. As it turns out, we ended up going to Paiku!! Tamara was super excited about this. So was I, for many reasons. Many people on the Local Ministry Team (LMT) in Paiku want to learn English. Plus, they are starting some Community Development projects...hmmmm....sound familiar? While there, Tamara was saying that she really wants some foreigners to join the team...Oye...talk about a perfect place for me to be after graduation. However, I realize that this will require LOTS of prayer. Please pray for me in this area. I do not know if I am just telling myself that it is a good place for me or if it is actually God directing me. Luckily, one whole year till graduation. While in Paiku we did more children's programs. This is kind of ironic because most people joined the construction team so that they could try something other than kids programs. God definitely has a sense of humor. I'm sad to have said goodbye to the friends that I've made these last couple weeks, but am excited to see what god will do in the future! Tamara wants me to return to Paiku in between LM B and LM C. Hopefully, it will happen!

Our entire team. From left to right: Rita, me, Ruslan, Jenea, Chris, Gheorgie (Leader), Tamara (translator)

The sunset in Paiku. LOVE IT!

Typically, Moldovans don't smile in pictures. So, we took a "Moldovan" picture

Moldovan toilets...what can I say? Nothing other than go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmhyY4Vw17E Thanks Al!

The sisters in the church in Crocmaz gave us some boots when it started raining. 

The other side of the river is Ukraine! (In Crocmaz)

This time the other side of the river is Romania! We went fishing here while in Paiku. Also, if Emily Carlson is reading this I prayed for you and your team while we were here. Love you girl!

FISHY! WHY ARE YOU SLEEPING?