Dear Friends and Family,
We are quickly approaching the end of our time in the States and will be returning to Moldova next week (I write on August 15). Rachel and I are looking forward to truly unpacking our suitcases, making food in our own kitchen and relaxing in our own apartment. We also can’t wait to see our coworkers, friends and the children in Moldova.
We are incredibly grateful for what has happened this summer. Not only have we been able to share the story of the children who come to our program with many people and to raise necessary funding, but we have also been clearly reminded of why we are doing what we do.
At many of our gatherings I talked about Mother Teresa’s belief that Jesus is present in vulnerable people. As she cared for the dying in Kolkata, she felt that she was literally tending to the wounds of Jesus. Mother Teresa continues to inspire us, and it is this belief in divine presence in the children in Moldova that motivates us to continue the work that we are doing. We long to see the humanity and dignity of these children affirmed regardless of their abilities, behavior or achievements.
Upon returning to Moldova at the end of August, our first month back will be filled with planning as well as a week-long staff retreat. Please pray with us during the last week of August and second week of September as we plan for the school year and make important decisions about things such as criteria for which children we integrate into our program and a reevaluation of our local staff’s salaries. During the first week of September we will be on a staff retreat where we will spend time together after a summer apart focusing on the theme of identity. We will be reading Brennan Manning’s book Abba’s Child as a part of this retreat.
Thank you again to all of you who were able to attend a fundraising event this summer. We enjoyed meeting lots of new people and seeing many old friends. Your generosity, encouragement and support are at times overwhelming as we realize once again that we are deeply loved.
With much gratitude,
John & Rachel