Gathering a Team for Moldova 2012...

 If you know very much about me, you know that a highlight of my summer since 2005 has been a mission trip to the small, Eastern European country of Moldova. Another trip is scheduled for this summer with the dates of July 31st - August 10th.  The team that goes there spends a week providing programming at a camp housing about 150 children from an orphanage.

Internat 2

Bedrooms hold 4-6 children

The orphanages in Moldova are called Boarding Schools.  These schools are open from Sept. 1st - May 31st.  All residents must find another place to stay for June, July and August.  That is possible for some of the

Internat 2 bath

children who have a parent, relative or friend able and willing to provide a place for them during the summer.  But for Internat 2, there are about 150 children of the 600+ student body who do not have anyone available to provide a place for them to spend the summer months.  Those children are taken to a camp on the outskirts of Chisinau,  Moldova's capital city,

Chisinau was settled in 1436

Cabins at the camp

Camp in April without active campers

where they live in cabins during the summer.  These children are true orphans - no one willing, able or permitted to care for them.

Some of the teachers during August

Teachers from the boarding school provide camp supervision and care but there is a wide open door for groups to take a team of people to work at the camp to provide programming and presence for a week or more at a time.  There are no restrictions on the content of our lessons and activities.  We have freedom to share the truth and love of God and His word.  And we package that love with our hugs, teaching and smiles.

Moldova Mission Team 2005 as we arrive at the airport in Chisinau - city in the background

What a privilege to serve with the teams that have gone there since 2005. We now have dear friends among the people of all ages whom we've gotten to know over the years. 

We partner in this ministry with Baptist Child and Family Services and their work known as CERI - Children's Emergency Relief International.  They have provided excellent support and counsel as we have prepared each year.  They also provide the resources which keep a godly CERI staff in Moldova of employees who provide ongoing support to the vulnerable and at-risk children in their country.  Those people are faithfully serving the Lord and this ministry and in the process providing hope and help to many children who would most likely be on the street if they weren't a part of CERI's programs to assist children without a stable home.

It is now the time of the year to begin planning for another trip to Moldova for this summer.  There have been several info meetings at my church in Kerrville, TX to begin the process of preparing a team for this summer.

IMB Team House in Chisinau, Moldova

At this point, we have half a dozen people sure that they want to be part of the team.  That is a great start but more people are needed.  The team needs to be a minimum of 7 people and could be a team of 24 as that's the number of beds at the Team House in Chisinau where we stay.

Children sharing Bible verses they've memorized...

Elizabeth and her young girls who meet daily for Bible lessons...

A group of boys whose energy is challenging and invigorating...

Crafts...

Drama...

Twins and a friend...

Preparing to distribute donated shoes and clothes...

Selecting new outfits from the abundance donated for everyone at camp...

I am praying for the selection of participants for the team.  I am also seeking for wisdom from the Lord about whether or not he wants a team to return to Moldova this summer.

Volleyball...

Soccer...

Kites...

Strings...

We will book tickets when we have 7 people ready to commit to go.  The team will remain open through May.  The cost of the trip will be about $3000.00 per person.  Please contact me if you have questions about this trip.  Share your thoughts and comments about your interest and availability.  

I added daily updates to this blog during all the past trips to Moldova.  You will learn much about our work there if you spend some time reading past updates.

My partner in life and with Mission Moldova as we land in Chisinau, Moldova...

I can hardly wait for my husband and me to book our tickets.

I treasure this trip and the experience of seeing how God works in and through the team and those we meet along the way.  It has been life changing for me and I would love to share it with many others for as long as God makes that possible.

PSALM 96: 1-5, 10

Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;  
Proclaim his salvation day after day.  
Declare his glory among the nations, 
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; 
 he is to be feared above all gods.  
For all the gods of the nations are idols, 
but the Lord made the heavens.  
Splendor and majesty are before him; 
strength and glory are in his sanctuary... 
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns."

