Future Blogs:

In the future look for: I still want to share some pics from my time in Romania. Also, I have a story about a raccoon that will bring a smile to your face, I'm sure.

Have a great week.

How 'Bout them Titans!!

I really thought the Bears had them, but they did it again! They won! 9-0 Undefeated!!! That's awesome. I have so enjoyed watching this team win week after week! It's been fun. I hope they have continued success!!!

Who are you rooting for??

Chickens, Goats, Raccoons...Oh My!!

I am living in a great place. And I love and appreciate my landlords very much. We've often laughed about the situation that I find myself in. The family that I rent from owns various kinds of animals including chickens, bunnies, and a goat. (They did have a raccoon in the fall. That is a story in and of itself) I have never been around so many different kinds of animals. So, you can imagine the adjustment this has been for me.
I will share a story about the goat that happened recently. One day the family's goat, Billy was just hanging out around the outside of the garage like normal. I had a girlfriend come over for a visit/walk through the neighborhood. We began walking down the long driveway only to be followed by the goat. Then, the goat started to run towards us. I was somewhat alarmed. As we approached the road, he really picked up speed and excitement. I thought, he is so excited to have all this complete freedom. I was nervous that he would be hit by a car. I hoped he would turn around and go back towards the garage, however, he just kept following us like a pet dog down the street. He started bucking/raring up. I have no idea what this meant, but I was scared. I screamed and ran to cling to my friend. Just then, the kids came running out of the house and came to rein in the goat. Just in time. Then, we went for a nice walk through the neighborhood sans the goat.

My Life Right Now

It is hard to believe that I have already been in Missouri three and half weeks. Today I am moving into my new place! I will be renting space in a basement. It is a nice place where I will have my own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. I am excited about the place.

Teaching is going well. I've completed my first full 3 weeks of work. I am working hard each day to get the room more ready. I am compiling test scores and data. I am staying busy and learning new things each day. I think it will be hard, but very rewarding to help kids who struggle with reading and math.

I am definitely in a time of transition. It is a busy time. I feel very unsettled both personally and professionally. Like my last post mentioned, it does feel like chaos at times. There is a pretty incredible sense of peace at the same time. I do really believe that God has me here, in His timing and for His purposes. I am choosing to trust Him each day.

To be honest, some days I would rather be at home reading, watching tv,or sleeping. Wouldn't we all? I know that God has a divine purpose for my life each day. So, instead of staying in bed, I am choosing to face each day's responsibilities one day at a time. I am in a GROWING up season. I think I finally feel like an adult. I am realizing more and more each day(even more that I did when I was in Moldova) that I am solely responsible for every area of my life. I realize this isn't some hard concept. I just feel the weight of it on my shoulders all of the sudden. I know that God is really the one(not me) in control. I know that He will provide and take care of all my needs and finances. So, I choose to not worry(I mean I will be responsible, but not excessively worry.) about my rent, the food I will eat, my car, my clothes, my job, my bills etc. I know that God will be with be and grant me the wisdom to make good choices and live a life glorifying to Him.

Whatever You're Doing

Here is a song that kind of explains what I feel about my life right now. I know that God is doing a lot of stuff, but it kind of just feels crazy to me. It's all part of God's plan, so I am trusting Him and surrendering daily.

Whatever You're Doing
by: Sanctus Real

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This *is* something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time *to* breathe in and let everything out

Back to the Blog, Back to Missouri

Well, I have now been home for two months. WoW....how time has flown!
It is amazing to me how smooth my re-entry process has been. I haven't really struggled with being here instead of Moldova. The transition into life in the states has been smooth and God has ordained all my plans each day. I feel at peace that the decision to come home was directed by God and that His plan is for me to be stateside at this time. That being said, I did pray about whether the Lord would have me extend my assignment to another term in Moldova or elsewhere. I began praying about the next step during my time in Moldova and then continued praying once I returned to Memphis. There were many days where I was clueless as to what God was doing and where He was leading. People kept asking me, " What are your plans?" "What are you going to do now?" Until last Friday, I didn't have an answer.
Here's the most recent update on my life:
Last week, I received a call about a teaching job in MO. I received another call from the principal asking me for an interview. I travelled to MO for the interview. I was offered the job and I took the job. This is certainly the short version. I feel very much at peace about how God orchestrated the interview and everything that led up to me taking the job. I am so thankful for the prayers and advice from many friends. God is so faithful. SO, I am preparing to drive to Missouri TOMORROW. I will unpack and begin my teaching job this week! I will be teaching 5th and 6th graders. I know that there will be many challenges ahead, but I look forward to all the wonderful ways God will use things in my life to teach me more about Himself. I pray that God will be glorified in it all!

*I intend to continue to post updates and happenings in my life whether I'm in Memphis or Missouri! So, keep checking back for updates and maybe even pictures.
Thanks and God bless.

One Month in Memphis!

Today marks one month of being home for me. I cannot believe it!

My to-do-list:
(Some of things I've done during my time home so far)
spend time with family
Hold my neice
Play with my neice
Love on my neice etc.
go shopping at Walmart no less than ten times
cook
get a library card
check out books on with that card
read those books
drive
take pictures
develop pics (there are still a lot)
scrapbooking
go to church and worship in English again :)
go out to eat
go to eye doctor
get new glasses and contacts :)
make a lot of phonecalls
hopefully talk to a lot of friends and catch up
watch t.v. (and too much of it)

This is obviously just a partial listing. There is lots more to be done.
I am taking things one day at a time and trying to make the most of it.
I am in a re-entry process. This means that I am trying to readjust to the culture that I left for eleven plus months. It is a great process.

