Another church, another set of random observations

We were invited to Tania's church this week, so yesterday we continued our great Tour of Chisinau Churches. "Spring of Truth," as it is called in Russian, was very different from our other experiences, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

Here are some of my thoughts:

1.)  We always get a kick out of hearing songs we recognize sung in another language.  Today we heard/tried to sing along to "I'm coming back to the heart of worship" and "You are my hiding place," as well as many others we did not recognize. 

2.)  Of the 50 or 60 people in the church, most were young people (in their twenties).  It was wonderful to see this generation leading worship, teaching each other, and building relationships.  

3.) We got to meet most of the people there.  This was another very friendly church to visitors! 

4.) After the worship time and after the kids were dismissed for Sunday School, the pastor had everyone break into groups of about 4 people each, and we were instructed to pray together and then read the passage (Mark 11) and discuss whatever God showed us.  We spent about 20 minutes doing this.  Then the pastor invited anyone to come forward and tell everyone what they discussed, and about 7 or 8 people did -- at length.  Finally, the pastor shared some of his thoughts as the mini-sermon.

5.)  The service was very long.

6.)  Thankfully, there were cookies served at the end, because it was well after 2 pm before we were able to have lunch.

7.)  There were only 4 other children in the church besides ours.

8.)  For once the most disruptive child in the service was not one of ours.

9.)  The kids enjoyed the "Sunday School" portion, even though it was conducted in Russian.  Tania went with them to help out.  They played games, including Duck, Duck, Goose and an animal charade game, so Colsen has been teaching us a lot of Russian animal names now.

10.) This church met in a school auditorium (felt like home at Redeemer!) and along the walls there were portraits of famous people from Moldovan history.  Under their names it said things like, "Poet" or "Scriitor" or "Traducator."  My favorite one was "Fabulist."  I think it would be cool to be called Amy Frank, Fabulist. (Not exactly sure what it means but it sounds awesome)

11.)  I need to start carrying toilet paper in my purse.  And, preferably, avoid public restrooms altogether.... which means I need to dehydrate the kids before going out next time.

12.)  I could pass for Moldovan.  In the congregations we've been to, everyone has thick, dark hair and pale skin, and wears a dark-colored coat.   (The rest of our family is obviously American because they wear colors that are too bright, have shoes that are too worn/dirty, have hair that is too light, skin that is too dark, and/or not enough hair.)  But I fit right in!