Moldova and the mission

I am about to begin the trip of a life time. It is not possible to describe the anticipation and great expectations associated with travel to the other side of the world to work with children who have only food and shelter, maybe two changes of clothing. I will be working with about 110 children, ages 6 through 15. They are residents of a state operated orphanage in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. During the winter months, 500+ children reside in the facility. Most of the children have extended family who will take them in during the summer. Those remaining have very little to do during the summer. Our children complain they "have nothing to do, I'm bored", but these children rely on the generosity of organizations and churches to provide the simplest of summer activities. We'll provide games, sports, activities for personal and spiritual renewal. We will also take craft materials and provide t-shirts for painting and other fun crafts that our children in this country nonchalantly enjoy every summer. One of my assignments is to provide Bible study and educational materials with the Moldovan adults who monitor the children during the summer. This will be my first experience to work with an interpreter. I am grateful for the opportunity.

I began planning this trip nearly a year ago. Last June I began investigating the possibility. It has taken, literally, a year to bring the plans to this point for departure. You may be interested in reading more about Moldova and the organizations who are sponsoring this trip:

CERI

Oakmont Baptist Church