Early voting continues through this week in TX so I joined many others from my community and went to the polls early. I expected to find only a couple of tables with workers facilitating the process but I was amazed at the many volunteers ready for voters by 8am. The gals who served the table for my precinct were efficient and joyful. The man ahead of me did not have his voter registration card with him as he "couldn't find it" he said, but that did not affect how he was welcomed and treated by the special ladies making it possible for him to vote today. I did have my card so my "check-in" went a little more quickly but both of us were able to join many other registered Americans to participate in the treasured privilege of voting. How grateful I am that I live in a country with this ingrained freedom. How grateful I am that so many fellow citizens have volunteered to be at work by 8am and stay until 5pm to facilitate this process. How grateful I am for all the "behind the scenes" workers who take seriously this opportunity to serve our country by taking active part in the process. I greatly appreciate their diligent commitment.
So please be sure your voice is heard in this election. Prayerful, informed voting is a blessed privilege and opportunity. Our country needs the support of devoted, active citizens in order to continue as a great nation. Don't sit this one out. And keep praying that God will be honored through the choices that are made.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
The 2008 Elections and the Pro-Life Issue #2
Please be an informed voter. The following link will provide the facts about Obama's position on abortion. http://www.nrlc.org/Election2008/obamarecord0608.pdf He is the most liberal senator on this issue so please be aware of where he will lead our nation if he is elected. I cannot be silent so I am speaking for those whose voices have been or will be silenced due to abortion. There have been 43 million abortions since Roe V. Wade was passed in 1972. Life begins at conception. Those precious voices cannot speak for themselves but they were lives that should have had the choice to come into this world. Please read the following and cast your vote for McCain/Palin who will continue to advocate for pre-born babies.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The 2008 Elections and the Pro-Life Issue #1
My thoughts about the Election and the Pro-Life issue #1
The seriousness of the election in just over 2 weeks is weighing heavily on my heart. I will be voting for the pro-life presidential ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin but if the current polls are accurate, more voters will be voting for the pro-choice candidate. There is much available on many websites to inform voters on all aspects of the abortion issue so I will let you research independently at such sites as National Right to Life, http://www.nrlc.org/default.html ; Focus on the Family Action, http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000008450.cfm ; The Witherspoon Institute, http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/ ; etc.My thoughts center around the word "choice".
My research shows that >.5% of abortions are done for the reason of rape. Below are listed the reasons women have an abortion taken from a Fact Sheet found on the National Right to Life Committee website.Social Reasons given as primary reason
1. Feels unready for child/responsibility 25%
2. Has all children she wants/other family responsibilities 19%
3. Relationship problem/single motherhood 8%
4. Feels she isn’t mature enough 7%
5. Interference with education/career plans 4%
6. Parents/partner wants abortion >1%
7. Other reasons >6.5%
TOTAL approximately 93%
“Hard Cases” given as primary reason
1. Mother’s health 4%
2. Baby may have health problem 3%
3. Rape >0.5%
TOTAL approximately 7%
What these statistics show me is that less than 1 abortion per 100 is done because a woman's pregnancy was the result of force and not her "choice". Therefore, over 99% of abortions are done because a man and woman's "choice" to be sexually active had unintended or unwanted consequences. Ending a pregnancy by medically induced abortion deprives the new life of the "choice" it should have to live. A woman makes a "choice". If the result of her "choice" is a pregnancy, shouldn't that new life she carries have the "choice" to live? I think pre-born babies should be protected, nurtured and welcomed into a world with the rights our Constitution makes possible. A woman has a "choice" about behavior which can result in pregnancy. If that happens, the consequence of personal, private behavior must take into consideration the new individual life that has been created.
People can make "choices", but people cannot control the consequences of all "choices". A person chose to drive while drunk and my brother-in-law's death was the unintended consequence of such a “choice". A person can choose to overeat but health problems may be a consequence even if unwanted. A person can chose to exceed the speed limit but the fine when caught will still have to be paid.
I'm passionate about the life of pre-born children. My husband and I have been involved in a local ministry for unwed mothers including house parenting for a number of teen girls in order to save their babies’ lives. Please show that you care about preserving the "choice" of LIFE for every pre-born baby.
Please consider this very important issue as you go to the polls.
