Sunny Saturday

Today we are leaving the mission house in Balti and setting up our last clinic site (not the pre planned site but a new site decided just yesterday - be flexible). This is a trait of our Moldovan hosts, flexibility and they do it with a grin. Everyday there has been a different obstacle - the darkness trying to creep back in - I wonder if the darkness is trying to creep into me more then the Moldovan's? The darkness that can overwhelm with feelings of helplessness. As one of my teammates said last night - we are not here to do God's job - he's got it under control - we are here to be his hands and feet - showing love, love in action. God has showed up every time - and yet I am amazed when He does. Why? Often I m so caught up in the business of life that I don't look around to see God's wonders. Wonders all around me each and everyday. I would ask that all reading this will pray for me - God keep me open and my heart soft yet strong for the people of this world. Pray for little Inga whose life looks bleak - but I know God has great plans for her. If we only would love one another - isn't that what we are commanded to do - love. Well it is sunny and warmer today, praise The Lord! Now off to follow the path God has planned just for me.

Life changing....

My letter from home this morning said, "you are being blessed"  I sure am.....

We came to show God's love and we are getting His love through the wonderful people of Moldova in return.

Upon arriving we felt like we had to do more.....we come for a week and leave?

We shared how we felt with Ian, a volunteer from the Village of Sofia, last night at dinner. While we visited homes with food bags yesterday I thought, what a stellar guy, not knowing his story.  He explained how a life can be changed by just a smile or a good deed.  He was abandoned at 16 by both parents and it was caring people who came to his village who changed his life. He glowed with love and determination. Life changing.....

I woke up yesterday, my birthday, to decorations and a card signed by my new family.  A woman giving me her chocolate for a birthday present. Speechless.....Love in action

Our translators.....patient, compassionate and talented. Our new friends, I cannot say enough about these great people!

Asking people if I can pray with them and then they turn around and want to pray for me.

Visiting people's homes and seeing the thankful look on their faces, hearing their stories, seeing the conditions they are living in and yet still smiling......

How many times have I wanted more when all I had is what I've needed?  Do I really need all I have? Love is all we need. Thank you God for continually reminding me that love is not found in things or acceptance. It's found in giving, a choice, an action.

I pray that all who read this experience the love He has for you and share it with others. Life changing love...

My thoughts

Hey Everyone :-) Thank you all again for remembering us in your prayers. The team has held together so well through all the unexpected things that have come up over the last few days; I'm sure that wouldn't be the case if it wasn't for your prayers.

I really don't have much to say-- this trip for me is definitely just the beginning of a journey of which I have no idea where it may lead. It has been so wonderful meeting the people here and being able to remind them they are not alone and show the love of Jesus.

One thing that has been a weight on my mind is a question that has been continually running through my mind-- What is my purpose? This week has made me very aware of all the needs here and I know there is so many needs at home too-- but what can I do to make a difference? My constant prayer as of late has been that God will not allow me to bury my head in the sand and become so task orientated that I miss what God has planned for my life.

Please continue with your prayers-- Love you all!! :-)

The Village of Sofia

Today we packed our bags into the van once again and made our way to another village. I was overcome by the simple beauty - from the wells to draw water, horse drawn wagons, small homes, quietness - peace. Our clinic was set up on the second floor of a community center. Again, there were people already waiting to receive care. Waiting and watching. By clinic day 3 we were more confident that we could do what God had asked of us. We worked as a team. I am overwhelmed by the kindness we received from all. The villagers were well prepared for the cold damp weather, layered up with clothes. Now we understood why everywhere we have been, many dress in layers. Today was a bit slower paced with up to 130 people being assessed. I saw a 2 year old who had 30% of his body burned from pulling a pot of soup on himself. Soup, something we eat occasionally but soup is a staple of most meals here. This young man had been grafted and it had healed. Mom was seeking a salve to prevent his itching of the new skin. We had none to give. Heartbreaking. Many walked with crutches or canes made from sticks found in their yards. They walked from their homes, then hobbled up an uneven flight of steps - Eric had the most important role today - assisting people up and down the stairs. In America, a site such as this would not have been seen as being acceptable - caregivers and patients alike in coats, no handicap accessibilty. Not one person fell. Not one person complained. I listened to people and heard their story. I think now that that is why God brought me here. Not so much to assess as a nurse but to care as a nurse. To care a person. To listen to a story. To pray with and for people. I am humbled that many of these people prayed for me - for me - God is wrecking me. They asked if we would be back - there is only one way for me to answer this. Yes, because Jesus loved me, because Jesus loves these people. I don't believe it is out of desperation that they ask. They ask this after we talk, after we pray together. They ask because they trust and believe we care and love them. Why else would it be. God is wrecking me. The last person I saw today was Ian's grandmother. Ian, our host from the village. The volunteer from the local church. Ian whose grandmother told me she raised him from an infant because he was abandoned by his parents. Ian who spoke to us at dinner and shared his story. Ian who shared wih us that we offered hope. God you wrecked me yet again. Intermingled in all this is Maria, who cooked for us. We were served their best. Flowers in cups on a cloth covered table in the school house cafeteria. Maria who aaked at lunchtime that we remember the children when we return. Not if we return but when we return. Maria who comes to be seen at the clinic and asks for vitamins and Tylenol for her child, and vitamins for her friend and her friend's child. She asks for them, not for herself. Maria who then rushes back to start our evening meal. It was delicious and included cake. I saw flowers I have never seen before. Today I saw a buckeye tree - they grow here too. The name of the village where God wrecked me is Sofia - the name of my first granddaughter, Sophia. Isn't God brilliant?

