What's going on!

English lessons, Computer lessons, and life skills are underway! I have a lot of faith in the girls when it comes to learning English. It is something that they really seem to enjoy, and they know quite a bit already! Our youngest girl, Jazgul( or her Moldovan name, Eugenia)can understand a lot, a lot, a lot! I can totally see her translating in the next couple years!

Food has been a challenge for the girls. They are not used to having so much food in the house all the time. They would eat their food so quickly and feel the need to eat all of the food prepared. They have trouble grasping the idea of leftovers. It is hard for them to believe that the food will be there tomorrow. Each girl shared with me a story about a time where they did not have food for an extended time. It was a wake up call for me, because the girls seem so normal, sweet, and fun. It is easy to forget they have hard very hard lives. There is a lot more going on psychological than I would have guessed. We talked about eating smaller portions, and slowing down. We also talked about nutrition during our life skills lesson, what foods have different vitamins, how much of each food group they should eat, how much water they should drink etc. They had no idea that you are supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day, or that watermelon has very little vitamins. They are making an effort in this area, but it will take some time. Most of them are having some health issues too, and have gone to the doctor this week. Issues with headaches, upset stomachs, colds etc. I don't think their stomachs are used to eating so much, and so many different types of foods.

I made the girls a chore chart, and they chose jobs for each to do this week, and they are slowly getting into it. It took them a while to start doing their jobs, and not other people's jobs, and vise versa. They are very good about keeping the house clean, and are excited to learn new recipes. I taught one girl how to make chicken parmesan this week. Unfortunately though, the girls are not used to tomato sauce and it upset some of their stomachs..

Marina, Olga, and Jazgul are all really worried about getting into the school, and getting a good tuition rate. Many have the orphan status, but this does not guarantee that it will be inexpensive. Doina did get a full ride scholarship to her school for cosmetology which is a miracle!!! Please pray for the girls to get into the colleges that they desire, and to get a good tuition price. That is their prayer request every night.

I have not taught English and computer at Beginning of Life for a week or so. Last time I went the girls said they didn't want to learn English anymore. Their social worker was frustrated with them. She explained to me that their decisions have no logic, but are based solely on their mood. It is a little discouraging, but I'm not taking it personally. I hope to continue to teach the staff at BOL, and help out with their camp, and Aids outreach. Hopefully, the girls will change their minds and want to learn. They have been through so much, and so much has been damaged psychologically and spiritually. I just want them to feel God's love in any small way that I can.

I met a really sweet girl who works for another organization that works with trafficking victims in Moldova. It is called Project Rescue, and the website is www.projectrescue.com. She invited me to come to one their Bible studies and talk about my involvement in ministries in Moldova. I hope to connect with this organization more.

I am going to Straseni tomorrow! I am excited to see some of the girls from the last couple of weeks. I am hoping the word got out there, and that the girls will come!