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.