Day 5

We arrived to Sofia, the location of our third medical clinic to 100+ people, young and old waiting to be seen. The group was so large that they flooded out of the main floor and onto the steps of an old Soviet building that now serves as the local community center/school house/library/police station. Many of these people had been standing (uncomfortably) for hours just waiting for the clinic to begin. We moved all of the supplies up 2 full flights of stairs, quickly set up "shop," and began clinic.

Thank goodness for the presence of all members of the team at this location throughout the day. Many people utilized canes and were barely able to make it up the stairs with assistance. Eric and Kristin spent the entire day assisting these people so that they could be ministered to both spiritually and physically. Today we saw 100-120 people, yesterday 133, Monday 89.

In the afternoon, half of the group continued the clinic while the other half took food bags with Ian (Sofia village volunteer) to 8 local families to visit and pray with them. At the completion of dinner today, we were brought to tears as Ian shared how important our visit was to him, personally. He was an orphan and at the age of 16, recalled a visit missionaries made to his home. He remembered the happiness he saw in the faces of the visitors as they gave him a gift. That moment... changed his life- he knew he wanted to bring joy to people. I feel that at times it can be easy to lose focus in daily life; what it means to bring joy to someone. It doesn't have to be the moon and stars- God has given us all we need to be there for others, listen, be present, show them they're loved and valuable to Him and to us.

Despite the challenges of this trip so far, out team has been brought closer together. Today was actually Joy's birthday :) we celebrated with decorations, "Happy birthday" at dinner in both English and Russian...then cake when we returned home.


Day 3 of clinicals in the books, by nothing more than technicality...

Group Blog

It rained.
A lot.
It poured.
We're talking monsoon.
Broke down vehicle.
Scratch that. Two broke down vehicles.
Ten people, six seats. (You do the math.)
Patti in the trunk.
Soaking wet.
Joy barfs. No joke.
Mental break downs x11.
11 AM.
Two hours late to clinic.
Hollie and Bailey mistaken for doctors.
Arrive to 150 people waiting. (Chaos.)
Pushing, shoving.
More mental breakdowns.
Bathroom. Outside. 'Nuff said.
8 hours, 200 patients later.
Worship time with the locals.
Heading to a new city.
Road to Mordor.
No brake lights.
11 PM.
#MoldovaMissionMansion.

Snacks, movies, and 3 bathrooms (INDOOR.)

God never promised this would be easy From Moldova with love,
the team

Hope

These words came to me during my devotions last night... gave me a little comfort :-)

In the dark I had lost hope.
In the cold, my heart had turned to stone.
No longer feeling, no longer
lonely--simply empty.

A word from a stranger with a bright, white smile caught me off guard--was it a spark that I felt in my stone cold heart?

A feeling so foreign, I cannot explain began to grow inside my chest, as if a sudden rain began in a desert place.

What was this feeling so foreign? These drops of healing rain on the scarred, cracked surface of my heart?

A word and a smile caught me off guard--the word was so simple...the word was pronouced...Hope.

