Two Lost

I have taken on the task of youth leader to the International Community here in Moldova. I was hesitant at first, but I really love it. I enjoy the small group I have, with kids ranging from age 10 to 17. We meet along with the parents and kids twice a month for service and have an activity once a month. It is great! We have missionary kids, embassy kids and kids just visiting. But our group is small. And sadly, we just lost two. Jon (13) and Rebekah (15) were only in Moldova for three months. Their dad was here on a Fulbright scholarship. Last night was their last night. This is something one gets used to in Moldova: people coming and going. But we will surely miss them. And I pray they will continue to grow in the Lord when they return to the states.

Pizza and Bowling

Morning Prayer

We sat at the Home of Hope today: women, workers and one small child. On Tuesdays we have meetings about how life is going in the home, practical scheduling and always a small Bible study. Today we decided to pray for one another. And the sharing began. It was amazing to see how the workers have become so close in the past year. The women in the home are slowly revealing their brokenness before us and before God. We just prayed for our families abroad, sisters still stuck in trafficking, and the future of the women in the home. Their hearts are really softening to God. The littlest one, our 2.5 year old, ended the prayer with a loud exclamation: "There! We prayed!!" And that was it, but God moved. And He still moving in the Home of Hope. So when we are praying Tuesday mornings don't hesitate to pray with us and for us.

Inadequate Love

I sat at the Home of Hope yesterday. This is our rehabilitation center for trafficked women that recently opened. The women and I were drawing pictures of our present life and our future life. One of the girls just drew her boyfriend with hearts and flowers. She said that he is her life. I have met this man, unkind and condescending. I asked myself, what can release this girl from this man's grip? She has never seen real love. In fact, all the women in this room have never seen real love. The only real love comes from God.

And then it hit me. I am the incarnation of that love. I must admit, I do not feel empowered, stirred toward action or even excited. I feel incredibly overwhelmed, small and inadequate. I have been pondering God's unwarranted love for man and His great sacrifice. I am sure I can never fully convey that love to anyone. All I can think is I need to pray more.

Convoy of Hope Internship

The Convoy of Hope interns were in the country for five weeks. I had the joy and privilege of helping host this team.

This is an update by Nancy Raatz: Director and Dreamer of the Home of Hope Moldova.

"This afternoon I'm exhausted and I'm thrilled. We went as a Home of Hope staff to a short term shelter this morning and met with the first women who will come to our home next Monday. We talked first with the social workers who manage these women's cases, then we met with the women. Three women will come to the Home on Monday. Today we met with two of them. They also have three children that will come with them.

Both of the women we talked with today spoke Russian so I was out of the conversation, but I sat in amazement at the staff God has put together. Rodica is such an amazing woman. She asked them (I was told later) their dreams for life and said that we are here to help them reach their dreams. We are not here as an end in their lives, but to help them move to what their lives can be. Elena told them they could know that we are a family and they will be a part of this family. And Sara told them they are not alone. We will help them learn to raise their children.

We began to dream about games to play and being "Auntie"--"Tante" to some little girls who have had no one to love them. We began to see these women that sat so scared, so lost as women that God has called us to show His love and healing.

After the meeting we talked about how God has so much more ahead. So often we think we are here to do just one thing and God leads us to another. We built a Home for women to find healing from the scares of trafficking and we are also building a bridge to the women who work in the short term shelter. It is not a place that is faith based, but there are lovely women that work there and care about these young women who are trafficked and friendships are forming with these women also.

I'm excited for the days ahead. I know God has lead us this far and He will continue to lead us."

A Friend

I just wanted to tell you all about my new friend Lucas. He is seven and a ton of fun. I spent the past week in the suburb of Straseni with Pastor Nic and his family. Lucas is his oldest son. Lucas and I just got along. We played war, he showed me his newly acquired piano skills, he beat me in UNO and we caught frogs together. In short, Lucas and I are friends. We talked about his plans for future travel, how to learn languages and the best techniques for golfing with a stick and a rock. I am delighted about the friendship and Lucas double checked that his family had my phone number before I left. I can't wait to see him and his family again.