I am looking forward to whatever God has next for me. I am not quite sure where He is leading just yet, but I promise to say so when I know.
One thing is for sure. You can bet that whether I'm in Moldova, Memphis, or Missouri, I'll be blogging about my life and the ordinary or extraordinary occurances.

God bless.

6 Random Things

I've been tagged!
Good ole' Casey Chambers tagged me and now I must share some random things to the world!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Random things most people may not know about Shauna:

1. I had cosmetic eye surgery when I was 4. I'm so thankful. It was not surgery to correct my vision, but rather to make my right eye look like it should.

2. I don't like hotdogs/corndogs, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin pie.(People tell me I'm not American).

3. I once ran into a volleyball net in high school while running laps in P.E. It scared me and I fell to the ground. The whole class came over to check on me. Many were laughing. Some fell to the floor in laughter. I didn't really know what happened. It was all so quick and ridiculous. It was embarrassing to say the least. Needless to say, I don't have an athletic bone in my body.

4. In high school, I worked at a franchise restaurant called,New York Burrito and also at a car dealership. Fun times!!

5. I sat next to BIG Jack Johnson on my flight from Amsterdam to Memphis! It was interesting!!

6. In Moldova, I fell off the curb into the road- hitting the pavement face-first. Luckily, I was fine and there wasn't a car coming!! There were however, lots of laughs from myself and my friends who witnessed the fall. I'm not very graceful!!


Well, I hope you enjoyed these random facts.

Hmmm..... now to tag some others:

Liz

Patty

Elsbeth

Sara

Justin

Joni

Air Conditioning!!!

No pictures yet. I am still trying to figure out my pictures/computer. I think I need to get a flashdrive or just upload them on someone else's computer.

So, those of us with air conditioning are blessed. I remember sitting in my hot apartment in Moldova, riding the hot trolley around town, and walking during the hot summer weather. It is these times of remembrance that I am also reminded to be thankful for the air conditioning that not everyone has.

While I am thankful, I am so COLD. I am freezing at home,in the stores, at restaurants, and in the car! I am constantly asking if I can turn off the AC. I guess I am just not used to it. Since others around me appreciate the AC, I have now trained myself to wear a jacket, pants, sweater, or carry a blanket. Whatever it takes!!

I can even sleep through the night without the AC. I even amaze myself. It can be done.

Be thankful. Be blessed. Until next time, Thanks for reading!
Shauna

In Memphis!!!

I arrived in Memphis on Monday, July 7th. It was so good to see my parents, aunt, and cousin at the airport. My cousin handed me a box of fudge rounds. OH..I WAS SO EXCITED. SO, I ate a fudge round on the way home. For my first dinner at home, I had a greasy cheeseburger, sweet heat chips, and large coke from Top's BBQ in Memphis. It was so good!!

I am enjoying time with my family, especially my niece, Montanah. I have been to Walmart a couple of times now. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be. It seems really empty. I wonder where all the people are!!! I started a new workout routine this week. I am also cooking for mom and I. I have also been driving! It had been 11 months since I had been to Walmart or driven a car.

Last week was spent in Romania with a missions team from my home church. We had a wonderful time in Romania. I hope to tell stories and post pictures soon.

Anyways, It is good to be home!

Stay tuned for pictures.

Last Day in Moldova

My students and I at my goodbye lunch on Saturday. Aren't they cute?

I have no days left in Moldova! It seems like just yesterday that I was typing that from my home in Memphis about leaving for Moldova. Now I am packing and saying my last goodbyes. Wow. Does time fly or what??

I leave on an early morning flight tomorrow for Bucharest. (I forgot to mention in an earlier post that I opted(or was persuaded by my colleagues) to take a flight out of Chisinau, instead of the train ride. The flight is only a little over an hour, so it should be easy.

God has been so faithful to bless my time here in Moldova in unexpected ways. I am so blessed to have been afforded this opportunity to live and work in another country. My life no doubt has been changed forever. How will I ever forget all the faces, sights, sounds, and smells?? I won't. I will carry this time in Moldova with me for life. I will always have fond memories of the Moldovan friends I made, the culture experiences I tried to embrace, and the students that made it all worthwhile.

I won't miss: the crowded mini-buses, the heat (no air conditioning), or the men wearing speedos as they sunbath at the park.

However, I will miss: all of my friends, students, and co-workers, all the great food, the cheap icecream and candy, my times in worship with the Moldovan body of Christ, the walking, the easy and cheap public transportation system, and so much more!!

Thank you for reading this blog and supporting me during my time in Moldova.

What's next when I return to Memphis?
I am not sure. I am praying and looking into several opportunities. At this time I am not worried about, but rather I trust God's plans.

Will I continue this blog? I hope so. I think I will turn this into a 'Life After Moldova blog'. Still thinking that through.

God bless,
Shauna

p.s. Next time I blog, I will be stateside. Woo Hoo!