Please vote for McCain/Palin who will continue the fight for a culture of life in this wonderful and blessed country.
Your vote gives voice to those whose voices
have been or may be silenced.
have been or may be silenced.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Great Movie FIREPROOF
John and I took some friends and saw the movie FIREPROOF recently. We were very impressed with the quality of the production and especially with the message of the movie. We highly recommend this film for all married couples and for anyone planning or hoping for marriage in the future. It is gripping and godly - such an amazing combination for a major movie shown in theaters nationwide. You'll love it and you'll find ideas for improving your own relationship. Fireproofthemovie.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Life in WI
I am in WI to visit my 89 year old mother and to attend my 45th high school reunion. I am posting the info below to let you know how things are going on this visit. The state is incredibly beautiful as rain has been abundant and things everywhere are lush, green, fruitful and healthy. These trees, fields, flowers and family are so nourishing to my soul. It is lovely!!!
Hi Folks,
Weather has been super here so far.
Today was cooler than usual as it reached 69 for a high.
Just to recap some highlights which I don't think I've written about previously.Sat. Aug. 30 - High School class reunion. It was modestly attended but several people were present whom I hadn't seen since graduation including one of my favorite teachers so it was good to connect with them. Several people didn't recognize me (nor I them) but others didn't think I'd changed much. I learned that LuAnn Veraguth has recently had a double masectomy and was too weak and ill to attend. Another gal who attended has been told she has 6 months to live because of lung cancer.
Sun. Aug. 31 - I picked Mom up at 8:30am for church and we attended the 9am service and then a Sunday school class. Many people were delighted to see her. She seemed to be engaged throughout the time there. She sang along with some of the songs and filled in the blanks when the SS teacher quoted some verses and waited for some words to be added. I returned after her nap and we took a ride out to Sunshine Dr. near Stoddard and then down Hwy 35 a ways. It was very beautiful along the Mississippi. We ate supper together at Culver's and she ate everything she ordered. She seemed to enjoy watching people there - families with children of all ages mostly. We got back to her room about 7pm and shortly afterward, Ruth and Mark Dregne arrived for a visit with her. He is my second cousin - son of Ruben and Beulah Matson Dregne. It was good to chat with them. They have 4 children and live in LaX. They stayed about an hour and Mom was very expressive to them of appreciation for their visit and asked them to be sure to come back sometime again.
Mon. Sept. 1 - I picked Mom up mid morning and we headed to a Goodwill store to look for new pj's for her. We found 4 perfect pair and got those and a few other items. Then to McD's for lunch before heading to Sparta to stop at Aunt Marie's. She was home and so happy to see us. We were there till 5pm and got caught up on all her family. Marilyn and her husband and Roger came over while I was there. Marlene is now spending nights with her 90 year old mother but she wasn't there before I left. We returned to LaX by driving up the valley near Leon where their first farm was in Link Coulee. Mom could point out the land and the area without any hesitation. We continued our drive from there up Fish Creek and wandered around the back roads until we got to Hwy 33 and back to LaX. She had been very engaged and sharp all day but twice on our way home, she told me I was heading the wrong way as I was heading toward LaX and not toward Viroqua. I asked her where she lived and she said, "I live in Viroqua, don't I?" She seemed disappointed in herself that she was getting confused but it's not too surprising to me. She hasn't been in and out too often at Hearten House so may not actually know that she's relocated to LaX. We stopped at Berndt's where Marge had a delicious Ribs supper ready for us.
Tues. Sept. 2 - I knew Mom would be exhausted because of her busy days on Sun. and Mon. She had mentioned some burning when urinating so a specimen was tested and we have learned that she does have a UTI and has started on an antibiotic - cypro. I visited Mom at HH but didn't take her out. I received a phone call from Audrey Justin. I had done a web search for her address and phone # and had sent her a note before coming here. She was my 8th grade teacher at Cross Ridge School where she was starting her 37 year teaching career - CR closed after that year but she went on to teach in MI and MN. All of us CR kids loved her. She said she was available to meet for lunch in Winona on Wed. or Fri. I told her I would talk to Marge and decide which day was best. Jonathan Berndt returned from VA and repacked to head to Stout as his classes started today.
