Well we made it!

We left on Friday 06/04 and hada long, but good flight to Munich. From Munich, we flew to Budapest, Hungary where we stayed for two nights. Saturday and Sunday evenings we were able to spend time with friends from Monty Taylor's church sight-seeing.

It was wonderful to experience the Sunday service at Monty Taylor's church. Pastor Monty spoke on the responsibilities of younger and older men and women out of Titus 2. Worship in song as beautiful, and we recognized two songs, "There is a Redeemer" and "Near to the heart of God". Marika translated for us on the balcony, without using the headphone equipment because there were too many of us. There were two baby dedications, extremely cute babies, and encouraging words from Monty. The Ambassadors, our short term missions team, was a bit surprised to hear from Monty during the service that President Ronald Reagan had passed away on Saturday. Monty used him as an example of a older person, well past his retirement age, that never stopped giving to others. Instead of saying "I have done enough, I can rest now" he entered the presidency at age 69 and served his country well. Some of the ambassadors were in tears, as they had much respect for Reagan as a president.

Sunday afternoon, the warm people of the Budapest church had a BBQ for us. We had lunch in the yard behind the church and were able to continue and start relationships with many brother's and sisters from the church. One couple was visiting the church for first time, knew english very well, and I was able to discuss a great deal with them. Some familiar friends were able to join with us in sight-seeing the rest of the day. Vera, Szillard, Anna Marie and Marti joined us for a great time of seeing the historical sights in Buda.

We left Monday for Moldova, and had some difficulty with the weight of our luggage at the airport. Many of us were slightly over the 20KG that was allowed per check in. So we transfered stuff into our carry-on's and helped eachother distribute the wieght. Sort of pointless, since all the weight was going on the same plane whethere it was in our checked in luggage or in our carry on. The flight was pleasant however. Linda Wood proclaimed that it was the best flight of all, enjoying the food, service, and smooth turbo-prop engines.

Getting through customs at the Chisinau airport was no problem. We were greeted on the other side by Andre, Mehai's son and english translator. He led us outside where we met Pastor Jon and with his van to load our bags. Soon Pastor Alexander came too, in his yellow van to take the rest of us. There was a great time of re-union as relationships with those who had come before with Jon and Alexander are strong. What a joy to be reunited with such brother's in Christ.

We loaded up the two vans and travelled for about 2 hours to Rascaieti and Antonesti. Pastor Jon took Linda and Cuinn, Dave and Patty, to stay in Rascaieti. David Dobbs is staying with Pastor Jon. Alexander took Chick and Jerry to stay with his sister Dina (where Ciro and Elise stayed last year) in Antonesti. And Melissa and I were elated to find that we would be staying with the dear Alexander family again.

I could have not been more happy to see that Roma was waiting for us when we got to Alexander's house. He said that he and his wife Lilliana would be taking turns translating for us during our stay. And had wonderful news that Lilliana and he were to have a baby boy, and would name him Daniel. She is due in a few months. How wonderful it is to finally meet Lillia, who speaks english quite well.

In about an hour we will all meet up in Stevan Voda to register with the local authorities, as is required. It is not expected to be as difficult as two years ago. Mearly filling out paperwork and dropping it by the police station. Then we will head to the blessed Hope church of Rascaieti where we will fellowship with the church and make plans for the rest of our stay here.

The current plan is to start VBS tomorrow for the children. We will be conducting the church services on Sunday. And Jon's greatest wish is for us to focus on community outreach this time. Apparently the schools are suffering from lack of funding and he wishes that we would be able to spend time with whatever they need. Perhaps painting, teaching, and reaching out with the gospel. He has also found out from David about the TEAM ministry at our church and perhaps will have David Ricks, Cuinn, and Chick visit some from the church who have not come in a while.

God is great, and our time thus far has been warm and I feel very blessed to be able to travel with such a wonderful team of believers. And to be back in Moldova is extremely special, like visiting old family, and rejoicing in the things that God has done since we last met. Roma graduated college, and got top honors for his thesis paper on the Russion Orthodox church. He made Alexander and uncle Mehai very proud. David Dobbs found out that Gehna is now engaged, and there is a possibility that they will be coming to the states when they get married.

Thank you all for your prayers, God's hand has been clearly been on us thus far. And as we start now ministering to the people of Rascaieti we pray that the name of Christ would be honored.