Sorry its been so long! Internet access is very sparse and we've been quite busy! I'll do my best to fill you in, though the real life conversations and emails may do it more justice... I've divided this post up chronologically to make it a bit easier to follow...
The End of the Epic Side Trip
These trips make me realize what a painfully persistent person I can be- a few wrenches were thrown in my initial travel route (economic and political crisis tend to do that) yet obviously, as most of you know- I did make it to Moldova. After exploring Athens I took a boat over to Aegina for a day trip prior to what turned into a long journey to Istanbul. I was so blessed with companionship along the way- made some new friends, convinced them to come with and after a pretty transparent conversation about faith we had a pretty fantastic adventure- rented Mopeds, swam in the ocean... not a bad way to spend the day :o) On the way back a guy came and asked about my tattoos... didn't really know what he was getting himself into... if this is any indication of what my time in Moldova will look like I think Jesus is up to something!
My initial plan involved taking a train to Thessaloniki and then Istanbul, however due to Greeces economic crisis this wasn't a viable option... time to improvise! From Thessaloniki I took a bus into Bulgaria (hey! One more country to the count!!) Then had to take an overnight bus to Istanbul... a few delays (both in Bulgaria and at the border into Turkey) and another new traveling buddy and I arrived in Istanbul. Was so blessed with companionship along the way! After a day exploring Istanbul and a good nights rest it was time for Moldova...
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.I have seen you in the sanctuary
Because your love is better than life
Welcome to Moldova
A dry and weary land... my friends, this is the state of Cornesti right now... and when you are in a community dependent on well water this begins to influence every aspect of life... and ministry. To build a deeper well would cost around 5,000 dollars... when you're partnering with a ministry that's already struggling to survive this isn't really a viable solution. As a team we felt led to commit to praying for rain- even though the forecast was no rain for a month. With seven team members we began to pray seven times a day... boldly asking for the rain within a week. Our hope was this physical outpouring of rain would awaken the hearts of the people in this city- that with it would come an outpouring of His presence.
The Widows Heart
As we work to connect with the community and help the church continue to build relationships in it we've been going on quite a few home visits. One of the biggest things that hit me was the heart of the widow- when we go to encourage and pray for them they wind up completely humbling us. Not once but twice we encountered these beautiful women- completely gracious in inviting us into their homes. One woman can hardly walk and yet she still was on her knees to pray... to have that kind of reverence for the Lord. They have so little, yet what they do have the are willing to give... Jesus give me a heart like that.
Let it Rain
And so the seventh day comes. We kind of became rain watchers- getting excited as the completely blue sky began to have sporadic clouds... excitement growing as the clouds increased and darkened... a couple days ago we began to get glimmers of hope- light showers... today it rained for a bit- God is good. Pray for the city of Cornesti. We need more than a little rain- we need an outpouring to restore this land!!
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