Back in the USA

After about 21 hours of travel, our team arrived safe and sound back in the states Monday night. We had a few close calls-- our flight was overbooked in Germany, and then one of the girls didn't receive a boarding pass for the leg from Philly to RDU and made it onto the plane just in time. We all did make it back: tired, hungry, and dirty, but unable to wipe the smiles off our faces.

We spent a week in Transnestria building a playground, and it was a hard week. The playground was much more than just cutting and hammering boards-- before we could even get to that point, we had to sand and stain every board by hand. So the playground took much longer than expected. But we had a great team that worked hard and got along great. I know that we owe the success of this trip to the many prayers that were offered on our behalf. Thank you so much.

The weather got up to 100 degrees in the middle of the day. We had one person who's job it was to distribute water. We all drank out of the same cup. That was stretching. I usually don't mind sharing, but the thought of all that saliva.... eww.

The kids and moms at the orphanage were terrific. The kids were sweet and well behaved, and the moms were hospitable and generous. They cooked porridge, soups, salads, rice, and fish for us every day and it was always ready on time. There was one little girl, Carolena, about 3, whom I totally wanted to adopt. But I didn't. At least not yet. She has beautiful big green eyes and speaks only Russian and doesn't understand that I don't understand her. And she tried to give me her doll when I left. So sweet.

This week I'm unpacking and posting pictures on Facebook. My Germany pictures are up, and I expect to have the rest up by Sunday for your viewing pleasure.

Thank you again for all your love and prayers. This really couldn't have happened without you. My heart is bursting with joy. Whoa, that sounded really corny.

ONE MORE THING...

I have the wonderful opportunity to go to Ethiopia in 2 weeks to film the building of a well. Your continued prayers for this project are greatly appreciated. If it's OK, I'm going to continue to send out updates about that.... let me know if you don't want to hear about it.

Moldovan Adventure

Tomorrow I fly out into the wild blue yonder! I'm headed to Moldova for 2 weeks on a missions trip with my church. We'll be working with orphans, building a playground, and who knows what else! Expect updates and pictures.

My sweet friend Monique is kind enough to give me a ride to the airport, so the adventure begins at 10:45 when she picks me up. We'll be to the airport by 11:30, and my flight leaves at 1:30. We'll fly off into the night, arriving in Frankfort, Germany, at 7am local time, and have a layover until 3pm, so we'll have a chance to get some site seeing in! Then onto Chisnau, the capitol. And then.... who knows? But it'll be great.

Love!