Well, this is it, the end of our trip. As I type this it’s 3:18 AM Moldova time on Sunday, July 29th. That means at home it’s 7:18 PM on Saturday, July 28th at home. We’re leaving at 4:00 AM to go to the airport and people are starting to stir in the house. The children in Calarasi were wonderful, we worked with an amazing woman from the church named Rodica, and I got to spend the whole week with my Petrica. He rode a bus each day from his home in Meleseni to Calarasi to help us build beds. I had a great week with him and yesterday got a letter from him that he wrote while we were doing our last camp day that just melted my heart. D’Ann, I can’t wait for you to read it.
Today we had some fun going to the zoo, McDonald’s, the arts and crafts market, and then to the Internat 2 camp outside of Chisinau. I got a chance to see some of the kids I met last summer. It was really nice to see the familiar faces. We ended our time at the camp with Bekah’s baptism. I was the one doing the baptizing (a first for me), and it was really moving for me to be a part of that. It was really a terrific opportunity for her to do that in front of all those kids. I hope that some seeds have been planted that the teams who will be at that camp in the weeks to come will see grow.
All in all, we’ve had a really great week. The team has done an outstanding job and it has been my honor to serve alongside them. Their love for Jesus has been evident to me at every turn, and they have shared it with the children in so many ways. I know with absolute certainty that the things God has done this week with us as his instruments will change the lives of at least some of these children forever, and probably the team too.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Stuart
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Today was our last day in Moldova and it was a very emotional day. I am going to miss every single kid that I met this week I want to bring them all home with me, even the ones that we met just today for 2 or 3 hours. I had the opportunity to meet some of the sponsor children of people from our church. When I would mention their sponsor’s names I could just see their faces light up.
Seeing the kids at our camp smiling bigger and bigger every day as they came in warmed my heart in a way that words can’t describe. I am coming home with so many great memories from the past week, including Danute with his speedo the first day at the park, teaching all the kids cinci, and Bekah’s baptism in the pool today. Leaving here in the morning is going to be so hard. I just want a few more days with the kids. I guess its better to leave wanting something more so that it will give you the desire to come back, which I definitely have. Our team has gotten so close and I am going to miss seeing and spending time with everyone. Hopefully I will get the chance to come again and get just as close to another team! I’ll see everyone tomorrow! (Unless we don’t make our connection in New York! Which some of us are hoping will happen!)
With love,
Kelsey Drennan
Seeing the kids at our camp smiling bigger and bigger every day as they came in warmed my heart in a way that words can’t describe. I am coming home with so many great memories from the past week, including Danute with his speedo the first day at the park, teaching all the kids cinci, and Bekah’s baptism in the pool today. Leaving here in the morning is going to be so hard. I just want a few more days with the kids. I guess its better to leave wanting something more so that it will give you the desire to come back, which I definitely have. Our team has gotten so close and I am going to miss seeing and spending time with everyone. Hopefully I will get the chance to come again and get just as close to another team! I’ll see everyone tomorrow! (Unless we don’t make our connection in New York! Which some of us are hoping will happen!)
With love,
Kelsey Drennan
Friday, July 27, 2007
Hi everyone:
Well today was our last day with the children at camp.Since the construction team finished our work with the building of the beds we were able to spend all day with the kids at the camp. During the worship time we had a foot washing service. This was probably the most humbling experience I have ever had. Some people would have not wanted to even touch these children's feet but for me there was no hesitation in being able to do this for them. We had one person washing, one person drying, and one person putting lotion on there feet. I was able to dry and apply lotion. The look on there face would cause me to get choked up. I never did lose my composure though it was hard not to. Most of there feet were dirty, some with sores, and just rough but when I would think about how Jesus washed the disciples feet it was more meaning full to me. The children left camp around 1:00 today to go back home which was sad to see them leave. As I said this has been a great experience. It has really caused me to think about things I take for granted. Thanks to all my family and prayer partners for your support and prayers. My health has been very good ,no problems. Can’t wait to get back home to my wife and children and tell about my time here in Moldova.