The Last 48 hours & In Less Than 9 days

I have less than 48 hours left in Moldova. On Tues. morning I will fly from Chisinau to Bucharest. I will spend almost a week in Romania before I fly out.
In less than 9 days I will be at my home in Memphis, TN!

I would appreciate your prayers as I say my last goodbyes and do my final packing. Please pray also for peace and calm as I travel.

Thank you!

Blessings,

Shauna

Saying Goodbye

I'm in the process of saying goodbye to all my friends here in Moldova.

It's hard. It's emotional. It's bittersweet. It's necessary.

I try to say proper goodbyes filled with warm thoughts, thankfulness, and well wishes, but each time, I am brought to tears.

I didn't realize how emotional the closure process would be. I think that I will continue to cry as I pack and say my goodbyes. I am not afraid of the tears though. I just wish that I was able to hold them back long enough to have a conversation. I don't get to say all that I want to say because my emotions won't let me. Hopefully, my friends understand and can sense what I am trying to say.

Today I cried while having a debriefing meeting with my mentor missionaries. We decided that I should just send them an email to tell them exactly what I want to say. The conversation with all the words I want to say is just not going to happen in person.

I started to cry while telling my landlords goodbye. My landlady, Nina did cry. It was a sad goodbye. They have been like parents to me here. They have made my apartment such a comfortable place; a place that feels like home.

I have learned so much, grown so much, experienced so much, and changed a lot here. My life the past 11 months has been here!!

This is tough stuff. I would appreciate your prayers very much.

On a lighter note,
today one of my friends was telling me goodbye and she said, "Loneliness kills." She was saying all these beautiful and encouraging words to me. She was telling me what she hopes for my future. And she said, " I hope you get married. Because loneliness kills." I have never heard it said quite like that before.

Then, I met another friend in a park to say goodbye. We walked down(not bad) and back up(the hard part) a lot of stairs. I mentioned that I would be out of breath by the time we reached the top of the stairs. My friend who is really thin and in shape said, " This is easy for me. I do this all the time. I walk everyday."
I'll be the first to admit that I am out of shape.
After some time I said, " Wow. I am out of breath. This is hard. My friend kid you not said, " This is no problem for me. You see, if I were round it would be hard for me, but it is not hard for me. HaHa. Thanks a lot. :)

Turkey pics

Turkey is beautiful!! I loved feeling the sand between my toes, looking out at the water, seeing the palm trees, and drinking cool, refreshing,fruit drinks. I didn't get off the resort premises, so I don't know what the rest of Turkey looks like! haha. I didn't swim, but I enjoyed reading and relaxing under the umbrellas! By the way, IT WAS SO HOTT!!Here are a few pics from the week.

Palm Tree
More Palm Tree
Me in Turkey! I was blinded by the light of the sun...
Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
More Mediterranean Sea

My Feet in the Sand...feels nice
Road Crossing: Be careful for turtles and squirrels
Palm Trees in Turkey (The view from the outdoor dining hall)

Updates!!!

I'm back from Turkey. I don't even know that I mentioned I was gone, but now I am back. I left June 17th and returned on the 24th. I was at an All-Eurasia retreat with fellow workers from the same organization. It was an incredible time for relaxing and meeting new people. The Mediterranean Sea is beautiful! I loved all the preaching, teaching, and worship in English. I'm glad that I had the opportunity and means to go. I am blessed.

I leave Moldova for Romania on Sunday. I will miss many wonderful people and living life in Moldova for sure. It is a bittersweet time. I am sad.

On Sunday I am taking a train to Romania to meet a team of people from my hometown/church. In Romania we will work with children. I look forward to whatever doors the Lord opens there. I am anticipating.

My dad is not coming to Moldova. My parents decided that it would be the best use of time and money for my dad to continuing working, fix my car, and clean/prepare the house/room for my return. I can't wait to see them. I love them deeply. I am thankful.

I will return home to Memphis on July 7th. When I return home, it will have been 3 weeks shy from a year being in Moldova.I am excited to see family and friends. I am estatic, but nervous.

I am busy packing, visiting with friends, and trying to get everything done by Sunday. Pray for me. I am stressed.

I will try and upload a few pictures from Turkey ASAP.

Thanks for reading and praying! Be blessed.

Shauna

(Bump) Special Prayer Request (Edited)

Special Prayer Request

Hello Dear friends!

I just wanted to mention here on my blog this simple prayer request:

I am planning to go to Romania and join a group from my home church before heading home in July. In Romania, we will work with children. I am looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store for each person on this missions trip and for the kids that we will meet and minister to. Sometime back(last summer/fall) my dad heard about this trip and wanted to be a part of it. He has been in prayer about it.

Well, when I heard about the trip, I wanted my dad to be a part of it as well. BUT, I also thought that it would be really sad for him to come all the way to Romania and not make it to Moldova(Moldovan and Romania are neighboring countries) to spend a couple of days with me. (Maybe I am selfish.:))

Then, a couple of months ago, he mentioned to me that he would like to come to Moldova to help me pack up, see Moldova, and travel with me to Romania in addition to joining the missions team in Romania.

Now, the time has come for him to purchase his ticket and he has struggled some to get all the finances together for this flight and other trip costs.

My dad and I both trust that if this is indeed God's will that He will provide all the resources and finances. So, we are waiting and trusting. We only want what God wants in this matter.

