Day 4–Moldova

boys in orphanage

where to begin? Today was a real roller coaster ride–we saw many more beautiful children but learned information that is so troubling and hard to process. It has been an emotional journey.

First we went to an orphanage about 2 hours  from Chisinau in a village.  Life in the village is very different and the people are poor. We saw many people driving horse-drawn wagons.  The orphanage was actually one of the nicer places we’ve seen and the children seemed happy and well cared for–but that’s how Moldovan kids tend to be–happy. It’s really pretty incredible. Makes me realize how spoiled I am for sure!!  We were able to witness the sponsored children receive gifts and pictures from their sponsors.  It is very meaningful for the kids but kind of sad for the ones who don’t receive anything. If your church or organization might be interested in sponsoring a child or sending gifts to the kids- please contact us.

We then visited an orphanage where sick kids are quarantined.  We couldn’t interact with the kids at all–but once they are well they are transported back to their home orphanage. I just keep thinking about sick children with no mommy or daddy to care for them. My kids always really like to be babied when they are sick & some of these kids are babies (the youngest we saw just turned 3).

Then we saw 2 transitional living homes in a village.  The service that they provide is wonderful and again the kids seem very happy.  The facilities are less than idea- and I want to resist the temptation to believe that something is better than nothing–I just believe God is bigger than that & obviously these kids regardless of their circumstances matter to him. They should matter to us.  I am praying for support for this group so that they can grow their ministry and provide more adequate services.

Then- we took the beautiful girls from Grace House to dinner.  Grace House is the transitional living home provided by Justice & Mercy International for girls once they complete their time at the orphanage (age16). They live there (5 girls total) until they complete further training so that they can live safely and independently. These girls are an inspiration to those of us working in this field. To see first of all God’s hand at work and secondly the power of investing in people. I am realizing the power of prevention–it is so important to intervene first before they get into the hands of trafficking.  Because the abuse and trauma suffered at the hands of the traffickers is terrible & it is a long journey back. Better to help them early on so that trafficking is never an issue.  I have included their picture with us.  Please pray specifically for the girls in Grace House- that they will grow in their faith and pray for the men that will come into their lives–that they will be respectful and Godly.  These girls have not had Godly role models- most of the times their fathers are not involved in their lives at all–if they even know them. 

Tomorrow we leave for Turkey.  Please pray for our travels–it will be an emotional trip. I know God has great things in store.  We are hoping that we will be able to continue to update the blog once we get to Turkey. 

Until later….let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Stacia & Brooke with the Grace House Girls

~ by homefoundation on September 8, 2008.