Tuesday, 30 January 07
"I am sorry Mr. Kline, but you have a brain tumor." These words fell on me like a load of bricks three years ago on this day. Dizzy, numb and dumbfounded, a feeling akin to panic swept over me like a tidal wave. And now, as the date rapidly approaches for my 20th scan since surgery on 2/4/04, I have no complaints - only praise. I have seen the Lord at work in me in new ways, transforming the theoretical to factual, the abstract to the concrete, and a head full of knowledge about the Bible to a heart bursting with gratitude. I look forward to the next three years...
Sunday, 28 January 07
More than 350 pictures have been added to the Moldova collection. Thanks are extended to Joe Swing for sending these pics of Tony's team at the Falesti Orphanage.
Saturday, 27 January 07
I visited Juston and Terry, two very good friends whom I met for the first time today, again. Go figure. Well, brothers and sisters in Christ stand on common, solid ground, and our medical situations are more than similar.
Saturday, 20 January 07
Pictures of my mission to Moldova have now been posted. I am planning an informational DVD as well - I could use some help with this item.
Wednesday, 17 January 07
Today is a ice day in North Texas. Most people are staying at home and most schools are closed. This gives me a chance to reflect upon what I learned in Moldova. The main thrust is not adoption. The children are fed, housed and clothed in the orphanages. Dental care is also provided by volunteer groups, notably from the UK and Holland. The directors I met are committed to the care of these kids, and I admire their abilities and dedication. What is needed beyond this (the reason for CERI's involvement) is for people to fill the gap between the end of an orphan's 9th grade and completion of trade school. Sponsors are urgently required since a child must leave the orphanage at the age of 15 (completion of 9th grade). If they do not have a sponsor, and if they do not have an extended family, or if the family environment is not suitable for the child, well then where are they to go? I invite you to explore how you can make a real and lasting difference in the life of one of these children. Come with me to Moldova. Join a CERI team for a life-changing week.
Saturday, 13 January 07
I arrived at the check-in gate four hours before the schedule flight departure, in view of the circus of yesterday. I was routed through Charlotte and was advised that I might miss my connecting flight to D/FW, due to a problem with the baggage handling equipment in Charlotte. Fortunately, the malfunction was repaired and I proceeded though customs, passport control, check-in and right to the gate with 15 minutes to spare. Then the plane was 45 minutes late departing. But these travel issues are of no consequence, in view of the opportunity to reach out to the children of Moldova.
Friday, 12 January 07
Began the journey home, but could go no further than Frankfurt. The flight from Chisinau to Frankfurt was more than one hour late, and insufficient time remained to make the connecting flight to Philadelphia. This after expending much energy and talking to many folks, and receiving help from many folks. So I had to stay in Frankfurt for the evening. The same hotel room that was free for the inbound trip was now more than $300 USD, so I stayed at another hotel for about $60.
Thursday, 11 January 07
Visited two orphanages in South Moldova, about 2 1/2 hours from Chisinau. At each facility I visit, three things stand out. The commitment of the directors, the joy showed by the chilrden to anyone who takes the time to come to Moldova, and the basic needs that abound everywhere. Things like towels, diapers, soap and toothbrushes. Other needs include bathroom repairs, electrical repairs, doors replaced, chairs and inn tables. Walls need to be patched or built from scratch.
At Cahul, the director has taught her 440 kids how to make crafts and artistic wonders. I offered to purchase a few items, whereupon she gave me a few samples, all expertly crafted. When I entered the 4th grade classroom at Cahul, a boy immediately approached me, grabbed my right forefinger and began tugging as he spoke in Russian. "He wants you to come dance with him and the other children" Connie advised me. And dance we did!
Wednesday, 10 January 07
Toured a privately run facility for special needs children. The director (Luchia) has two special needs children; thus her own family provides the motivation for reaching out to others. Her dedication and comittment are an inspiration.
On the way back to the Mission House, I asked Connie and Sergae if we could stop at Internat 2 for a chat with Nelly and Gaby. Nelly could not be located, but Gaby met us and we all went to a nearby ice cream shop. When we returned to the orphanage, I said goodbye to Gaby for the 3rd time.
Tuesday, 09 January 07
A day of clebration for Tony's team. A day of rest of sorts. Several people from Steve's team and Tony's team have come down with ailments. Allergies and sore throats. I was impressed with both team's ability to carry on and the fact that no complaints are heard. The day began with souvenir hunting in the square of downtown Chisinau. I found a few things for my family and joined a group of men watching a chess game. I followed a subset of Tony's team into a mall of sorts and struck up a conversation with a translator. "You do not look American" she said. "I'd say you are Ukranian." My reply: "Do you say this in search of a tip?" Her response: "No, your blonde hair, fair complexion and blue eyes suggest this."
