Wow am I exhausted this morning! It is almost 8 o'clock here in Balti. I think all my lack of sleep is really catching up. But let the instant coffee (the packets you just pour into hot water) be made because today will be another great and busy day! We are going to an orphanage, doing the last day of the after school program, having another human trafficking presentation then finally driving to Chisneau late tonight on a dirt highway. Haha I will never complain about another Michigan pot hole again!
We are going to stay in Chisneau tonight and tomorrow then be on our way home Sunday.
I will be so sad to say goodbye to everyone in Balti. We have made awesome connections and good memories so it is very sad to leave them all behind. The kids have been so fun to witness to and the workers have been so awesome to just be with. Some of these guys are so poor, yet so happy. It has been awesome to see God work in not only their lives, but mine as well. He has challenged me everyday to a different problem and I don't know how I made it through but I just learned to truly completely rely on him. And of course he lead me...sometimes with that sense of humor of his showing..haha It will be hard coming home. But then again I am excited to get back and see my family soon. I love and miss you guys!
On each side of the river stood the tree of life. . . . And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Rev 22:2)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Day 5 - Another blessed day
We started our day by going out to hang anti human trafficking awareness posters. It's weird how it was ok for us to glue the posters right to the doors.
Today we went to a school in Balti that is considered the poorest of all the schools. We were there yesterday to give an Anti Human Trafficking power point presentation. Today we had a concert there. There was song and games. Ang did an awesome job leading the kids in a game of "Simon Says". We got to sit in the crowd with the kids- they love that.
We also gave the school some wall paint from Elevate Church so that they can help make their school look nicer, and Oleg gave them some computers. They only had a few really old computers. The principal said now they will be able to learn how to make their own web pages!
Here is one of the games we played at the transition home in Balti - called back to back get up.
The after school program finished out our day of service.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
God is working
This has been an amazing journey thus far. We have had a busy few days that is for certain. Our Elevate team has been stretched and is growing as a group. Our New Hope partners have been so very gracious - caring for us like family - and I am so very greatful for this.
We have expanded our work to include education on human trafficking in the schools. The first school was for teenagers - what we would call high school but it is called college here. Actually our mission was 3 fold - human trafficking awareness, English language by virtue of us speaking for them to hear, and lastly giving them hope. We were not to mention God when the presentation is closed with the message of hope, but God opened the door when a teacher asked why and how we came. Mark did an excellent job responding 'we came from a church and our God teaches us to love all people, we came because we loved them and wanted them to know that human trafficking is not ok.' Wow - God opened a door that wasn't suppose to be open. We had a fun time at the day camp with games, teaching and fellowship. The story about Jonah and the whale really hit home - Да (yes) Jacob played the part of Jonah and even tried speaking a little Russian - some his famous lines include: Нет (no) and Помоги мне (help me). The children seem genuinely excited to be there. Worship music included songs in both English and Russian thanks to Jacob, Hollie, Valerie, Андрей (Andrew), Наталья (Natalia) and Джон (John). One of the children even came up to lead a song in Russian. Another highlight of the day was when a young gypsy boy went out with me to learn to jump rope. He wanted to do it like Mike Tyson would but was having difficulty. One of the older boys from the transition home saw us struggling and came over to assist with the instruction. He was so patient and kind to the younger boy. That is what I find to be a miracle, in all the craziness the kindness of the children to one another - especially from those living in the home. They are being raised by the house family and church family - to love one another. What can I do as an American with our children to act in the same manner? I believe boys with the jump rope were actually there to teach me - God working all things together for 'our good'. Those boys will be the change in their generation.
Today we went to the school in the poorest section of town which happens to be a school where many gypsies attend. When the boys and girls came into the class room or were walking the halls I was surprised to see many of the children who were attending the day camp. Now really, I should be asking myself why was I surprised - the church is there to reach the least, last and lost. I loved seeing the familiar faces light up when the saw us, pointing at us to their friends and then running to give us a hug. A little girl, Sonja, ran up to me and gave me a random hug - how could I not hug her back? I had not seen her before but her brother Viet was familiar to me from camp. I asked him to bring his sister tonight. Guess what, she got there before him! How could I not greet her with a pick me up hug - the smile and wonder she expressed makes my heart ache. Our bible story today of David and Goliath centered around purpose and goals which was the life lesson Alex taught about. We ended by putting face paint on the children and ourselves because we want to be warriors for God. It was fun other then the pink paint staining our skin - but what is the big deal about stained skin when we compare it the amazing smiles we saw and the love of God these children are being washed with? I am so blessed to be a part of God's amazing plan for their life (and them being a part of mine).
Please to all reading this, excuse my misspelled words and such as it is hard to post from my cell phone (also why I am unable to post photos but will do so upon my retun). I ask that all pray for our team was we continue to work out God's mission not our mission.
