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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Pastor Vlodia

I had the joy and privilege of living and working with Pastor Vlodia in the Moldovan village of Crasnoarmascoe. His two daughters, son and wife were all extremely welcoming. They put out their best for me and showed me around their village with pride. I enjoyed spending my days with them as we planned summer camp for the local youth. We rode horses, picked beans off the vine and played soccer. Pastor Vlodia insisted that I sing some worship songs in English at the Wednesday night church service, despite my urgings that I am a poor singer.

He was proud to introduce me to his parish. He showed me the new church they were building, and the shed they were creating for children's church and a feeding program for those in need in the area. These past two years he has been working with missionary Andy Raatz and they were about to embark on a community transformation and development project.

A few days ago Andy called and Vlodia's wife answered in tears. There was an accident as Vlodia was fixing his well. He died.

Pastor Vlodia, I have no doubt, is in heaven with Jesus. Do not mourn for him, he is in a far better place. But mourn for his widow, for his three children and grandchild. Mourn for his church and the community of Crasnoarmascoe, who lost a great man of faith and action. And mourn for Moldova- for having one less man of God to bring hope to its people. Pray for them and pray for Moldova, that God would raise up workers to take over where Pastor Vlodia left off.