We Made It!!!

Dear Friends! We are in Moldova! Praise the Lord, because every single piece of luggage was here. This is the first time in 8 years for this to happen, so I consider this a miracle. All of our flights went smoothly, without any issues. The trip has gotten off to an amazing start. For me, being here in Moldova has brought me so much peace. It is like part of my heart has been here since I left, and it feels like home. The bus ride from the airport to our wonderful team house reminded me of the contrast between God's beauty that is so present in this country, and the poverty, sorrow, and pain that also is a large part of Moldova. On our drive we went from rolling hills of beautiful country side to run down, moldy,old communist apartment buildings. It is a physical representation of how much damage humans can do. Anyway, when we got to the team house we had a delicious dinner of chicken, mash potatoes, veggies, and ice cream! Tomorrow is a big day! Between all of our team we are going to several different churches, then some are going to camp, some are going to a monestary, and I am spending the day with some of the girls at the transitional living home. I am actually living across the hall from two of them this week, and I'm really excited to develop friendships with them. We start camp on Monday, and all we know about the camp is that there are 40 pre schoolers! That is right, 40! Please pray for us to be prepared for them. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Here We Go!

Wow, I can't believe we leave today! I've been anticipating this for SO long and now it's finally here. I'm pretty emotional today - excited, nervous, anxious. I've never done anything like this before. I didn't grow up in a church that had summer camps or did mission work, but despite that I've always felt this desire to go on a trip such as this. When we found Rolling Hills a little over a year ago and heard about Moldova, I knew God placed us here for a reason and knew I had to go. Please pray for our mission team' safety as we venture to Moldova. I'm anxious about the communication barrier and about communicating God's message correctly. Please pray that I turn these insecurities over to God, because I know in my heart everything will be okay and that I'll do things that, when they happen, I know had to be made possible by Him. I can't wait to meet these precious children. Please pray that their hearts are open to hearing about Christ and the Good News. Here we go!

Count down

All week I have been excited and anxious. Work has been busy, last minute errands, and that to do list keeps growing! I even thought we just need to leave before I think of any thing else to pack! But the time is here and I am so very excited. I feel a sense of joy and anticipation! I look forward to making new friends and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to go, to be Gods hands and heart to these children and their teachers. I know each member of this team is very special and it is not by chance we have been placed together and are going to a "new" location. I can't wait to see what God does this week not only in the lives of the Moldovians, but in ours. I know HE is going to show up in a big way!
Lights out! Jana Z

only a day away

I can not believe that we are leaving tomorrow! I am very excited about going back to Moldova,but I am also somewhat nervous about going to Straseni and not knowing what to expect. Despite me being nervous, I am just so excited about what God is doing in my life and also with every single person on our team, and with everyone else who is traveling to Moldova. I can not wait to be able to wrap my arms around the precious children, to just love them and to be able to share with them about Christs' love for them and how special they are. Please be praying that I will no doubt myself when it comes to teaching the children about Christs' love and His Word. Also for every team member that no sickness will plague us and that we will have a safe journey there and coming back and during our stay. Please pray for the children and teachers that they will be receptive to what they hear and the God will just touch each and everyone of their hearts. Also, that when we are there that we will give the children are undivided attention and love without any distractions.

Can't believe its here already!!

I can hardly believe it!

I do not think that it has really hit me yet that I will be traveling to Moldova tomorrow! It has been a frustrating day trying to do the final preparations for this trip. Between my internet not working at home(I'm in Belmont's student life center) to having problems printing out pictures for the kiddos technology is not on my side today. I know that none of these things really matter, and that in a few days I will be holding a child that has been longing to be held for months. Please pray that our trip will go a smoothly as possible. Also, pray that God will humble each of our hearts so we can truly serve and love these kids to our full capacity. 

This Week

Wow! We leave TOMORROW! I can't believe it nor can I wait! I will say though that this has been a very difficult week to get through! All I want to do is get to Moldova now, but there are so many responsibilities at work and in life that I have been so overwhelmed this week.
Please pray for my attitude: that I wouldn't be frustrated because I am not there yet, and that I would have fun having a grateful heart and being a servant to those I am around everyday.

YAY! We leave tomorrow!

-Sam

Teaching the Teachers

Please be in prayer for the Straseni teachers. Each day we will have the opportunity to minister and teach the women who care for the kids at Straseni. We can't wait to meet these ladies and share God's word!