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.