joi, 13 octombrie 2011

They lacked nothing

People, especially me, can be really ungrateful. Even with that undeniable truth, there are so many people that have almost nothing and they know that they lack absolutely nothing. As soon as I think of that concept, the kids in Moldova come to mind. But, there are people everywhere that seem to me to be joyful and grateful, without a lot of material wealth, or status. They always are thinking of God.

I have an amazing friend that reminded me of this tonight. Without going into too much detail, she has dealt with some serious problems the past few months, and she is so grateful. She is grateful that things are getting better. She is grateful that God is teaching her things. And, to top it all off, she is so GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE. I can't even understand how someone can be thinking of others in the worst of situations, but she always is. Recently, she got the opportunity to fight for human rights at the Amnesty International Conference, and invited me join her. I am so honored to be learning about human rights alongside such an encouraging person. Also, I am so happy to get to go to Amnesty International's conference. They are fighting for people's lives. While I do not agree with everything they stand for, they are an amazing group.

http://www.amnesty.org/

What sparked this thought was an article that I read about beauty on another blog. It is really amazing. http://goodwomenproject.com/beauty/never-beautiful-enough

marți, 11 octombrie 2011

For four months...

It has been about four months since I got back from Moldova. The same amount of time that I spent in that part of the world. The past four months seem completely different. I miss the kids so much. A lot more than I thought that I would. I am trying so hard to implement the things that I learned there. But, I am learning more to try to get closer to God and then the changes come a lot more easily. One of the things that I am feeling like God has called me to do is to use whatever influence I might have to glorify him and to show his love to people that need it. So, I am blogging again. If nothing else, it will help me by letting me write out goals and things that are important so that I do not get so focused on myself and forget to focus on the God and the people that I love.

Instead of being so much about day to day activity this time, I want to write about things that are bigger than me.

luni, 27 iunie 2011

Thursday May 26 2011
Today is the last day with all of the kids in the La Via program. This morning, I though a lot for some reason about what I am going to say to people about the trip when I get back. I have some ideas about how to speak in an honest and humanizing way that honors the kids. But, I feel like since I cannot put every experience I have had, every word I have read, everything God has taught me, and most importantly, every person I have met into words, whatever I say will sound cliche. At the office this morning, Courtney and I talked about this too. It makes us feel like asses that even though these things are real to us, they will seem so different when we talk about them. Chapel this morning, as expected, was especially potent. We did Lectio Divina for Mark 1:9-11. The word descend in these verses stuck out to me because in a sense, that is what I have to do to be with God. After Lectio DIvina, we split into groups to pray. I was in a group with Magda and Annie. It was so perfect. We all cried... a lot. But, God really moved. After chapel, we had a normal book study and lunch. Then we went to the internat. I see the face of Christ through these kids. Seriously, they are so beautiful. During the playtime before lunch, I played Uno. And, Olga's grandma and Marion's mom were there. It was amazing! After lunch, we sang songs and then they sent us (servant team) outside when they "played a game". They did an amazing supries for us. We walked in with a huge sign for us. and all of the kids clapping. Each group impersonated one of us. Group three imitated me and Ion played the part perfectly. He had mismatched socks, said "am obosit" and did the motions to a song. It was really funny! Group 2 did Courtney doing a puzzle and eating an apple. Group 1 did a puppet show for Laurel. It was hilarious! After, some kids said encouraging words for us. Anisia, Marin, and Jaclin made me feel so loved. Then, they prayed for us. Anisia for me. That girl is amazing. Then, we gave out candy and played outside. It was sad to say bye but I feel like God is comforting me. After the internat, Magda and I went with Viorica  to buy her sandals. WE couldn't find anything. I feel bad but it was great to spend time with them. Anisia and Viorica are such an inspiration to me. These girls know what is important in life. Overall, even though I am sad that this is the last day with the kids, I am happy to have the opportunity to meet such amazing people
Saturday May 21 2011

Today was the last day at the Freedom Home. Two of the girls were not there to say goodbye so it was sad. It was a great last day. We went and bar-b-qed with the girls and then it rained and we all got soaked. WE came back to the house for cake and ice cream. At night, we went to the office for dinner with Lau and Vali.
Thursday May 19 2011
Today we went to the park with the kids. They were CRAZY! But, they all had a great time. It was awesome. I led the obstacle course. Afterwards, I went to the opera with Doamna Zinaida.
Mon.-Wed.. May 16-18
This was a good week Lau and Vali came to visit on Wednesday. I did homework with Cristi.
Saturday May 14 2011
Spent the day at Freedom Home. Afterwards, we went to Audriana's. Tania, Iulica, and all the WMF Moldova staff were there. We played Mafia and made placinte and sarmale. I went to church in the morning with Laurel and it was a good sermon. Afterwards, we went to a cafe with Laurel, Courtney, and Annie.