Home, Bittersweet Home

I know y'all have been waiting with bated breath to find out, but no, we did not do the chicken dance in the airport, nor on the plane. Oh, wait. Jon and I did some modified version on the plane for our own amusement. We were very very tired.

Our exit from Moldova was less than smooth. The Moldovans decided to play hardball and we ended up paying for a few more checked bags than was really necessary since they told us we were limited to only one carryon. We suspect they just wanted to get as much money out of us as they could, since it was only 2 out of the 4 check-in ladies being so persnickity with the carry-ons, and so inconsistent.

After being frisked at the Moldovan airport, frequently questioned as to why I was flying into Buffalo when I was Canadian and having my bags searched at the gate in Frankfurt, I was happy and quite surprised to breeze through all the American customs. Especially to be told, "have a good trip back to Canada, eh?" by the American customs officer!

You'd think, after 24+ hours of travel, it would be easy to believe that I'm home again. It's not. Especially when I'm awake and up at 6am voluntarily. I find myself wondering how the weather is in Moldova today. What the kids are up to. How did their exams go? What are Marine, George, Duana, Valentina, Tatiana, John, and many others going to do at the end of this week when they graduate? What's Valentina making for dinner tonight? What are those dogs across the street going to do without Mike to wake them up as we drive by? Who is Big Serdg going to drive today? Did the kids finish their photo frames? Who's going to do the chicken dance with them now? And, how in the world do I decide which pictures to develop?

God has done great things in Moldova this week, and none of us will ever be the same. God has blessed us and challenged us - Canadian, American, Moldovan translators, kids, and all the people who worked to make this week what it was: Victor and Valentina opening up their home and cooking for us, Big Serdg, CJ, and Octavian driving for us, Lucia organizing,and many many of you who prayed for us, read the blog, and who we now get to see in person on this side of the world sharing our stories and pictures. The temptation is to think that it's over - way too many goodbyes have been said in the last few days. Tears are still flowing. Please continue to pray for us as we try to fit back into day to day life, holding onto the memories and the things God has taught us and ways he has worked into our hearts. Please be patient with us as we share the same stories over and over again, show you thousands of pictures, and call out "buna!" (complete with hand gesture - ol) or "laptops!" at random moments. I'm so thankful for technology so we could share our trip on the blog through stories and pictures and videos, and now keep in touch with each other and look through each others' pictures. I honestly had no idea I'd make such good friends in such a short time! Love to all from Canada, eh?

Waiting just for you...to hug you dearly!

Hello everyone...this is Lannette! Sadly, our awesome Sweet Sleep journey has drawn to an end. I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that we are having so many mixed feelings this evening. It is such a bittersweet feeling knowing that we are leaving in just a few short hours. We are leaving these sweet kidos, our awesome translators, our wonderful host family, and a host of new friends. However; it is with great anticipation and happiness that we await seeing all of our precious family and friends back at home.

Jon asked us to blog tonight if we had any special stories to share. Well...I HAVE to share the story of Artur.



Artur is a resident of the orphanage at Ivancea. He is 16 years old and we ALL fell in love with him as soon as we met him. He especially took a special interest in my mom Debra. They exchanged smiles when we first arrived at the orphanage and before we all knew it, Artur was presenting my mom with freshly picked flowers from the orphanage flower beds. He had noticed my mom admiring them earlier in the day and was waiting...flowers in hand...when our van pulled into the gates of the orphanage after our lunch break. My mom sweetly returned the gesture with an extra handful of Skittles later in the day. It was then that he "officially" adopted her!

As the days passed, my mom began to anticipate saying good-bye. Luckily, she was able to steal away some moments with Artur and our translator Sergiu...moments to talk with Artur about his life...and his relationship with Jesus.




On the last day at Ivancea, Artur approached my mom and secretly slipped her a hand-written letter. He motioned for her to put the folded piece of tattered notebook paper in her pocket. She did...and as soon as she had a spare moment with a translator, she found out what he had written for her.

The translated letter said...