A Good House Wife

Sasha turned and looked at me, beaming. “Sara,” he said in Russian, with a little bit of surprise in his voice, “you are a great house wife.”

Sasha and the other young men of Sarata Galbena had been watching me that evening as I helped prepare the potluck for forty people. They were impressed that I knew how to set the table, cut the bread and even remembered the tea. I was taken aback by the comment. I knew that Sasha had given me a compliment. In fact for a Moldovan woman, it would have been the ultimate compliment. But I am not Moldovan and I did not come here to be a ‘good house wife,’ I came to be a missionary. I am not here to make food, remember tea and cut bread; I am here to serve the church and seek the lost. I wasn’t sure how to respond: offended or pleased. I smiled as the other young men around nodded in agreement and soon left the table.

As I sit here writing this, I am not offended, but delighted. Moldovan women are strong, good mothers and excellent wives. And the men here are constantly bragging about them: their good looks, competency and skills. Sasha showed me respect. He sees the other Americans around and watches how I have learned, adapted and grown in my new country and environment. He was never trying to offend, but encourage. It is on this foundation of respect that influence and change can be brought about. And that is real missionary work.

Brother Vasile in Mihaileni

I spent the past few days up North in the village of Mihaileni. I have enjoyed getting to know the team that I will spend the next few weeks with, but my favorite part has been connecting with the Moldovans in that area. We worked on the walls of the new church building, painted, visited the poor and had services. I loved sitting down chatting with the men and women in the church working with us. The deacon and overseer of the church is a wonderful man named Brother Vasile. He is a man I respect and have learned a lot from. The thing that I love most about Brother Vasile is his blessings and words of encouragement. Every time I translated for him, he would be say kind words to someone on the team. He knew how to build people up. I look forward to spending time in that church again and in the meantime I know that Brother Vasile will be praying for me.

Taking to the Streets with Lola

Lola is my new Miniature Schnauzer. She is almost three months old. Because I live in an apartment Lola can't just go play in the back yard. So we go out onto the street almost seven times a day for her to go potty. She is learning and doing great! In the process, I am meeting people.

My neighbor kids love her, though a few are afraid of the six pound, tail wagging, nose licking beast! And the adult neighbors think I am crazy to keep a dog in the house. Dogs are for the streets and for backyards. Not many dogs live inside here; it is a new concept. That is why I am surprised at how many people stop, stare, ask questions or pet the puppy.

I have talked to grannies and their grandchildren, Jehovah's Witnesses, and business men. I had a long discussion about the Bible with the neighbor while he was cleaning out the garage. I talked to a college girl working on her thesis and we were joined by a lonely old woman who rambled for fifteen minutes without a breath. I was chased down the street by a man trying to over stuff Lola with some sausages he had in his bag. I kept telling him no, but he was very insistent.

But mostly I am stopped by people who want to tell me that I am not raising my puppy correctly. She is too fat, too thin, too young or too small to be outside. It is great fun to be lectured by those who have never owned a pet in their lives! Lola is a great tool and certainly a great way to interact with the world.

And she likes to bark at the hair dryer...which is really funny!

Home of Hope Container

Home of Hope

The Home of Hope is a home for women who have survived human trafficking. These women are often repatriated to Moldova and have are left with no options and no future. The trauma of the slavery alone has left many of them mentally unstable. There is a stigma in Moldova of women who have returned from such a lifestyle and many of them are rejected by family and friends. Some have children, some have HIV and all of them need Jesus.

The Home of Hope offers just that: Hope. This is a place of safety, recovery, medical care and job training. The women are offered a place for one to two years and are gently loved by workers and friends with the love of Jesus Christ.

I am excited and blessed to be a part of this home. It has been in the making for five years and in finally coming to fruition. Please pray for us at the Home of Hope, for the American and Moldovan workers and for the women.

