The Camp

There are 150 children ages 6-16. Most don't speaka word of English, but I have the most wonderful translater. Stella is a college student who is a shining light in Moldova. Her parents teach at the University and she dreams of studying in the United States. She sits by my side and easily tranlates all my thoughts about scripture and what God has to say and communicates these to children and the adult teachers of the camp.

All but one of the adult teaches showed up for day two of the Bible lessons. These women talk with me and share their faith. They are teaching me as much as I teach them, and I have told them we are "sisters" because we are all teachers and doing God's work.

The camp is in a beautiful natural setting that could be the year 2007 or the year 1007. Only the presence of the van and the portable sound system for morning worship are give-aways that we are in 21st century.

The "out door potty" is the only available restroom and reminds me of how far we really are from the city. These dedicated teachers live "on campus" and seem very dedicated to their work with the children.

I see the presence of Christ here.

Greetings from Moldova

Bene Sera --

I am now in the mission house in Chisunau. There are four of us in a very nice room complete with a/c and bottled water...two essentials for this trip.

We visited an elder house today. We delivered bananas, candy, cookies to 400 residents. The conditions are very very hard in this state operated home for elder and disabled. No one could speak English, but love did translate.

We also visited a nearby village. We stepped back in time about 100 years and visited a small Baptist church that averages 20-30 people at Sunday Service, most of whom are children. The pastor and his wife live Chisunau but drive the 30 to 40 k. to this very rural area. Eastern NC is a metropolis compared to this little community. Cow, chickens, and dogs were common than cars on the dirt throughfares. We delivered food bags to these folks. This was a first for them and didn't quite understand but again the love of God easily translates.

More tomorrow.

Challenges

Count down for departure about two hours.

We are undergoing some challenges this morning. First, part of our hearts will be left behind as one of our team members has learned she has serious illness. Her contributions to the team have been so important. We are glad to know she will be with the team in spirit if not in body.

One team member has passport delays...

I've never been so challenged to pack for a trip. All the supplies for a full week at a summer camp for 150 children are being packed in our personal baggage. It's tough remembering your own toothbrush, soap, underwear...etc., but even tougher to remember and efficiently pack all those camp supplies!

I am thankful for Pam and her skillful leadership.

May God be with us.

Good Friends Give Send-off

On Saturday good friends and co-workers met together for a Bon Voyage party. I laughed and reminded Abbie that I'm going to Moldova, not France! Even so we enjoyed a wonderful cake with a genuine and geographically accurate map of of the country. It was great to be able share our traveling stories and I do appreciate comments and suggestions from those who are international travelers. This will be my first time to travel to a country where I will need a passport, so naturally, any suggestions are helpful. Many in our group have traveled to Europe, Russia, South and Central America, Korea, and China, but no one has been to Moldova.

Having the good will and wishes of friends means a lot. It helps to know others affirm and respect my mission to work at the orphanage for a week. I've added a photo of the cake to the blog. This way, if you ever have a chance to travel to the country...you can find your way around!

Departure is near! What to pack and what to leave behind

One week from yesterday and we will be boarding our plane for Moldova. This is the time when our preparations become very intense. Packing, purchases of necessary housekeeping items, and most importantly, our Bible lessons and devotions all require time and focused attention. I consider myself an experienced traveler, but this is one trip that has extended the stakes to my tent!!

Spiritual preparation is one area that can not be neglected. Never have I felt such intensity in the need to be prepared spiritually and emotionally. My suitcase must hold clothes, toothpaste, comb, and brush. These are all in place. It must also hold my deepest commitment to being an ambassador for Christ. I must pack my testimony for His power to deliver us from all the evil and heartbreak of this world. I MUST leave behind self-centered wishes, hopes for recognition, and any fearfulness for travel.

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

21st Century Learning

For comments and reflections on 21st century learners see eSchoolNews