Shopping!

The girls and I had a really fun week. Tuesday we went to the bazaar, which is this huge open air market in the downtown Chisinau area. You can buy everything there from any type of food, jewelry, clothes, electronics…anything. I have never been to anything like that before! It is very busy, and crowded. People have rows and rows of stands that are set up in different “departments.” The girls were given a gift from a donor for school clothes, and we spend 8 hours shopping! Elena, the psychologist who is also living with the girls, was a big help! The girls did not get everything they needed so they went back the next day! I stayed behind with a few of the girls and went over more Microsoft Word with Irina’s translating help.
That night we had a photo shoot! The girls were so excited to put on their new clothes, and to take pictures. We took almost 200 pictures! The girls said they felt like princesses wearing their new clothes. They also said that living at the Grace House is a like a dream, but its reality!
This week we continued talking about who we are in Christ, and the love languages. We talked about gift giving, and how God gives us abundant gifts, because he loves us. God is intentional with blessing us with the things we truly desire, and that we should follow in Jesus’ example when he turned the water into wine. He saw a need, and fulfilled it. We also talked about spiritual gifts, and how we can confidence in who we are through knowing what our spiritual gifts are.
Today we went out for pizza, and the girls were so excited! It was a reward for writing their biographies for the JMI website. We had a feast of pizza, crepes, and salad…it was so good!

I am so proud of how the girls are doing with English. I have been able to communicate with them so well! After pizza a few girls and I went on a walk to a park, and we talked the whole time! Jazgul is our youngest girl, but is the best English speaker. I really think she could be a translator in a year or two.
Natalia also knows a lot of English, because she spent 6 months in the states. I really love spending time with the girls, they can be hilarious.

I am so glad that Natalia is with us. She is an amazing example to the other girls, and fits in so well. She has a great sense of humor, and is so sweet. The girls have really accepted her, and don’t treat her any differently than anyone else. She is so beautiful, and I don’t even notice how she looks on the outside anymore.

Please pray for:
A great last week!
Doina’s first full week of cosmetology school
Irina’s Visa
Safe travels for the Belciug family, while they are on vacation
That I don’t have any problems during my flights next week