Ministry

I wish I could sit here and report amazing things. It would be amazing to be able to tell my readers that I preached a sermon and thousands came to know the Lord. Or that everywhere I go, people just come up to me and ask me how they can know Jesus too. Or maybe every time I saw a man or woman on the street with a deformity, my shadow could simply pass by and that person could be healed.

That simply is not the case. But God is growing me and as I grow, my ministry grows. He is working in me and through me, teaching me that it is not the things I do, but the character of who I am. As I am here trying to navigate my way as a minister of God's freedom, I have committed to a few basic principles.

1. Glorify God and exalt his name! I know God's word and what he asks of his followers. I need to evaluate my actions every step and continue to grow in relationship, obedience and the Holy Spirit.
2. To be a learner. I am young and haven't been in ministry for very long. But I can watch and learn from the Americans and Moldovans here.
3. To be faithful in the small things. It is my job to take the tasks given me, however simple they may be, and complete them to the best of my ability. Whether it is teaching Missionary kids, going through inventory or helping schedule interns. With each task I am faithful in, God gives me more responsibility.
4. Know that God called me. I know I am in Moldova for a reason. My work and relationships are not without fruit.

So praise God. I will keep moving through life in Moldova knowing that God is ultimately in control. Your prayers are cherished.

My friends' neighbor's cousin?

I think that is who he is anyways; my friends' neighbor's cousin. I am looking for a good dog here in Moldova and this man called me ready to help. I met Radu today for the first time at a bus stop up the street from my house. He came walking down to meet me, smoking and covered in tattoos and scars. He even had a semi-mullet as many Moldovan men do. And as I boarded the bus with him, I asked myself, "What exactly are you getting yourself into?"

He decided that we would go to his house for tea first, where I met his gorgeous German Shepherd and his reclusive father. Then we began to traipse through the city from one bus to another. The person we went to see was not home so we went to another part of town. And as we rode and walked, Radu talked. He talked and talked (His excellent English is littered with all the slang words he learned from his summer in the Bronx). I learned about his life and his family, his history and his past. We talked about Moldova and all its problems and what can be done about the future. We met people along the way and I was introduced to many. We discussed the right kind of dog for me and about good decision making.

Then we went through the park, drank from a fresh spring and went back to his house for dinner. His mother and girlfriend showed me their garden and showered me with fresh fruit, soup and kvas (tastes like beer). Then they showed me stacks of photos and finally deemed it dark enough for me to go home.

I didn't find a dog today. It may be months and months until I do. In the meantime, I will get to spend plenty of time with Radu and his family. May God give me favor, wisdom and plenty of His Holy Spirit.

A Moldovan Joke

Ok. So I was told this joke by a Moldovan last night at the park:

A Moldovan emigrates to Italy. This man has never done manual labor, but takes a job helping an Italian man build his house. The first day the Italian man hands his new laborer a can of paint and tell him to paint the house. The Moldovan is perplexed. He has never painted before so he comes up with a plan: Why not just paint the mouth of the neighboring cow and tell his Italian boss that the cow drank the paint?

That evening the Italian returns and wonders why his house is not painted.
"The cow drank all the paint!!" says the Moldovan.
The Italian man quickly leaves, comes back with a gun and shoots the cow. The cow lies there dead.
"Why did you do that?" asks the Moldovan laborer.
"Because," says the Italian boss, "last year the cow ate three tons of my cement."

And that is the end of the Moldovan joke. Hope you enjoyed it at much as I did.

Camp

With All My Might

Things have changed in Moldova since I arrived. I came planning to do one thing, work at Stella's, but plans have changed entirely. So, 'now what?' has been the question on mine and everyones lips. And the frank answer is, "I don't really know." I do know a few things though.

1. God's will has not changed for me. I am supposed to be in Moldova.
2. That whatever I do, I must work with all my might. And commit it to God.
3. That ministry is not about a title, it is about relationships.

So that is what I am doing, building relationships with the girls, young women and churches. And God is slowly showing me where he wants me to be. Praise Him, because if I am faithful, He will not lead me down the wrong path.

