Day 2 Moldova Style!!!

Completely out of our comfort zone, but loving it!  So far, this has been the single most amazing experience of my life. There are not words to even express what we have seen and heard in the past few days. The trip into Moldova, to say the least, was something you would see in a movie. Ukrainian gas station stops, experiencing Oleg’s stellar driving skills down dark, pot-holed country roads (sarcasm), & multiple, intense Moldovan customs stops, even a Russian Tank to throw in the mix. Arriving at camp was met with much relief! But moving onto day 2 with the most important reason we are here… THE KIDS! All 10 of us have made little buddies already. They know our names, give us hugs, and make sure we have our food right away during meal times. They just want to love and be loved. They are all SO BEAUTIFUL! The girls love to braid hair, make jewelry, and paint nails. The boys love soccer and are all very talented. Communication is difficult, but is definitely improving even after 2 days. We are figuring out ways to communicate, impromptu sign language, pointing and smiling or chasing down a translator. We are learning some Romanian and the kids like to mock our English accents, which is kind of adorable. Many of them know about Jesus and love him, which is great news to hear. They may not have much in life, but they have the love of Jesus. I believe this is why they are so joyful. Their eyes sparkle and their smiles are contagious. Sometimes it is difficult to look into their eyes. I cannot even bear what they have gone through, are going through or will have to go through. They are innocent, beautiful children with hearts of gold. I look forward to the rest of the week, teaching our daily lessons about WHO GOD IS, WHO JESUS IS, SIN & THE FALL, SALVATION & LOVE IN ACTION. But I know it will be difficult leaving here. Pray for us, and most importantly pray for the kids. I wish you could all see and experience this as well, and MANY MANY MANY thanks to everyone who supported all of us. We absolutely could not have done this without you. See you back in the Mitten!   

CARLI G

Day 1 of Camp

Blessings abound here in Moldova.  Children have smiles on their faces most of the day.  It is loud and silly and joyful around the camp.   Although we have a language barrier, we have figured out ways to communicate.    By the end of the first day we felt as if we’ve know this place far longer.  Our team is busy from sun up to sun down - playing, teaching, singing and interacting.  It is a great  blessing to be able to share the Word of God, show Christ’s Love, and look into these inquisitive eyes.  The Holy Sprit is powerful and surrounding this trip.  Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Jeff & Lynette

The Journey/Stepping Out:

The moon pierces the clear night sky ahead of us.  I lean back in the front seat, close my eyes and breathe in the cool, clean air rushing in from the open window.  Even after more than 30 hours of travel, this ride, which now finds us somewhere between Kiev and the Moldova-Ukraine border, isn’t bothering me.  Although I have never been here, there is a certain familiarity that I can’t escape.  The rolling terrain, the long, winding highway, even the rhythmic up-and-down motion of the car as it slowly makes its way along the pavement all take my mind back to those eight-hour drives I made so many times to and from college in Tennessee.  I suddenly remember how much I miss them.  Life gets busy and sometimes you need to have time alone with just you and God.  Those were my times with God.  Often spent with no music or other things to distract me, I could slow down the world for a little while, sit in the quiet and listen for that still, small voice.  I was so restless back then, and still am to some degree.  Unsure of my true purpose in life, and often even what my next step should be, I have been learning to find peace seeking God and trusting Him in everything.  The words of the song playing on my iPhone, though not a Christian one, strike a chord with me.  “I need you so much closer,” the lyrics plead several times.  This is my prayer right now.  As soon as I think this, a wave of emotion overtakes me.  I lean back in my seat and close my eyes again, this time not out of fatigue but rather to hold back tears.  I have not even stepped foot in the camp yet but already I can feel God stirring in my heart…working in my life.  His presence is here, in this small van overflowing with luggage and tired people, driving down a strange road somewhere in the middle of a strange land.  Suddenly, everything...the heat, hunger, and lack of sleep…all seem insignificant.  I feel like I have taken a step in faith without being able to see where my foot will land, and God has met me here.  He has again proven that He will never fail me…that all I need to do is be obedient to His voice, step out, and He will be there to meet me.  I know I have a long week ahead at camp and don’t know exactly what to expect, but right now I don’t really care.  I am refreshed and eager to see what God has for me next.  I am reminded that all I need to do is let go of control, walk towards God’s voice and trust Him to guide my steps when I cannot see what is ahead.  I feel like I want to let go of all my worries, of everything holding me back, and start running towards whatever God has for me.  My attention snaps back to the song still playing in my headphones.  “So come on…” the voice softly beckons, “come on.”  I just smile. 

-Seth Huff

No Wifi Available in Moldova

Continue to keep this team in your prayers this week.  We received a very brief e-mail confirmation that the team arrived safely and had started their first day of camp.  The next time we hear from our team will very likely be on Saturday morning when they travel back to Kiev and have WIFI access again.  I'm sure the pictures and stories from the week will fill Facebook as soon as they are back on-line.

When the team is back home, we will fill this blog with their stories. 

Amsterdam Layover

This picture of the team layover in Amsterdam arrived at 1:15 AM our time.  The team confirmed their arrival in Kiev this morning at 7:15 our time.  Shortly after they were able to make contact with their host, Oleg Reutik and were awaiting his arrival at the airport to begin the 4 hour van ride to camp. 

On Our Way

The team consisting of Julie Huie, Anna Huie, Lennie_Alcorn, Fred_Mason, Chandler_Long, Carli_Goltowski, Bailey_Potter, Jeff_Dowler, Lynette_Dowler, and led by Seth_Huff are now on their way to Moldova.  I watched them all get safely through security at Flint airport, and they were scheduled depart at noon.  If all goes smoothly they will arrive in Kiev tomorrow at 6 AM our time (1:00 PM in Moldova) and then after a 4 hour van ride they will arrive at a camp filled with 150 1st thru 6th graders.  Thanks for everyone involved in supporting this trip, check back to see if the team has Wi-Fi access to keep us informed of the amazing things God is doing in Moldova. 

John Huie

Less than 24 hours now

Sitting on suitcases and packing up final odds and ends! Six months of planning and it is almost here! Thanking God for our supporters and showing us that he is in control.....not to sweat the details....He takes care of those too! Chandler still thinks we are eating beans and cabbage all week so her entire carry-on is full of food! God is good! Can we get an....ALL THE TIME??????!!!!!!

 

Lennie Mason

 

Final Packing Preparation

The team held their final meeting to pack 9 suitcases with sports equipment, crayons, markers, paper, games, puzzles, mail from home, etc. etc. etc.  The final piece of the trip came together today, in response to prayer.  I was struggling to find transportation and drivers to get the team from Monroe to Flint on Saturday morning.   One of our team members was able to confirm today that the Salvation Army will be providing a 12 passenger van, a licensed driver, and the cost of fuel to get our 10 team members to the airport.  God is good. . . . .

John Huie

Only 6 days to go

In six days my daughter Anna and I will be heading to Moldova with eight other missionaries from Elevate Church.  The team is providing all of the crafts, lessons and sports equipment for 150 orphans to enjoy a week of summer camp.  As you can see form the photo, our basement has been turned into a warehouse for the trip.  During the final team meeting on Wednesday we will complete the packing and inventory list that should allow everything to get thru customs. I am very excited to bring joy to these children's lives but I am definitely heading out of my comfort zone, but as Pastor Adam said in one of his talks, "It's when you are at the edge of your comfort zone that miracles happen". 

 Julie Huie
Proverbs 3:5-6
Phillippians 4:6