We have expanded our work to include education on human trafficking in the schools. The first school was for teenagers - what we would call high school but it is called college here. Actually our mission was 3 fold - human trafficking awareness, English language by virtue of us speaking for them to hear, and lastly giving them hope. We were not to mention God when the presentation is closed with the message of hope, but God opened the door when a teacher asked why and how we came. Mark did an excellent job responding 'we came from a church and our God teaches us to love all people, we came because we loved them and wanted them to know that human trafficking is not ok.' Wow - God opened a door that wasn't suppose to be open. We had a fun time at the day camp with games, teaching and fellowship. The story about Jonah and the whale really hit home - Да (yes) Jacob played the part of Jonah and even tried speaking a little Russian - some his famous lines include: Нет (no) and Помоги мне (help me). The children seem genuinely excited to be there. Worship music included songs in both English and Russian thanks to Jacob, Hollie, Valerie, Андрей (Andrew), Наталья (Natalia) and Джон (John). One of the children even came up to lead a song in Russian. Another highlight of the day was when a young gypsy boy went out with me to learn to jump rope. He wanted to do it like Mike Tyson would but was having difficulty. One of the older boys from the transition home saw us struggling and came over to assist with the instruction. He was so patient and kind to the younger boy. That is what I find to be a miracle, in all the craziness the kindness of the children to one another - especially from those living in the home. They are being raised by the house family and church family - to love one another. What can I do as an American with our children to act in the same manner? I believe boys with the jump rope were actually there to teach me - God working all things together for 'our good'. Those boys will be the change in their generation.
Today we went to the school in the poorest section of town which happens to be a school where many gypsies attend. When the boys and girls came into the class room or were walking the halls I was surprised to see many of the children who were attending the day camp. Now really, I should be asking myself why was I surprised - the church is there to reach the least, last and lost. I loved seeing the familiar faces light up when the saw us, pointing at us to their friends and then running to give us a hug. A little girl, Sonja, ran up to me and gave me a random hug - how could I not hug her back? I had not seen her before but her brother Viet was familiar to me from camp. I asked him to bring his sister tonight. Guess what, she got there before him! How could I not greet her with a pick me up hug - the smile and wonder she expressed makes my heart ache. Our bible story today of David and Goliath centered around purpose and goals which was the life lesson Alex taught about. We ended by putting face paint on the children and ourselves because we want to be warriors for God. It was fun other then the pink paint staining our skin - but what is the big deal about stained skin when we compare it the amazing smiles we saw and the love of God these children are being washed with? I am so blessed to be a part of God's amazing plan for their life (and them being a part of mine).
Please to all reading this, excuse my misspelled words and such as it is hard to post from my cell phone (also why I am unable to post photos but will do so upon my retun). I ask that all pray for our team was we continue to work out God's mission not our mission.
Day 4 - Pictures worth a 1,000 words
I'm a little tired tonight. Of course great things have happened today, but I'm going to make this short and let the pictures do the talking.
This little guy is the son of the on site maintenance man. He was checking things out while I was helping with some construction.
Hanging out with some kids at the transition home after the after school program.
A special moment with Ang.
Hollie with a little sleepy head.
Jake and Val jamming in the courtyard at the transition home.
Hollie and Val washing windows at the transition home.
An obstacle course race Eric put together at the transition center. A huge hit!
Dogs run like cats in Moldova. This was a cute one in a school parking lot where we presented a Human Trafficking Awareness Program.
Eric, Hollie, Val, and Jake hangin with Johnny the translator.
Ang and Beth hanging with Vasellie and Marchelli
In case you forgot what I looked like, here I am in my new make-up!
Hey look I am blogging...for once.
Today has been a great day! We got to go to a school this morning (and yesterday) and talked to them all about human trafficking. Yesterday we talked to a group of all girls and a few of them really seemed impacted by our information. The response was awesome to see. We have been so welcomed by most everyone and that has put my heart at ease!
In the evenings we help run a 3 hour camp. We do skits, music, testimonies, and games for children who (most of them) do not know Jesus. The first day was a little rough considering we had only a couple hours to prepare a lot of material. Haha. But we have found our stride and the children enjoy it much more. They love to talk with us (through one of our awesome translators) and just be around us. Most of them are very poor. It broke my heart to see one little girl taking handfuls of cookies at snack time and stashing them in her bag. She has 11 brothers and sisters and they are very poor.
It is amazing to have the honor to share with them about God and try to give them something else to hope for through the talents that God has given each one of us. We all have such a crucial role and each of us brings a different and awesome talent to the triangle...well there's seven of us sooo...septagon? Haha I guess God really knows what he is doing. Of course! But it's so awesome to be part of God's plan for not only my life and my purpose but to help others find theirs. Please continue to pray for us! I hope all is well at home and we are praying for you too.
Today has been a great day! We got to go to a school this morning (and yesterday) and talked to them all about human trafficking. Yesterday we talked to a group of all girls and a few of them really seemed impacted by our information. The response was awesome to see. We have been so welcomed by most everyone and that has put my heart at ease!