In Christ
Steve Taylor
Well today was our last day with the children at camp.Since the construction team finished our work with the building of the beds we were able to spend all day with the kids at the camp. During the worship time we had a foot washing service. This was probably the most humbling experience I have ever had. Some people would have not wanted to even touch these children's feet but for me there was no hesitation in being able to do this for them. We had one person washing, one person drying, and one person putting lotion on there feet. I was able to dry and apply lotion. The look on there face would cause me to get choked up. I never did lose my composure though it was hard not to. Most of there feet were dirty, some with sores, and just rough but when I would think about how Jesus washed the disciples feet it was more meaning full to me. The children left camp around 1:00 today to go back home which was sad to see them leave. As I said this has been a great experience. It has really caused me to think about things I take for granted. Thanks to all my family and prayer partners for your support and prayers. My health has been very good ,no problems. Can’t wait to get back home to my wife and children and tell about my time here in Moldova.
In Christ
Steve Taylor
What a way to end camp...
For starters... what do get with the following:
- 3 Americans who had already conducted camp during one of the hottest summers in the history of Moldova.
- 12 Very excited Americans just arriving (some for the first time).
- 4 Of the most outstanding translators in all of Moldova.
- 1 Amazing church in Calarasi.
- 19 children in need of a great week.
God took all of these variables and gave us one of the most rewarding weeks of my life. This week has been one amazing thing after another. Today was nothing short of being just amazing as the ones before. Today was our last day of camp. We spent a good portion of the day in bible study (which included foot washing). At first the children were rather reluctant to attempt to participate. After some time, everyone was participating. What a sweet moment it was to explain the story of of Jesus practicing humility by washing the disciples feet. Both Debbie and Mark have done a amazing job at teaching all week, sitting in Debbie's class today while she poured her heart into this lesson was so beautiful. The children were taken back by this, while all of us were blessed and honored to take part in such a valuable lesson. Shortly after sharing lunch with the children, we said our goodbyes and that was the end of Team Two's Summer Camp. Sharing such experiences with children is rewarding nonetheless, but sharing this experience with this group particular group of kids has been and will forever be life-changing!
Until next time...
David Millsap
- 3 Americans who had already conducted camp during one of the hottest summers in the history of Moldova.
- 12 Very excited Americans just arriving (some for the first time).
- 4 Of the most outstanding translators in all of Moldova.
- 1 Amazing church in Calarasi.
- 19 children in need of a great week.
God took all of these variables and gave us one of the most rewarding weeks of my life. This week has been one amazing thing after another. Today was nothing short of being just amazing as the ones before. Today was our last day of camp. We spent a good portion of the day in bible study (which included foot washing). At first the children were rather reluctant to attempt to participate. After some time, everyone was participating. What a sweet moment it was to explain the story of of Jesus practicing humility by washing the disciples feet. Both Debbie and Mark have done a amazing job at teaching all week, sitting in Debbie's class today while she poured her heart into this lesson was so beautiful. The children were taken back by this, while all of us were blessed and honored to take part in such a valuable lesson. Shortly after sharing lunch with the children, we said our goodbyes and that was the end of Team Two's Summer Camp. Sharing such experiences with children is rewarding nonetheless, but sharing this experience with this group particular group of kids has been and will forever be life-changing!
Until next time...
David Millsap
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Ugly American Good Samaritan
Day 4 is now in the books. It was a very rewarding day as have been all of the others. It seems as though I’ve been all over this country and others today. In truth, part of me has been to other countries today, specifically 5 t-shirts, a digital camera charger, 3 bags of balloons, a pair of hiking boots and a couple of drills for bed building (by the way, the beds are all finished- but those drills are ready for action should they be called upon.) It seems that my luggage made an extra stop in Instabul, Turkey before finally arriving at the Moldova airport earlier today. After a quick trip to the airport, and 4 days in between, my things and I were reunited. So, yippee.
