Moldova, Wednesday, August 4, 2010...

It's after 11pm here and just now my turn at the computer and it's back up after a significant delay. Sleep will wait...

Lots of interaction for the team with children and all seem to be loving their moments here. The intense heat was back today but subsided slightly this evening when a front blew through. We were just starting in the Gazebo for our final event of the day when wind and rain threatened to end our session. I feared for our equipment as I placed something in front of the DVD projecter. I was about to stop the meeting and pack up our things but was mentally reminded of Jesus' command during a storm at sea. He said "Peace Be Still" and it was so. I prayed that the rain and wind would stop so that we could proceed. Within a few minutes the loud rain on the tin roof was silent and the wind subsided. We carried on with all that was planned without further problems. Thank you, God, and thank you around the world for covering us in prayer.

We are getting closer to the children and learning some of their stories. What we hear is often very disturbing and sad. No wonder as I sit down nearly anywhere I soon have someone close on each side snuggling as close as possible and looking up into my eyes with a big grin and the hope that they'll be accepted and safe for a few minutes at least.

Our young support crew continues to amaze me. Most of our translators are 17, 18, 19 or 20. Today they had lunch and then spent nearly an hour rehearsing for the evening session. They really care about how they sound and what they sing as they lead the music in our large group sessions twice a day. They are also doing the leading of the parts of the sessions as well. I tell them what I have in mind and they carry it out. It is wonderful!!! Tomorrow they will be presenting a 2 part drama focusing on the 10 Commandments which will be our lesson material. I planned a drama for the children to do but because we aren't connecting with them for that type of preparation, the translators are going to take it on.

Today we took the shoes and clothing we had to the camp for distribution around 4:30 pm. We had hoped/prayed that there would be at least one item for each child from the orphanage. Guess what!!! Every child was fitted with shoes or clothing except a set of twins that are larger than the rest of the children. We will purchase items they need before we leave. It was heart warming to see the children in their new shoes and socks at the gazebo this evening - they were all smiles. Nearly a dozen pair of good school shoes and some clothing items were able to be left with the camp director.

It was several young men tonight who had learned their memory verse by heart and jumped up to say it in front of the whole group tonight. It was a delight to see a pair of new sneakers proudly being worn by one particular boy as he was the first to say his verse. The sheet of stickers we gave him was a small reward for his diligence.

Forgot to mention yesterday that our amazing cook prepared a traditional Moldova meal for us last evening. She made Mama Liga -- cooked corn meal and rolled into a ball and served with sour cream, stuffed cabbage leaves, chicken in some type of sauce and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Can't remember the right names of these recipes but it was all good and everything has been. And dessert every night!!!

I'm not quite the last person up tonight. Lonnie R. is still faithfully printing photos with the printer Stan and Norma loaned us. Lonnie is a huge support help in MANY ways and we are very grateful that he decided to join us this year.

Thanks for your prayers. It's encouraging to know that many are praying around the world.

We are not being affected by the fires in Russia but we have learned of a missionary family who may be coming here as they are being very bothered by dense smoke where they live. We have heat and haze but can breath well.

Thursday will be here soon! Another day to serve and share Jesus' truth and love.