Without a doubt one of the more unexpected and wonderful surprises of the entire trip occurred at the La Taifas Restaurant tonight. I had dined here on Sunday with Steve's team. We had been seated near the band, which consisted of a violin, accordion, vibes and pipes (for lack of a better description). I enjoyed listening to these guys, but tonight took the whole thing to a new level. As dinner began, the band played and we applauded and shouted "bravo!" Soon the violin guy came into our room and played Fiddler on the Roof and other favorites, per our request! Jesse then retrieved his guitar from the van and started strumming Elvis songs. Soon the band joined Jesse and they began jamming all kinds of music, from You've Lost that Loving Feeling to Felice Navidad. By now we were very loud and bursting with laughter. I wondered if the other restaurant patrons were getting irritated. My fears were dissipated when one lady across the room said: "Hotel California?" Jesse and the band knew this song and played it to the thunderous approval of everyone within earshot.
Monday, 08 January 07
An elderly woman in tears approched us at a restaurant in town. As related to me later, she was mourning the loss of her daughter and was seeking money to buy a casket. CERI International Director Dorel Leseanu was present and took her outside to learn more. He gave her 300 Lei ($23 USD), convinced that her story was authentic.
Next stop for Monday was Internat 2 with Tony's team. Jesse and Corey put together an impromptu concert in the auditorium, which was great. Got with Nelly and Gaby again; said goodbye again.
Sunday, 07 January 07
Today is Christmas in Moldova. There are actually two Christmas Days each year. December 25th is the day celebrated by evangelicals in this country, and in the United States and many other countries. January 7th is Christmas Day for the Orthodox Church in Moldova. We attended services at the largest Romanian-speaking Church in Moldova this morning. I was fortunate to have Stella sitting next to me at this time, as she translated the service real-time for me.
A Christmas service was hosted by CERI at Internat 2 in the evening. Gifts were provided to the children, including the Hot Wheel cars that I had brought from the USA. We sang carols in Romanian and in English. As we prepared to leave, a tug on my jacket announced the presence of Denis. He proudly handed me the case of Dominoes I had lent to him on Friday. We counted - all 28 were present. I called Steve and the translators over and pronounced my delight with Denis and his behavior. How he had sought me out to return the property, and for this I am exceedingly pround of him. He has a good heart. Then I gave the dominoes to him with my blessing. "I will see you again soon, with all 28 dominoes." Denis smiled and we gave each other a hug and a high-5.
Steve's team leaves at 3:30 am on Monday to return to the States.
Saturday, 06 January 07
Steve and I traveled today to the orphanage the town of Filest, a much smaller facility than Internat 2 in Chisinau, but with more young kids. Tony's team had been here much of the week, and they were preparing to facilitate the serving of a nice dinner funded by CERI to the children, complete with chicken and ice cream bars. Many photos were taken, including pics of the staff.
The evening's highlight was dinner at the Irish Pub with Steve's team. Three testimonies were given concerning CERI's impact. Once such story was provided by Olga, who, as a small child and with parents who had gone their own way, had been digging in the trash for food for herself and siblings when spotted by neighbors. CERI intervened and now, years later, Olga has completed high school and trade school. She is a seamstress with a bright smile. These stories cause your eyes to tear, even if you are not supposed to cry in front of a Moldovan for fear of making them feel sad for causing you grief. We try to explain that our tears are from joy and thanksgiving and for the opportunity to make a difference in this world.
Friday, 05 January 07
This morning we went to see a musical in town. Very enjoyable show, one that must be familiar to the children of Moldova, for at several points in the performance, the actors would pause their dialog and actions to wait for the audience to respond "da, da" or recite a complete sentence from memory. It was my honor to lend an arm to Gaby on my left and Nelly on my right, with Maria close by. I took this opportunity to remind these girls that they do not need any entanglements from boys. Pokes in the ribs, laughs - the usual response.
In the afternoon, Melissa led a study of the qualities of Christ and what He means to us. After the girls had responded, I remarked that I was blessed by hearing so many sweet things about our Lord from so many sweet young women. Stella the translator provided the conversion to Romanian and I could see heads raise, eyes twinkle and smiles emerge as the words were absorbed. "They said that they think you love them," Stella reported. "Tell them I do love them, each one," I offered, "as my daughters, as a father who wants the best for his children, who wants them to make good decisions, which means no boyfriends."