As for today, we started out with our usual worship and a skit about the Good Samaritan. Our good friend, Color Wonder, tripped over her cape and had to be helped back to her special hideout- to escape her nemesis, Captain Whiteout, I’m guessing. The kids really seem to enjoy our mini-plays and have really begun to take an interest in the worship portion of our day. What began as only the leaders singing has turned into a regular choir with the kids leading the way- which is very helpful seeing as how we’re singing in Romanian.
From there we went to our class where we reviewed with the kids the importance of God’s love and God’s promises and how those come into play when we start talking about being part of God’s family. It was nice to see them understanding the concept that belief brings membership into God’s family and how there are sure to be troubles that follow, but that with Christ, those troubles will not be our undoing.
Our usual day of camp was followed by a tri p to the orphanage to present the children with their new beds. It was quite an experience to see where they live. Despite the conditions of the beds they currently sleep on, they were enormously proud to show them to us when we came in. They couldn’t wait to show us their personal space.
Our trip to the orphanage was followed by another trip to the soccer field in a nearby village. We’d been there 2 times all ready this week and had given the children our schedules, so when we arrived today there were all ready about 20 kids waiting for us. It was quite an experience to see all these small children waving at us as we drove up.
When we arrived, we saw that one of the boys had a rather severe injury on his arm and forehead. It was bloodied and dirty and in need of some attention, so I, with my complete lack of first aid knowledge went about the task, along with Debbie, of trying to patch him up as best we could. It was sort of a reemphasizing our point from earlier in the day about how anyone can help out and be a Good Samaritan. To be honest, there were a few times when I got distracted by the turkeys. Yes, there were real turkeys strolling about the playground- not to be confused with the lady with the ducks who was across the street.
We spent the next hour or so playing soccer, frisbee or just about anything else we could come up with until it was time for us to go. Leaving was bittersweet because we had to tell the kids that today was our last day to be there. Many of the same faces had been there each day, so we were able to form a small bond with them in a short amount of time.
We arrived home to find that the airport had called, so off we went to retrieve my things.
Today is my last official day to blog, but I hope to get on again before leave. In the meantime, if you’ve been reading these, you know that my wife is 7.5 weeks pregnant, and that’s very exciting for us. She emailed me today to say the doctor has put her on bed rest due to a small amount of spotting. They told her not to worry, that they think they know for sure that it’s only a fibroid side-effect, but still- we would appreciate any and all prayers in regard to the matter. So, if you read this, please make a note to self when it comes to prayer time.
Thanks,
Mark
p.s. just for the record, we've yet to be called anything even resembling ugly. Of course we don't speak Romanian, so in theory they could be calling us all kinds of things- but they smile when they say it, so everything's great!
As for today, we started out with our usual worship and a skit about the Good Samaritan. Our good friend, Color Wonder, tripped over her cape and had to be helped back to her special hideout- to escape her nemesis, Captain Whiteout, I’m guessing. The kids really seem to enjoy our mini-plays and have really begun to take an interest in the worship portion of our day. What began as only the leaders singing has turned into a regular choir with the kids leading the way- which is very helpful seeing as how we’re singing in Romanian.
From there we went to our class where we reviewed with the kids the importance of God’s love and God’s promises and how those come into play when we start talking about being part of God’s family. It was nice to see them understanding the concept that belief brings membership into God’s family and how there are sure to be troubles that follow, but that with Christ, those troubles will not be our undoing.
Our usual day of camp was followed by a tri p to the orphanage to present the children with their new beds. It was quite an experience to see where they live. Despite the conditions of the beds they currently sleep on, they were enormously proud to show them to us when we came in. They couldn’t wait to show us their personal space.
Our trip to the orphanage was followed by another trip to the soccer field in a nearby village. We’d been there 2 times all ready this week and had given the children our schedules, so when we arrived today there were all ready about 20 kids waiting for us. It was quite an experience to see all these small children waving at us as we drove up.