Please join us in prayer that we would be obedient and content with whatever the Lord wants concerning this circumstance and that we would have joy regardless of the outcome. Please pray that God would grant my father wisdom in figuring out what the available resources are.

Thank you for praying.

**Edited: My dad is planning to finalize his plans this week either way(to come to Moldova/Romania or not). If my dad comes to Moldova he would most likely need to fly in on June 26th, so it is critical that he purchase the tickets ASAP. Please continue to pray that the Lord grants wisdom and finances as necessary. God is in control.

Shauna

Last Day of School

We finished our school work on the first Friday of June. We didn't have our official last day of school until the following Friday though. On this last day, we exchanged gifts and I gave the girls certificates and notes. My Dutch friend, Alida came over with her students(also missionary kids)to teach my students and I about Holland. We learned many interesting things including information about: the royal family, the money, the national anthem, and so much more. It was so much fun! The girls wanted to play a soccer game: Holland vs. U.S. It worked out great because there are 3 American girls and 3 Dutch girls. They had fun,but Holland won!
Here are some pictures from our fun day:

Dina showing us what the Euro from Holland looks like.
Team Dutch singing their anthem
Team U.S. singing the anthem. I am smiling because we did a really rough job hitting the notes and remembering all the words.

Noa guarding the goal
Me with Natalie after I gave the certificates
Elissa and I
Lauren and I
Alida, Noa, Dina, and Jada singing the national anthem. I think.
Jada is singing

Sorry it took me a long time to post these pictures.

Dinner with Landlords

Last week my roommates and I had dinner with our landlords, Constantin and Nina. They are so much fun. During dinner we discussed how they met each other, what Constantin does for a living(He's an actor among other things), and things we can do to better our health. The conversation was all in Romanian and Russian with Sara translating most of it into English for Jessie and I.

We had spaghetti with sauce and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. It was tasty. I think the sauce was a little too spicy for Nina's liking though. :)

I am so thankful and blessed to know these two. They are so encouraging, helpful, and sweet. I get the feeling that they actually care for us and about us. Nina has baked me a homemade treat before while Constantin has fixed numerous things around the apartment. They have been so patient with me while I struggle to speak with them in Romanian.


They have a daughter in college about our age. I think they treat us like we are their daughters. I am so very appreciative!

I am especially thankful that Constantin rescued me out of the bathroom last week. Did you miss that post? See the post for June 5th.

Unhappiest Place on Earth

Over the last months, I've heard/read that Moldova is the unhappiest place on earth. According to the World Values Survey and Eric Weiner's new book:Geography of Bliss,Moldova is the unhappiest place on earth.(Just google it!) ( I tried to link both of these to a website, but failed. If you know how, leave me a comment.)In the articles I read about this, the main reasons listed for Moldova being the unhappiest place on earth are: the people are poor and miserable.

The reality of this is sad. I see the poverty and sadness all around me. I'm sure there are many practical and necessary things that would improve the life quality/happiness of the people i.e. clean water for all people, money, jobs, etc.. I am not an expert on social/economic issues though, so I will leave that discussion to someone else.

What I do know is that I have hope for these people in Moldova. This hope is found in Jesus Christ and Him alone. I hope and pray that more and more people would come to the knowledge of Saving Grace.

Roommates!

My roommates, Sara,Jessie and I went out with to eat the other night with some other Americans we met here. After dinner we stopped to take some photo opportunities next to an old Jewish synagogue. You can see the remains in the background. Here are the fun pictures!





Jessie, Me, and Sara

Facing Fear

I am not a fan of ice skating. I have never really enjoyed regular skating and I am just not good at it. Some people, like myself who can barely walk a straight line, should not do things that require ability, agility, balance. etc. Not only do I dislike skating, but I am fearful of it. I am always afraid of falling.

My colleagues and students are fans. They have encouraged me to join them each time they have gone ice skating. Each time, I could easily come up with an excuse.
For my birthday, I invited several of my colleagues,friends, and my students to witness me facing one of my fears: ice skating. I still dislike it, but I can say that I tried it one more time.

Here are some of the pictures from the day.



A Little Help
The knee pads are just for fun..and "just in case"

moral support


holding on....and still holding on

A Meeting with God In the Bathroom

Notes about the picture: The top center is the window(where the green is). The door handle is on the far right.

This will be a LONG,but funny blog, so I give you permission to LAUGH during this story whenever you feel like it!

I slept in today because I can. I have finished my home schooling responsibilities with the Raatz family.( As of Tuesday, June 3rd)Yay! We are all excited to be finished!

The first thing I did when I did woke up: Went to the bathroom.

Last words I heard before going into the bathroom(approx. 5 minutes before as my roommate was leaving the apartment):
My roommate: "Shauna, are you asleep?"
Me: "Yeah, what?"
My roommate:" If Domnul Constantin(Mr. Constantin, our landlord) comes today, will you show him the bathroom door handle?"
Me: "Yeah..."

Background information you need to know:

A week or so ago(maybe longer), we started noticing that the bathroom door handle was REALLY loose and it was getting hard to close and open the door. I nonchalantly mentioned to my roommate(without too much afterthought....will become obvious later),"I sure hope no one gets STUCK in the bathroom!"

