Day two/ Home Foundation in Moldova

6 year old orphan in Moldova

children aged 6 at Moldovan orphanage

watching cartoons at Internat 2just hanging out. Orphange in Straseni

Hello everyone! 

Today was a wonderful and educational day.  We visited two orphanages and Grace House- a transitional living home for girls who graduate from the orphanage and have no where to go. They are usually 15-17 years old!  Way too young to be living on their own.

I was not prepared for the sweet faces of all the children we met in the orphanage.  So eager to hold our hands & introduce themselves.  Quite joyful inspite of their circumstances–a real inspiration.  The orphanages are really under-funded and the government is beginnng to close some of the orphanages and move children to other facilities but the funds are not being increased to meet the additional needs as a result of more children.  Since today is Saturday-many of the children had left for the weekend–but around 100 had no where to go- still they ran around outside playing soccer and were very excited when we passed out oranges.  They played games and watched cartoons–and they sleep in little tiny beds–some of them with sprung springs that sag down when they lay down to sleep & some of them sleep 2 to a bed.I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to wave goodbye- but I do remember that they are significant in HIS sight and he has a plan and purpose for their lives.  That gives me peace.

 

Especially when you look at the success stories- the girls in Grace House (Justice & Mercy International/Brentwood). They are attending trade school, and college and working toward independence. Even though you can sense that they still struggle with the lack of contact or separation from their families if they are living- they are truly remarkable in their accomplishments and their faith.

We also met 2 sisters–who were out of the orphanage and living on their own.  They are encouraging to each other and completing their professional training.  It was amazing to see how well-spoken they are even with the language barrier. 

We are realizing that though we strive to walk a path of righteousness that in this situation we are actually in search of unrighteousness– abandonment, hopelessness in some cases and individuals who traffick the innocent for their own personal gain. We are reminded that it is a process and sometimes the line between righteous and unrighteous is remarkably close.  Sometimes we are called to be brave and live bold to actually make a difference.  Please pray for our week- that God would reveal things to us and give us discernment and that at no time would be ruled by our fear but instead walk by our faith.  Until tomorrow.    stacia, brooke, royce, & steve

children aged 6 at Moldovan orphanage

6 year old orphan in Moldova

watching cartoons at Internat 2

just hanging out. Orphange in Straseni