Be Flexible

The day could not have been orchestrated by anyone other then God. Be flexible. We started the day off to apply for a new license plate, which had been lost sometime after our arrival and drove past the American Embasy on the way. We prayed at a site near where traffickers are active - one could feel the darkness just driving thru, but God's light shined there today. God is always there when we call on him and even when we don't. He loves us that much! Then on to pick up supplies for our visits. Well, God says be flexible. Stop. The vehicle that had been parked outside the Customs Building was broken in to - so we ate in the Customs cafeteria and exchanged our money while the paperwork was being processed. We even had a willing driver to get the 2nd vehicle back to the office i.e. flexibility. We picked up supplies at the office then on to visit the CPS Community Center and passed out vitamins and candy. We sang and shared with them. Be flexible. We then drove north to an orphanage and spent quite a bit of time there. We passed out candy, vitamins and toothbrushes. Then we played outside with the children - it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I played with a little girl, Inga, about 6 years old. I pray that God will fill her heart with his love. All the children want is to be heard, loved, touched and wanted. These are things that all people want. They love Oleg so - they swarm to him as he loves on them. He is their tangible light. We were able to provide a brief glimmer of light, because Jesus is the light. His light shines thru us when we are obedient to his will. I ask all reading to pray for me to continue to be obedient. Be flexible - obedience requires this of us. We also visited a Tansition Home - what a miracle. Girls come here to live after dismissal from the orphanage. This home teaches girls life skills to survive - it teaches them a vocation. We met Kristinia, 17 years old who is studying social work in college. We also met another Kristina, who is 14 years old. We talked with them and prayed with them. Talk about passionate prayer - God was among us, I know it. God is doing amazing things here. I am so thankful he wanted me to be a part of it. I love Jesus and all he is doing here - Awesome!

Moldova children

One word to describe today......wrecked

We started the day on a little tour of the areas where the pimps live.  It is a community nestled near the rail yard, positioned so that they can send girls on the train to Moscow.  Last week alone 17 children have disappeared in Chisinau.  An abandoned factory also sits on the property where they have found bodies hung and decapitated.

Yesterday I had the words of a song stuck in my head, "break my heart for what breaks yours" At the top of that hill Oleg led us in prayer that started, "break our hearts for what breaks yours"  wrecked.......

The rest of the day was spent visiting the child protection home, an orphange and one of the New Hope Moldova transition homes.  Spending time with the kids playing games, laughing, singing and hugging made a complete difference.  At the orphange while we were playing with the kids, giving gifts and showing love I had a vision of Jesus with the little children.  I felt His heart toward them.....wrecked.....

I now see why Oleg is so driven.  These children are starving for attention and that is how they end up victims of human trafficking.  I can't help but feel helpless. Helpless because what can I do in just one day??  Reminding myself that Jesus is their Father and I can love them from a distance through prayer.

My new friend is Christina, she is 17 and in a transition home.  Her mother died at 7 and her father makes $14 a month.  Her step mother rejected her.  She gave me a bracelet, so giving even though she has nothing.
Again.....wrecked.....

Day 2 in Moldova

Checking in with day two here in Moldova. Today was an eye opener for me. The non medical people stayed with the clinic about half the day to help with organizing all the people and trying our best to communicate with them :-) After that Oleg had a few of us go out with him into the City to hand out care packages. Driving through the City the day before I was taken back by the poverty, and run down buildings that we saw. But today when we actually went into the homes of the people that Oleg has been reaching out to- I was overwhelmed. The first home we went to was a family of 6 that are living on about $100 a month. Both parents are disabled making it almost impossible for them to find work to provide for their four children. When we arrived the oldest child who was six was watching her younger siblings until her mother came home. When her mother came home and invited us in we were led down a broken up mud/concrete path, smelling of animal waste, into a home that was barely standing. The ceiling had large holes covered by paper right over the childrens bed and one of the walls was leaning and shifting away from the rest of the housing structure. Oleg translated for us and told us the mother was most concerned for her children, should there be an earthquake their home was sure to fall in and crush them. As Oleg was telling us this all I could think about was how am I supposed to tell this woman that she had to have hope and that Jesus would care and provide for her family and then walk out leaving her and her childrens lives with a simple bag of groceries. Through God's grace I was able to talk to her and pray for her without bursting into tears overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and helplessness. The other homes we went to were just as bad and worse. I am still trying to remember that we aren't here to fix all the problems we see, but rather show love, and compassion to the broken and hopeless.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers- they are much needed!!

Kristen Kaseman

Team on fire!