We had just had dinner last night with our landlords, Constantin and Nina(who speak NO English. We communicate with them in Russian and Romanian). We had discussed a light that needs to be fixed and a fridge that needs to be moved. We forgot about mentioning the door handle. So, anyways, Constantin said that he might come today or sometime later. We weren't sure. Constantin and Nina are wonderful people and great landlords. We knew that Constantin would take care of the problem, we just had to make him aware of it first.

We have 2 bathrooms separate from each other. One has a toilet and sink. The other has the shower and sink. In this post, when I mention bathroom, I am referring to the bathroom with the toilet.

Now, that you have all the background information....

After dinner last night, my roommate and I discussed the door handle and how we had forgotten to mention it....

DO YOU SEE WHERE THIS STORY IS GOING??

Back to me going to the bathroom...

So, I don't know about you, but I don't usually take anything into the bathroom with me. So, I am in the bathroom and I shut the door and lock it. Everything normal so far. (I guess it wasn't necessary to lock it because my roommates were both out of the apartment. I was ALONE. BUT, I think it is good practice to shut and lock bathroom doors!)

So, I go to the bathroom, wash my hands, and grab the door handle which...ARE YOU READY FOR THIS??
falls
off
and
into
my
hands!(along with all nails and apparent parts...)
Oh boy....What do I do? First, I fiddle(is that a word?) with the pieces left in the door...nothing. Then, I start to grab anything that is removable from the door. The nail that holds the towel, well, I pulled that out. Then, I went for the hinges. Nothing. Then, I realized...I AM STUCK. I opened the window. Thank God for ventilation. Then, I looked at the door. OH NO! I decided I would just try to hit the door as hard as possible. I hit the part of the door where the handle had been as hard as I could. What happened you ask? The handle on the other side of the door fell off! OH yeah...I'm really working my way out of it. Yeah right?!? Then, I just beat on the door with both hands out of FRUSTRATION and ANGER.

Realizing that I was so obviously stuck without a clue how to help myself, I fell to the floor in a sitting position. I cried out to God. "God, please help me!!" I had teary eyes, but no real tears. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. My comfort at that moment was that God was(and is) in control(even though I didn't understand or see the solution), I had a toilet in case I needed it(which, since I had just used it probably wouldn't be the case especially since I hadn't had my morning water, cappuccino...etc!) ,and if I became so parched, I could drink from the sink. I was also most thankful for the open window! What I was a little worried about was the fact that I was unsure when my roommates would be home and I could be stuck for hours. I had also read a story online before about a man who was stuck in the bathroom for a couple of days! Yikes.

I do believe that God heard my cry for help. I stood on top of the toilet to lift my head out of the window(BTW we live on the 2nd floor) which had bars on it. The bars made for a nice grip while my feet tried to remained balanced on the toilet. I looked around outside and I didn't see anyone that I knew. I heard a voice from downstairs so I waited. Then, I saw him. The son of the friendly neighbor, Gheorghe. He was on his cell phone, but I didn't care. I am desperate. Also, I knew that this son, Michael(who is probably 20 and speaks English pretty well), I later learned and I had briefly met once before when he started speaking to me in ENGLISH. Oh praise God. So, I started calling out to him, "Hello!?!" (Just like the damsel in distress, you know?) I told him the gist of the story that you've just read. All in English...Oh I am so thankful. How would I ever explain on this in Romanian? I have no idea.

At first, he was like,"Aren't your friends home?" Um, hello!!...if my friends were home, I wouldn't be standing on a toilet and leaning of a window to tell you my problems. No, my friends aren't home and I don't know when they will be home!

Then, he became really helpful and started asking smart questions. He started to understand my dilemma more. He did think my story was really funny and he had to share it with others in the home and those passing by. Thank you very much.
It took him a while to understand that I was really stuck. I picked up the broken handle and showed him that there was no turning the knob. I think he understood more clearly when he saw the broken handle. I asked him to call my landlord Constantin. Neither Gheorghe nor Michael had the number. I thought it was worth the try. Once before when I lost electricity in my apartment, Constantin had called Gheorghe and sent him up to check on me. So, I thought, maybe the two were friends. Well, they couldn't find any numbers for Constantin. I do feel like they dialed a lot of numbers though. Gheorghe and Michael suggested that I kick the door out. "Like in Mortal Kombat," Michael added. I asked him to show me what that looked like. He did some moves.Priceless. Before trying out my karate moves, I asked Michael if there was a phone book with Moldovan residents listed. There is. Great! I suggested that they search for Constantin number there. THEY FOUND IT. Oh praise Jesus.

If he couldn't reach Constantin, Michael told me that he was just climb up. Okay. Maybe that will work. There are bars on my window here, but however you think you can help. I am open to suggestions here.

If I had been outside of the bathroom, I would have all the important numbers listed for my landlords, my roommates, my colleagues etc. All in my cell phone. I don't know any of them by heart.

Back to the LONG story. So, Michael contacted Constantin and he would be on his way to my apartment and probably reach my apartment in a half hour or so. I was thankful for the time frame. I asked Michael what time it was. At this time, I had already been in the bathroom for an hour..at least.

While I waited for Constantin, I PRAYED. I think God wanted my complete attention. Well, he had it. I was talking to him about life and praying for many friends and family members(maybe you). I sang some songs. All in all it was a great meeting with God. I had cried out to Him for help and help was on the way! So thankful...