When we arrived, we saw that one of the boys had a rather severe injury on his arm and forehead. It was bloodied and dirty and in need of some attention, so I, with my complete lack of first aid knowledge went about the task, along with Debbie, of trying to patch him up as best we could. It was sort of a reemphasizing our point from earlier in the day about how anyone can help out and be a Good Samaritan. To be honest, there were a few times when I got distracted by the turkeys. Yes, there were real turkeys strolling about the playground- not to be confused with the lady with the ducks who was across the street.
We spent the next hour or so playing soccer, frisbee or just about anything else we could come up with until it was time for us to go. Leaving was bittersweet because we had to tell the kids that today was our last day to be there. Many of the same faces had been there each day, so we were able to form a small bond with them in a short amount of time.
We arrived home to find that the airport had called, so off we went to retrieve my things.
Today is my last official day to blog, but I hope to get on again before leave. In the meantime, if you’ve been reading these, you know that my wife is 7.5 weeks pregnant, and that’s very exciting for us. She emailed me today to say the doctor has put her on bed rest due to a small amount of spotting. They told her not to worry, that they think they know for sure that it’s only a fibroid side-effect, but still- we would appreciate any and all prayers in regard to the matter. So, if you read this, please make a note to self when it comes to prayer time.
Thanks,
Mark
p.s. just for the record, we've yet to be called anything even resembling ugly. Of course we don't speak Romanian, so in theory they could be calling us all kinds of things- but they smile when they say it, so everything's great!
The beds are finished and beautiful
Hello to all,
I’ll try to tell you some things that others haven’t. Like, I really enjoy our hour ride each morning to the church and then after church camp with the kids, we have a 30 minute trip to another village to play with whoever shows up on a soccer field (more about that later.) But, the contrast is amazing. You see busy streets with electric trolley buses full of commuters, lots of people walking, etc. but then closer to villages, you all of a sudden will drive past a farmer with an ox driven wagon. We’ve seen them hauling coal, rubbish, vegetables, corn, bricks, etc. They just go their own pace as everyone else whizes by. Every few miles you pass corn field next to a vineyard, next to a beautiful sunflower field. Such beauty because we are sort of in a valley as we drive.
This afternoon at the village soccer field, the kids were waiting for us as we rounded the corner. They they were, over 25 or so just smiling and waving. Some were there on Monday and Tuesday. It was a beautiful day with a great breeze. An older woman in the traditional dress of the older people here, head dress, house dress below the knees, and then socks and shoes actually had a mother turkey tied to a string and she was walking it to her home while its babies followed. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. She would kick the turkey ever once in a while to change its direction and she whistled just like it to call the babies over.
Today was a blessing. After bible school we went in the vans with the children to the orphange. We called them all into the room to see the beds which our team had made. We had one made up with lion sheets, a beautiful blue blanket, soft pillowand a tiger beanie baby on it. Jen asked for a volunteer to try out the bed, so Andrei climbed in and just loved it. Especially the soft pillow. He laid very still while JEN Told the kids how these beds were replacing their old ones and that when they came to school in the fall, every child would have one. She shared with them beautifully about God’s love for them and told them that when they were sick or sad or lonely to remember when they climbed into the covers, that someone in AMERICA had told them that GOD loved them so much. I pray that in those times they will pull out their Bibles and read God’s word to strentghen them.
We then went into their room and saw their bathrooms and beds where they have been sleeping. Some of the mattresses sagged to the floor. ELENA insisted that I sit in one with her. We immediately sank to the floor with my rather large body. We sank fast to say the least and laughed and laughed as it was hard for me to get up! Guess what I found on a desk in their room! They have been playing dot to dot on their own at night.
As we left them to head to the next village, they tried to climb back into the van. Tomorrow when we leave them for the final time it will be so hard. Today at lunch we noticed we were missing Zena. She was on the playground alone crying. She had told Bekah that she wanted someone to take her home with them.