Dear Lord, 

It is for your  glory and honor that we seek to return to Moldova this summer.  Go before our team as you select and prepare us to Sing, Proclaim and Declare your salvation and glory among the least of your beautiful children in Moldova.  Find us faithful, prepared and available to be your servants during this mission trip.  Thank you for equipping those you are calling.  Thank you for providing all necessary means for those who follow your call to serve this summer.  And open the hearts of those who are waiting to hear and respond to your plan of salvation.  May your fields be ripe for harvest and the workers be bold in their work for your kingdom.  Our confidence is in you, the "most worthy of praise." 
AMEN

Being grateful for Jenn & Erik...

The dreaded moment would not wait - that moment when happiness and hurt mingled - when my inner struggle between gratitude and grumbling threatened to render me speechless.

I knew it wouldn't be easy.  Saying Good-bye to friends never is.  I thought I would find more than a huge lump in my throat and tears ready to spill from my eyes.   I thought  I would be able to hide my sadness and say some appropriate words to communicate the joy I really do feel.

But all I could muster was a big hug with eyes brimming which held her face and spoke from my heart just how painful their move is for me.

Our church was saying Good-bye yesterday to Erik and Jenn and their 3 precious children.  They're moving to a new assignment and it's rather far away.  I'm excited for them.  They'll be blessed and be a blessing there.  It's God's plan for them.  It's not the end of the world and they'll sometimes come back to visit.  But for some reason, I'm sensing deep personal loss in their decision.

So I've decided to express my gratitude for how they've blessed me in the years I've known them.  With gratitude will come joy.  And joy will help me overcome my selfish feelings - those feelings that would prefer keeping life safe, stable, certain but which are actually devoid of the joys which come from following God's path.

On the altar steps at Jesus Savior Baptist Church in Chisinau, Moldova - August 2006

Erik and Jenn were newly weds when they joined the church staff.  They signed up for our Moldova Mission Team in August 2006.  The day we left that summer was the day the USA went to Code Orange for air travel.  I would learn later that they nearly cancelled trip plans as they fought fear that morning which threatened to overcome their confidence in God's protection for travel but they boarded the flights and carried out God's purpose for that trip.  They added youth, godliness and service to our team.  And God would use precious orphans there to help prepare them for how they would start their own family later through the adoption of two foster babies that joined their family from birth.

So thanks for being part of Moldova Team 2006 Erik and Jenn.  (They are in the upper right of this photo.)

Another element of gratitude comes for Jenn who started a photography business and has provided me with some of my most prized family photos. 

Thanks, Jenn, for studying that craft and being so good that your work brings continual joy for those who see your results.

Four generations over Christmas in 2007

My Mother whose lifetime commitment to Jesus shines through her peaceful expression in this pose.

Three generations over Christmas 2009.

And thanks, Erik and Jenn, for choosing a career that mirrors the path my husband and I chose over thirty years ago.  As I analyze the cause of my emotional feelings as I face your departure, I realize I'm flooded with memories of my own cross country moves.  Even when we felt we were following God's plan for us, we felt pain in the leaving behind of family, good friends and taking a path that was uncertain.  It was never easy to move and start over but our life has been filled with opportunities for spiritual growth and service.  Your move will afford you the same.

The hardest part is leaving.

Arriving will be filled with excitement, freshness and lots of promising possibilities.

I'm happy for you.  And I'm very grateful that Good-bye is not forever!

Maybe your new church will join our church and together we'll take another mission trip to Moldova.  That would be so sweet!  Let's start praying about that!

Gratitude Sharing...

It  is rather rare to have a comment left on my blog.  Perhaps that's because my blogs are rather rare.  It's not that I don't have thoughts, ideas, memories and stories to share.  But for some reason, other things take my time and energy each day and my blog remains my neglected friend.

There is hope that change may happen soon, however.  If that happens it will be because new computers have arrived at our home.  I am now using a new laptop - my first!  And the increased speed and convenience is amazing.  A new desktop is also about to make an appearance and I can hardly wait.  Our old computer is 10 years old and VERY slow.  Perhaps new computers with faster service will assist my slowing body and brain to produce more blogging.  We'll see....