Wed. Sept. 3 - Mom got her hair done this morning at HH. Marge is off today through the weekend. Since it was beautiful today and we didn't know what Fri. would hold, we decided to meet Mrs. Justin for lunch today. We decided that Mom probably needed to rest with her UTI so we went without her. We spent at least 2 hours catching up with Ms. Justin (having a hard time calling her Audrey). She was so pleased that we called and connected. She lives in St. Charles - half way to Rochester from Winona. Her husband, Jerry, of 49 1/2 years, died last Dec. of a malignant brain tumor. They have 4 children - many grandchildren and she's still missing her husband a lot but has many great memories. She can name almost all the kids that were at CR and remembers the # of kids in each grade. She has VERY fond memories of her year there. To return to LaX, we crossed the bridge, drove past the farm and stopped at Eckers and another roadside stand to purchase apples, sweet corn, cantaloupe and raspberries - very yummy. I learned at my reunion that Gary and Kathy Sutter have separated and probably have divorced so things have stopped on our home place in terms of fix up. She has moved out and lives in Ft. City. The place looks terrible. I doubt the lawn has been mowed this summer and huge weeds have overtaken the place. Doesn't look like anyone is there. It is very sad. I visited Mom after we got back to LaX while Marge fixed supper. I asked Mom how she was as she was sitting alone in her room in her rocking chair. She said, "I'm lonely. I miss Dad and the more I think about him the more I miss him." She also added that he can't come to her but she will go to him before too long. I helped her get into her "new" black pin striped pj's and she said, "Well, I guess these are my prison garb pj's!" She's still pretty clever with her comments.
I must have been thinking about all of the children headed back to school this week as I had a very vivid dream before waking up this morning that it was Sarah's first day of kindergarten and John and I had overslept. I was looking in the refrig for something to make for her lunch and there wasn't a thing!!! Finally I woke up and felt exhausted from the frenzy!!"
And that brings you up to date for now.
Hi Folks,
Weather has been super here so far.
Today was cooler than usual as it reached 69 for a high.
Just to recap some highlights which I don't think I've written about previously.Sat. Aug. 30 - High School class reunion. It was modestly attended but several people were present whom I hadn't seen since graduation including one of my favorite teachers so it was good to connect with them. Several people didn't recognize me (nor I them) but others didn't think I'd changed much. I learned that LuAnn Veraguth has recently had a double masectomy and was too weak and ill to attend. Another gal who attended has been told she has 6 months to live because of lung cancer.
Sun. Aug. 31 - I picked Mom up at 8:30am for church and we attended the 9am service and then a Sunday school class. Many people were delighted to see her. She seemed to be engaged throughout the time there. She sang along with some of the songs and filled in the blanks when the SS teacher quoted some verses and waited for some words to be added. I returned after her nap and we took a ride out to Sunshine Dr. near Stoddard and then down Hwy 35 a ways. It was very beautiful along the Mississippi. We ate supper together at Culver's and she ate everything she ordered. She seemed to enjoy watching people there - families with children of all ages mostly. We got back to her room about 7pm and shortly afterward, Ruth and Mark Dregne arrived for a visit with her. He is my second cousin - son of Ruben and Beulah Matson Dregne. It was good to chat with them. They have 4 children and live in LaX. They stayed about an hour and Mom was very expressive to them of appreciation for their visit and asked them to be sure to come back sometime again.
Mon. Sept. 1 - I picked Mom up mid morning and we headed to a Goodwill store to look for new pj's for her. We found 4 perfect pair and got those and a few other items. Then to McD's for lunch before heading to Sparta to stop at Aunt Marie's. She was home and so happy to see us. We were there till 5pm and got caught up on all her family. Marilyn and her husband and Roger came over while I was there. Marlene is now spending nights with her 90 year old mother but she wasn't there before I left. We returned to LaX by driving up the valley near Leon where their first farm was in Link Coulee. Mom could point out the land and the area without any hesitation. We continued our drive from there up Fish Creek and wandered around the back roads until we got to Hwy 33 and back to LaX. She had been very engaged and sharp all day but twice on our way home, she told me I was heading the wrong way as I was heading toward LaX and not toward Viroqua. I asked her where she lived and she said, "I live in Viroqua, don't I?" She seemed disappointed in herself that she was getting confused but it's not too surprising to me. She hasn't been in and out too often at Hearten House so may not actually know that she's relocated to LaX. We stopped at Berndt's where Marge had a delicious Ribs supper ready for us.
