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!