Come over to Moldova: You never know what (or who) is around the corner!

There is no such thing as a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive in Moldova. Not only are there the potholes, the horse drawn wagons and the pedestrians to avoid, there have also been Ian's two close encounters with the Politia Rutiera. (Traffic cops)

The first happened driving back from a Corps two Sundays ago when we got routinely stopped. Ian had forgotten to bring his drivers licence which is an offence almost worthy of the death penalty, or so it seems. I was asked to accompany the policeman into his 'office', where he took my passport, and then proceeded to get his chief up from down in the village. I was told I would receive a 'very heavy penalty'. An hour later, I emerged from the local police station having had to pay the enormous sum of about $28, the 'maximum' penalty for an offence of this kind. At least I got my passport back! We philosophised about the whole experience, and reckoned that it cost about the same as a trip to the cinema in Australia, but was far more entertaining!!

Ian being escorted into 'the Office' ( an old camouflaged train carriage) for interrogation!

Then last Sunday, on the way back from another country Corps, I was pulled over again. This time I was ready with my licence. But on this occasion, he had been 'clocked' doing 58 in a 40 zone (in the middle of nowhere mind you!!) This time he took my licence and said I would have to go to the village and pay 200 lei (about $20) fine at the bank, then come back and get my licence after I showed the receipt. Not even in Moldova are the banks open at 4-00pm on a Sunday afternoon, so this was going to be difficult. He then suggested that I could pay 50 lei to him 'for gasoline' which is a nice way of saying 'cash sale, no receipt'!! I couldn't believe the blatant way this was happening. Luckily I had Alla, our finance officer in the car, and she did some quick talking to the policeman. She said that we could pay the 50 lei, no problem, but 'this was a sin, and God will not bless this money!' This obviously put the wind up him, because she said, "he says..OK you can go!' Needless to say, someone else is driving next Sunday!

Alla our finance officer doing some fast talking. She got Ian off the hook.

Corps visits over the last two weeks have included Dubossari and Ceadir Lunga.

Dubossari is a vibrant small Corps in Transnistria with an effective outreach program into the local community. They meet in a very narrow hall (about 3 mts wide by 10 mts long) but the worship is inspiring. There were two people who came to faith at the conclusion of the meeting.

We did say small! The hall is actually only the right half of this building. NB. Asbestos roof!

Sunday morning worship at Dubossari. It is a case of come early for a seat. Some people were standing at the back during the course of the meeting

The small area at the back of the hall used for childrens afterschool program. Note the sink in the rear corner used for washing up after feeding 30 kids each day .

Ceadir Lunga is another smallish Corps in the south of the country. There is a strong Turkish influence in the region. Their hall, a rented property, is one of the biggest we have in the division. Here, too, the worship was meaningful, and the preacher for the day was a Cadet, who is the Corps leader.

A big wood-fire stove just behind Ian both heats the hall and acts as an oven on occasions.

It's always humbling to share in worship with these people.

Once again..there was the traditional Moldovan style meal at the quarters after the service for the visiting Divisional leaders...

...which included 'galooptsi', rice and mince wrapped in grape leaves or stuffed in capsicum. Very tasty...

... but this was a new one for us. 'Cold soup'. Meat and some vegetables set in gel/fat served cold. We did the polite thing and ate just enough to keep our hostess happy. Fortunately, on most occasions, it is 'serve yourself'.

Viv has been involved over the last 10 days in two League of Mercy seminars in different parts of the country. League of Mercy workers have a very influential ministry amongst the poorest people in their communities, and these seminars were opportunities to bring encouragement and training to those who attended. A feature of this work in Moldova is the high proportion of young people who are involved. Much of the ministry centres on the visitation and support of elderly people in the community.

Moldovans love to include drama on any occasions that they can. This one served to illustrate a point regarding League of Mercy visitation.

Last Saturday, we visited the National Archaeology and History Museum. One can't help but be taken by the history of this region. It gives a sense of perspective to stand and look at artifacts discovered within kilometres of this city that were used by human beings up to 10,000 years ago.

There were also many beautiful works of art, often with a religious theme.

This 18th century painting is titled "Christ the Living Vine"

"Christ the Good Shepherd"

There are frustrations and new experiences that occur every day, but in the midst of that, we continue to feel a sense of rightness in being here at this time. We are privileged to share with these people, many of whom are still so relatively new in their faith. Their encounter with God and The Salvation Army has brought new joy and purpose despite the difficult circumstances in which many of them still live from day to day.

Today, we had planned a picnic for DHQ staff with the aim of building team morale. If only it had been yesterday when it was sunny and 21c! This morning the wind was strong, and the steady rain changed to snow. We decided to make some changes and have the BBQ in the carport at DHQ. We made some enquiries to explore alternative activities, and after a lovely meal of shashlicks and salads, we took everyone to the local bowling alley where we had booked 3 lanes for an hour. For all except two of the staff, this was the first time they had ever been to such a place. TV was their only experience of this sport. It was such a joy to see everyone having a great time. The older ladies became like little kids they were so excited. Their expressions of appreciation at the end of the day were humbling as we reflected how such a simple activity had meant so much to them.