5 Groves' kids in the farm kitchen - Fall/Winter 1950

Back to the subject of comments, however.  I opened my blog today and found that sweet treat that causes a warm smile to creep into my otherwise usual expression.  Someone had left a comment a week ago.  How regretful that I hadn't been back to my blog sooner to notice and read it.

And the reader who left the comment, is not just anyone.  No, the person who left this comment is someone I have known since the day she was born.  I'm holding her in this early photo.  I suspect it is around Christmas time as she was born in early October.  I had just turned six years old and was not yet in school.  I had missed the December 1st cut for first grade as my birthday is on the seventh of the month.  Cross Ridge School did not have kindergarten. 

5 Groves' kids in the farm living room - Spring 1951

I was very happy to have a baby sister and remember often helping with her care.  Our friendship grew from that point on.

We have never lived geographically close to each other as adults, but that has not prevented us from connecting in mutually supportive ways through occasional visits and more frequent calls and emails.

I share here part of the comment left by my baby sister a few days ago:

"One of God's greatest gifts to me is (physically) in Kerrville, TX....but always 'in my heart'.

YOU, dear sister, I am so grateful for. God continually touches my life with His love, support, & encouragement...uniquely packaged in YOU. And that brings me much joy! You welcomed & embraced me at the beginning of my life and continually allow God to use you in my life.

"it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Phi. 2:13

"I thank my God every time I remember YOU."

My sister uses words of affirmation to express her love and in the process she brings rich blessings to me.  Her thoughtful sharing provides me with much appreciated encouragement.  Though I don't feel worthy of her confidence, I am thankful for her sincere friendship.  

It is really I who am grateful for a sister who steadfastly shares her life with me.  She is an excellent listener and prayer warrior.  We have strengthened each other as we've shared personal and family needs.  Knowing that she is praying provides a tangible measure of hope for whatever might be a concern of mine.  And to rejoice in answered prayer has been especially sweet.

Gratitude sharing continues...
4.  a sister whose heartbeat is a perfect match for mine

Mom and me in 1945

Mom and Margelyn in 1951

5.  Norwegian heritage from Mom - wearing sweaters made in Norway

6.  Spending time with Mom and being grateful that she still remembers us and her Lord...  2008

7.  Celebrating Marge's 60th birthday with a surprise visit in order to attend a Lori Line concert together... 2010

8.  A surprise visit from Marge which was her Christmas gift from her husband...2011

9.  Enjoying a Laity Lodge Women's retreat with Jeannette Clift George... Priceless... 2011

10.  Sharing the view of the H.E.Butt Foundation Camps from the Wayside Park... 2011

11.  Visiting a niece in Houston and visiting beautiful gardens... 2011

11.  Enjoying RATHER SWEET in Fredericksburg, TX with my sweet sister... 2011

Expressing gratitude as memories flow is providing a steady pulse of God's great gift of faith and family.  I am blessed.  Thanks, Marge, for being my sister and my friend.

Note:  To follow Ann Voskamp and others who have joined The Joy Dare, check out her amazing blog.   Or find Ann's book, 1000 Gifts, to read and learn all about her discovery of the true path to joy.

Sharing Multitudes on Mondays...

Jumping in here to begin sharing 1000 Gifts in 2012.  Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience has challenged her friends to Take The Joy Dare and live this year with a greater emphasis on intentional gratitude.  It's a way to see and express ones personal love for the Savior who has given the greatest gift of all time.

And His gifts are everywhere.  When we begin noticing His touch in each of our days, we will be increasingly filled with joy.  I am starting today...

My hand with that precious reminder of the one who chose me and loves me still.

1. The wedding ring on my left hand - so lovingly chosen, thoughtfully selected and selflessly given to me 45+ years ago.

 2.  The mission display case at my church which draws attention to those who travel internationally to share God's love

A New Year's Letter from Nebraska

3.  a letter from a friend who shared her home with me while my firstborn attended pre-school and has remained dear for nearly 40 years

This is already filling me with memories of life's joys.  

I am filling with gratitude.  

God you are LOVE and JOY.

Mission Moldova 2012 Begins to Plan...

We're beginning to plan for a Mission Trip to Moldova in August 2012.

  Interested in being part of the team?  

Read the following and view photos of teams from the past.  

