Tuesday, June 19, 2012

From very busy to winding down

Upon our return from Isai we visited Balti branch again and also inspected Tirnova, the site of the TB Children's hospital where we are doing a sewer project.  Much to our dismay the electricity to run the pump for the system had been ignored so things were still not working.

Titiana in the light green suit is the director and this is the septic system

After visiting there we went with Elders Garlic and Jones to visit a family which has 9 children, yes 9.  2 girls, the oldest is member of our church and 7 boys.  It was truly delightful visit in which the Elders taught 3 lesson and each family member participated.  It was a treat for Elder McGovern and me. 



Elder McGovern, school director, Sister McGovern, Doina Stepenenco, and Pres. Carausenco are with the children and their new shoes in Bulboaco
Thanks to Constantine and Irene, 122 pairs of shoes where made and ready to be delivered to the children of Bulboaca.  Doina and Ruslan drove in their car and Pres. Carausenco rode with us to deliver shoes and other items collected by Pro Speranta.  We had just a few children because the shoes will not be theirs until the fall.  The children were very pleased but a bit awkward because they were unable to take the shoes with them.  The reason for this is that if the shoes were to leave the school, many of the parents would sell the shoes to purchase various things, some of which would not be in the best interest of the family.


We drove to the site where Elder Ballard dedicated the country (2002) of Moldova for the preaching of Christ's Gospel.  We went  with Elder and Sister Kitchen, in preparation of the visit of Pres. and Sister Hill's arrival next week.


On Thursday we attended the first day of a two-day camp for the handicapped people of Moldova.  We were able to meet many volunteers throughout the country, learned much and had a great meal. 


McGoverns and Hills atop the dedication hill
 The following day was Zone Conference.  Saturday we took the Hills to the dedication site, had a great meal and then watched a movie with the Hills and Kitchens at the Kitchen's apartment.

Sunday, the Hills went with us to visit the Balti Branch and met many of the members.  Following that, we ate at the Kitchens, and it was delicious as always!




On the 28th we attended an opening ceremony for our project in Balauresti with Susan and Curt Adams, who were Peace Corps workers and members of the Chisinau Branch.  The project was better than expected and we enjoyed a nice Moldovan lunch.

Ribbon cutting with nursing staff, Doctor and Sister McGovern



Susan and Curt Adams

Moldovan feast!


The following day we picked up Lidia Constanenescu and Petru, and with the help of our translator, Hripsime, had a enjoyable drive to Scorteni where Lidia, as a Romania/Moldovan author, spoke with the children.  Many of the children had memorized poems which Lidia had written and after Lidia had spoken the children asked questions.  It was the first time that the children of that village had met anyone who had written a book or poems.

Lidia and Petru being welcomed at Scorteni
Presenting the bread and salt in Moldovan dress
At least 10 girls recited poems written by Lida


On the first day of June we joined the Kitchens in visiting the only castle still existing in this country, Soroca Castle.
 It was a great day!  This castle (or fortress) sits on a river and the other side of this river is the Ukranine.
Sister and Elder Kitchen looking at Ukranine with Elder McGovern


Kitchens and Kathy at the base of the fortress or castle of Soroca



Historian greeted us as we entered the castle and his English was great
so we learned alot


 A local historian provided a very informative insight into the history of the castle.  Also, while there, we saw some the the students and teachers from Scorteni.












We have begun a project to purchase a sewing machine for the shoe shop in the factory of the Society of the Disabled and that was approved on the 31st of May.  Early that same day, we attended the "last bell" ceremony, which signals end of school.  This particular ceremony took place in Cimislia.
last school bell of the year at Cimislia

some of the graduates

9 year olds performing
Orthodox priest at graduation

  

yes, this is a rusy "new" baking sheet!
Hripsame went with us to the school and Elder McGovern was asked to say a few word and handed out some certificates.  Additionally, Lidia Constanenescu made a few remarks.  Seeing the English teachers and Viorica, the school director again was a treat.  Further we also dropped off, FINALLY, some stainless steel baking sheets....no more rusty baking sheets!


We are working on several projects, finishing a water project at Tanatorii Noi which was begun a year ago by the VanWormers, but the city still has no water committee so we can't close the project; a vision project with Dr. Lewis from the US and Dr. Lupan, a local doctor; a water project in Piatra/Jeloboc, which has hit a few snags; and a wheelchair shippment to arrive this fall. 
Kathy in the botanical garden
One the 2nd of June we went with the Kitchens and walked in the Botanical Gardens, which was beautiful and big!
That same day we were able to have lunch with Ray West, the President of Moldova World Children's Fund and he introduced us to a great restaurant.  We enjoyed meeting him and possibly working with his organization.

A week ago Elders Harrison and Jiles had set up a meeting with the director of Child Protective Services for the Raion of Chisinau, in hopes of service projects, Helping Hands project and Humanitarian projects.   We hope we have found all three for ongoing projects!  They have over 13,000 children which they are responsibile for in varying degrees.  We are anxious to continue following up with this.
Both the 16th  and17th of June we had dinner with the Sargysans, who are Chisinau Branch members.  What wonderful cooks Sergi and Hripsime are and we learned so much history, not the boring type.  You can see what a beautiful Armenian family they are!
The family came from Armenia in the early 2000s.  All but the father does translation for us, Senik is set to go to BYU Hawaii this fall, thanks to outside help.  I will miss them.

Hripsime and Sergi are great cooks!  (The first night we ate with them.)

The following night we shared with the Kitchens and this time I got it while it was still pretty!

Last Thursday the 14th Sister McGovern had a follow-up x-ray taken at Med Park hospital.  It looked significantly worse than the one taken in January.  After sending a copy of the x-ray to Elder Merrill, our Area Doctor, who also sent it to a Radiologist serving in Russia, the cconclusion was, go home and get it taken care of.. ( I am so grateful for Dr. Merrill's service.)
So tonight is my last night here in Moldova and Elder McGovern will follow shortly.  We are hoping that Salt Lake will quickly replace us here!  I might add that I LOVED serving here with the Elders and Sisters, with the Chisinau, Orhei, and Balti branch members and with all of our partners organizations throughout Moldova.  I love and respect for so many Moldovan people....  A portion of my heart will always be with them! 

I am including a few pictures of what we see as we drive between villages.


Family affair each day

I was a bit worry that they might be offended but her smile says differently!



a normal landscape in this beautiful country

small problem...

hard at work...
water for the crop
a family!!

La revedere! 

Hope you have enjoyed this adventure.  God bless each one of us!

Sister Kathy McGovern