It's been such a rewarding day! Our team is full of talent.  God is using us in those talents and everything fit like a glove.  There were some set backs but as always our fearless leader Oleg was able to get another doctor within an hour of the clinic opening.

I can say that everyday is a new blessing in it's own way.  Have you ever had an ah ha moment? Where the hard times in the past make complete sense in the present?  There are no words for what I feel. 

Beth, Janice, Patty and Sara were rock stars, seeing 89 patients between 3 of them, while Sara was helping the doctor.  I felt led to pray with the patients as they left and once again I was truly blessed.  The first three people were experiencing life challenges that I had faced in my life. All challenges that I have faced in the last three years, that ah ha moment. I could relate, show compassion and pray for the part of the body that was experiencing the trama.

Another woman had the same name as my Great Great Grandmother, which was unusal just made me feel at home. I was reminded of how close I am to Poland where my ancestors are from.  The language, oh yeah my dad always said, "Nasdarovje" which means, cheers to your health in Russian.  The words that the Moldovan people shared will forever live in my heart.

This area has been oppressed for too many years. It has worn on people's hearts and minds which affects generation after generation. It stops here. Resoration is in progress here, changing one life will change many. It may not be seen right away but it's happening. At New Hope Moldova today hope was ALIVE!  God's love continues to pour out on the people of Moldova and I'm so thankul to be a part of it.

We had a great Moldovan meal and fellowship.  I cannot say enough about the people I am serving with. Familia :)

Tomorrow we head out to the orphanage, cannot wait to see what's in store! 

amazing 1st day of clinic

Well it was 1st.day doing clinic...and I am having a difficult time putting today into words, but I am going to try. I thought I was overwhelmed with emotions on day of leaving..today compares to nothing I have ever experienced..not even  during the health scare I had 5 yrs ago. I am mad that these people of Moldova are  victims of political and legalistic battles. I am in awe how they take their  dire situations and live with such gratitude on their simplicity  of their lives. I have never seen such heartful gratitude for a simple smile, touch of a arm while taking a B/P,taking a Temperture and or asking if we can pray with them. While I am finishing up their paper work, I can barely finish with a" God Bless"because I am struggling not to cry.  But I know I can't because my translator sometimes struggle with my fast talking..let a lone a stuffy nose, lol. I am so humbled that God is using me and our team to serve him. God is almighty and amazing.Looking forward to continuing God's work with my awesome team:)

A clinic come to life

Yesterday was a crazy hectic day. Our flight arrived in Chisinau, Moldova - passing thru Customs uneventfully. Pastor Oleg and his family arrived to transport us. As we looked at the city driving in from afar it looked amazing but the closer we got the more desolate it looked. There were people out and about - it reminded me of WW II and modern day life combined. Empty unfinished high rises - trees sprouting inside - what? I know. I didn't want to take pictures but rather take it all in. To see in broad daylight human trafficking breaks my heart, but seeing people blind to breaks my heart more. When did this become ok? We spent the evening packing thousands of children and adult vitamins in baggies. I am hear to tell you Gummie Vitamins do not smell good - ughhh, but they are good for you. We opened the clinic today, in the office space of New Hope Moldova. 3 nurses set up in a room as big as our living room with plastic patio furniture and other odds and end. Another nurse worked directly with the physician packaging medicines. The room was full love (because as the worship song we are listening to Seth sing at this moment - You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of dust - making all things new). We medically assessed 89 people today. In an open room, no privacy, so different then what we are accustomed to. Old and young alike came thru. A clinic can come to life anywhere that Christ is. We listened, even if not able to understand verbally we were able to listen with our eyes and heart. It is weird not being able to directly communicate. Our translators are patient with us - often we need to explain a word as it doesn't translate easily. Ailments included high blood pressure, diabetes, and salt in the bones (which I now know is arthritis). I found it odd to need to keep explaining how to take an oral temperature - well I am the silly one - should have asked sooner as they do axillary temperatures. Joy and I tag teamed it - she has such a gift for prayer. God gifts us all uniquely. The highlight was when an elderly lady gave me a hug - all I have wanted to do is cry all day - not out of pity but out of love. God has been preparing me to see and to love. I am so grateful. I am humbled. Thanks to God for bringing me here. The others on our team passed out 140 pairs of reader eyeglasses. Others visited homes passing out food packages and sharing the Good News of Hope thru Jesus. Pray for the Moldovan People. Hope is here - I can see it.

More then a journey

Much to share, where do I start?