Tues. Sept. 2 - I knew Mom would be exhausted because of her busy days on Sun. and Mon. She had mentioned some burning when urinating so a specimen was tested and we have learned that she does have a UTI and has started on an antibiotic - cypro. I visited Mom at HH but didn't take her out. I received a phone call from Audrey Justin. I had done a web search for her address and phone # and had sent her a note before coming here. She was my 8th grade teacher at Cross Ridge School where she was starting her 37 year teaching career - CR closed after that year but she went on to teach in MI and MN. All of us CR kids loved her. She said she was available to meet for lunch in Winona on Wed. or Fri. I told her I would talk to Marge and decide which day was best. Jonathan Berndt returned from VA and repacked to head to Stout as his classes started today.
Wed. Sept. 3 - Mom got her hair done this morning at HH. Marge is off today through the weekend. Since it was beautiful today and we didn't know what Fri. would hold, we decided to meet Mrs. Justin for lunch today. We decided that Mom probably needed to rest with her UTI so we went without her. We spent at least 2 hours catching up with Ms. Justin (having a hard time calling her Audrey). She was so pleased that we called and connected. She lives in St. Charles - half way to Rochester from Winona. Her husband, Jerry, of 49 1/2 years, died last Dec. of a malignant brain tumor. They have 4 children - many grandchildren and she's still missing her husband a lot but has many great memories. She can name almost all the kids that were at CR and remembers the # of kids in each grade. She has VERY fond memories of her year there. To return to LaX, we crossed the bridge, drove past the farm and stopped at Eckers and another roadside stand to purchase apples, sweet corn, cantaloupe and raspberries - very yummy. I learned at my reunion that Gary and Kathy Sutter have separated and probably have divorced so things have stopped on our home place in terms of fix up. She has moved out and lives in Ft. City. The place looks terrible. I doubt the lawn has been mowed this summer and huge weeds have overtaken the place. Doesn't look like anyone is there. It is very sad. I visited Mom after we got back to LaX while Marge fixed supper. I asked Mom how she was as she was sitting alone in her room in her rocking chair. She said, "I'm lonely. I miss Dad and the more I think about him the more I miss him." She also added that he can't come to her but she will go to him before too long. I helped her get into her "new" black pin striped pj's and she said, "Well, I guess these are my prison garb pj's!" She's still pretty clever with her comments.
I must have been thinking about all of the children headed back to school this week as I had a very vivid dream before waking up this morning that it was Sarah's first day of kindergarten and John and I had overslept. I was looking in the refrig for something to make for her lunch and there wasn't a thing!!! Finally I woke up and felt exhausted from the frenzy!!"
And that brings you up to date for now.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Safely Home in TX
Our return flights were smooth and safe. We left on schedule from Frankfurt, Germany, arrived on schedule in San Antonio, were picked up on schedule there, our luggage arrived with us - a marvelous conclusion to our 2 weeks out of country.
It is now Monday and we're getting caught up at home. This morning I accompanied a friend on a trip to San Antonio for another hearing for her in her lengthy process of applying for Social Security Disability as she has multiple complications from work injury that occurred 6 years ago. She started this process a year ago and still won't have an answer for another several months. She would love to be employed in order to care for herself and her family but her constant pain and muscle weakness prevents her from being able to handle any employment.
We were back in Kerrville by noon so I went to the post office to pick up our mail which was being held during our absence. That is sorted and I'm beginning to process my part of those items. Also have loads of laundry being cycled through.
I am also downloading pictures - so fun to relive highlights of our trip and travel. Here's our team on the last day of camp - our smiles and our "banner" speak from our hearts.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday Aug. 15 - Last night in Europe
We will head to the states early Sat. am. We have just completed several days of personal travel in the Czech Republic and Germany. We have thoroughly enjoyed God's creation all around us. We are grateful for a wonderful trip and are looking forward to getting home soon.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday in Moldova - Last day here!!!
In just a few hours our vans will arrive to take us to the airport for our 4:45am flight to Frankfurt and for most of the team back to the US.
We have packed much into this day and we are packed for departure.
Morning worship in Calarasi - one hrs drive north.
