Hi All
It is Thursday evening and we all look as if we have run and completed the Nashville Marathon…Twice! Where these children get so much energy I will never know.
Today was special at camp. Each year a government official comes to officially open camp. It seems to be a real celebration as all of the children are involved in reciting poetry, singing and preforming dance routines. Of course a little break dancing was added to spice up the celebration. We all enjoyed being present during this very special event and felt honored that our very own Steve Davis was invited to the front to say a few words.
The children felt so very proud as each group was called to center stage (this is a very exagarated name for the dirt ground located in front of the steps of one of their buildings.)
I heard the introduction of the next performance. All the words were in Romanian but I did understand the child’s name, Elena Ca…….., A very frail young girl with long dark hair limped to the center of the “stage” area. As many times as I have been to Moldova, this was my first to Falesti. Yet the name Elena was a name I had become familiar with through my daughter and son in law, Ryan and Jordan. They had fallen in love with Elena when they came to Falesti a few years ago and have continued to communicate with her. The very first day or more like the first five minutes of actually being on the Falesti camp site, there was a precious little girl’s arms wrapped around my waist repeating the words “Ryan’s Mama, Ryan’s Mama.” I had finally met Elena and knew exactly why Ryan and Jordan had fallen in love with her. She continued to hold on to me for most of the time through out the week. And I continued to grow more concerned about her walking condition and her future. As I heard her name announced and watched her take center stage I felt her eyes search the audiance until finally her eyes locked with mind and a big smile spread across her face. My chest tighten as my eyes became blury. She bagan to sing her solo which added to the emotions I was already feeling. I knew I was either going to bust with the emotions swelling inside of me or surrender and let God take over.
……..Later in the day I was given Elena’s medical records regarding her leg. (Usually not so easy to get your hands on) I am at peace and know without a doubt I am exactly where I am suppose to be right now.

Alva

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 1 Comment

Friends and Family -
We had another wonderful day at camp. The weather was just beautiful (rain and hail free!). I am so proud of each member of our team. Seeing Christian, Brandy, and Becky have Moldova’s premiere preschool, Andy sharing the Bible stories with ease and in such a kid friendly manner during mooring and evening worship, watching Alva mother the older teen girls and finding humor in their moodiness, Harry capturing a million images on film and video to help us share our story, having Mariah, Lea, and Kari use their amazing teacher skills, loving that Darin is our team Energizer Bunny that just keeps on going, seeing first-hand Steve’s compassion for the children of this country, grateful for Laureen’s ease and eagerness to serve, and being with Rolling Hill’s Ingrid on her summer mission field – incredible and could only be orchestrated by the Lord.

Another amazing blessing of this trip has been our translators. They have all been fantastic! Eager to help us communicate, enjoying the time at camp with the kids as much as we have, and enduring our team of crazy Americans!

Today we finished the story of Joseph and will walk through the plan of Salvation tomorrow, please be praying with us for that specifically. I was reminded today of John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Please pray that peace for all of us as we continue to process all we have seen and are experiencing.

Team 2 get ready…we’re praying for you as you pack and prepare to head this way!

Laura Chapman

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 2 Comments

It’s the morning of day 3, and day 2 was so packed with stuff, we didn’t have time to update the blog! Here are some highlights:

There was no hail at camp yesterday, and just a little rain, so we were able do bible study and all of our rotations!

We ate lunch at our favorite restaurant in Falesti, which looks straight out of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. There was a running joke (and even some staged pictures) with Laura and one of our Moldovan translators getting married, which made lunch very interesting! So, if you see pictures of Laura’s moldovan wedding, don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. But, in leiu of wedding gifts, please send your tax deductible donations to JMI (wink, wink)

We also took a tour of the orphanage in Falesti, which is where the kids we have at camp and about 60 others (about 130 total) stay during the school year. We saw classrooms, cafeteria, and a few bedrooms. Its always comforting to see this, because the accomodations at the camp are very primitive. It’s great to know that during most of the year, they are able to be very comfortable.

Last night, we prepared hygiene bags (shampoo, tootbrushes, toothpaste, combs, etc) that our lifeskills rotation will provide to the kids, and we did a little shopping for what we have termed “Treats and Treasures” (AKA Halloween). We thought it might be fun to introduce a little American culture into camp, so either tomorrow or Friday, we Americans will set up shop in the cabins and let the kids come around and knock on doors and get treats! They are even making masks during craft time. Steve keeps insisting that he’s going to try to scare the kids because that’s what Halloween is all about, so we’ll see what comes of that!

We are heading to camp a little earlier than usual today because tomorrow, the Moldovan government officials will be at camp to “officially” open camp. The teachers and kids have a lot to get ready for (I’m pretty sure tonight is bath night!) and they want the camp to look in top shape, so we will do our stuff early to give the teachers time to clean the camp and the kids tonight. We will be able to be there during the ceremony that opens camp, which should be pretty fun.

We’ll probably get to go to the internet cafe tonight, so expect some blog posts from other team members!

We appreciate your prayers. Keep praying for us!

