Beginning of Life: Women's Learning Center Notes

MOLDOVA SEPTEMBER 4, 2017

Today we met with Olga who is the head of the preschool and women's learning center. It is a free service for trafficked women. She is 35 years old and has 3 children herself.

Her dream was for this space to be for women who are isolated so that they have a safe place to go. They can come here and get away from the labels (your stupid, you're a prostitute, etc). They needed this place to be safe and free of guilt and pain where they can find information to help them get out of trafficking. This building helps women improve their life for themselves and their children.

Usually the single mothers that come are girls who grew up in vulnerable families. In most situations, these girls don't have proper school education. They lack integrity which causes the sequence of vulnerability. They are either working illegally or have low paying jobs. During their life they seem to find the social circle who is related to the same kind of people. 

When they become pregnant, in the best case, they are left behind. In the worst case, they are beaten and punished. The man does not want to take care of the women or the child and to become responsible.

When they lose their job they have two options. Either to go back and live with their parents who are angry about them and their child or live with others who are like them. That is a messy situation. 

Several options that the state provides... 

0. 1 time payment after child birth: $250 one time donation

0. During the next two years the state will pay $25 per month for childcare 

0. Receive pay for 3 years and 30% of her salary

-Childcare is usually $100/mo in the city
-Feeding a child for a month is $50-$60/mo
-Package of diapers cost $20
-Package of child nutrition for two days is $3

**This is on top of paying rent and paying for themselves to eat and be clothed**

In Moldova you have to have a pile of documents to present to the government which shows that you are starving and need help. There is so much "red tape" up that it is a lot of work and has many obstacles to go through for people. It almost becomes impossible.

⁃ 25/100 people are the only ones who receive help

⁃ if you have a refrigerator and/or cat, then you will get a negative response (because you have the money to feed the cat & money to run the refrigerator)

Ignorance and public representatives is the cause of corruption

A lady was living in a house for two years with 3 children without electricity. They don't know how she and her children did not freeze. The children used just a candle for light to see their homework.

"We are helping women to look at their child as not the problem, but as a gift from God. My doing was not to do everything for them but to teach them how to take care of themselves and their children. We try to create an environment to help restore these women emotionally and spiritually. We want to help heal these women from this attitude. If they are aggressive, then their children will become aggressive. We usually open our doors for everyone. Unfortunately the demands are so big that we can't fill each request. By the word of mouth, our building is referred." 

"First thing that ladies come to ask is for physical needs. This is for their survival so the first thing we provide is material to help them. We don't just throw them TJS food packages and let them go. We explain from the very beginning we asses their environment they are living in, how hey can make a change and how we can help them within all of our services within Beginning of Life that can help. After giving the material needs, we explain that we offer services to help them mentally and psychologically."

-Olga

"Our post communism country makes it so that they hide there emotions and pain. That's just the culture. We help them to know that it is okay and safe to show their pain and emotion and that it can be debilitating if they do not deal with it. The restoration process starts right when they come in the door. They immediately know that this is a safe environment for both them and their children."

*They work with 85 children and 70 women 

*Training is once a week for two hours. They have 7 groups. 

*This center has only been open for 2 years 

Clothe Yourselves With Compassion

As I'm sitting on the plane back to the states, I ponder on the simple things that I complain about and how insignificant they are compared to other's struggles. There are people fighting for their life each day who are overwhelmed with fear and hopelessness - a feeling that I have never experienced in my 23 years. The difficult moments that I have faced seem irrelevant compared to the daily battles of others.

On Monday I walked into a straw covered hut and saw a 2-year old child struggling to live. I thought he was less than a year old when I first saw him but realized that he was so tiny and unable to develop correctly due to malnourishment. Along with his poor health, he was also suffering from an infection in his lungs that would later be diagnosed as pneumonia. Our team of nurses assessed him and came to a conclusion that he needed to be taken to the hospital immediately. It happened so fast that I didn't even see the ambulance when they came to pick both him and his mother up. The two were taken to St Luke's Hospital on Hope of Life's campus, 4 hours away from their home and comfort zone.

