Advent is a time of waiting for and receiving the greatest miracle – the miracle of the Incarnation, God taking on flesh – that moment in time that forever changed the course of history. It’s a time to look back, remember, and praise God in wonder.
Looking back over year one in Moldova I see two miracles for us and for a group of children desperate for the love of their Father.
We set out eleven months ago full of dreams and ideas, uncertain where all this would lead. For nearly two months we visited transitional homes, children’s homes, day centers, child sponsorship offices, orphanages, church groups and state run programs. These early months were a test in patience as we all had different ideas of where God might be calling us.
Then a door opened in March for us to start volunteering at an orphanage. We saw clearly that this was where we were called to be His hands and feet reaching out in answer to the prayers of hurting children. This was the first miracle for us this year: God drew all our hearts together in one accord to serve at this specific orphanage/boarding school. No more searching. This was it.
We started in slow, playing games, tutoring, singing, praying with and building trust with just one class of 4th graders and their teacher. During the summer months we spent time getting to know more of the children from all the grades and learned to call them by name. Autumn arrived and we dove in full of faith that the doors would open wider. The first weeks of school were painful as we learned tragic stories of familial dysfunction and economic desperation that led the children to be placed in this state boarding school.
Then miracle number two happened: after weeks of “No” from the orphanage director he finally said, ”You’ve got your rooms.” We couldn’t believe it. Finally, a space of our own to use at our discretion with keys to lock up when we’re done for the day and not worry about supplies disappearing. Along with the rooms we received permission to work directly with a group of ten children overseeing their activities four hours each day. What a gift. The safe atmosphere we desire and consistency in relationship now appears to be taking shape before our eyes, factors that will bear much fruit in the long run as we persevere.
November 15 was our first day in the new space with our new program for a specific group of children, 2nd-5th graders. Your prayers have been and are always our greatest asset as we step forward in faith, trusting in God.
Pray for God’s kingdom to come, on earth as it is in heaven, and pray for God to provide daily bread for all his children, especially now as the winter months approach. Pray for the families of these children. Most have relatives or a single parent who take them home over the weekend, but the conditions in which they live are often quite difficult. Pray for our Christmas celbrations to bring joy and hope to many. We are preparing to sing at two local churches and also put on a Christmas show at the orphanage for friends and relatives. Thank you for your generosity this year and for opening your hearts to join me in this new endeavor in Moldova.
In Christ,
Rachel