01-10 August 09: Aaron and I are in Moldova at an orphan youth camp sponsored by CERI. We learned that there are several ways to play games like chess, checkers and Uno. When you are accustom to the North America rules for these games, you stand little
chance against people who are skilled in their own alternate rules for the games.
Basketball, volleyball and soccer were popular activities at the camp.
Aaron brought his clarinet to Moldova and played Amazing Grace and other tunes with the band during one of the evening study times.
Soon Aaron had a gathering of people who had questions about music. One of the great things about this camp was Aaron,
who at the age of 18, readily related to the young adults, many of whom are in their late teens as well.
Tatiana, Ion, Rodica, Nelly and Gaby favor Aaron and me with a picture.
Bible study times in the mornings provided an opportunity to discuss several pressing and critically important issues to
these children of Moldova. This pic was snapped during a discussion of trafficking.
Many fun contests and activities were distributed throughout the days of the camp.
Then there was the bonfire the night of the last camp day.
The CERI Transitional Living 2009 Camp was a great experience - one that we hope to repeat next year.
The team celebrates a successful week. My favorite part was the Bible teaching - when a young man approached me with questions about eschatology (the end times), for example.
The camp ended Friday. We traveled to Cahul on Saturday - two Americans (Aaron and I) with four translators.
We brought a bus load of nine people all toll. It was great that the girls my family sponsors, and the girl
my mom sponsors were so readily willing to make the long journey to visit the young lady
who is being sponsored by my friend Terry.
We took the fab five shopping on Sunday after church services. My prayer is that word of CERI's mission will travel far and wide, such that all of the young people who move out of the orphanages each year (about 700) would have a sponsor. A boy or girl who has a sponsor will be able to complete high school and receive career training. CERI's efforts are focused and deliberate to preempt problems. Our support of these wonderful people through CERI gives these orphans a future and a hope. I plead with you to join me in this quest, in Jesus' Name.