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.

Friday May 13 2011
I worked on my servant team proposal in the morning and then had lunch with Magda and Anca. Laurel and I ran into Audriana and Iulica so I went to Laurels to babysit. Iulica is so sweet and cute and fun.

Talent Show.

Thursday May 12 2011
Today we had a talent show with the kids. It was SO. MUCH. FUN. Marion was awesome. He and Ion danced with Annie and wouldn't stop. Marin got up to dance but then he got embarrased so he kicked a kid and then sat down. I was a judge, and I told two kids that they won but they couldn't say anything. So, when everyone won one of them was mad. Anisia said a psalm and it was beautiful. Later, I got a package from Jessica and it was beautiful.

Monday- Wednesday May 9-11
Good week with the kids. Don't remember much.

Sunday May 8 2011
I was late for church so I ended up just going on a long walk and sit in a park. It was very peaceful

Saturday May 7 2011
I met Courtney in the morning to go to the freedom home. I felt useless so it was kind of a boring day, but its nice to see the girls and the kids. Afterwards, we went to John and Rachel's and watched a movie. It was nice. The maxitaxi didn't stop for me so I took a taxi home.

Friday May 6 2011
This morning, I ate with Anca and Laurel. Afterwards, I met Courtney at an internet cafe and watched some of a Francis Chan sermon. We met Anca and Laurel for lunch and then Laurel and I watched criminal minds at the office.

Thursday May 5 2011
Today at the internat, Tania (one of the older girls there) sang a beautiful song. Translated into English, it means

Arise Oh Lord
Lift up Your eyes
Don’t forget I’m helpless

Oh You lead me to waters and pastures so green
Oh You pour out Your oil and choose goodness and mercy for me

No I will not be in want

You’re with me
I will not fear
You comfort me
I will not fear

credits

It was moving! We watched a movie- Ratatoulle-  in Romanian with the kids and I understood a lot so it made me happy. Later on, I went to Anca's and watched criminal minds.

Wednesday May 4 2011
We're back with our kids! This is so nice! I led prayer time with the kids. Also, Ion and Petru made me laugh... a lot.

Tuesday May 3 2011
Today was a day off so it was unproductive. I met Laurel in centru, worked a little at the internet cafe, and walked around the park.

Monday May 2 2011
Today was the last day in Galati. There were not a lot of kids of  at the center, because it is Easter of the Dead, a really interesting tradition here. I played basketball with Courtney, worked in the garden, talked with david, and we had a late night bus ride. Also, our taxi home was really sketchy.

"There are big ships and small ships but the best ship of all is friendship"

Sunday May 1 2011

Today we went to church with Lau and Vali. There was an english message today so it was nice to not have to strain to understand something. There was an awkward moment when I got hit on by a man there. But, it is all good now. We went to a place by the Danyew river called Summertime cafe. It was really nice. We got to talk more to Lau, Vali, Ana, Paul, and the kids that they are adopting. We watched Love Actually with Lau and Vali and played "clue". All in all, a good day.