This trip was so amazing, but that word doesn't even begin to describe or do justice to our week in Falesti and Chisinau. At the beginning of the trip, I felt like I wouldn't fit in with the rest of the group because I hadn't been able to go to the team meetings because I was away at school at UT Chattanooga and I was one of the youngest people on the trip. I pushed myself to become involved and make myself feel like a part of our team. I quickly realized that I had been on mission trips with some of our team members before, either to the Appalachian Mountains, Brazil, or Moldova so I was worrying about not fitting in for nothing...
Falesti now holds a very dear place in my heart. The first day we arrived I saw the most precious little girl who would by the end of our time in Falesti capture my heart. Ludmila ended up being in the group of children I was working with, and I just fell in love with her and her older sister, Aloina. Every morning when we got there, Ludmila and Aloina ran to me and gave me the biggest hug and until the time we left they clung to me. Our last day in Falesti was a hard one for me. We were singing songs with the kids, and one of the last songs we sang was "Jesus loves me." It was such a sweet moment to hear "Jesus loves me, this I know..." in

In Chisinau, I got to spend a lot of time with Eugen and the two older boys my family sponsors...Those are moments that I will cherish for a lifetime. Eugen would hold on to me, and tell me over and over again that he loved me. Everytime I began to cry, Ivan, Dima, Vasile, Artur, Ruslan, and Denis did or said something to make me laugh because they said that if I cried they would cry too...It's moments like these that I will keep close to my heart. The night before we left, I took Eugen to his room and gave him his Christmas presents. My sister, Bekah, had made him a blanket that in the corner had a heart with his name sewn on it. When I explained to him what she had done and told him how much we loved him, a tear fell down his cheek. It was one of those moments that seems surreal and it passed by so quickly. Artur, Ivan, and Dima came to the airport to tell us bye, and somehow I managed not to cry in front of them. Needless to say, by the time I got home Thursday night, I already had e-mails from the three of them...
I haven't even been home for 48 hours, and I am already getting excited about the next trip. I would leave today if I could, for God has heavily laid the children, both young and old, on my heart. I have grown from this trip, and I know God was speaking to me the whole time. So, as I head back to Chattanooga on Monday and prepare for my second semester, I know He will be working through me on campus. I know there will be many trials and tests ahead of me, but with His love and compassion, I am not alone...I can't wait until summer until I can go back to Molodva and see, love on, and share His love with the children who will forever be in my heart...
How great is our God!
~Jessica Beasley
I was so glad to see you the other night at the airport. I could hardly wait to hear all the wonderful stories about the children you fell in love with...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed staying up with you on Thursday night to look at the pictures and hear bits and pieces of things you did while in Moldova. Then I was glad to have you to myself on Friday at lunch to hear even more about your trip. As much as I missed being there so that we could experience this trip together, I knew God was calling me to stay home while He used you to minister to those precious children. God is definitely speaking to you...
I was thrilled to hear about the two little girls you fell in love with. They are so sweet and are blessed because they have you to be their friend and to pray for them. I also hold dear to my heart little Eugen. He is very special to all of us (especially Bekah) and the stories you shared with us about spending time with him are priceless. It goes with out saying, that the guys have a huge part of my heart. I was excited to know that they were all doing well and you were able to spend time with them and make special memories. They are honored to call you friend.
Again, Jess, I know God is working in your heart. And He is preparing you for something exciting and wonderful. You will be ready when He calls. Listen to Him!
I am a proud mama! I can't help it.
I love you!
Mom
P.S. You did a great job taking pictures! I taught you well. Ha!
Hey Jes! I was excited to see your blog this morning. I have done really well in not getting to emotional these past couple of days, but your blog reminded me of the little things these kids would do that would melt our hearts. I know you are excited to go back this summer as well as some other people! Your heart is in the right place. Keep in touch!
ReplyDeleteLes
p.s. Follow your heart!