Riding in Cars With Boys

There was no room in the van or Troy's car, so my roommate Leslie and I got a ride with Pastor Sasha. The village of Cojusna is not far from our home in Chisinau, but it was an adventure. I opened the back of the truck to find three blond boys under the age of twelve, two pieces of gum that had been eaten and spit out, wrappers and clothes and a few other unidentified objects. I beckoned Leslie bravely and climbed in. The boys were more than delighted and a fourth blond boy in the front seat asked if got to go home with them that night. And the conversation began.

This was chance to practice my Romanian, so I used all I could. I talked to the boys, asking their names and ages and teasing them about the tongues that had been turned various colors by candy. We talked about where America is located and how to get there. Dennis, the youngest boy, about three, was pacified and happy for the most part, until his supply of candy ran out. Then Dennis would yell in my ear at his two brothers and their friend, until candy came. When Pastor Sasha got in the car and turned it on, we headed to the church and unloaded a bunch of lawn mowers. Then we were finally on our way, boys bouncing around without seat belts eating candy by the fistfuls. They kept talking to me in Romanian, in words I couldn't understand and we finally gave up.

I guess the light summer drizzle outside was too much for them, because they turned the heat on full blast. In the past week I have played soccer in the afternoon sun, walked four miles across town and been in an apartment without air conditioning. After fifteen minutes in that car, with Denise sleeping against me and Clement on my lap, I submit that I have never been sweatier.

Soccer with the Boys

The boys in Moldova never know quite what to think when I step onto the soccer field here. I am an enigma. Sure, girls can play volleyball and maybe even basketball, but they certainly do not play soccer. I am always polite and ask nicely if I can play. They look at each other, maybe laugh a little, but they usually consent. Maybe they say yes out of curiosity, or maybe it is because my soccer ball is so much better than theirs. I usually don't find myself shunned from the games. But, just because I am in the game, doesn't mean I am actually part of the game. They simply don't pass to me. It is not until they see me steal the ball away from some guy and make a brilliant pass at least five times that they realize that I can actually play. After that, the fun begins. The soccer here is serious, fast, and the fields are always treacherous. It is always a blast to play.

I have been spending the last few days at Christian youth camp here in Moldova. We have church service every morning and every night, but the afternoons are ours. And we play soccer! One of the village teams decided that I could play with them. They are nice guys and just wanted to indulge the American girl. I was proud and glad when they asked me to join their team for the rest of the week. The guys decided that our team simply couldn't win without me. Besides, all the other teams are impressed when they actually win with a girl playing. I just wanted to let you all know that I am doing all I can to break the glass ceiling here in Moldova. :)

You Never Know

I have been excited about my apartment, "The Coca Cobana" being filled with people for the month of July. We are having fun shopping and cooking and playing games together. But this morning after my walk, I was looking forward to an empty apartment and a luxurious breakfast and shower, all alone. The problem is, you never know what a day in Moldova will throw at you. About ten minutes of alone time was all I secured before my landlord showed up, expecting men from the gas company and wanting to do some painting. There goes the morning.

"No matter," I thought to myself. My afternoon can be productive. I gathered my list and a bill and headed out to run errands. But you never know what is going to happen in Moldova. Three xerox places did not have their machines working, the bank where I pay my bill was having repairs and was closed. I had to walk across town to pay the bill at a different location and eventually found a xerox machine that worked. I thought I could end my errands with a nice coffee at a local cafe. This cafe actually uses an espresso machine, where most places have instant. I made plans to meet friends, but upon arrival, the place was closed. Repairs or redecorating, not sure. You never know in Moldova.

And that is the way life is here. You never know what the next day or next corner will bring. And you certainly never know if your goals will be met, the words you say will be understood or you will make it to your final destination. But it is certain to always be a cultural adventure.

Eurasia Retreat 2008

Turkey is a country I never expected to travel to. When sitting around with friends and discussing good vacation spots, this majority Muslim country on the cusp of Europe never crossed my mind. But I loved every second of it, from the food, the shops, the seas and beaches to the markets. The vendors’ pushy attitudes and the permeating heat could not deter my fun and education while in Antalya and Istanbul.

