Moldova Team arrives safely, spending time with orphans
So our first official update:
The flights to Moldova went very uneventful, which is a blessing when traveling half way across the world. We made it to every flight with time to spare and were really not rushed. There was a little turbulence along the way but nothing too bad. Some of us got some sleep too.
When we got to Moldova (about noon on Tuesday) we were met by Mia, our host, and some men from Stella’s House. The men took our luggage to the Guest House and we went to Stella’s. The guest house is an hour or so from Chisinau in a village near the Providence Orphanage. We stayed at Stella’s much longer than expected because two of the girls are preparing to move to America to go to Auburn University, War Eagle! Their Visa Applications had to be completed and Mia was helping them. While we were there we ate lunch (pot roast and tomato/cucumber salad) and played lots of card games. About 7:00 we loaded up and headed to the Guest House.
FYI, Moldova is eight hours ahead of Montgomery.
Wednesday we slept in and got to the orphanage around 11:00. It was cold, rainy and windy, so playing outside was not an option. Luckily, we had bags full of colors, beads, and other crafts. We drew pictures, played with a ball around the play room, and made bead necklaces. The kids take naps from 2:00 to 4:00, but the fun continued after that for several hours.
Thursday has brought out the sun and warmer weather. It is still a little windy, but after some temporary tattoos we hit the field to play baseball, run relay races, play soccer, jump rope, and generally just had fun outside. It is not 2:00 and we are now coming in for lunch.
The kids have been wonderful. This morning after we arrived they ran out to the car and several of us had one on each arm as we walked up and down the stairs. Their eyes light up as we pull each new game out and we have been able to pass the language barrier with few snags.
Lunch each day has been sandwiches and we had spaghetti for dinner last night. Breakfast is toast, jelly, and yogurt. The showers have been hot and our beds comfortable.
This afternoon we will continue to play at the orphanage. Tomorrow (Friday) we go into Chisinau to shop and to lead the Friday night worship at Stella’s house.
So excited that traveling went well and you are having a great time with the kids! Prayers from Alabama!