I also thought about these things: 1)This story is going to be a great blog post. 2)People that know and love me are going to find this hilarious. 3) Bathrooms are really dirty places(Even though I had just cleaned our bathroom 24 hours prior) and 4)I really need to repaint my toenails.

Then, I hear my name being called from outside. Michael asked me, "Are you lonely?"
I said, "Well, I am here in the bathroom alone and I'm praying to God." He said, "Very good!" He decided that he would stand there and talk to me, because if he were in a similar situation, he would want me to talk to him. So, he started asking about what I did in Moldova and how I felt about Moldova. I was thankful for the conversation because it took my mind off of my current situation. Then, he called Constantin one more time. I was assured that Constantin would be at my apartment within 15 minutes. Michael had to leave to go swimming. I thanked him for all his help and we said goodbye.

More waiting....Thank you, God for teaching me patience. More prayers. More singing. Then, I heard a beautiful sound. Keys turning in the door. CONSTANTIN! I hear his voice and I can see him approaching the door.(There is now an open hole from where both handles have fallen off either side of the door). He is laughing. He says in Romanian, "Oh, this isn't a big problem. Small problem." Music to my ears. He has a tool that he is turning. I am getting super excited! Then, FREEDOM!! The door is open. Oh praise You, Lord. I am free. You provided help for me. Thank you.

I have never been so excited to see Constantin...I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Thank you very much!" He is looking over the broken parts and surveying things. He says, "These are not good. " I laugh as I say, "I know!" He then moves to put the toilet seat back on correctly. It slid off while I was standing on the toilet. As he is working, he says," Girls, Girls....they need boys!" I couldn't help, but agree with him more.

Sorry this story is so long, but it is truly helping me put the hour and a half I spent in the bathroom in perspective. I'm thankful that God grabbed my attention and then showed Himself faithful. I am. But next time, God, "If I have to get stuck somewhere, can I please get stuck in the kitchen?"

Got Allergies?

No, this isn't snow on the ground in May. It's the stuff from Cottonwood trees. Oh yay. Two and three weeks ago, my head hurt SO bad. All I wanted to do was lie down. I went to the ear, nose, and throat doctor because I thought maybe I had an ear infection. No ear infection. Then, I went to the dentist to see if any more wisdom teeth had come in. No more wisdom teeth(for now). The dentist said, " It's outside. The weather and the stuff outside." Okay, I guess I believe him. Sights like this picture just outside my apartment make me believe him. Thankfully, my head is much better now, BUT the ground still looks snow-covered.

June 1st

The t-shirt reads: God Loves Families. (The guys in the background are in a youth group that I frequently enjoy here).

My friend Natasha(who paints BEAUTIFUL cards) and I enjoying the festivities. Yes, I know....I NEED SUNGLASSES! You can't see my eyes for my squinting. :)


Today, June 1st, marks 10 months for me in Moldova!! Woo-hoo! (I have less than one month left in Moldova. That is so hard to believe!)

It is also my dear friend, Casey's birthday! Happy birthday Casey! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Today many countries around the world will celebrate International Children's Day. Moldova is celebrating today. I just returned from the center of the city. There were TONS of people, lots of balloons, music, and free ice cream(which I especially enjoyed). It was fun to see people from the various churches that I've visited, other missionaries, and friends.

There were many organizations represented today at the celebration. The evangelical churches were well represented. Many churches passed out flags that read: God loves families.

To mark my 10 month here, I'll share a quick story to let you know just how far I've come with dealing with the cultural differences.

As I was waiting for the trolley bus, it began to rain some. It was a light sprinkle and one that caught me unaware as it was an absolutely beautiful day. I knew that the trolley buses would fill up fast as people tried to get out of the rain. After skipping out on the first two buses that I could have jumped on(they were FULL), I got tired of waiting and just got on the third bus despite how full it was. Man, was it full! It wasn't even 80 degrees today, but in those buses it is HOT. Well, it was the typical crowded bus. I will spare you all the details, but let's just say I have never been so thankful for clothes in all my life. Just when my sweaty arm couldn't stand to grip the overhead bar(I'm so short) any longer, the bus approached my stop. I squeezed my way through the people and got off. Fresh air!!

Back in the beginning of my public transportation experiences here, I would have been stressed out by the lack of public space! Thank the Lord that I have adjusted to many things here. It has made my time here much easier!

God bless you, friends,
Shauna

p.s. I am not looking forward to riding the public transportation as the temperatures increase. Lord, help me endure the heat!.

Leftovers

I grew up eating leftovers. I don't have a problem eating leftovers. I actually enjoy it. I have a problem with NOT eating leftovers. My thought is: Why be wasteful?? (Especially when you have a mother who can cook!)

I usually don't eat other people's leftovers. In general, I wouldn't just go over to a friend's house and ask for their leftovers. On occasion I have stayed at someone's house and they offered leftovers. AND I'm thankful.

BUT I certainly wouldn't eat leftovers from complete strangers. The point I am getting to is this: The other day I saw someone eating leftovers. Except this individual, a Moldovan man,wasn't eating from a friend's table. He was eating straight out of the garbage dump.

