Greetings from Moldova,
This past week has been a blessing. This past Tuesday, Michelle took us and three girls to Soroca. Soroca is in northern Moldova, it is home to an ancient castle and is right at the border of Ukraine. We enjoyed the trip immensely (though by the end, we were all wiped out). We climbed 635(ish) steps to and from a landmark. Right underneath the landmark is a ten foot wooden cross that looks out across the landscape. It reminded me that God loves this land and is calling it to himself. Afterward we climbed a steep mountain on shifting sand to reach a large stone of limestone. I put myself in God's hands as I grasped at exposed roots and flowers for leverage. God provided pure spring water for me to drink (I forgot to prepare a water bottle for myself)... no stomach problems, so I was grateful. We then walked by a river and gazed at Ukraine on the other side as we headed to the castle. I got the chance to become better acquainted with one of the girls. She recently told me that she enjoyed the walk with me, I was very happy because the Lord had laid her on my heart. She is drawn to the Lord, but her family is very cautious regarding her interaction with the church. They do not hinder her, but she does refrain from much participation out of love for her family. On our way to the castle we sang (rather out of key) to rock songs that we both liked, then laughed at how bad we sounded. We enjoyed being tourists at the castle. Our tour guide, who was a sister to one of our friends, invited us to her house for some soup. We gratefully accepted, and we rested and enjoyed each other's company.
My students are doing well and nearing the end of the lessons. I was not sure how far I could bring them, and unfortunately, I don't think they will get as far as I was preparing. Lack of practice is becoming clearer to see the more advanced the material becomes. But aside from that, God is taking the lessons into His hands. I am realizing my weaknesses and I am learning to give the classes to God, for Him to do with what He will. I am also learning to understand my own teachers... I hope to be a better student this coming year of classes. I am thankful for all of the training that I have been given because it all comes in handy here on the field. I have cultivated friendships with a handful of my students. Before coming I chose to be an English teacher on a "why not" basis, but recently I have realized that I truly do love teaching. I am so excited when my students have "AHA!" moments. Thank God for His grace.
- Please pray that I finish my classes well and continue to bless my students.
- Please pray that my being here has been an encouragement in someway to those I have come to know.
- Please pray for me, that I stick to my tasks and not fall into procrastination.
- Please pray that God would continue to mold, stretch, and teach me.
- Please pray for my teammates, that God will grant them more ways to be blessings to others.
- Please pray for the girl (above) that God will call her to Himself and that she can be a living testimony to her family.
- Please pray for the church as they are going through a time of transition with leaders and goals.
- Please pray for Moldova, that God will continue to draw its people to Himself.
Thank you for your prayers and support, they are so encouraging to me.
Sincerely,
Naomi Lynn Vann
[For more information about Moldova and its prayer needs, visit http://www.operationworld.org/mold]
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