We have been awake now for 27 straight hours (the only one who couldn't sleep on the flight, friends are you suprised?Ugh...)  it's been so worth it.  Three flights later we have arrived! We are writing as a group since many are having problems getting wifi.

On the tour of Chisina Moldova, we saw a lady who had been a victim of human trafficking.  Her eyes were removed so her pimp could use her to get money.  Yes, this happens in the world we live in! A community of 80k who do not attend church, 22 years ago this area was complete atheism. New Hope Moldova is making such an impact!  Most of the housing here was government built, assuring the citizens that they were helping them, when really it was their tax dollars paying for the buildings.  Many of them are unfinished do to the fall of the Soviet Union.

Our group finished packing up the 20k child and adult vitamins for our clinics this week. Seth lead worship as we sat around the table singing with joy and praise, the highlight of my day.  We are such a close group, thank you God.

We are staying in a hostel, funky hostel to be exact.  Its full of color and fun. There are 4 other people here and since worship one of the women, Anna has been listening (ask we speak) to praise and worship on Youtube. Her words, so positive and uplifting :D 

We have one shower for 15 people, no towels so lots of planning to do.....gotta run. 

Please keep us in your prayers,

Thank you

Today is the day - we are Moldova bound. I am filled with anticipation, excitement and a little anxiety. God has great plans for us as a team and for me individually. It seemed like it was a lifetime away just a few months back. I am thankful for my family who have sacrificed self by supporting me in my decision to go. Go where God has called me, do what I have never done. Flying half way around the world - wow. I am really outside my comfort zone but am going to walk one step at a time forward as God leads the way. This is going to be Awesome because our God is awesome.

Love will find a way

On hummmmp DAAAAY....it's been an emotional week. Thoughts and prayers go out to those who's lives were affected by those who choose evil over love. 9/11/2001, I will never forget that day, it changed us all.

I am reminded of all of the wonderful acts of love that surrounded that day.  People who risked their lives to save others. People like my brother-in-law Jason who showed his love to those involved by driving to New York in hopes to help. On 9/12 the United States had no political parties, no division of race or creed but a country rallying to bring hope, love and peace. Today and everyday I wish it were 9/12/2001.

I can't help but think about Moldova, a country who's average monthly income is $300.  A country who is in dire need of hope and healing. In less than 72 hours a team fueled by His love, peace and hope will be in Moldova because He first loved us, "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you" John 13:13

Prayers for healing of hearts.....God is doing mighty things! :)

A chnge 4 all involved

While we were sitting as a team in service, with our Team Moldova shirts for the first time, the band played these words that spoke to my heart......

"Now's the time for us to rise 

and carry hope and let love shine 

and show this world that mercy is alive" 

Tears were streaming down my face, feeling overwhelmed, knowing we are heading to the poorest country in Europe to make a difference in our world, to show the love of Christ to people who have lost hope. Church (a body of believers) is a big deal. 

People have asked, "why would you want to go to Moldova?" My response, "We are going on a medical mission trip and although I don't have a license like my talented team members, I have experienced God's healing and He is continuing to heal me. I continued, through the years God has placed people in my life, non deserving of course who have showed His love, grace and mercy so why not help someone in return? Hope makes ALL the difference."

I was raised in church and I was taught of His love but I never really understood what it meant, as in the song by Casting Crown's "Who am I". I went through most of my life thinking I had to earn it. There was always a void, not knowing Christ's love for me, so I filled it with search for money, relationships, a marriage, alcohol, a new car, a new house, a title at work, new clothes, things, because they would make me happy and whole, right?

Life happened and I ran away from my relationship with Christ because I thought I had let Him down. I then turned my back on the church because the church, all they do is judge people. Was that truth? Or was that MY excuse to cover MY sin. I had lost hope in people, in things, myself and even God. I finally said ok God whatever you want, you know me better than I know myself, you created me. Let's do this. Show me what you've got for me. 

I'm not going to lie. The past 3 years have been tough. Growing isn't easy OR comfortable. It.....is....HARD WORK. The saying "the truth will set you free but first it will tick you off" oh yeah, things you never knew you were holding on to.....humbling, very humbling. My faith in Him keeps me going.

Through it all God continues to show His love and grace. He is healing me because I am willing. I so badly want the life He has for me. He has healed many of the lie's I have believed about myself. Many of my beliefs, perceptions, and the strongholds that I had built in my mind and around my heart for protection from the hurts of life.

