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.