Ch-ch-ch chia

We have been on the go go go.......

Our first day here we arrived, welcomed as family and off we went to site see and to the street market. This week we're in the town of Balti (Beltz) serving the people free medical care.  All of our planning for the last couple of months is a go, how exciting to be able to serve in this manner.

Donations. We received thousands of dollars in supplies from companies and people willing to help the people of Moldova. Kuddos to my team mates for all their hard work reaching out pulling it all together.  Thank you to all who gave. We're trying to capture through photos the impact your giving has had. It is life changing.  As Luna a local woman from Balti said last night at womans night, "thank you for making this trip, for not forgetting about us."
The group later discussed it sounded as if she feels forgotten, abandoned. As an adult? This is our reason WHY, why we make this trip, to make a difference, even if it's in just one persons life.  At the moment she spoke those words I teared up, tears of joy.

Today was our third day of clinic we have seen about 160 people so far. Thanks to Ion(Johnny) aka our "bouncer". People arriving at 7am to get their name on the list to be seen.

The power of the ant.  While sitting at the clinic I looked around thinking, Oleg with his wife Marina have impacted so many lives in the country in Moldova. Transition homes (like a foster home, with a house Mother and Father where orphans who because of their age can no longer be in the orphanage are able to finish school, learn life skills while being in a loving, safe environment.) Churches, after school programs, summer camps, human trafficking prevention talks, Kingdom businesses, visiting people's homes, orphanage visits all to show the love of Christ.  Oleg never misses an opportunity to talk with someone about Christ's love for them. We have mission shirts that we wear for the trip.  Walking through the airport, going into a restaurant we're always turning heads, people wanting to know who we are.  The Americans (who "have it easy" says Olga to me yesterday. A perception of all Americans since we're such a rich, blessed country. A perception that money makes you happy......) While we're with Oleg checking out of our hotel he is told to "keep your opinions to yourself" while greating a man from Wales saying, "Good morning, what a great day the Lord has made" Oleg says, "its my conviction, I have to tell you" the man proceeds to tell him he "lives in a Godless country." Oleg quotes the scripture, when a Nation turns it's back on God. Romans 1:18-32. I couldn't help but think of my country, where are we headed? Do I lead with conviction? Do I share the love Jesus has for others enough?
If the seed is planted, it can grow.....

Our team rocks! We go together like peas and carrots.  Lots of laughter, sharing and more sharing oh and laughter.  Thankful to be with such great people.  Go to bed, Beth! Teehee

The meals here have been great. It's always a concern eating in another country sometimes the tummy doesn't handle it so well.  Of course the meals are different from what I'm use to. Starch isn't much of a friend to me. Thank God Jake brought chia. It has saved me.  Its much better when it's moist and chewy. Thanks Jake for taking one for the team @TSA :)