It makes me so sad that people are so hungry that they will eat the leftovers and scraps that others have thrown out with the garbage. Yet, this is often the case. The other day wasn't the first time I saw someone eating from the trash. I see it often here. For this reason, if I have food that is leftover or stale, I will put it out on top of the trash lid so that someone searching for food can grab it.

BUT people aren't just searching for food to relieve their physical hunger pains, I believe people are thirsty and hungry for life. For salvation. I pray that they will know God and his everlasting life through His Son Jesus who is the Bread of Life. I pray that they would come to know Jesus, the very one who is the living water. Jesus says in John 4:14, "But whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life."

Clothing Styles

Just a quick note today to share about some of the clothing styles I get to witness living in Moldova. Although, I am sure these same trends are common in a lot of other places. These are the ones that are most interesting to me. Sorry there are no pictures. I think that would just be highly inappropriate for this blog.

Some of the styles that I see here on a daily basis:

Women:
see-thru shirts

really short shirts, shorts, skirts etc.

low-cut shirts

the long shirt with the leggings

and many others...

Men:

short shorts

the biggest thing I have noticed lately....man capris! I am told these are called 'ports'. These are the p(ants)(sh)orts that come to about calf-length on men. No offense, but I don't like them.

AND...last, but not least....my favorite(NOT!): spandex!! Yes, you read that right. Men at the public park swim/sunbath in spandex!....Oh, gross!!

Have a super weekend...and if the weather is nice and you take a stroll through the park, I hope you don't have to witness any spandex!!:)

More Birthday Pictures

I think I am listening intently as my friends sing "Happy Birthday" in five different languages: English, Romanian, Russian, German, and Dutch!

Friends Singing...it was really special!

I think I am clapping somewhere in the middle of all the singing or maybe I'm getting ready to thank all my friends. They are all so sweet and kind.

I blew out all but two of the candles(24!) and made a wish!

Another's Perspective

*With the permission of my roommate, I am copying and pasting a post from her blog. She put into words what I have thought about for a long time and had not been able to put into words quite yet. I wanted to share her thoughts with you.*


The Moldovan People

Often when I am out on the public transportation, or walking to the market, I find myself with a straight face and furrowed brow. It is not because I feel unwell, or the culture shock has so permeated my body that I simply cannot manage a smile. It is not even because of how awkward I feel about the way many people are dressed. It is simply because everyone else is serious too. The Moldovans do not smile at strangers. They always seem so serious and even angry. There are often arguments on the mini-buses when the driver yells at someone for slamming the door. And the cashier at the grocery store always seems put out by having to make change. I've decided that people aren't like this because they hate each other, it is because they hate life. It is a hard and almost hopeless existence in Moldova. Prices go up and up, but incomes do not seem to change. Oil, food, and clothing are all close to European prices, and trying to give your family their basic needs is more and more challenging. The concerns of life show on their faces.

And if this was all I knew of the Moldovan people, these scowls and this hopelessness, I may feel very discouraged indeed. But the people here are truly loving and kind. They are the kind of people who greet their friends with such joy and excitement that it seems as though they have not seem them for a year. I have seen my community gather around in the courtyard and try to help me find the place to pick up my package. I have heard of men closing their shops to help a nice American girl find an adapter in the market. My landlord greeted me on the street with such enthusiasm: two kisses to the cheeks, and with pride introduced me to his friend. The women selling produce always have a kind word about how my Romanian is improving. These people love each other and there is a place in their hearts and in their lives for me. My hope is that when I get to inhabit that place, I get to bring the hope and joy of Jesus Christ with me.

Visit her blog at: www.saratady.blogspot.com

Special Prayer Request

~My Dad~
On his birthday last year...

Hello Dear friends!

I just wanted to mention here on my blog this simple prayer request:

I am planning to go to Romania and join a group from my home church before heading home in July. In Romania, we will work with children. I am looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store for each person on this missions trip and for the kids that we will meet and minister to. Sometime back(last summer/fall) my dad heard about this trip and wanted to be a part of it. He has been in prayer about it.

Well, when I heard about the trip, I wanted my dad to be a part of it as well. BUT, I also thought that it would be really sad for him to come all the way to Romania and not make it to Moldova(Moldovan and Romania are neighboring countries) to spend a couple of days with me. (Maybe I am selfish.:))

Then, a couple of months ago, he mentioned to me that he would like to come to Moldova to help me pack up, see Moldova, and travel with me to Romania in addition to joining the missions team in Romania.

Now, the time has come for him to purchase his ticket and he has struggled some to get all the finances together for this flight and other trip costs.

My dad and I both trust that if this is indeed God's will that He will provide all the resources and finances. So, we are waiting and trusting. We only want what God wants in this matter.

Please join us in prayer that we would be obedient and content with whatever the Lord wants concerning this circumstance and that we would have joy regardless of the outcome. Please pray that God would grant my father wisdom in figuring out what the available resources are.

Thank you for praying.

Shoe Shopping

Today I went shoe shopping. It was a little hard...Ok, a lot hard! What am I saying? I have a hard time shopping for shoes in America. There are just so many shoes to choose from. Well, there are many shoes here, too. They are just DiFfErEnt!


My friend's shoes

more shoes...

I really wish that I had pictures of random shoes that I see around the city when I am out and about. There are all kinds of sylin' shoes. Most of them I would never wear. There are shoes of all colors, designs, patterns etc.