Mark Clemons shared the sermon from I John 2 - LOVE ALL - Especially the brethern.
After a 90 minute service, folks were invited to join a baptismal service at a nearby campground. We decided to join the group that went there. It was a very nice camp. The person being baptized will be married next Sunday to the daughter of the camp owners. The camp swimming pool was the site of the baptism.
Following that service, the bride's parents put out lots of food for all that were there. We were invited to stay and we did. Our Moldovan support team told us it would be considered very rude not to stay since we were specifically invited. The food was plentiful and delicious - traditional items. As we were preparing to leave, I spoke with the host wife. She told me that she was so happy that we stayed and ate as they would have had too much food left over if we hadn't. She said that she felt God told her to prepare extra for the occasion and she didn't know why until our 2 van loads appeared.
From there we went to the Outdoor Market to do some souvenir shopping.
Our translators were with us all day. (Photo shows Ina and myself at the outdoor market.)
Then we drove around the grounds of the orphanage where the children stay from Sept. 1-May 31 but we weren't able to get into the buildings.
It was back to the team house after that to spend some final moments with our translator friends to give them a gift, exchange addresses and appreciation. That concluded about 5:30pm, supper at 6, debriefing for awhile since it's the last time we will all be together for that opportunity. Then to finish packing, straighten stuff being left behind etc.
Everyone is tucked in for a few hours of sleep.
Thanks for your prayers. Keep them going as we travel. John and I have booked a rental car in Frankfurt in order to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary which is Wed. the 20th. We will enjoy a few days in Europe and return to the states on Sat. Don't know if Blog updates will be possible or not. Will connect upon return to the states for sure.
We've been blessed and hope we can return again and again...
We have packed much into this day and we are packed for departure.
Morning worship in Calarasi - one hrs drive north.
Mark Clemons shared the sermon from I John 2 - LOVE ALL - Especially the brethern.
After a 90 minute service, folks were invited to join a baptismal service at a nearby campground. We decided to join the group that went there. It was a very nice camp. The person being baptized will be married next Sunday to the daughter of the camp owners. The camp swimming pool was the site of the baptism.
Following that service, the bride's parents put out lots of food for all that were there. We were invited to stay and we did. Our Moldovan support team told us it would be considered very rude not to stay since we were specifically invited. The food was plentiful and delicious - traditional items. As we were preparing to leave, I spoke with the host wife. She told me that she was so happy that we stayed and ate as they would have had too much food left over if we hadn't. She said that she felt God told her to prepare extra for the occasion and she didn't know why until our 2 van loads appeared.
From there we went to the Outdoor Market to do some souvenir shopping.
Our translators were with us all day. (Photo shows Ina and myself at the outdoor market.)
Then we drove around the grounds of the orphanage where the children stay from Sept. 1-May 31 but we weren't able to get into the buildings.
It was back to the team house after that to spend some final moments with our translator friends to give them a gift, exchange addresses and appreciation. That concluded about 5:30pm, supper at 6, debriefing for awhile since it's the last time we will all be together for that opportunity. Then to finish packing, straighten stuff being left behind etc.
Everyone is tucked in for a few hours of sleep.
Thanks for your prayers. Keep them going as we travel. John and I have booked a rental car in Frankfurt in order to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary which is Wed. the 20th. We will enjoy a few days in Europe and return to the states on Sat. Don't know if Blog updates will be possible or not. Will connect upon return to the states for sure.
We've been blessed and hope we can return again and again...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Saturday in Moldova - Last day at camp!!!
None of us can believe that our week at the camp has come to a close. We are all very grateful for many things:
~ Magnificent weather
~ Great health for all of us with the exception of an upset stomach each morning for one
~ Safety on the many trips back and forth to the camp and other places
~ Wonderful food
~ Bountiful supply of materials and items to give away
~ Sweet relationship between our team members
~ Fabulous support from translators and CERI employees
~ Loving, rewarding and meaningful relationships with many children and adults who give them care
~ And of course, opportunities to share Biblical truth with many
Everyone was happy to see us this morning at camp after not having been there for a day. The day went quite smoothly. My adult gals joined me again for our class and after our Bible Study, I gave them some gifts. One thing was a watch. We had brought watches for our translators and hoped that we had enough for the adults at camp. The number of attendees fluctuates but today I had 7 gals and 7 watches!!! They really appreciated everything they received. We had enough windbreaker jackets to give each of them one as well. They immediately tried them on and I got some pictures. (Maybe I’ll be able to add photos after I return to the states – very slow computer here.) Ludmila politely told me that she never receives gifts from anyone except when our team comes and she really appreciates what we had for her. Everyone expressed gratitude over and over.
