Today we visited ProAris to see if we could help them. They assist disabled children especially blind children. They are doing such a great job building their self esteem and keeping them happily socialized. We were surprised to know that we were invited to thier back to school celebration where the children danced and recited poems, and sang. It was so much fun.
The bigger surprise was that the end of the party was the distribution of blankets, hygeine kits and school kits that the organization had recieved from one of the containers our church had sent to Moldova. Many of the parents have limited eye sight also; you may notice how they have to get close to the register to see it and sign for the items they received from the container. A wonderful organization. We will most likely be providing the children with magnifying reading plates and some furniture for the center. If we can stretch our budget enough we might be able to get a computer for them too.

Sh-Sh-Sh-It's a surprise!

Sure am glad I brought my embroidery machine with me on my mission!
Just finished making a gift to give to our translators mother. (It turned out rather cute, don't you think?!) Her mother suggested we do a project for the elementary school in her village-which we have done and will be closing on in 2 days. We are going to thank her for being the great mom and champion for her 4 daughters and for her village. We love telling about how the most happiness can be found within your family and that your family can be forever. Katea, our translator, is a member of the church and has served a mission in England. Her mother is not a member so we plan to give her a Romanian version of the Prophet's Proclamation to world on families.

Delivery to womens shelter in Drochia

Perfect weather to travel 3 hours north to Drochia. We delivered a jam packed van full of things to help the Centru Maternal Adriadna run by Dr Simeon Sirbu. They assist girls/women and their children that have been victims of human trafficing and domestic abuse. Moldova has quite a problem with their girls/women being tricked into slavery and sometimes they are able to escape and return home where they find help and counciling through the center. Alcohol abuse is also a large problem that often leads to domestic violence.

We had a flat tire on the way and had to unload the van to get the tire out but otherwise it was a joyful trip. Dorina, one of our translators was a great help.
We donated a water boiler for the kitchen, 2 washing machines, a kitchen stove, 2 high chairs, sheets/blankets/pillows, dishes/pots/pans/silverware, toys, and more. We assembled "kitchen kits" in laundry baskets with all the items each woman would need to cook and eat.

Beautiful end to a very long day

Tonia and Katea Leave for Italy

Tonia (18) and her sister Katea (16) are leaving to live with their mother in Italy. The Young Single Adults had a farewell party for them. We are going to miss their smiles and laughter tremendously :( I love both of their happy welcoming greetings at all the meetings. I admire their integrity, modesty, enthusiasm, spirituality, and consistant attendance at everything. Awesome young women! Good Luck to you both!!!

Tom's "boys"

OK...so it started with 1 gray striped kitten he just had to feed. Then there came a black kitten that he also had to feed.

...then a yellow striped kitten turned up with the excuse that he was the black kittens best buddy. Then came the larger cats. The original gray kitten has disappeared.

Now Tom buys cat food by the BIG BAG size and whole milk by the liter. I predict 20 stray cats to feed morning and night by Christmas. It makes me miss my Maxx even more.

"Now, How does a Moldovan Car Jack Work???"

While on our way to deliver a very fully loaded van we had a flat tire. Ugh! Had to unload to get the spare tire and the car jack out. Double ugh! Then Tom had to figure out just how a Moldovan jack works...

Hincesti Soup Kitchen Celebration

August 3, 2010 we helped a struggling soup kitchen south of Chisinau. They recieved all new plates, silverware, soup bowls,glasses, pots,boiler for hot water, a new refrigerator, towels, salt/pepper/napkin holders, colandar, graters, soap, pasta,and more! It was so much fun to help Vacsile. He has been running this kitchen for 13 years on a shoe string - NO government help. The Raion (county) Councilor, the press, and the Director of Social Aid attended. Everyone helped set up and everyone joined in the meal. There were "no poor among them" as we were all equal. I gave Vacsile a Moldovan flag at the ceremony as he has a true Christlike heart for his Moldovan people.

You know you're on a mission when...

We decided today that you haven't been on a mission until you have walked so much that you have holes in your new socks so big that your big toe sticks through and also you've sweat enough that your undergarments have to be peeled off at the end of the day. We are definitely on a mission!

Today we really "labored in the vineyard"! We went by foot, by maxi taxi, by trolley bus, and then picked up a rental van. We went to 14 different places to do everything that needed to be done. Going to 14 locations at home would not be such a big deal but here it takes all day long. We are told that in Moldova everything works on a "linear schedule" where you get one thing done and if you get it done in time to do the next thing on your plan you move toward it, then finally you might move forward to item 3 on your list, but then again you might not have any more time left that day. No such thing as multi-tasking. Linear. Huh. Just keep moving.

New Cloths from Kathy VanWormer!!!

Sooo nice to get something new to wear! If you have to wear nylons everyday one should at least have a variety of cloths to wear with those nylons :) My sister-in-law shopped in New York and sent me 3 new outfits. I am so excited to have a new "go to ceremonies" suit and a new "go to church" suit. The third skirt (not pictured) is perfect for all the piata shopping we are doing lately. I just wish I could have asked for two sizes smaller :(
Thanks Kathy! I love you!