I don't think that shoes are worn for comfort here, but rather for fashion. There are lots of fancy shoes here. I am in the process of trying to find comfortable, inexpensive sandals of some sort. (I brought American flip-flops and other shoes that don't stay on my feet well from America. I had not anticipated the amount of walking I would do here. I also did not give any thought to the fact that because I drive or ride to most places in America, that I don't pay attention to how well my shoes stay on my feet.) So, needless to say, my American summer sandals/shoes will most likely not work here. These new shoes that I am searching for should be made for a lot of walking. I know that I will be home soon, but I want to wear them when I go to the retreat in Turkey next month. Today I found some for a good price, but I couldn't find the right size. It was fun looking though. So, just be warned that I may come home with some shoes that you have never seen before! Wish me better luck next time I go shoe shopping.

Day by Day

I heard this song, Day by Day by Point of Grace the other day while I was riding the minibus to work. It is not an incredible thing to hear songs in English on the bus. I hear songs in English on the bus quite frequently. It was incredible however to hear a Christian song in English on the radio. As I listened to the words I thought about several things.

First of all, I wondered, "Does anyone understand the words of this song on the bus besides me?"

Secondly, I pondered the fact that God IS returning soon. We are getting closer...Day by Day. The song reminded me to focus on God as each day brings us closer to His return. The song put life in perspective for me again. I love it when God uses such simple ways to wake me up! After looking up the lyrics online and reading them, I have a few more thoughts.

I see several similiarities with the lyrics and my time here in Moldova. The song talks about a mission, world travel, and being open to what God wants. That's me. I just want to be used my God in whatever small(or big)way He chooses.

Lastly, I just really want to see Moldovan faces(any faces that don't know Christ, really) to be turned to the LIGHT so that they too may fall on their faces at His glory.

Here are the lyrics:
I'm not unhappy but I'd take the train today
If you'd let me
If you'd let me
They may be clapping for me but I wait for you to come get me
Come, come get me

Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day

Somebody told me I could travel the world
To find beauty
To find beauty
But to behold it I would have to keep it within me
Yeah well it's in me

Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day

Give me a mission if I've still got the time
Cause I'm open
Yeah I'm open
Be my vision and I'll be your delight
Cause I'm going wherever you're going

Turning faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day

Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day

Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day

A Full Heart

(I don't know why these pictures are showing up so poorly.) Here are the names of my friends. L to R: Irina, Julia, Olga, Nina, Me, Rodyca, Nelly, Nadia, Heather, Mariana, Ina, and Vica. Not pictured, but also at the party: Alida, Aliona, Ana, and Sara ...and Jessie is the bottom one, but not the top one.


I am writing this blog with a heart full of JOY.

A heart full of THANKFULNESS.

A blessed heart.

Ziua mea de nastere este pe 16 mai. (My birthday is the 16th of May in Romanian).It was so special to celebrate MY DAY in Moldova. I had a wonderful time celebrating with both Moldovan and American friends. This is the run-down of my day:
Friday morning Nancy backed chocolate muffins. Yummy. I had a short day of school with the girls. Friday afternoon I ate chili with my roommates. My roommates and I cleaned the apartment and prepared for the party.
Friday evening I had 16 girlfriends come over for pizza, snacks, cake, and ice cream. When it was time for cake they sang happy birthday to me. It was so fun because it was sung in 5 different languages: English, Romanian, Russian, Dutch, and German. Have you ever heard of such a thing? It was really fun. We had such a nice time of fellowship. I really wanted to share cake and ice cream with all the friends I have made over the last year. I have been so blessed to be a part of the lives of these special girls and young woman. They have poured so much into my life, helped me in very practical ways, encouraged me, and they have spoken wisdom into my life. I am blessed to call each of them friend.

I was blown away by their thoughtfulness on my birthday. They presented me with gifts, prayed over me, encouraged me with lots of beautiful words, and there were lots of hugs and kisses. Thank you, Lord for the blessing that each one of these women are in my life. My life is richer for having these women in it.

I am blessed.

I am thankful.

My heart is full of joy.

El Paso with the McClungs!!

The McClungs, missionaries to Lithuania have been working with our team in Moldova for the last two months. It has been a lot of fun to get to know them some and spend time fellowshipping with them. One of my favorite ways to fellowship is to EAT. So, we went to El Paso, the Moldovan-Mexican restaurant here in Chisinau. I was able to eat Mexican food in Iasi, Romania a couple of weeks ago, but I had not tried this Moldovan restaurant until yesterday. So, I was looking forward to trying this place out. I was not disappointed. Now, for some this may not be close enough to the American Tex-Mex restaurants, but I thought it was super. I definitely recommend it. Here is some chicken fajita goodness:


MMMmmm...good!

Wendell and Patti (sorry about the red eyes!)

Patti and I outside the restaurant

Now, the time has come for the McClungs to return to Lithuania. Thank you for sharing life with us in Moldova. It was wonderful spending time with you. God Bless!

Happy Birthday, Heather!!

Action photo: This is Sara, my roommate, Heather, birthday girl and MK, and I. The Raatz girls, my students are in front. Nancy was wiping chocolate off of Elissa's mouth and we were all watching!! The cake was yummy!
The real photo!
Happy 16th Birthday, Heather!!