R.S. visit to orphanage

On Saturday May 30th the Chisinau Branch Relief Society went to an orphanage to deliver pillows that they had made at an enrichment night activity. It was a very emotional experience for me. Elder Hinson and I have not visited any orphanages while we have been here. The children we usually deal with have families (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) that take care of them. These beautiful children have no one except those teachers who work in this facility. The R.S. brought the pillows that they had made, and also cookies, candy, juice, and other treats. These children were so grateful for everything!!!!! They hugged their pillows. It didn’t matter what color their pillow was because it was something that belong to just them. The children then each recited a poem, and when I asked what they were saying one of the sisters told me they were talking about their mothers. I just about lost control of myself! It was hard to see these beautiful children without loving parents to take care of them. I am always reminded to be grateful for the blessing I have been given, and to try harder to do more to help my fellow beings.

Spring in Moldova

As we drive through Moldova we are amazed at how beautiful the countryside is in the spring. There are so many wild flowers blooming everywhere. The hills are covered either in yellow or deep green. We have enjoyed spring after a cold dreary winter!

Cotiujenii Mari

Counterpart International asked Elder Hinson and me if we would like to do an inspection of a Container donation. We were excited to see how the goods were blessing the lives of individuals. We went to a daycare for children whose parents are working out of Moldova (in other parts of Europe). These children are left with grandparents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, neighbors, or anybody they can find to take them. This facility gives these children a stable environment where they feel safe and secure. When the children are finished with school they can come to this daycare and learn computer skills, exercise, play games, and have a good meal. Some of the children are handicapped and stay at the facility all day. The children receive clothing donated by LDS Charities. The quilts also donated by LDS Charities provide warmth and comfort to these children. We are always amazed at the Directors and teachers at these facilities. They are angels sent from heaven because they love and care for these little children without much compensation. They are doing a wonderful job!

Ivancha Cardio School Renovation Ceremony

We just had the Grand Opening Ceremony for Ivancha Cardio School, and were pleased with the results. LDS Charities and Counterpart International partnered to complete this project. LDS Charities renovated 2 bathrooms and Counterpart International replaced doors, windows, and also brought in new dental equipment. The U.S. Ambassador to Moldova had taken a special interest in this school, and wanted to see that the children who attend this school were helped.

The U.S. Ambassador attended the ceremony. He was greeted by children wearing traditional Moldovan clothing. One young lady also greeted the Ambassador and his wife with bread and salt which means peace and prosperity. They were presented with flowers and escorted to the ribbon cutting ceremony. We then toured the school and were able to see all the renovations that had been made. The school director then made presentations to the Ambassador, LDS Charities, and Counterpart International. The Ambassador spoke followed by Elder Hinson representing LDS Charities. The children from the school then sang and danced many tradition Moldovan songs. This was followed by a beautiful reception. We were grateful for the privilege of being part of this project, and seeing the lives of many children improved and made easier. (These children love to have their picture taken. Many have never had their picture taken, and so when we come with a camera I always try to taken their pictures and show them what they look like on camera.)

Balabanesti Kindergarten School

Most every village we visit has a kindergarten school (daycare), and they are in need of the most basic classroom materials. This kindergarten is in the village of Balabanesti, Criuleni County. The school is about 40 years old. It was closed for 10 years before reopening again in 2003. There are a total of three buildings (not including a separate kitchen), in which two are in fair condition to be utilized. The school currently has 80 children between the ages of two and seven that attend. This kindergarten can not meet the needs of the village as many children are being turned away due to a lack of accommodations. The Mayor has replaced a few windows and doors, and a current project is underway to provide the school with running water. You will see in the pictures a silver container above the sinks. That is where they bring the water from the wells and put in these containers to wash their hands with. Used tables have been donated from the community, but many are broken and not able to be repaired. Each child is also required to bring a chair from home, many of which are big, old, or not suitable for school work. LDS Charities has been asked to help with table and chairs for this school. We were able to make a visit, and took Elder Cantlon and Elder Vandermark with us soon they could see village life. It was very touching for them to see the circumstances these children live in every day. Elder Cantlon was able to place a Book of Mormon with the librarian Lidia Zatic who will partner with us on this project. We are always amazed at the dedication of these special women in these schools. The Lord will bless them for watching over his children