A Trip Back to Moldova

A long delayed guest post (by Pete):

A few weeks ago I was able to return to Moldova for three very different reasons. I was invited to speak at a conference sponsored by the American Studies program at Moldova State University on the role of government in the economy (as it pertained to the U.S. Presidential election). The second reason was to attend Tania’s wedding (our Moldovan friend who was a huge help to us during our six months there) and walk her down the aisle giving her away, and the final reason was to visit the Tuberculosis Kindergarten/orphanage that Amy worked with and check on the restoration project that we started with the Moldova World Children’s Fund (MWCF). 

It was a busy four and a half days. Walking Tania down the aisle was an honor and it was a unique experience to be a part of a Moldovan wedding. The ceremony was similar to an American wedding except for the time when the pastor asked if anyone wanted to say anything. One woman took him up on his offer and she was not very positive in what she said. It was awkward…but the ceremony concluded without any other fanfare and the couple is testimony to God’s redemption. 

It was also fun to see many folks that we got to know while living there. My first evening in Chisinau I was able to eat dinner with two couples we met early on during our 6 months there as well as my friend Jeff (whom we rented from).

Tania and Maxim releasing doves

cutting the cake

Bride and groom seeing each other for the first time that day

Outdoor area where we took pictures

The other highlight was visiting the kindergarten and seeing all the progress that has been made during the three and a half months since we partnered with MWCF to raise money for the project. It was great to see all the programs and the quality of the work was excellent. Lubia and the others that work at the facility were so appreciative of the work, and it was really neat to see many of the kids and interact with them. I visited the kindergarten with Ray West, the president of MWCF, and I got to spend a lot of time with him during my visit. We also had the opportunity to visit another orphanage that is possibly another future MWCF project.

One of the kids' rooms with tall their things neatly displayed

One bedroom with clothes lined up while the kids are napping.

One of the girls reciting a poem to us while Lubia looks on.

Outside of the building where work still needs to be completed.

It was a great trip, and I hope to continue the relationships with the people and the country for years to come.