Imagine yourself gathered on the steps of the Gazebo 

with all the children you've learned to love during your week there!  

It's thrilling and amazingly meaningful.  

Summer of 2010 we painted shirts to remember our Bible themes of the week.

Team 2005

Dear Friends of Moldova,

This is a message to provide you with the following information.

·         Moldova 2012 Mission Trip Information Meeting

·         Sunday, January 15, 2012

·         Trinity Baptist Church – Room 208

      800 Jackson Rd 

      Kerrville, TX 78028

·         4:30 – 5:25 PM

The dates for this trip are
July 31 – August 10.

The plan is to return to the same camp we’ve worked at since 2005.

Team 2006

Team 2007

This meeting is open to anyone who wants to explore the possibility of being part of the team this year.  Please invite others who may have an interest but may not be receiving this message or haven’t heard about the meeting in another way.  

If you are interested in more information but are unable to attend the meeting on the 15^th, please let me know so that I can keep you informed of plans as they unfold.

Team 2008

If you have an interest in learning about past trips, you can read my blog updates with the label, Sharing Mission Moldova.  http://johnandlindaworden.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharing%20Mission%20Moldova...

Team 2009

If God wants a team to return to Moldova this summer, He will call together a team.  Let’s be in prayer as this process begins.  I await His leading and your response.

Trusting in Him,

Linda L. Worden

Team 2010

Team 2011

http://johnandlindaworden.blogspot.com

November 1, 1948 Remembered...

Reposting a true story about Nov. 1st... 

November 1st is the anniversary of the day my family moved to the farm where most of my childhood was spent.  I repost this blog to share memories of that day in 1948 when I was nearly 4 years old. 

I have only a few memories of my first home which was on my Great-Grandmother's farm near Viroqua, WI - seventy-five miles from Fountain City, Wisconsin.  Perhaps I will share some of those early memories later but I have decided to start this story as I begin life on the 200 acre farm my parents had just purchased.

My family moved to a dairy farm on Buffalo Ridge, November 1, 1948, about one month before I turned four years old. I had an older brother, Jimmy, and two younger sisters, Kathy and Barbie.

This farm was three miles from the small town of Fountain City, WI and seven miles from Winona, MN which could be reached by crossing a big bridge.  It was on top of one of the beautiful, high bluffs that borders the Mississippi River.

"I remember the day we moved to our new farm home," I said as I told my grandchildren what I remembered.

"It was a day when the weather was very cold and rainy.  The rain was turning to sleet as we drove the last few miles up the long dugway that led to our new farm.  I was riding in the car with my mother and sisters while my Dad and brother were driving a truckload of equipment and a hired trucker was hauling our milk cows in his big truck.

"My most vivid memory is of that big cattle truck (original drawing by Joanna Lee Worden, age 9) as it drove up the driveway onto our property.  The freezing rain was whipping dangerously through the open slats of the truck bed where the cows were crowding perilously.  The truck had no partitions to keep the cattle separated.  The incline of the dugway and the driveway, along with the treacherous weather conditions, caused the cattle to slip, slide and fall down in their bumpy ride to the farm.  By the time my father and the truck driver were able to open the rear gate of the truck, most of the cattle could no longer stand up.  As the gate opened, the cattle fell out, anxiously struggling to stand and find a way to their new barnyard. (Original drawing by Lydia Rose Worden, age 7)

"I watched this fearful sight from the back porch of our new home.  The saddest part of that day was seeing that one of the cows did not stand up after she fell from the truck.  That cow had been trampled to death by the other cattle as they endured the harsh conditions of the day and the move."

As I recalled that difficult day, especially for my parents, I realized that I was being shown one of my earliest lessons in how people who love God and trust Him with everything in their lives should respond to adversity.

"I do not remember any expressions of anger or hopelessness from my parents.  They felt the loss of this cow deeply, I'm certain, as it was part of their livelihood, but they did not blame God for their misfortune.  Their trust in God was built on a firm foundation and they would continue to live in commitment to Him even when difficult things happened."

I would see more examples of their faithful commitment to God as I grew up.  And I'll continue my story later."