Cristi | July 27, 2009

On July 16th, Amy and I arrived safely in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova.  Stepping outside the doors of the airport was a true welcome, as we viewed such an amazing panoramic of green pastures and blue skies. As we drove into the city, it began pouring and we made our way through humungous structures that looked like city gates from “Lord of the Rings”. As we got closer, we realized that they were communist-style apartments.

Troy Darrin (our missionary host) shared with us how each one is a condominium, of sorts, to the inhabitants. It depends on the owners how they will fix up their portion. Most are the size of 2 small rooms, with a balcony attached. One of the rooms may be used as their livingroom/bedroom, with a couch that turns into a bed. The other half of their apartment may be an entryway, a small kitchen and a bathroom. We visited an amazing young couple, with a baby, who rents one of these. The woman told us that it depends on the complex whether they will have heat starting in October or November and whether you might be in one of the warmest or coldest apartments, both summer and winter, based on what floor you live on. (Does the heat come from the top or the bottom?) Some have gas, but hers only had electricity. It costs so much, they only kept one light bulb in their 3 bulbed lighting fixture. The hallway didn’t have any lighting fixtures. The amenities depend on when they were built by the communists and how many levels they have (architectural design). She said that during these summer months it is up to her to boil her water for food and for hygienic purposes. Her small home was kept neat and tidy, and she told us she was blessed to live there. These huge complexes fill the landscape of the city.

Chisinau Apartments

We made our way past many of these buildings, through flooded streets and downed trees. We found “shelter” in an upscale pizzeria-style restaurant and enjoyed some delicious food. Then, we drove back to the Darrins where I was treated to some meaningful gifts, a birthday cake, and ice cream from a tube. Super yummy! We went to the living room and began the gift giving… for Moldova! Amy, I and LOTS of you donated 3 suitcases of items to the Darrins, other missionaries and ministries and the wonderful people of Moldova. It was such fun! We gave away many of the items during our visits throughout the week. They brought so many smiles! And the Darrins were left with MANY presents to give away in villages and to children, families and others as they continue their ministry in Moldova. Thank you to all who blessed us with the joy of blessing others! It was so fun to be a part of it all.*

We come bearing gifts!

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Cristi | July 19, 2009

Just in case you are looking here for information about Amy and Cristi’s trip to Moldova/Sweden…

I’ve been having such a hard time getting photos uploaded here, for multiple reasons. I found it a bit easier on facebook, and we’ve both posted some pictures there. We are also posting short status updates of our adventures. It may keep you a bit more informed if you check us out there.  Just sign up (it’s free) and ask us to be your friend. I bet we will say yes.

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Cristi | July 19, 2009

Picture taken en route to Moldova

Over one year ago, Amy and I were riding in a car,  coming home from a women’s conference. We were sharing how God had spoken SO much to each of us during the weekend. We were so excited because God was showing us both, in an almost tangible way, that He has a special purpose for each of us. I was sharing how God confirmed in multiple ways that I was to learn more about sex trafficking, a completely new concept to me. I was telling Amy how so many things happened that it had to be more than coincidence. You see, I found out that the same country that my youth pastor is now a missionary in (Moldova) is the same country that has the highest rate (per capita) of trafficking victims. I said, “Maybe I’m supposed to go there, someday.” Amy yelled out, “I’m coming with you!” From that moment on, God confirmed over and over again that that is exactly what we were to do.
Three days ago, Amy and I were flying on an airplane from the USA. We were amazed that God was actually bringing us to Moldova. Since we arrived, we’ve experienced more than we could ever have imagined. Throughout these few days we’ve connected with Romanian, Russian and English speaking Christians because we all share an unseen and unheard connection with an invisible God. That connection is supernatural and always amazes me. This morning I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with a village church. I shared that God has a special plan and a purpose for each one of us. I’m following God and enjoying every minute. It’s our heartfelt prayer that each one of you will find your unique purpose, too. God is truly accomplishing HIS purposes. Wow. I’m so thankful we get to be a part of them.

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Cristi | July 10, 2009

La Strada Moldova is an NGO working to help trafficking victims.

I am leaving for Moldova in less than a week.
Today, I printed off and cut up home-made “bookmarks.”  Each one has trafficking hotline numbers listed for many European countries, in multiple languages. Part of our mission is to place these in airport bathrooms and on empty seats along our journey. We want to spread awareness about human trafficking to whoever may find them. More importantly, we pray that God would orchestrate the right person/people to discover what we leave behind.
Maybe one traveling girl will realize the danger that she’s in, herself. Many girls take jobs overseas only to arrive at their destination and discover they’ve been trafficked. Maybe seeing our list of trafficking hotlines will confirm the warning signs she’s been noticing along the way. Maybe she will be able to get out before it’s too late.
Maybe one young boy, already sold as a sex slave,  will find our bookmark and memorize the phone number so he can, some day, call for help. Maybe just seeing that number will give him hope. Young children are sold every day, all across the world.
There is a story behind every trafficking statistic. If you are interested in reading some, check out La Strada Ukraine’s website. Please pray for God to do miracles. Thank you.

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Cristi | July 3, 2009

The Talbotts provide life training for mothers in Wautoma at Naomi House. Find out how you can help them at http://naomihouse.org/

God’s been speaking to me about mercy.

When I think about victims of sex trafficking, I have the utmost mercy for them. I think about what they have faced. I understand that because of these horrors, it might be hard for them to be healthy moms to their children. They need healing in every respect.  The Home of Hope, in Moldova, is loving these women and training them to become better parents. I feel such faith that they will become who God intends for them to be, through His power.

When I think about some of the ladies in my own community, I get frustrated. I recently witnessed obvious neglect and abuse at a local park. It made me mad to see how these children were being treated. How could that mother fail to treat them with the love that every child deserves?

Then, at a prayer meeting, God convicted me as He connected these two thoughts. He showed me that these local women have histories that I can’t imagine. Maybe they’ve experienced abuse and neglect themselves. Maybe they just don’t know any better. But, doesn’t God have the power to change them, too? Why shouldn’t I have the same hope of restoration and health for them?

It just got me wondering if part of the purpose of my trip to Moldova might be to inspire me to help hurting moms in my own community. I’m open to whatever God has planned.

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