Safe Travels All the Way Home...

We arrived at our home a little after midnight earlier today to find everything exactly as we'd left it 2 weeks ago.  That was a welcome way to arrive home even if we were very tired after a long day of travel which had been uneventful.  We were able to sleep some on flights.  We crawled into bed with hearts filled with gratitude.  We awoke mid morning with many thoughts about our trip which continued the feelings of deep gratitude we have for all the ways we were guided and sustained by God.   We experienced his strength which was sufficient for our work. 

Flay flying at our home in TX on July 4, 2015

Since it is the 4th of July, I hung the flag as soon as I awakened.  I am thankful for what that flag stands for and I'm extremely thankful for all who serve or who have served in order for our nation to remain free and protected.  God has given our nation honorable, wise founders and many others who have led our country with selfless distinction.  May many more men and women be elected to lead whose choices will represent the values established by our forefathers in our Constitution.  With wisdom from our divine Creator, this can be so.

The day is ending.  We've watched our town's fireworks from the street in front of our home.  We live part way up a hill and it has become tradition to stand with neighbors to view the fireworks which shoot high above the trees in our area.  Well done again this year.

Thanks for all prayers that have been offered on behalf of our team as we have prepared for and carried out the 2015 Mission Trip to Moldova.  May there be fruit from the seeds we planted which will continue to bring honor and glory to God for generations that last until the end of time on this earth.  We know God is faithful and will be at work to draw people to Himself. 

My heart is overflowing with joy because God has chosen to use me again this summer in the little country of Moldova.  I love that land and its dear people. 

There is an open invitation to return next summer with another team.  Stay tuned.  God may want you to be part of a team in 2016. 

Sunday... Day of "Lasts"...

Pretty close to being packed and ready to leave the team house at 4:45AM.  Nearly ready for bed. Good day with sunshine and moderate temp.

Walked to Bethel Baptist which is the oldest Baptist church in Chisinau and maybe in Moldova.  The service is conducted in Russian.  We got there as the choir was practicing and before many others had arrived.  This is a very traditional church.  We sat in the balcony and observed that the men sit on one side and the women on the other.

Choir rehearsing...

Sitting in the balcony...

Choir singing during the service...

Young girls reciting poem...

Young girls singing...

 The service was quite lengthy and had 3 sermons.  A baby dedication took place after the 3rd sermon.

2 baby girls being dedicated.  Pastors holding the girls while praying.

The bus driver had arrived to pick us up so one of our translators suggested we leave.  We had been there 2 hrs and 35 minutes.  The music was great and the sermons probably were also but I didn't understand the words - only the spirit of worship.

Bethel Baptist...

Matthew and his Daddy waiting for us outside the church.  Ivan is our bus driver.  

Natasha got a shirt from Lesley...

Andy's Pizza was our lunch spot...

Spent some sweet moments with Lena before heading back to the team house to pack etc...

Lena and Sarah went with others to a Renaissance Fair after this photo was taken...

Lots of good-byes today.  Those aren't exactly easy but there is a real sense of joy because of the way this week has gone.  We are leaving left over supplies, some clothes and taking with us rich memories and reasons to rejoice.  Heading off to several days in Kiev, Ukraine before returning home by week's end.  The prayers of many have availed much.  Thanks from a full heart.

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.