MOLDOVA 2005

 by Malcom Dawson

What can be said that hasn’t already been said? I don’t really know, but I would like to try to share my feelings about the trip to Moldova. First of all, the trip there was pretty exciting and tiring. It basically took two days to get there. Upon arriving, our luggage was delayed and we traveled to the Little Samaritan orphanage where we would be staying while in the country. We were warmly greeted and treated like royalty. The orphanage housed 9 girls and 1 boy. By the end of the trip, I would have brought all of them home if possible. They were so sweet and sang to us often.  They sounded like angels whether singing in English, Russian or Romanian.

We were privileged to get to help in the soup kitchen the first full day we were there. Five days a week the personnel at the orphanage fed a large number of people from the community. The people sang and ate and sang some more. They were very respectful of others who either did not show up or showed up late. All shared the food. It seemed quite obvious these people did not get much to eat as they ate their food very quickly.  There were not any leftovers on the tables. The people thanked us for helping serve and clean up.

On Wednesday, we departed for the Popeasca orphanage. The children were excited and the older boys helped unload the truck. The children had a little skit about Solomon and the two mothers who were arguing over the life of a baby. They sang to us in Romanian. The packages were delivered and the children began opening them in classrooms. They were so excited and loved to show their new possessions to the cameras. The children had never before seen some of the things that were sent and asked for help to use those things. My heart really went out to the children and the teachers who worked with the children. The meals at all the orphanages were pretty much the same and received in pretty much the same way - hungry people eating a “feast” of soup, mashed potatoes, a sausage of some sort, bread, a pastry and an orange. Even the teachers and the directors ate as if they hadn’t eaten much for a while. The facilities at Popeasca were old. Most of the buildings in Moldova are old. Four concrete walls and a flat roof. Single paned windows that let more in than kept out, I think. The children at the orphanages generally slept two to a twin bed.  he restroom facilities were outside, if you could call them restroom facilities – four block walls, a roof and a hole in the ground to try and hit, day or night. There was no running water in any of the dorms.

Thursday we traveled to Sarata Galbena. It was pretty much the same situation though it was a little nicer facility than Popeasca. It was heated by coal. Three people manned the boilers 24 hours a day and fed coal into them every couple of hours. The children there studied agriculture, building trades, and housekeeping. The crocheting and sewing were exceptional. Again, food was consumed in a hurry.  The packages were received with great excitement. One of the children got a yoyo and didn’t know what it was. Boy are we spoiled in the good old USA.

Friday was a trip to Sarata Noua. This facility was somewhat between the first and second in appearance and use. When we distributed the packages, we found we were approximately 40 packages short. We scrambled to make up the difference from packages of children who were no longer there. These “extra” children may only have gotten 3 or 4 items compared to the bag full the other kids received. Each of us handled the disappointment differently. There is no way it could not affect one emotionally.

On Saturday, we shopped and did some sightseeing downtown.= It was very interesting. There are thousands of people walking around all the time. They were mostly all dressed the same - old warm coats and layers of clothes. There was one McDonalds though. I sure did enjoy the Royal Cheese hamburger.

I can’t really put into words all the feelings and experiences of being able to travel to this country. It was quite a blessing to be able to go. I wish more people would be willing to go and help.

How can we help even if we can’t travel to the country? School supplies, maps, atlases, visual aids to help children learn, and all kinds of hygiene things are needed. Warm clothes, hats, gloves and warm shoes and or tennis shoes are useful. Also, bedding would be good, like twin sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Contributing in these ways is really so insignificant in our minds, but it is enormous for the children of Moldova.

The Face of a Child program is such a wonderful way to help people who need help. It is truly a way for each of us to show Jesus in our lives to someone who may never ever have another opportunity to see Him.