In the evening, I presented the dominoes game called "42" to several boys, as well as Stephen the translator and Borris the translator. I noticed that one young man, Denis, seemed to catch on to the game much more quickly than anyone else, even the adult translators. I commented that Denis is one sharp boy, and should take care to use his gifts for good - to make right decisions for the kingdom of God. Denis asked if he could keep the dominoes until tomorrow. I was skeptical at first, for I had been told that such items are typically not returned, and if they are, pieces would be missing. The bus was leaving to return to the Mission House, and I was basically being dragged out of the gym, so I told Denis he could retain the dominos until tomorrow, but I expected all 28 to be returned, along with the case, in good shape. He promised to do so.
Thursday Afternoon, 04 January 07
The daily program begins. I'm taking pictures, while the kids sing and hear a Bible story. I recognize some of these songs, even though I do not speak the language. The assembly divides into groups based upon age and gender. Before coming to Moldova, I believed that my primary attention should be directed to the older girls, because they are the most vulnerable. Why? Because orphans must leave the facility after completing the 9th grade (age 15). If sponsors are not available, some of these girls will have no where to go and have not even finished high school. They then become prime targets for child trafficking, to be sold into prostitution. My heart goes out to all orphans of all ages, but the most immediate need is to fill the gap between completion of 9th grade and graduation of trade school (six years).
Soon I find myself sitting in a circle with Steve and several girls from Melissa's group and it doesn't take long for us to find each other: Nelly, Gaby, Maria, Anastasia, Galina, Mariana and Christina. A great conversation ensued, initially led by Melissa, then transition to Steve, then with my input. Translators are always available and participate in the discussion. It takes no time at all to warm up to these children, especially when they often take the first step to meet you. I used this opportuity to brag about my daughter Aimee. She is a level 7 gymnast, fully dedicated to the cause, without time for unimportant, trivial and frivilous activities like boys. I comment to my newly found daughters that they do not need boys either.
We are invited to see their rooms: very clean and in nice order. Six girls per room, no pictures on the walls, no TV, no computers or electronic trinkets. Most prized possession is a photo album, which we look through.
Thursday Late Morning, 04 January 07
Four hours of sleep and then I jump on the bus with Steve's CERI team to arrive at Internat 2 (orphanage #2). Our arrival is expected and greeted with a hail of snowballs. These kids are expert in producing these objects, perfectly packed and aerodynamic. But I have a decided advantage. My gloves are specifically designed for extreme cold. They 'wick' moisture away from the skin while blocking the cold and wind from ever reaching the fingers. So while the kids must periodically retire to rub/warm their hands, I can remain on station to continue the engagement. The gloves also permit me to catch the projectiles and return the favor in one smooth motion. Many of the members of Steve's team have been here before, and it shows in the way the children instantly know whom they need to see. Laughter, hugs, even tears are liberally dispensed. I even receive some attention, even though I am an unknown. My impression is that these kids are so happy to receive attention from adults who have traveled 8000 miles from America, at our own expense, just to be with them.
Thursday Early Morning, 04 January 07
I arrived at the Mission House this morning at 2 am. It took two full days to get to the Mission House in Chisinau, due in part to a four hour layover in Philadelphia and a nine hour layover in Frankfurt. But this was not all bad. I had upgraded to business class for the translantic part of the trip, and as a result received a coupon for a free stay at the airport Sheraton. The nine hour window gave me an opportunity to get cleaned up and sleep for five hours, thereby mitigating much of the jet lag.
Christmas trees are still on display everywhere, except for D/FW. Whether in the Philadelphia, Frankfurt or Chisinau airports, or at the hotel, or in the neighborhoods, you can see these reminders of our Saviour's birth. There are two Christmas Days in Moldova. December 25th is the day celebrated by evangelicals in this country, and most of the rest of the world. January 7th is Christmas Day for the Orthodox Church.
One month from today will mark my 3rd year anniversary of the removal of a brain tumor. The medical blessings received thus far make this trip to Moldova all the more significant to me. Just to be able to make this trip and give hope to these children - to let them know that they are not forgotten.
Tuesday, 02 January 07
I left the US today for Moldova. Many thanks to Kathy for rising at 4 am to take me to D/FW airport. Four suitcases, containing all of my cold weather gear.
Monday, 01 January 07
The year 2007 is already here! Last year flew by more quickly than any other year of recent history. This year gets off to a fast start when my visitation to Moldova begins tomorrow. I am often asked: "what will you be doing over there?" and the answer is: "spend time with some of the many thousands of oprhans in this Eastern European country." These children have been abandoned by their families and even their society. Many have no hope. So I am sojourning to Moldova, as part of a team, with oversight provided by CERI, to try to make a difference in this part of the world. We will have Bible Studies, play games, certainly engage in snowball fights, dispense hugs freely, speak English to the kids and try to understand their Romanian language responses (translators will accompany us). Christmas in Moldova is January 7th, so I will have two Christmas days this season - and the first white Christmas in many years.