We went to check on Marlon in the hospital the day that we returned from the jungle. As I stood in that small intensive care unit, the same room where I spent 10 hours overnight with Obdulio as he fought for his life 3 years ago, I felt the same gut wrenching feeling of sorrow. I watched as my mother held his mother's hand. I couldn't imagine my own mom going through this type of pain; helpless and alone, like this poor mother felt. As my mom prayed over this sick little boy, tears rolled down the young mother's face while my heart welled up with compassion.

I look out the small airplane window at the clouds above me and huge mountains below. I'm reminded that God is not the creator of evil and suffering. He remains with His children through every trial and storm. He protects and provides in times of trouble and need.

God was present in that small hospital room that was filled with pain and heartache. He is both sovereign and good, and I have hope that he will take care of this child.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I challenge you to take a minute today and think of a simple blessing that you take for granted. Thank God for it. Let us be grateful and use our blessing to help and pray for those who are less fortunate than we are.

Please keep this tiny warrior in your prayers. 

Desperation and Hopelessness

Have you heard of the game "Where is Moldova"? It's actually a real board game and while it has a humorous name, most people don't actually know where the country is. Here are some things that others also may not know about Moldova:

-It is the poorest country in Europe

-It has a whole day dedicated to wine

-Those with the largest income are the ones who are selling people

Moldova, for 45 years, used to be one of the best places to live because of the agricultural production, weather, and opportunities. Beginning in the late 80's early 90's, people who live here have been trying to flee.

When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Moldova experienced a strong pull from Romania and Russia. People lost everything and the entire country was in crisis. Romania and Russia's political, cultural, and economic influences have played a major role in Moldova's development. People lost their identity because while part of the Soviet Union, they were forced to learn Russian but are now forced to learn Moldovan. Doctors, nurses, and very skilled workers began to lose their jobs because they could not speak Romanian. This led to starvation and illegal immigration to flee the country in order to feed their families. Moldova lost over 1.6 million of their people after this wave.

Human trafficking became a profitable enterprise at this time. Children, ages 2-15 years old, were left behind. Hundreds of thousands of Moldavans became unemployed and desperate, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Political transition benefited the development of organized crime networks that were able to take advantage of the instability of the region. Human trafficking was on the rise as crime groups capitalized on poverty, corruption, and the disadvantage position of women on society.

While there were no legal brothels in Moldova, the government did very little to protect its citizens. Officials were paid off to look the other way or even support trafficking activities. Orphanages became the top place for recruitment where girls in their most vulnerable position were handed over to traffickers as they aged out of the system. Just within the last 2 years, girls can now be found on the streets in Moldova selling themselves.

Few opportunities exist within the country and Moldovans are desperate to get out. Desperation and hopelessness leave many young women vulnerable to social manipulation and false promises from recruiters who offer opportunities in Europe and the Middle East. It's estimated that 1 in every 100 has been trafficked. Moldovan victims have been identified in more than 40 countries.

The lack of understanding moral issues lead these women to sex trafficking. Almost all victims from Moldova leave on their own free will, not fully knowing the type of work they will be involved in. 90% of victims of sexual exploitation from Moldova report that they had experienced abuse at home prior to being trafficked. Traffickers can easily manipulate these young women, given their desperation, by bribing them with love and prosperity.

Today moldova is slowly starting to make an effort to suppress human trafficking but progress is sluggish. Many organizations are attempting to educate schools and communities on the risks of trafficking to protect our future generation and give hope and restoration to victims of sex trafficking. 

Check out the amazing organization that we are working with this week at www.bol.md.

https://28daysinguatemala.blogspot.md/2017/09/desperation-and-hopelessness.html?m=1

New Country, New Mission

2 days, 3 flights, and 4 pairs of sleepy eyes later, we finally made it to Moldova.