Time for bed. Love to you all. God is so good.
Debbie D.
I’ll try to tell you some things that others haven’t. Like, I really enjoy our hour ride each morning to the church and then after church camp with the kids, we have a 30 minute trip to another village to play with whoever shows up on a soccer field (more about that later.) But, the contrast is amazing. You see busy streets with electric trolley buses full of commuters, lots of people walking, etc. but then closer to villages, you all of a sudden will drive past a farmer with an ox driven wagon. We’ve seen them hauling coal, rubbish, vegetables, corn, bricks, etc. They just go their own pace as everyone else whizes by. Every few miles you pass corn field next to a vineyard, next to a beautiful sunflower field. Such beauty because we are sort of in a valley as we drive.
This afternoon at the village soccer field, the kids were waiting for us as we rounded the corner. They they were, over 25 or so just smiling and waving. Some were there on Monday and Tuesday. It was a beautiful day with a great breeze. An older woman in the traditional dress of the older people here, head dress, house dress below the knees, and then socks and shoes actually had a mother turkey tied to a string and she was walking it to her home while its babies followed. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. She would kick the turkey ever once in a while to change its direction and she whistled just like it to call the babies over.
Today was a blessing. After bible school we went in the vans with the children to the orphange. We called them all into the room to see the beds which our team had made. We had one made up with lion sheets, a beautiful blue blanket, soft pillowand a tiger beanie baby on it. Jen asked for a volunteer to try out the bed, so Andrei climbed in and just loved it. Especially the soft pillow. He laid very still while JEN Told the kids how these beds were replacing their old ones and that when they came to school in the fall, every child would have one. She shared with them beautifully about God’s love for them and told them that when they were sick or sad or lonely to remember when they climbed into the covers, that someone in AMERICA had told them that GOD loved them so much. I pray that in those times they will pull out their Bibles and read God’s word to strentghen them.
We then went into their room and saw their bathrooms and beds where they have been sleeping. Some of the mattresses sagged to the floor. ELENA insisted that I sit in one with her. We immediately sank to the floor with my rather large body. We sank fast to say the least and laughed and laughed as it was hard for me to get up! Guess what I found on a desk in their room! They have been playing dot to dot on their own at night.
As we left them to head to the next village, they tried to climb back into the van. Tomorrow when we leave them for the final time it will be so hard. Today at lunch we noticed we were missing Zena. She was on the playground alone crying. She had told Bekah that she wanted someone to take her home with them.
Time for bed. Love to you all. God is so good.
Debbie D.
Hi everyone from Moldova:
As most of you know one of my fears was getting detained at the airport once we arrived in New York, Budapest, or Moldova. Nope no problems there it was at the Nashville Airport. I walked through the gate and set off the buzzer. So they pull me off to the side where they use the hand wand. Everything was fine until I had to take off my shoes ,the buzzer kept going off on my left foot. They ask me to take off my sock and there was a number 12 inspector sticker in my sock. After getting dressed we were on our way. Our first day everyone went to the camp where all the children were. We started throwing Frisbees and soccer balls around with the kids. I started throwing a ball with one little girl who’s name is Nastea who is 7 years old. Very cute. Reminded me of my daughter Jenna. I ask if I could bring her home but she turned me down. David Shelly and I headed over to the orphanage to start building the beds. We had 60 beds to put together and also had to stain. After we got things started we had some of the children from the orphanage come over and ask if they could help. This made things go a lot faster and we were able to finish the stain all on Monday. Tuesday we started to put the beds together . We also had some help from some of the kids the are sponsored by some of our team members. We were able to get all the beds together, all the mattresses covered. We had to carry all the beds up stairs to the second floor because the dorms are being worked on. Today we painted what playground equipment there is. They have no swings but they do have a frame for swings, They have a basketball goal with no goal. So we are going to buy swings and maybe some other things on Thursday. I’m doing well, the food is kind of ok but I’m a picky eater so I have to eat what ever there is. Having a great time. Its exciting, sad, some times you want to cry and at times you laugh your head off. I would encourage you to pray and ask God if this is something he would have you do. It has been a blessing to come here and work and see what its like in another country. Keep praying and I’ll be home Sunday.