From Arthur

I received Jesus Christ in my heart. I asked him to be my shelter in my life. When I was 12 years old, my mom died and my father left me and my sister. We thought a lot about what to do and we finally understood that we need to go to the church, to God's house. We need to pray to God and ask him how we can pass through these difficulties. Was a pleasure to meet you.

Poem

The roses never bud out more beautiful,
Like when two hearts,
Love each other.

A rose with the flower above,
I want for you to know that I am waiting for you.
I am waiting just for you,
To hug you dearly!

With love and respect,

Atrhur



Artur's life is about to change again. He has experienced so many difficulties throughout his life. In 5 short days he will be finished with his exams and he will officially graduate from the orphanage school. Unfortunately, graduation from the orphanage is not always a joyful event. Artur will be put out of the orphanage this Friday and will venture out into the world of adulthood...alone. He will have no place to live and no prospect of a job because a job in Moldova requires a government issued ID and a government issued ID requires proof of residency for at least one year...and get this...THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ALLOW THE ORPHANS TO USE THE ORPHANAGE ADDRESS AS THEIR PROOF OF RESIDENCY. This makes the prospect of getting an "honest" job all but impossible. This is why most orphans choose a life of crime.

Oh...and one more thing...the orphanage director approached Jon as we were preparing to leave. He had noticed the special bond that my mom and Artur had developed over the week. He wanted everyone to know that Artur was a "good kid and a good student." He also let us know that Artur is not available for adoption in the U.S. because he is too old; HOWEVER, he might be available for someone to sponsor him on a student visa.

Please pray for Artur. Pray for him as he completes his exams this week. Pray for him as begins a new chapter in his life. Please pray that he keeps his focus on God and makes choices that are pleasing to Him. Pray for my mom. She is so emotional about her experiences this week and about what will happen to Artur. Pray that God will give mom and Artur a peace that passes all understanding.

Pray for our team as we pack up our remaining suitcases and prepare for the long journey home. Pray for our safety as we travel and please pray for all of us as we transition back to our normal lives. Thanks in again for all of your thoughts and prayers throughout this journey. We appreciate your sweet support!


Noapte Buna!
Lannette:)

Sweet songs

The sound of voices raised in songs of worship to our Lord - what sweet, sweet music. It doesn't matter if you don't understand the language, the bond we have in Christ unites us in a way the world doesn't understand. We went to a church service here in Chisinau this evening, and as I listened to everyone singing I had a glimpse of heaven, when all people of all nations join together in worship. What an amazing experience that will be! I was also struck by the realization that we, at 6pm, were in church at the same time as our churches back home! The pastor had his sermon translated so we could understand, and we were able to share a little of what we've been doing here in Moldova - building beds, loving on kids, the chicken dance... (well, we actually narrowly escaped the chicken dance at church. The thought crossed Dan's mind. The restaurant was another story. And there are already whisperings of the airport, the plane...)

Our time here has gone by so quickly, it seems. We've loved much and have been given so much love in return. It's hard to believe that we're leaving in the morning, but considering that most of us have spent the last hour trying to figure out how to defy the laws of physics and make 25 suitcases turn into 15, each under 50lbs, well let's just say that miracles are still happening here in Moldova!

I am not sure what exactly I want to say I just feel the need to say something! We have made so many dear friends this week. It just amazes me how quickly everyone bonded. Our translators are such wonderful people that I just want to scoop them all up and bring them home with us. The people on our team I believe have become good friends. I can only hope and pray that these new found friendships continue and do not fade when we get home. We have been so blessed to be allowed to visit this beautiful place. The best description I can think of for the outer towns would be to take a village from Old Mexico and drop it in the middle of Kauai Hawaii. Our devotional times have been amazing. Dan had us all sign a sheet before we ever left Whitehouse and the way God laid messages on each persons heart always fell in with what was going on at that time. People were not shy about letting their personalities out and we enjoyed many laughs together. I guess forcing people to get out of their boxes really helps! I also pray that we can all stay out of our boxes when we get home. There is so much talent to be shared. I just thank God for this opportunity. The children at Ivancea are so precious and I would ask for all your continued prayers for their futures and for their faith to stay strong. The special needs orphanage really made me realize how very blessed we are. The way that John, Carolyn, and Kelsey came together with us you would think that they are just misplaced Texans. I for one will miss them greatly! I, for one, will have to say that this trip was GREATABLE! Thank you, John, for letting me use your blog site. God Bless! Sheila

A Wonerful Worshipful Surprise!