Fears, anger, rage, resentment, bitterness, shame, guilt, jealousy, pride, hopelessness, feelings of defeat. All the emotions that we bury since childhood because it hurts to much to deal with them.  The physical affect to the body is like ya know, a ton of bricks. Imagine what it would feel like if those bricks were lifted, FREEDOM!, from the Healer.

My faith and hope have always been in the Lord but I must admit I was scared of Him. You see the part I took away from church was His law not His love.  After "getting it" and knowing I cannot be perfect,  I now realize that He isn't the enemy, our sin is the enemy. He is my best friend, always there for me.

Sin is keeping us from all the blessings, the peace and pure joy. Sin could be as simple as a thought/mindset about ourselves or others because it doesn't line up with God's word. You see my belief about living God's law was standing in the way of experiencing His love, mercy and forgiveness. Wasn't that the reason why I ran?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Thankful for the people of Elevate a place where God revives, rebuilds and restores people's lives. 

I cannot express the excitement I am feeling to be able to share the mercy, grace, forgiveness, hope, peace and love that He has shown me in my life with the people of Moldova so they too can experience His FREEDOM!

To our team, I am so thankful to have such talented, fun, loving, caring group of people to share this time with.....this friends....is gonna be GOOD!!! :D

To all my family and friends thank you for reading. I am hoping we can get 10 min of wifi daily so I can update. If not I will be writing in my journal daily and will share when we get home :)

Till next time.....overwhelmed by His goodness......

A Trip 18 Years in the Making.

I cannot even begin to describe what I am feeling right now, knowing that in one week we will be in Moldova. This trip has been eighteen years in the making for me. At a very young age, I went through some tough emotional blows. I struggled a lot, trying to find where I fit in, what I believed, who I was. There was this need inside of me to figure out why I was even here. What was the point? It wasn’t until God pulled me out of that dark place that I was able to realize why He put me here, at this point in time. My pain had become a purpose: to show hope to those that feel hopeless, like I once had. That is why this trip is so important to me. It is the first time I will actually get to live out my God-given purpose. In Moldova, human trafficking and poverty can be seen in every city. The streets are filled with the broken spirits of a nation so desperately in need of the grace of God. The people of Moldova have had their hope taken from them. It’s time we gave it back.

 

Thank you all for your continued encouragement and donations. Without you, this trip would not be possible. Please continue to pray for us as we get ready to head out. God bless!

7 more days!!!

 I can't believe we are 1 week away...I have to admit I am so excited to see what God has in store for us but at the same time anxious. I feel very blessed that I have this opportunity and I know its largely because of the support from my family and friends. I want to thank each one of you for your monetary support, love and encouagement.Please continue to pray for our team as we embark on this amazing journey. Let us reach many body and souls and help them physically and most important spiritually.

It's an amazing thing!

It's an amazing thing when you venture into the unknown with nothing but steps of faith to carry you there.  This is my first mission trip.  This is my first time to travel overseas.  This is my first time to be so far and so long away from my family.  That's a lot of firsts!  If I am this excited now, I can only imagine how little I will sleep the night before we depart on our long trek across the globe to Moldova!  It is only a short eight days away.  Wow.  I can't wait to see how God uses each person in our mission team and their spiritual gifts and talents for His purposes.  I can't wait to get to know all of my new and old friends on a deeper level.  Are we there yet?!

God's wonders never cease

This has been an amazing week with God's provision. New and old friends alike have responded to the call. We have been able to purchase items at cost thanks to local businesses. Items have are being donated in excess of 30,000 tablets of acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen; 4000 zip lock baggies for the medications; medical tape; and numerous pairs of reading glasses. And these are just a sampling of items as my teammates have worked to secure so many more things. People - are such a blessing. This is a demonstration of love for which I am thankful. I continue to pray that God will prepare my heart for the work and wonders he has in store for me and my teammates. Only 9 days to go.

Thoughts ... Thankfulness

It is hard to believe that in 2 weeks, I along with our team will actually be in Moldova on a mission for God. I want to express my thankfulness for those who have offered financial support and prayers. God's provision far exceeded my expectations - He is able to accomplish infinitely more than I might think or ask. I ask all to pray for myself and our team to continue to trust in Jesus - allowing us to be his hands and feet. Jesus, help me to focus on preparing, being still to listen to your whispers. I am expecting to see your wonders because you are not only great but good.