PS Nastea accepted Jesus today at camp.
As most of you know one of my fears was getting detained at the airport once we arrived in New York, Budapest, or Moldova. Nope no problems there it was at the Nashville Airport. I walked through the gate and set off the buzzer. So they pull me off to the side where they use the hand wand. Everything was fine until I had to take off my shoes ,the buzzer kept going off on my left foot. They ask me to take off my sock and there was a number 12 inspector sticker in my sock. After getting dressed we were on our way. Our first day everyone went to the camp where all the children were. We started throwing Frisbees and soccer balls around with the kids. I started throwing a ball with one little girl who’s name is Nastea who is 7 years old. Very cute. Reminded me of my daughter Jenna. I ask if I could bring her home but she turned me down. David Shelly and I headed over to the orphanage to start building the beds. We had 60 beds to put together and also had to stain. After we got things started we had some of the children from the orphanage come over and ask if they could help. This made things go a lot faster and we were able to finish the stain all on Monday. Tuesday we started to put the beds together . We also had some help from some of the kids the are sponsored by some of our team members. We were able to get all the beds together, all the mattresses covered. We had to carry all the beds up stairs to the second floor because the dorms are being worked on. Today we painted what playground equipment there is. They have no swings but they do have a frame for swings, They have a basketball goal with no goal. So we are going to buy swings and maybe some other things on Thursday. I’m doing well, the food is kind of ok but I’m a picky eater so I have to eat what ever there is. Having a great time. Its exciting, sad, some times you want to cry and at times you laugh your head off. I would encourage you to pray and ask God if this is something he would have you do. It has been a blessing to come here and work and see what its like in another country. Keep praying and I’ll be home Sunday.
PS Nastea accepted Jesus today at camp.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The fine art of staying out of the way
We’ve reached the end of the 3rd day of MoldovaFest 2007, and things are moving along as well as I had hoped they would. The only real downer is that part of my luggage has still yet to make it here. Last we heard, it was still in the states. Aside from my camera battery being dead with no way to recharge it, there’s no major disruption being caused, but it would certainly help to put my mind at ease if I could be through with that whole ordeal. On the bright side, there’s a good chance that my luggage is getting to see parts of America that I’ve never been to myself.
The first few days of camp have been great. We have morning worship, followed by lessons with our various age groups. I have kids in grades 1-7, which makes for a pretty diverse group. I never would have guessed that sharing the gospel and witnessing to people could be as tricky as it is when you have a language barrier to contend with. Granted, we have wonderful translators, but I get tripped up and lose my place in thinking about how to best describe things in a way that can be easily translated and understood. Belief and salvation is a much simpler process than I feel like I’ve made it sound. I’m trying so hard to stay away from a works-related message because I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in the idea of “If I just do the right things then God will have me.” That so sucks the joy and awe out of the entire gospel message that salvation is a gift and that grace is not only amazing, but also the easiest/greatest way to truly experience the love of Jesus. My hope is that discover that- or that it will be revealed to them despite my inability to get a point across.
It’s unimaginable to me to think that there are people, much less children, who honestly don’t know that they have a Creator, and in this case a father for the fatherless, who desires to have a relationship with them more than they could ever imagine. These children are all so sweet and loving, it hurts my heart to think of them feeling unloved, hopeless and abandoned for lack of having been told the truth.
I’ve been looking for that one child that sticks out who I am forming a relationship with, but so far it seems to be most of them. Some have warmed up to me more than others, and some are a little more shy, but all of them seem to be having a good time with us. I like to think about what must be going on in their heads when we have play time. Children faced with problems that most adults would crumble under and with no homes to speak of are getting a chance to act like kids and just enjoy themselves. Even the oldest ones in the group (17 and 18 year olds) are running around playing parachute games and working puzzles or hitting us in the head with beach balls. I have to admit to having thrown a few beach balls at some heads as well. They all deserved it.
