Saturday... Off to Soroca Fortress...

This was a play day!!!  Two team members spent the day with children they sponsor and the rest of us headed off to sight-see north of Chisinau.  The day was beautiful with a breeze and temps in the mid 70's - much cooler than the past 4 days.  The day gave us a relaxed time with each other and 2 translators plus our bus driver.  Pictures will tell some of the story.  

It was a delight for this Wisconsin farm girl to drive through the lush, rich farmland and observe agricultural endeavors in Moldova.

We headed to Soroca...  Arrived about noon so enjoyed an Andy's Pizza lunch before...

Entering Soroca...

our first destination, the Soroca Fortress.  Dating to 1499, its massive edifice was hard to capture with my little camera.  We enjoyed strolling and climbing around the interior.

Team members plus  translators arrive at Soroca Fortress...

The next photos were all taken from inside the Fortress...  looking up, around and out.

 

Hard to capture in photos because of its massive size...

Elena is such a good friend and great translator leader.  She graduated from University 2 years ago and now works full-time with CERI.  Can't thank and praise her enough.  

Looking across the Niestra River to Ukraine.

This is a little part of what is known as Gypsy Hill.  Visible from a window of the Fortress.

After leaving the Fortress, we drove to another landmark which had a fabulous view into Ukraine.

As we arrive at the Candle of Gratitude...

Not something to climb but something to walk around...

Looking into Ukraine.  

Look closely at top bend in river to see the Soroca Fortress which we'd just left.

Adding another shared experience to our nearly 49 years of marriage...

 Much of the drive was on a wonderful highway funded by the USA...

Huge fields of wheat all along the way.  Saw 2 combines harvesting but it all looks beautifully ready to harvest.

To break up our long drive back, we stopped to enjoy this beautiful monastery.  An evening service with less than 20 people, was in process.  We enjoyed beautiful choral music as we stood just inside the door.

Lovely grounds and flowers all around...

I had been here once before but it's a beautiful spot and I enjoyed seeing it again.

 

Do you think maybe I really, really love flowers?

And then it was 7:15 and we arrived at our team house for a delicious supper.  Great conversation around the table and now about to head to bed.  Loved the day.  God gave this country agricultural and human beauty.  So thankful that I have gotten here a dozen times and am invited to return as soon as possible.   Two team members leave very early for a 6AM flight tomorrow.  The rest of us have another day to enjoy.  Thanking the Lord continually for His provision and protection and joy.