Becky

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 4 Comments

Today was the first day at camp! Yay! It was great. We did not let anything stop us, not even a rain or hail storm! Yep, we had a huge hail storm about an hour after we arrived at camp! We could not believe it! Marble size hail-WOW! But we continued on!
However, Becky, Christian and I were working with the preschoolers indoors, so it really did not interrupt our schedule too much! We had a fun filled day with the preschoolers involving the first part of the Joseph story as they made there own coat of many colors with paper bags! The kids were so proud of their coats and some wore them most of the day!! We also had many other activities-like music with a little dancing in which Becky and I showed them a few American type moves! It was hilarious! It was a great organized day with the preschoolers, unlike the first day at camp previously! No one used the bathroom on the porch, etc! Lori Campbell lives on in Falesti, even though she is not with us in Falesti this year! We are making you proud! Brandy Norris

As I approached camp this morning I had no idea what to expect…The kids were shy, but quickly walked around shaking your hand and looking at your name tag to see who you were. Many children quickly attach to your hip and enjoy following you around and getting to know you. I am teaching one of the younger groups with Laureen and found a quick bond forming with three boys in our group. They touch your heart with the innocent smiles they give as they look up to you. Mariah Uttz

Today was good. I didn’t really know what to expect with the language barrier, but when I saw the kids I just completely just melted. When I was interacting with the kids they were so awesome. We had some rain and some random hail that came out of nowhere; but other than that we had a successful day. Our skit that went along with the Bible story was with the hilarious duo of Darin and Alva and preacher Andy. I am with the preschool and it’s just so much fun teaching them about God’s love and learning about them. This is Christian Campbell blogging off – until next time Rolling Hills – good day and goodnight!

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 1 Comment

Just a quick not to say that we made it to the team house in Balti! We had a long day, but we finally made it to our home for the next 4-5 days!

We started the day by attending a 2 hour long church service spoken in Romanian. It was an interesting experience for sure! It was neat to see how christians here worship the same Amazing God that we worship. They included more corporate prayer than we normally do in the states, and it was really cool how they involve the whole congregation in the service.

We enjoyed some delicious pizza at Andy’s, stopped by the art market, and then headed to the team house.

Tomorrow is our first day of camp, and we are all tired, but very excited!!!

Please pray for energy for our big day tomorrow!

That’s all for now!
Ingrid

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd No Comments

Hello!
Laura here on behalf of our great team! Steve and Alva connected with us in Germany and we arrived in Moldova where Ingrid, Harry, and Laureen were so excited to see us! Travels went well all the way through and ALL of our luggage (aka – supplies, puppets, crafts, etc.) made it!! We had a great dinner and are now hitting the showers and ready for a great night’s sleep!

Tomorrow we will go to Jesus Savior Church, hit the Art Market and then begin the final leg of our journey to Balti. When we arrive tomorrow, we will sort supplies and begin preparing for our first day of camp on Monday!

As we were on the last leg of airtravel on Air Moldova we were all feeling it – jetlag, grimey, etc. – Brandy pulled out pictures from last year’s camp. It was a great pick me up to see those beautiful faces and to be reminded of the reason for this trek. Can’t wait to see those precious kids. Please be praying for safe travel tomorrow to Balti and as we prepare tomorrow night and evening for our first day. Also be prayinng for the teachers who take care of the kids. We will be loving on them and leading Bible studies with them as well.

Thanks RH family for your support of this trip – we feel your prayers!

Laura Chapman

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 2 Comments

For those of you (like me) who want to know the details, here is some info to help you as you pray for us during the week!

Here’s where you can easily find the current time in Moldova.

Here’s some info on our departure flights.
Friday, June 26
Northwest Flight 1734 – Nashville to Detroit, Leaves at 10:10 AM, 1 hour 41 minute flight
TRACK FLIGHT 1734
Northwest Flight 52 – Detroit to Frankfurt, Leaves at 5:20 PM, 8 hour 20 minute flight
TRACK FLIGHT 52

Saturday, June 27
Air Moldova Flight 9U, Leaves at 3:00 PM, 2 hour 20 minute flight

We will be traveling to Balti, Moldova on Sunday and doing full days of camp on Monday – Thursday. We’ll do a half day of camp on Friday and travel back to Chisinau.

Return Flight Info, Saturday, July 4:
Depart from Chisinau, Moldova on Air Moldova Flight 9U 863 at 8:05 AM
Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany at 9:40 AM
Flight duration: 2 hours, 35 minutes

Depart Frankfurt, Germany at 10:55 AM on Northwest Airlines Flight NW 51
Arrive in Detroit, MI at 1:55 PM
Flight duration: 9 hours

Depart Detroit, MI on Northwest Airlines Flight NW 1972 at 7:18 PM
Arrive in Nashville, TN at 8:01 PM
Flight duration: 1 hour, 43 minutes

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd No Comments

Wanted to share the names of the team leaving tomorrow for Moldova. We covet your prayers for us as we love on those precious children next week.

Harry Butler
Christian Campbell
Ingrid Castioni
Laura Chapman
Darin Clark
Lea Crockarell
Steve Davis
Alva Duke
Laureen Kuzur
Becky Loyd
Brandy Norris
Andy Ross
Kari Smith
Mariah Uttz

Posted in Falesti, 2009 by Becky Loyd 3 Comments