After camp today, we went to the house of two of the students to drop off some food for their mother. We didn’t go inside, but we didn’t have to in order to see just what kind of condition these boys and their mother are living in. I was surprised to see that she accepted the gifts- many Moldovans are too proud to do so. The ironic thing is that one of the boys is a nonstop smiler. That’s all he does all day- he probably knows something I don’t- maybe several things. The sad part is that the others all had to go back to an orphanage where there would be no family waiting.
After that drop off, we were taken to a nursing home with 25 residents. We dropped off more supplies of food, etc. and were taken around to see the residents and their living conditions. The director was very polite and extremely glad to see us, as were the residents. I’m sad to say that the elderly in this country are sleeping on the same broken down, sagging beds as the orphans are. There was a smell that permeated much of the building that most of us would sell our houses to get away from. It’s obvious that the director tries very hard to make things as best she can given what she has to work with, but we were told that the higher-ups in the country were of a different mentality and were difficult to work with- imagine that.
All in all, it was an eye-opening day-many times I would have preferred to keep my eyes closed to avoid seeing the things we saw, but that helps no one- not even myself.
I hope everyone at home is doing well. Just for the record, the baby has a heartbeat of 133 bpm. Not bad for 7 weeks old.
More tomorrow…
Mark
The first few days of camp have been great. We have morning worship, followed by lessons with our various age groups. I have kids in grades 1-7, which makes for a pretty diverse group. I never would have guessed that sharing the gospel and witnessing to people could be as tricky as it is when you have a language barrier to contend with. Granted, we have wonderful translators, but I get tripped up and lose my place in thinking about how to best describe things in a way that can be easily translated and understood. Belief and salvation is a much simpler process than I feel like I’ve made it sound. I’m trying so hard to stay away from a works-related message because I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in the idea of “If I just do the right things then God will have me.” That so sucks the joy and awe out of the entire gospel message that salvation is a gift and that grace is not only amazing, but also the easiest/greatest way to truly experience the love of Jesus. My hope is that discover that- or that it will be revealed to them despite my inability to get a point across.
It’s unimaginable to me to think that there are people, much less children, who honestly don’t know that they have a Creator, and in this case a father for the fatherless, who desires to have a relationship with them more than they could ever imagine. These children are all so sweet and loving, it hurts my heart to think of them feeling unloved, hopeless and abandoned for lack of having been told the truth.
I’ve been looking for that one child that sticks out who I am forming a relationship with, but so far it seems to be most of them. Some have warmed up to me more than others, and some are a little more shy, but all of them seem to be having a good time with us. I like to think about what must be going on in their heads when we have play time. Children faced with problems that most adults would crumble under and with no homes to speak of are getting a chance to act like kids and just enjoy themselves. Even the oldest ones in the group (17 and 18 year olds) are running around playing parachute games and working puzzles or hitting us in the head with beach balls. I have to admit to having thrown a few beach balls at some heads as well. They all deserved it.
After camp today, we went to the house of two of the students to drop off some food for their mother. We didn’t go inside, but we didn’t have to in order to see just what kind of condition these boys and their mother are living in. I was surprised to see that she accepted the gifts- many Moldovans are too proud to do so. The ironic thing is that one of the boys is a nonstop smiler. That’s all he does all day- he probably knows something I don’t- maybe several things. The sad part is that the others all had to go back to an orphanage where there would be no family waiting.
After that drop off, we were taken to a nursing home with 25 residents. We dropped off more supplies of food, etc. and were taken around to see the residents and their living conditions. The director was very polite and extremely glad to see us, as were the residents. I’m sad to say that the elderly in this country are sleeping on the same broken down, sagging beds as the orphans are. There was a smell that permeated much of the building that most of us would sell our houses to get away from. It’s obvious that the director tries very hard to make things as best she can given what she has to work with, but we were told that the higher-ups in the country were of a different mentality and were difficult to work with- imagine that.