The majority of the trip was spent at a hotel/resort in Antalya, Turkey where the greater part of the Assemblies of God World Missions Eurasia was gathered for a tri-yearly conference. This time comes as a welcomed break for many people. We had a lot of speakers, discussed business and met with various regions. People connected on different levels of ministry, giving ideas and suggestions. And for many of the missionaries, associates and missionary kids, this is the only time they get to spend with other Americans that are anywhere near their age. The conference over-all was a success and I feel a renewed love for Moldova and the goals God has here.

After Antalya, we flew through Istanbul and decided not to miss the opportunity of a few days tourism. We went to the Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque and even the cisterns. We saw the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. I had my first Starbucks coffee in two months and felt right at home the coffee shop that looks identical to the ones in Seattle. The EuroCup 2008 has been the talk of all of Europe and I have been watching the games avidly. It was great to hear the streets of Istanbul erupt in joy with both goals of the Turkey team in the semi-finals. I thank God for this great trip and hope for another opportunity to visit this great country.

Living Permit

Please be in prayer for my living permit. The missionary assistant here, Gheorghe, has been working hard to gather all of the appropriate paperwork. And I spent many a long hour while in the states visiting offices, paying fees and sending away for various apostilles. Today Gheorghe and I met early to take some paperwork to the work permit office and another office. As we sat there and were interviewed about why I am in Moldova, they simply added a few new items to the documents list. So, we are scrambling to get those collected as well. Hopefully, by the time I return from Turkey, the permits I need will be ready and I can actually put in my application for residency. We need this to be done by the end of July, or I will not only be an immigrant, but an illegal one. I will have to leave the country until I get the appropriate visa, or until three months have passed. So thank you all so much for your prayers: may everything come through on time and may Gheorghe and I not be too frustrated.

MADE

Constantin and Nina

Constantin and Nina are our landlords. They are wonderful people, patient with our needs, phones calls, questions and limited language ability. We decided to invite the couple over to dinner to thank them for how wonderful they have been to Shauna, my roommate, this past year. Shauna is leaving soon and wanted to say goodbye. They came late, in true Moldovan fashion, and gave us each a hearty greeting with hugs and kisses on each cheek. Constantin asked what was wrong with the apartment, listened to the story about the refrigerator, and went to the living room to watch TV. Not Nina; she went directly to the balcony to check on the flowers. She loves these potted plants and yet leaves them with indifferent young women who water the plants out of obligation. She comments on how beautiful some have gotten and how others she just needs to take home. She spends at least half an hour working on these plants, talking all the while in Russian and Romanian, of which I understand about 40%.

After the first awkward half hour, however, everyone started to loosen up over a table of spaghetti and salad. Constantin told us that he is an actor, talked of his children and meeting Nina. And Nina informed us of many home remedies and teas we need when we reach our climax as women, at aged 45. But the best story was about how Constantin's mother used to discipline them. She would simply strip off all of their clothes and lock them out of the gate. They would be naked in the middle of their village, with girls walking by and staring!! I think they enjoyed themselves, because they reciprocated the invitation and even asked to one of Domnul (Mr.) Constantin's shows. I am excited to know this couple. I know they will take good care of me while I am living in their apartment.

The Best Worship

I have been to quite a few worship services in the few weeks that I have been in Moldova. It is a joy and a blessing to spend time with Moldovans in their churches. I have been out to villages and neighboring towns, as well as here in the city. There are churches that simply have an accordion and a few singers. The service I went to yesterday had an entire youth choir, with a guitar and a two keyboards. There were many instances of wonderful special music. There is even a church whose pastor plays the guitar and just goes acoustic half-way through the service. Besides that, I am gleaning different things from the preachers and cherishing communion.