In the evenings we help run a 3 hour camp. We do skits, music, testimonies, and games for children who (most of them) do not know Jesus. The first day was a little rough considering we had only a couple hours to prepare a lot of material. Haha. But we have found our stride and the children enjoy it much more. They love to talk with us (through one of our awesome translators) and just be around us. Most of them are very poor. It broke my heart to see one little girl taking handfuls of cookies at snack time and stashing them in her bag. She has 11 brothers and sisters and they are very poor.
It is amazing to have the honor to share with them about God and try to give them something else to hope for through the talents that God has given each one of us. We all have such a crucial role and each of us brings a different and awesome talent to the triangle...well there's seven of us sooo...septagon? Haha I guess God really knows what he is doing. Of course! But it's so awesome to be part of God's plan for not only my life and my purpose but to help others find theirs. Please continue to pray for us! I hope all is well at home and we are praying for you too.
Day 2 and 3 – Together we are stronger
The last couple days we have been putting on an after school program at the transition home in Balti. Day 2 was Good, day 3 was Great! The team really upped its game today. With the help of Oleg's team, we put on an exciting program for the kids that put smiles on their faces and filled the room with laughter. It is powerful for me to see how God has assembled such a talented group of people together to form our Mission Team. Each person has their own way of contributing to the team and together we are much better than either of us alone. Isn't this really what this is all about? The hope we are sharing is that we are not alone in this world. My beloved sent me this scripture today. “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone” (Romans 14:7). By ourself this world is boring, difficult, and lonely. I know when I was at my darkest point, I couldn't get out alone. I desperately needed the help of others to lift me up. We are doing that here not just with the Moldovan youth, but also with each other. I’m seeing how this mission process is forcing is to grow and to come together for and with God. By lifting each other up we can all get a little closer to God.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Day 1 - A broken heart, joy, and hope
The mission team has been going nonstop since we left Monroe. We have had very little sleep and wish we could be blogging for our faithful supporters. Please know that God is guiding us and he is doing great things!
As soon as Oleg picked us up from the airport yesterday, we started on all cylinders (at least I hope Oleg has only 12). We were exposed to human trafficking about 5 minutes from the airport. We pull up to an intersection and ahead are a couple of beggars moving between cars. Oleg tells us they are being forced to beg for money. He is sure their handlers are close by watching them. I see the eyes of one of the beggars from less than 6 feet and the lifelessness breaks my heart.
When we got into town, Oleg took us to casually meet the transition home youth in a park. I immediately notice the close bond between Oleg and the youth and I could sense the vibrancy in the youth’s spirits. The boys love to talk about sports while the girls busily engage with the ladies on our Mission team. We had ice cream with the youth, chat a little more, and then visit a church. My spirits are lifted and I feel joy to be among this group of people.
Our next stop was Oleg's newest project – a transition home (pictured), social apartment, worship space (pictured), office, and anything else that can be fit inside the newly purchased home. The home is located in an area where Oleg grew up, an area where you were either a gang member or a baptist. (I’m so thankful his passion was for Christ and not gangs!) The transition home has been vacant for 8 years. It once was a place of much evil. Now contractors tear down gold leafed ornamental plaster that once stood for the worshiping of monetary idols. Oleg told of the souls that were torn down inside this home and the evil that went on. He is transforming a home once used for tearing lives apart into a home used for restoring lives all the while an oppressed neighborhood witnesses the miracle! This transition home gives me much hope.
As soon as Oleg picked us up from the airport yesterday, we started on all cylinders (at least I hope Oleg has only 12). We were exposed to human trafficking about 5 minutes from the airport. We pull up to an intersection and ahead are a couple of beggars moving between cars. Oleg tells us they are being forced to beg for money. He is sure their handlers are close by watching them. I see the eyes of one of the beggars from less than 6 feet and the lifelessness breaks my heart.
When we got into town, Oleg took us to casually meet the transition home youth in a park. I immediately notice the close bond between Oleg and the youth and I could sense the vibrancy in the youth’s spirits. The boys love to talk about sports while the girls busily engage with the ladies on our Mission team. We had ice cream with the youth, chat a little more, and then visit a church. My spirits are lifted and I feel joy to be among this group of people.
Our next stop was Oleg's newest project – a transition home (pictured), social apartment, worship space (pictured), office, and anything else that can be fit inside the newly purchased home. The home is located in an area where Oleg grew up, an area where you were either a gang member or a baptist. (I’m so thankful his passion was for Christ and not gangs!) The transition home has been vacant for 8 years. It once was a place of much evil. Now contractors tear down gold leafed ornamental plaster that once stood for the worshiping of monetary idols. Oleg told of the souls that were torn down inside this home and the evil that went on. He is transforming a home once used for tearing lives apart into a home used for restoring lives all the while an oppressed neighborhood witnesses the miracle! This transition home gives me much hope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)