I was met as soon as I arrived by Maria who was smiling and giddy and very anxious to tell me some exciting news. She was a first time grandmother! Her son had called during the night to tell her of the birth of this baby. At our first meeting on Sunday, she had told me that she was going to become a grandmother any day. She was very happy that it happened before I left so that I could receive this news. This son and his family live in Spain so she doesn’t expect to see this baby until next summer.
We were able to get some team photos this afternoon and then had a volleyball game between the Americans and Moldovans. We stopped the game at 5:30pm tied 15-15 in order to start our final gazebo time. It was difficult for some to walk away from the exciting game but we decided it was the best thing to do. The kids shared this evening – songs, memorized verses, skits and 2 brothers shared an accordian playing/singing duet. They are very good. Their father played the accordian on the street and for events and taught his sons. He is now deceased and the boys are at the orphanage.
We had adequate time to give each child the gift bag we’d prepared and to say “Good-bye” with lots of hugs and some tears. The whole camp walked us to the vans, holding our hands and bumping into everyone else trying to get all the attention and contact possible. But the moment to drive away arrived and we left feeling elated and exhausted.
This evening we ate at the Irish Pub – our evening to hear from Connie about the present direction of CERI and to hear the testimonies of 2 gals who have come through the CERI children’s sponsorship programs. It is very touching and encouraging to see how God has been at work in the lives of precious children.
We will go to Calarasi for church tomorrow morning. Mark Clemons will preach. We will go to McDonald’s for lunch and then to the outdoor market for shopping. Following that, we’ll drive to the grounds of the Internat 2 orphanage to let new people see that property. Then it will be back to the Team House to pack! We will leave for the airport at 2:45am on Mon. am. This week has flown by and been a wonderful experience for all of us.
Others are waiting for the computer so I will sign off – 11pm.
~ Magnificent weather
~ Great health for all of us with the exception of an upset stomach each morning for one
~ Safety on the many trips back and forth to the camp and other places
~ Wonderful food
~ Bountiful supply of materials and items to give away
~ Sweet relationship between our team members
~ Fabulous support from translators and CERI employees
~ Loving, rewarding and meaningful relationships with many children and adults who give them care
~ And of course, opportunities to share Biblical truth with many
Everyone was happy to see us this morning at camp after not having been there for a day. The day went quite smoothly. My adult gals joined me again for our class and after our Bible Study, I gave them some gifts. One thing was a watch. We had brought watches for our translators and hoped that we had enough for the adults at camp. The number of attendees fluctuates but today I had 7 gals and 7 watches!!! They really appreciated everything they received. We had enough windbreaker jackets to give each of them one as well. They immediately tried them on and I got some pictures. (Maybe I’ll be able to add photos after I return to the states – very slow computer here.) Ludmila politely told me that she never receives gifts from anyone except when our team comes and she really appreciates what we had for her. Everyone expressed gratitude over and over.
I was met as soon as I arrived by Maria who was smiling and giddy and very anxious to tell me some exciting news. She was a first time grandmother! Her son had called during the night to tell her of the birth of this baby. At our first meeting on Sunday, she had told me that she was going to become a grandmother any day. She was very happy that it happened before I left so that I could receive this news. This son and his family live in Spain so she doesn’t expect to see this baby until next summer.
We were able to get some team photos this afternoon and then had a volleyball game between the Americans and Moldovans. We stopped the game at 5:30pm tied 15-15 in order to start our final gazebo time. It was difficult for some to walk away from the exciting game but we decided it was the best thing to do. The kids shared this evening – songs, memorized verses, skits and 2 brothers shared an accordian playing/singing duet. They are very good. Their father played the accordian on the street and for events and taught his sons. He is now deceased and the boys are at the orphanage.