But I must admit, thus far my favorite Sunday was the day I watched two of the missionary kids while their parents were in Romanain. Natalie (8) and Lauren (6) are the daughters of my mentors here: Andy and Nancy Raatz. On this Sunday they were so excited and willing to spend time in the living room singing to God and praying for everything they could think it. We turned on some great songs on the i-pod and danced through the room. We turned on soft songs and sat and reflected. Natalie decided we should read about Jesus first miracle. We decided that if Jesus can actually turn water to wine (very cool) then he can help Moldova and the Home of Hope can be built and many people we love can be healed. Their joy and willingness made it a wonderful morning of worship. Thanks Natalie and Lauren.

The Moldovan People

Often when I am out on the public transportation, or walking to the market, I find myself with a straight face and furrowed brow. It is not because I feel unwell, or the culture shock has so permeated my body that I simply cannot manage a smile. It is not even because of how awkward I feel about the way many people are dressed. It is simply because everyone else is serious too. The Moldovans do not smile at strangers. They always seem so serious and even angry. There are often arguments on the mini-buses when the driver yells at someone for slamming the door. And the cashier at the grocery store always seems put out by having to make change. I've decided that people aren't like this because they hate each other, it is because they hate life. It is a hard and almost hopeless existence in Moldova. Prices go up and up, but incomes do not seem to change. Oil, food, and clothing are all close to European prices, and trying to give your family their basic needs is more and more challenging. The concerns of life show on their faces.

And if this was all I knew of the Moldovan people, these scowls and this hopelessness, I may feel very discouraged indeed. But the people here are truly loving and kind. They are the kind of people who greet their friends with such joy and excitement that it seems as though they have not seem them for a year. I have seen my community gather around in the courtyard and try to help me find the place to pick up my package. I have heard of men closing their shops to help a nice American girl find an adapter in the market. My landlord greeted me on the street with such enthusiasm: two kisses to the cheeks, and with pride introduced me to his friend. The women selling produce always have a kind word about how my Romanian is improving. These people love each other and there is a place in their hearts and in their lives for me. My hope is that when I get to inhabit that place, I get to bring the hope and joy of Jesus Christ with me.

My Apartment

I just wanted to share with you guys a few photos from the apartment. It is nice and large, with three bedrooms, shower room, toilet room, living room, kitchen and great room. Right now there are two permanent residence: Shauna and I. Then we have interns coming and going in the third room. I like it here. It is a safe neighborhood, the landlords are nice and so are the neighbors. Enjoy the photos.

Ruthless

I get a phone call from Nancy. "Someone in America loves you! You have a package." She said she went to the post office to pick it up and the postal workers were very confused. They always open the packages here, and this gift left them at a loss. "What is it?" They kept repeating. "I don't even know what it is," Nancy told me. "It is big though." My roommate brought it home from Nancy's house and I opened it: A beautiful wooden board game called Ruthless, from my mom. It for the girls at Stella's House, but already I have half a dozen volunteers to help me learn the game. Thanks Mama. I am sure this game will bring us hours of fun.

Reunion

My last visit to Moldova, in 2005, was highlighted by a week long trip to the village of Crasnoromaiscoe. I lived for a period with Pastor Vlodia and his family. The trip was challenging, but the people wonderful. Since that time I have been praying for that community.

Sadly, about six months ago I blogged about the tragic death of Pastor Vlodia in a well accident. I emailed some with the oldest daughter and sent condolences. Today I returned to that village. I was greeted with open arms and lots of tears. I held Vlodia's wife as she cried. I got to see new babies and how all the kids had grown. It was bitter sweet. Please pray for this family and the village.

Shopping

Please understand that nothing in Moldova is quick. There are no quick trips to the store, no easy online bill pay and no fast food. It takes time to get everywhere, get what you want and stand in line. This is true with shopping. Sure there are stores with the Target/Wal-mart mentality, where one is supposed to go and get everything in one trip. And this is a viable option if one is not picky. But to get the best of everything,one must visit multiple stores and always keep ones eye open.

One store may have the decaf tea I like, another, gluten free noodles. There is a special store to buy pajama pants and another to get slippers. The meat in the butcher by the market is always the best, but it is hard to find the cheese there that one wants. Also, there is simply no point in buying produce except at the open air market. And even that isn't easy. I have to look for the best cucumbers and the best price, taste the walnuts and hope I can find a quality spinach.