All in all, it was an eye-opening day-many times I would have preferred to keep my eyes closed to avoid seeing the things we saw, but that helps no one- not even myself.
I hope everyone at home is doing well. Just for the record, the baby has a heartbeat of 133 bpm. Not bad for 7 weeks old.
More tomorrow…
Mark
RAIN
So I have been in Moldova for two months now and it has only rained two days until today. I had no idea I would be so excited to see rain. I must say it didn't rain for long but it was long enough to get that wet gravel smell. You know the smell, right? It was awesome. I personally said a prayer of thankfulness for the farmers. I know they were thrilled to see rain.
Today the team told me it was Bekah day. I had a very busy day. This morning I had the devotional, at camp I led evening worship by sharing my testimony, then tonight was my turn to blog. I am so shocked today when I shared my testimony. I thought that they wouldn't realy listen. I thought I would just share it and then move on to the next part of worship. I was so amazed at how much they listened. Just looking out into the crowed of 2o kids, I felt God telling me to keep talking to them. I talked and talked. They listened and listened. I watched their faces and knew some of them wanted to accept Christ into their heart. They looked at me as if saying, "Hey, I want to say this prayer!" I told them they could come and talk to me and I would be more than happy to help them make any descision they feel they should make. Still now of them really moved or came to me. I know that this is God's calling for me this week. I need to make sure I do not leave this week with any descisions not made. Please pray for me about this!!
I am completely exhausted. My bed is calling my name. Oh, I learned a new Romanian word. It's somnusor, which means sweet dreams!
Today the team told me it was Bekah day. I had a very busy day. This morning I had the devotional, at camp I led evening worship by sharing my testimony, then tonight was my turn to blog. I am so shocked today when I shared my testimony. I thought that they wouldn't realy listen. I thought I would just share it and then move on to the next part of worship. I was so amazed at how much they listened. Just looking out into the crowed of 2o kids, I felt God telling me to keep talking to them. I talked and talked. They listened and listened. I watched their faces and knew some of them wanted to accept Christ into their heart. They looked at me as if saying, "Hey, I want to say this prayer!" I told them they could come and talk to me and I would be more than happy to help them make any descision they feel they should make. Still now of them really moved or came to me. I know that this is God's calling for me this week. I need to make sure I do not leave this week with any descisions not made. Please pray for me about this!!
I am completely exhausted. My bed is calling my name. Oh, I learned a new Romanian word. It's somnusor, which means sweet dreams!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
When God moved at 6:25 AM...
Wow… Where to begin? Camp is going really well. Monday afternoon this amazing peace came over me, all that could be heard and seen was this intense communication between us and the children. No one was up roaming, no one was standing off alone. EVERYONE was engaged, it was at this very moment that a “connection” was made with the children and the team that continues to exist even now. Language barriers went away and trust was our foundation. I am struggling for the right words, but it was so peaceful. Now, I know that people are praying for our team, but let me tell you at 6:25 AM (your time on Monday) I am convinced that someone or several were on their knees. I had this feeling of covering from my head to my toes. It was an amazing site to see God at work in the lives of everyone in that room at that very moment. Later while ministering in the park (soccer field) at a nearby village, I told Debbie Drennan about this moment and she said just moments later she experienced that same kind of peace. So... whoever it was or how many, rest assured that your prayers are being felt and seen as Gods plan for this trip unfolds before our very eyes. In addition, our team is receiving some amazing notes from prayer partners. Each note very different from the other, but perfect words of encouragement at just the right time. Once again, God is working in our life through each and every experience while in Moldova. However, 6:25 AM will forever stand out in my mind and heart when I physically saw God at work half way around the world, while many of you were just waking to begin your week. What an amazing God we serve! Thanks to all for your prayers! Until next time…
In His Service,
David
In His Service,
David
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