Today was a most excellent day in Moldova. There are lots of people who want to blog great stories of the day, their week - their experiences on this great trip to minister to orphans in Moldova tonight. And I know I blogged yesterday and don't wanna hog the blog (that rhymed!). But I had a wonderful surprise tonight when we worshiped with some Moldovans at a church plant in downtown Chisinau and I wanted to share the blessing with all of you.

Our friend Dorel Iseanu, the former National Director of CERI Moldova, is now pastoring full-time in Calarsi and just launched a church plant downtown in a book store across from the Stefan cel Mare statue. When we arrived at worship tonight, I was so excited to see my friend John Koon! He is a missionary with Word Made Flesh in Moldova who used to intern for us while I was on staff at Rolling Hills Community Church. I realized late last night that I hadn't told him I was even in the country! When I saw him I was so shocked that we were in the same place! He ended up translating for our service and it was great to see him.

What really blessed me beyond words was when Ilie, Ed and Igor walked in. I was so surprised to find out that 3 of the boys who I had in Bible study every year at our camp for orphans at Chsinau's Internat #2 orphanage from 2004-2007 attend this church plant every week! There were lots of hugs, lots of smiles and lots of great conversation from these boys who are growing into great, Godly young men.

They were so excited to see me - to tell me about the apartment they share, the English they are learning and were rushing to sit by me. But the best part of the night was worshiping together. As the worship music started, Dorel was so great to sing part of the songs' verses in Romanian and some in English. Ed, Igor, Debra from our team and I would just weave in and out - the boys would sing Romanian; Debra and I would sing English. We'd sing Romanian; they'd sing English. We'd all sing Romanian; we'd all sing English. Hearing these friends belting out praise to God was so moving. These boys - whom I invested so much in during their jr. high years at camp - were now reading their Bibles, smiling from ear-to-ear, singing praise to God at the top of their lungs and Ed even reached over, put his arm on my shoulder, and prayed for me during the closing prayer. Hearing this young man that I've ministered to for so many years pray for me - even after I haven't seen him in 3 years - was such an unexpected blessing.

Throughout the service, at different times, I, too, was grinning from ear-to-ear, in tears, and almost asleep (these late nights are catching up with me!). But I'm so thankful for this unexpected evening as I wrap up this great week of ministry in Moldova.

Thank you so much for your prayers, your support of our work and for being a voice for these sweet orphaned children in Moldova. Praying for safe travel tomorrow and while I've absolutely loved the chance to be in Moldova - this country I love so much - again, I'm so looking forward to seeing my amazing wife and awesome son who have been praying for me all week and are anxiously awaiting my return. :)

Blessings --

jon

More Great Photos from our Week of Ministry in Moldova

It's been an amazing week serving with these friends from Tennessee, Texas and Canada bringing the Hope and Love of Christ to orphaned and abandoned children in Ivancea, Moldova. Here are some photos I particularly enjoyed from our last couple of days here.

Kelsey and Katea at the end of a great week of VBS in Ivancea.

Me with my new friends about to graduate from the orphanage.
Praying for safety, protection and blessings for them tonight...

Me teaching my new friends a secret handshake: Cartof, Cartof, Fries. (Potato, Potato, Fries) Here we are mid-potato. :)

Our team and kiddos at Ivancea on our last day together.

Checking out the map at the Chisinau Zoo - making sure we don't miss any of the animals!
(or get lost!)

Our team at the Chisinau Zoo. We met the cast of Madagascar. Priceless. :)

Carolyn's gnome, and our team, spent a great evening at MallDOVA.
Bowling, shopping and fruit covered in chocolate from the chocolate fountain. YAY!

A Sweet Sleep Mission Journey In Pictures...

Wow! What an awesome week it has been! Our team has taken thousands of pictures this week. As I sat here this evening sorting through the pictures that Dan has spent hours downloading, I picked a few to share with you...hope you enjoy these as much as we do...