We had adequate time to give each child the gift bag we’d prepared and to say “Good-bye” with lots of hugs and some tears. The whole camp walked us to the vans, holding our hands and bumping into everyone else trying to get all the attention and contact possible. But the moment to drive away arrived and we left feeling elated and exhausted.
This evening we ate at the Irish Pub – our evening to hear from Connie about the present direction of CERI and to hear the testimonies of 2 gals who have come through the CERI children’s sponsorship programs. It is very touching and encouraging to see how God has been at work in the lives of precious children.
We will go to Calarasi for church tomorrow morning. Mark Clemons will preach. We will go to McDonald’s for lunch and then to the outdoor market for shopping. Following that, we’ll drive to the grounds of the Internat 2 orphanage to let new people see that property. Then it will be back to the Team House to pack! We will leave for the airport at 2:45am on Mon. am. This week has flown by and been a wonderful experience for all of us.
Others are waiting for the computer so I will sign off – 11pm.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Friday in Moldova & Transneistria
This was our day to travel to Tiraspol. We departed at 8:30AM and returned at 7:30PM. It was another sunny, beautiful but plenty warm day. We traveled through a part of Moldova which was new to all but the drivers. We saw fields of newly harvested grain, cows in pastures, goats being herded along the roadsides, corn fields, vineyards and villages. The road was pretty well maintained. At the border, there were 3 parts to the crossing – Moldova check-point, Transneistria check-point which included a form to fill out in duplicate and an inspection of the interior of the vehicle. We could stay on the van for that. There were no problems but the line of cars and trucks was long and the process lasted at least an hour. It was nearly noon by the time we arrived at the Baptist Mission Chapel where we were met by Brother Peter and Brother Stepan. They welcomed us, had a prayer, helped us decide how to proceed and went with us to the store to buy groceries. The store was nearby and had 2 ways to purchase items. Since we were buying in large quantity, we went to an area where people buy wholesale. There were enclosed glass display cases which showed all available items and their price. Connie and the house cook, Lilia, chose the items and placed the order. Our van backed up to a loading dock and we loaded the $918.00 worth of rice, oil, canned meat, sugar, pasta, tea, cookies, jam, canned milk, etc. We took everything to the Chapel and John and James Worden created an assembly line on the grass along the street where we were parked. Using large shopping bags we’d purchased, we filled 2 bags for each household holding all items which we then distributed to homes later. With 28 people at work – team + translators – that task flowed quite smoothly. But everything had taken quite awhile so it was nearly 2pm and time for lunch. We headed to Andy’s Pizza – another lengthy process for 28 people to order and be served. We had hoped to go to 25 homes but we split up and went to several streets where we took food to homes where someone was available until about 5:45. We then took the undistributed bags to the Chapel where items will be taken to other people in the near future. The water has receded for the most part though is still high in the river and some yards still are under water. We could see the high water line on homes – about 4 feet up on many buildings. The homes we were invited into were really a mess. Supposedly the water rose during the night very quickly. People were awakened by sirens in their city. Water was already coming into their homes. There was little time to move things to a higher level. We saw lots of ruined furniture, walls, floors, yards, unstable buildings etc. The people to whom we gave our food and clothing were very tearful and appreciative. Most wanted to talk about their loss so we listened and gave hugs and told them that we cared and wanted to help in a small way to ease a tiny portion of their great pain and loss. We told them that God loved them though we couldn’t understand why this had happened to them. Some of the homes we visited were quite new. Probably many of the homes have been built over a long period of time by the owners and represent many hours of labor and much money. We wished we could have been there longer but we are grateful for the time we had. We arrived back in Chisinau – fairly short, smooth border crossing – to go to a restaurant for our meal to express our appreciation to the team of people who have supported us this week and made this possible. We didn’t have time to get our prepared gift bags to give each one before we went to the restaurant so we will distribute those tomorrow. We have had a wonderful team of capable translators, van drivers and a cook.
We will have our last day at camp tomorrow. It will be a big day – very special and emotional for all of us I’m sure. Please pray that what ever is essential in God’s scheme will be communicated, received and remembered.
11pm and time to sign off for today.
We will have our last day at camp tomorrow. It will be a big day – very special and emotional for all of us I’m sure. Please pray that what ever is essential in God’s scheme will be communicated, received and remembered.
11pm and time to sign off for today.
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