If there is a line at the grocery store, it is usually long and the cashier is never friendly. They repeatedly ask for spare change, though you have told them that none is to be had. It is odd that they begrudge you this right, because they rarely have change either. Often a few cents are replaced by a piece of gum. Thus each meal I prepare and eat is more savory and more satisfying, because I feel as though I hunted for my food.

The Trip

The past week has been a whirlwind, with packing my life, saying good bye, traveling and then unpacking again. What surprised me most has been my calm state. Maybe it was my body protecting itself and detaching from the wave of emotions lying underneath, or maybe it was a peace given from God. Whatever it was, it was grace from God that this transition has gone smoothly so far…at least for the most part.

There was one point when my defenses were down. I was sitting in the airport in Frankfurt, in this back corner, when I looked up a realized that I was the only American in the waiting area. Panic suddenly struck me and my mind started racing. “What if my luggage doesn’t make it? What if something important is taken from my luggage? What if I can’t get it all onto the trolly? What happens if they decide not to let me in the country, or give me my living permit? What if there is no one to greet me at the airport? And worst of all, if anything goes wrong, my ticket is only one way!” This momentary panic was short-lived however. I was soon distracted by the semi-inebriated Moldovan trying to chat me up, despite my trying to read, and the new American addition to the terminal: a girl video taping everything. And when I got off that flight and made it smoothly through customs and a nice guy helped me organize my luggage, my calm had returned. Soon delight set in, as I walked into the greeting area and there was the entire team, flowers in tow! We went to a great new restaurant, talked about the plans for the next week and then went home to my apartment. The thought that is dominating my mind right now, despite the lack of sleep, is awe of what my God can do! He got me here.

In Preparation

I am so excited that I have 100% of my funds. A goal I have been working towards, not just for the past ten months, but for years now, is about to come into fruition. My joy and excitement is barely containable. But the stress is just as high. I am enjoying my time with family and friends, but the profound sadness of knowing I will not see them for years is difficult to handle. I will miss important events in their lives. Also, how does one pack for two years? It is difficult to organize, plan and pack all that I will need or at least think I need.

I think the biggest worry on my mind though, is will I do a good job? Will God be glorified through me and in me? Will the lives of the girls in Stella's House II be impacted? Will I be a good team member? This is something that I can't know until I am in the middle of it. So for the next week and a half, I will simply prepare one day at a time. And asking you all to pray for me and with me. Thanks so much!

On The Path

I have had the privilege this past month to be a part of something new at Assemblies of God World Missions. On the Path is a new ministry at AGWM designed to get people "from the call to the field." It is a group of people mobilizing missionaries, short-term or long. I have been to two public relations events, handing out promotional material and talking to young adults about their options to serve in mission. It has been a blast.

Last week I spent five days in Arizona at the Master's Commission Conference. We got to encourage young people in their future, their call and ultimately serving God. I had opportunities to pray with people, encourage and instruct. Our group of five was fun also. We ate out, played dice games and even ventured up to the Grand Canyon. It was a time of refreshing and renewal.

Saddest Place on Earth

Twice in the past week I have read that Moldova is the "saddest place on earth." Why is this? One author writes: "Moldovans are truly miserable. It’s a relatively poor country on the edge of a rich neighborhood, and that’s Europe. Once they had the pride of being part of the Soviet empire, and now they’re not part of anything." Moldovans can see their future and it is not exciting. There are no resources to help boost their economy and alcoholism runs rampant. Human trafficking, poverty, drug abuse and child abandonment are just a few of the problems keeping these people sad. What is the solution?

God's Kingdom. May it be established in Moldova, despite the issues. That is my role there. To be an announcer of God's kingdom. To proclaim rest for the weary and freedom for the captives. Thanks to so many of you who are a part of this work. Keep praying that the joy of Christ will permeate Moldova.

Many Blessings,
Sara

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