The Ultimate Moldavian Experience

After a long week of enjoyable VBS activities and pleasant interactions with joyful children, the boisterous Sweet Sleep team decided that they couldn't have too much of an awesome time and so went downtown to experience real Moldavian culture.

In the morning we went to the Moldavian Zoo to see all of God's wonderful creation in a slightly different, but safer, environment than for what it was originally intended. After that we had some good' Ole American Mickey D's for lunch before heading to the Art Market. The Art Market is a place were very talented artists can sell their goods alongside vendors of traditional Romanian, Moldavian, and Russian wares and antiques. Soon afterwards we stopped back at the Grace House and had a very wonderful homemade Moldavian meal. After stuffing our faces we headed back into town to go to MALLdova a colossal mall. Now although shopping is not really my thing the great people that were there with me made it an enjoyable experience filled with laughter, bowling, and chocolate covered assorted fruit.

Overall this trip has been an amazing experience and I am very glad I had the opportunity to go with such amazing people and have so much fun with the children.
With love,
Spencer McDonald (on Jon's Account)

God's Plan

I finally understand why God had me come to Moldova.

The last day of VBS was AWESOME. The Rec. Team's mission was to make sure no rock was left unturned. We made sure to talk to every child about God's Plan of Salvation. After we talked to every group we gave them a piece of paper and asked them to put their name, their age or the date they were saved and anything they wanted to tell God. The amazing thing was trying to make sure we were communicating to each group on their level and they fully understood what it meant. We had a great team of translators, Miheallea, Kate and Ilie (Elijah) and really, really worked hard to make sure the kids understood everything we had to say about them (the kids) personally except Jesus in their Heart to be SAVED. Then we read the Salvation Prayer and if they wanted to they could repeat it. We had 1 group of the kids where about 8 of them quoted the prayer out loud. I almost started crying while trying to continue with the prayer. What an AMAZING feeling. We also asked every one of the kids to post their requests on a Cross with a Heart on it that repersented giving their heart to God or that they had already been saved. We really worked hard to make sure the kids understood everything we said. Whan all groups were finished we ended VBS and had a party for all of the kids. Dancing, singing and eating snacks, what a great time. Today we took the Cross and had each message translated in english from all the kids and found out that 9 had been SAVED and accepted Christ. WHAT AN AMAZIING THING THAT GOD HAS DONE.

We give all the GLORY to GOD and thank him for us being a part of his plan.

What's next.....???

This phrase has at times been a joke amongst our team while here in Moldova. Mostly directed to our leader, Dan; We would ask "What's next, Dan!" Which was usually met with one of his signature looks...But now as our time comes to a close this phrase takes on a completely different meaning...Now that we've come here; now that we've done what we felt we were called to do; what comes next for each of us? Do we go back to our lives and continue to carry on unaffected; do we forget the images that were planted in our minds as we interacted with and were impacted by these amazing children at Ivancea and Orhei? I can't speak for the team per se, but getting to know them the way I have these last several days, I think I can be pretty confident in saying "No!" None of us will ever be able to just go back to our lives and not be reminded daily of the children who have changed all of our lives. None of us can stop here. Just because this mission is coming to an end, it doesn't mean that our mission to go and tell others has ended. Thanks to Shad for reminding us all of that tonight during our devotional time. What an amazing time we had around the dinner table tonight in the home of our gracious and sweet hosts, Victor and Valentina, sharing what we had come to learn and love about our team this week.

Our final day with the kids today at Ivancea was truly awesome....We sang and danced, we played with them on the grounds of the school...and we partied with them in a special time at the end of the day. Quite a few tears were shed, many memories were made, and we believe lives were changed...and not just ours. God Bless the children in Ivancea and Orhei and God bless this team that has given so willingly this week.

What's next....? I've been thinking all day..."The next time....we can do this....and this..." Next time? Yes, God is already dealing with me that there will be a "next time". I don't know that it will be here... or that it will be with Sweet Sleep...but I know that there will be a next time.

As you read this and look at these pictures from today....Ask God, "What do you need me to join you in God?; Where do you need ME to go?....What's next?"