“If this is your first Moldova trip, raise your hand.” I timidly raised my hand while standing in a circle of those who would be my teammates for our week in Moldova as we stood in the Munich airport. We were minutes away from boarding a plane that was bound for Chisinau, Moldova. I was nervous. I was excited. I had no idea what was in store for me and my heart in the days to come. I was a rookie in a sense, but God had been preparing my heart for nearly 4 months for what He wanted to do this week in me.
You see, 4 months ago, I started an internship with JMI’s sponsorship program. When I started, I could not have pointed out Moldova on a map. I did not even know the country existed. Yet, ever so slowly, this little country in Eastern Europe became a central focus in my mind. I saw pictures of our sweet sponsored kiddos on a weekly basis. I heard the stories of those who had traveled to Moldova before. I heard the stories of incredible provision, but I also unfortunately heard to stories of deep heartache about what happens to those who do not have a voice.
Trafficking. Suicide. Abuse.
My heart was moved, but I had only seen pictures. Pictures, unfortunately, are easy to forget. Easy to leave at the office.
That was not what God wanted for me.
He does not want these children to be forgotten. He does not want them to be “just a picture” in my mind. So He called me to Moldova. He called me to GO! I’m so incredibly grateful that He did.
Those faces? They aren’t just pictures anymore. They are kids that I have hugged, laughed with, and that I have sung with. They are kids that have captured my heart.
Needless to say, I don’t leave them at the office anymore. I carry them with me each and everyday. I feel that I talk about them all the time. I want to be an advocate for the vulnerable, for the orphan, for the least of these.
My heart is forever connected to a little country in Eastern Europe that 4 months ago I couldn’t tell you a single thing about, but can now give you names of children that I love very much.
If you have the opportunity to travel to this little country on the other side of the world, you shouldn’t miss the chance. Yes, you will be a blessing to the children you encounter, but even more, you will be blessed yourself. You will never ever be the same again. God has called us all to care for the orphan and the vulnerable. It is easy to ignore that command until you see it firsthand. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to love the least of these in a pocket of the world that so desperately needs to know God’s love!
This summer 2 more teams will be heading out to Moldova to share their love and the love of Christ with these amazing children. Consider being part of this life changing experience. Trip dates are listed in right hand column.
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