Over the past few months leading up to this trip, people have obviously asked, "Why Moldova". There are many reasons why, but the main one being that there is a lot of need in Moldova and that is where God has sent us to next. I know that there is a purpose for Him sending us here and the path has already been paved before us.

When we landed, one of the first things we did was went to the church and had a meeting with Pastor Fyodor. We went over the schedule for the week and what we need to accomplish while we are here. While it was extremely hard to keep my eyes open from jet lag, I became so excited to begin the week. Pastor Fyodor explained that they eventually want to open a fitness class to get women in the church and would be open to any ideas that I had. I could not have been more enthusiastic when he told me that because it was right up my alley. Over the next few days I'll be working on designing programs that they can use and meet with some women who would become the fitness instructors. From there, we will try to figure out the design of the space.

Usually I know what to expect coming on a mission trip, especially going to Guatemala 1-2 times a year, but I came here not having any idea about anything. Sometimes the unexpected is the most exciting thing. It's almost like being blindfolded and letting the Lord take hold of your hand and leading you to where he needs you.

We will spend our first day sight seeing and visiting historic places within Moldova. The rest of the week we will be meeting with ministries and government officials to continue the discussion of helping trafficked women and children in the city if Chisinau. 

Please keep the country of Moldova in your prayers as there is a lot of division within their people.

Faith Will Prevail

"Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear"

     The month that I spent in Guatemala was a huge testament to this quote. If I had let fear overcome me, I wouldn't have experienced what the Lord's purpose was for sending me. One of the best things that happened during that month was meeting Hermanio and immediately growing a special bond with him.

     When I first met Hermanio, I noticed that something was wrong with his legs and he wasn't able to walk on his own. I soon learned that he was born and suffering from hip dysplasia. It was evident that he had poor range of motion in his hips because he waddled around instead of walking normal like the other kids his age. He never seemed to be in any pain but always needed a hand to hold while walking to keep steady.

      I made my way to see Hermanio up at the hospital each day even if I wasn't able to stay long. His sweet face would light up every time I came through the door and he would keep me laughing the entire time. He struggled with saying my name, so referred to me as "mama". As a 3 year old, he was extremely smart but also very mischievous. Whenever I would set my backpack down, he would grab my cellphone out of the pocket and take a tremendous amount of pictures of himself.

      Saying goodbye to him after that month was hard. I remember visiting with him briefly and explaining that it was time for me to return home for a few months. After one last tight hug, I put him back in his crib and closed the door to the hospital room. As I walked out, I listened to him scream my name while tears streamed down my own face.

       During the next few months while I was home, I got updates on Hermanio and found out that he was having surgery to fix his hip dysplasia. Friends sent me pictures of him in his cast after the surgery and my heart hurt for that energetic, exuberant boy who had to be confined to his bed for three months in order to recover.

      A year later, I returned to Guatemala and Hermanio was now in his second cast but still pretty restricted. The bulky, purple cast went all the way up to his chest making him unable to bend at all. I remember picking him up in that stubborn, heavy cast and wrapping him in my arms as tight as I could. Although he wasn't able to do much, we did everything to get him out of that hospital bed.

      In 2016 when I returned, I found Hermanio walking around cast-free! He was in physical therapy each day to gain strength in his lower body and start learning how to use his leg muscles. It was truly amazing to watch him walk around all by himself.

      This little boy, now 6 years old, continues to inspire me to always have joy despite any circumstance. Life is too precious and short to live dreading the next day. I am thankful that faith overpowered any fear that I had about serving in Guatemala. Without trust in the Lord, I wouldn't have met this special boy who is now a huge part of my life.

      My challenge to you is to stop living in fear and make the most of each day. When you let go of your struggles and cling to the Lord by faith, you will be able to experience amazing things that God has for you.

"But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit."

Romans 7:6

   

Forgiveness and Restoration

How can you experience life’s greatest adventures if you are too afraid to leave your comfort zone? The bibles even says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” in 2 Timothy 1:7.

