My Birthday and Moldova

Orthodox Church in Chisinau Moldova

It has been many moons since my last entry. I had intended to write again before leaving for Moldova but that didn't really happen. Ah well.
My birthday week was lovely. I was treated with special care and all the kids sang to me, "La Multi Ani" - which means many more years. The evening of my birthday all the women of the community got together for cake and I was presented with more chocolate bars than a girl should really have in her possession. Mmmmm.
Last week we were visited by three members of the Peruvian Word Made Flesh community. It was marvelous to meet Brian, Ana, and Sebastian from Lima. They are focusing on work with street children. I had a good conversation with Brian and Sebastian about hearing the voice of God in our lives over a game of Jenga. And Ana is a dear sweet soul with hidden strength and a loving presence. Sunday after church we all came to the center and made lunch together - we decided to make fries and chicken nuggets. Nate and I made the best chicken nuggets improvised from scratch and others fried up the rest. It was a great meal. The best treat of the day was a coveted Ranch dip packet that Robin and Josh relinquished for everyones enjoyment. I wish that I had had more time to get to know each of these people but our time was limited as we were headed to Moldova on Sunday night.
We rode the night bus to Chisinau (key-sha-now) Moldova starting at 11:30 pm and arriving very early in the morning. I can't say it was the most pleasant of experiences as I get so sick but medication is the key. We arrived to a lovely breakfast at our host families and were snug in bed by 9am. I slept in late and we vegged the rest of the day playing cards in our pajamas.
The rest of the week was spent exploring the city, enjoying the sights, and resting. One of the days I was able to attend meetings with some of the staff researching human trafficking issues in Moldova and a future Word Made Flesh sight in the city. One of the most disturbing sights that I saw during my stay was a light post with a trafficking trick flier and a missing girl posted underneath it. Apparently, people are lured into thinking they can come work in the states for a better life and then basically brought into either labor or sex trade. So awful to consider how many this happens to everyday in the world and we hear so little about it.
I was able to visit the Art Market in the city and buy a few "native" items. Hard to pick and choose from the souvenir type items to things worth bringing home. I did meet a great little painter though and with the help of Ryan and Nate managed to shop well.
While in Chisinau we were able to attend a free concert featuring compositions played on the piano, violin, and cello. Crystal chandeliers hung glittering from the ceiling and the music was delightful - a respite from darkness and need outside in the city.
We arrived back in the city early early yesterday morning. I have to say it is nice to be back in familiar surroundings here in Galati. I have counted up the weeks and we are half way through our time here in Romania. I am conflicted. It seems like I have been here a long time and changed so much. Praying that I will take full advantage of the time that I have left here and not think too much about the things and people that I am missing at home. Would appreciate prayers. The Lord has been so faithful to me here, in every way, and I want to enjoy all that He has for me yet.