            It has been a week since we have been back in the states but has been one of the hardest. It usually takes a few days to emotionally and mentally recover after returning from Guatemala, but this week has seemed to take a bit longer. Coming home to a car, roof over my head, an amazing job, and just the freedom to be an individual seems to be extra extravagant and overrated, yet it is just the average life of an American.

            While we were in Zacapa, we found out that our village was struggling with unity. We were able to talk through some issues and pray with those who are facing difficult situations. Through time spent in our women's bible study, we were able to remind the ladies that they are worthy and have a purpose. We left feeling like some of the major issues were resolved and continue to pray that the Lord will be in the midst of everything in that community.

"Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?” Malachi 2:10

            We met many women who have very dark pasts. Some had been tied up for years and taken advantage of by family members while others were passed along through men in their very own village. One woman is one too many for this to be happening to, but there are hundreds who go through this nightmare every single day and can’t escape. I was fortunate enough to meet the lucky ones who have been rescued from it.

            Each orphan has their own story. One little boy, who is now 6 years old, was left and found in a trash can as a baby while dogs were fighting over his body. Others were just an extra child that their parents could not take care of and left to die. 

            All of this brokenness in Guatemala yet the believers still worship God and thank Him for what he has blessed them with. I’ve never experienced so much joy and excitement as I did at church on Sunday in our village as we praised the Lord together. We sang, danced, and lifted our hands.

My heart aches so much for this country yet does not diminish the love I have for it. God had a purpose for us being there last week even if it was to bring a little bit of joy to those who desperately needed it. Traveling to Guatemala and being light to those who are trapped in the darkness of this world is one of my greatest adventures. 

Please keep Guatemala in your prayers.

In Memory of Chalito

           It was the day of my college graduation and I was sitting in backed up traffic. There were so many emotions running through my body and I couldn't believe that this day was already here. While waiting for traffic to move, I opened Facebook hoping that it would take my mind off of everything. As I was scrolling through my newsfeed, I saw a picture of a familiar face that never failed to make me smile. I clicked on the post completely unprepared for what I was about to read. My smile quickly disappeared while my heart sank into my gut.

            A few days before graduation while I was celebrating my 22^nd birthday, my sweet friend Chalito passed away. 

            My eyes burned with tears and I felt like I was going to be sick. I was leaving the next Saturday for Guatemala where he was supposed to be, greeting me with his contagious smile. 

            I met Chalito in 2013 on my first mission trip to Guatemala. When I first saw him, I figured he was about 14 years old because he was so small. His legs and feet were curled up close to his body and he could only lie down. He was able to move his hands and head but relied on someone else to feed him. I soon learned that he suffered from a condition known as cerebral palsy and was actually two years older than me.

            The summer of 2014, I spent a month in Guatemala. Chalito was super smart and knew that I desperately needed some Spanish lessons. During the times when he wasn’t laughing and making fun of my awful Spanish, I was helping him learn more English. He already knew a little bit but was able to pick up and catch on to new words pretty fast.

            Some of my favorite memories of Guatemala are with Chalito. Whenever we went into the village to get cucos (a frozen ice-cream dessert), we would sneak one back for him. He loved them. He also loved soccer and whenever there was a game on, we would watch it on tv together. He would get so excited and yell, "GOOOOOOAL" every time his team scored.

            Even though he was unable to do simple things like walk or run, he had the happiest soul. There was no possible way to be around him without smiling. One thing that he was physically able to do was throw a ball. I remember sitting there for what felt like hours, tossing a hacky sack back and forth with him.

            Chalito always knew the day that I would be leaving to go back to the states. After breakfast I would walk down to Kelly’s House, into his room and sadly utter, “Chalitooooo”. Since he knew I was leaving that night, he would make himself frown the saddest frown I've ever seen and repeat, “noo". He would hold my hand until it was time for me to leave. I always reminded him that it wasn’t good-bye forever and I would be back before he knew it.

            It still isn’t good-bye forever. As hard as it was returning to Guatemala without seeing Chalito’s smiling face, I know that he is in the presence of the Lord and completely healed.

In loving memory of Chalito