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.

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.

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!

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."

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

Taco Night and Good Friday!!

Tonight we gathered together as a team and ate yummy tacos complete with all the fixings: salsa, cheese, onions, sour cream, cheese, etc. They were delicious. This was especially exciting because you can't buy tortillas here. They do have unleavened bread/pitas, and lavas available though. Almost the same...but not quite. So, the tortillas were homemade!! There were also movies playing, fun games, and we even broke out the Wii(newer version of Nintendo, if you didn't know). Side note: I was just introduced to the Wii this week. It is fun-filled game that provides a lot of laughter and a good workout(the first time, at least). I have been so sore since I started playing. :)

The best part of the evening was when we celebrated Good Friday together. Easter is celebrated here this weekend(Orthodox calendar). We prayed, had communion, and sang songs.It was so great. It is always a humbling experience to take communion and remember the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross. It is so incredible to me to think of His pain and blood that was shed to wash us white as snow. I am so thankful that my sins are forgiven and remembered no more. I am also so blessed to serve a Risen Savior.

Encouragement

I just wanted to share some verses that have encouraged me lately.(All verses are from the NCV-New Century Version)

So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. 1 Corithians 15:58

Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's victory parade. God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. Our offering to God is this: We are the sweet smell of Christ among those who are being saved and who are being lost. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us to gain an eternal glory that is much greater than our troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10

My Decision

I don't think I have updated everyone on my decision regarding whether or not to stay in Moldova for another year or return to America.

So, I will take the opportunity now to share.

After a lot of praying, talking, thinking, weighing all the factors involved(and there were a lot), and wise counsel, I decided not to return to Moldova in the fall. (There are too many details regarding how I made my decision to go into detail here. Just know that my experiences in Moldova have been wonderful and life-changing. I had to make a decision though and this is the one I came to.) I will be staying in America for the time being. Who knows what God has in store? Only God right now. I am still seeking and praying about any further plans.

I will most likely return to Memphis sometime in early July. I will most likely be staying there for at least a couple of months. I have some ideas in mind, but that is all they are-just ideas.

I look forward to seeing family and friends, sharing about my time here in Moldova, and transitioning back into American life(although I think it might be difficult now that I have life experiences outside of America).

It is strange to think about coming home and not really having any plans. I have had a plan or known the next step since I was in high school (2002). I knew I was going to college. I knew which college. I had my degree to work towards. Since 2006, I had Moldova to plan and look forward to. Now, I have no for sure plans, but to go home. So, this is both exciting and scary at the same time. I look forward to what the Lord has in store.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers.

I still have 3 months of this exciting journey. The journey is far from over!!

God bless,
Shauna

Better Late Than Never

Today I blog with not just good news, but GREAT news!! Today, I have another reason to praise the Lord! TODAY... are you ready?

drum
roll
please....
Nancy and I received our LIVING PERMITS. *8 months in Moldova and we finally have them* woo HOOO!!!

The Lord is always worthy of praise, glory, and honor, but today we CELEBRATE the fact that He is in control and that He brings all things to pass in His timing. The WAITING is over. This long process is over. I am not writing with news that we will receive the documents tomorrow or next week. I have the documents in HAND. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you for your faithful prayers concerning this matter. A huge weight has been lifted and it feels really good! God is faithful.

Light vs. Dark

This past weekend I lost power in my apartment for 24 hours. It wasn't too frustrating because for about 8 of those hours I was sleeping and for another 5 plus hours I was out of the apartment. It stayed light outside until about 6:30pm. So, I didn't have too long to sit in the darkness. I lit three candles(that's how many candles I had). The candles weren't all that bright, but they provided adequate lighting for such a short time. This experience was a good reminder of the verses in the Bible about light and darkness.

2 Samuel 22:29
You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

Psalm 139:12
...even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

At one point in the process of trying to figure out how to get the power restored I became slightly frustrated. I didn't know what to do. The Lord gently reminded me to trust Him and He will take care of all things. During the time without power, I decided to read, cook(that was interesting in the dark),and sleep. I haven't been to bed that early in a long time. :) At one point in the process,I was talking on my cell phone in English, my apartment phone in Romanian(to my landlord), and in Romanian to my friendly neighbor who was trying to help. Finally, the electric company came to my apartment at 11pm and restored power. I'm sure the worker thought I was crazy. I was clapping and saying thank you over and over.(I almost hugged the workers from the electric company) I was so thrilled to have electricity again.

It wasn't a huge inconvenience really. I wanted to check email, but that wasn't a huge deal. The main problem I had with the power being out was the darkness. I don't like being in the dark for long. I want to be able to see all that is going all around me. I think I often associate darkness with fear. Fear of the unknown.

Another thing I was thinking about was: What would it be like to live in darkness all the time? For many this is a reality. All over the world there are people without electricity. But also, for many this is a spiritually reality. Many people all over the world are living in darkeness without the hope and light of Jesus. As Christians we should be the light of Jesus to those around us.

I am thankful that I personally know the LAMP that turns my darkness into light.
I am thankful that He guides me and lights my paths. I am thankful that I know Jesus, the Light of the world.

7 months in Moldova...and counting.

March 1st marked seven months in Moldova for me. I still have days where I cannot believe I am here(even though the signs are all around and obvious). There are still days where I miss the comforts of home. And everyday I am thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyday I am aware that this time is part of God's plan for my life.

I wanted to jot down a list of things that I havent' experienced in 7 months. Some of these are obvious, but it's my list.

It's been seven months since I've:

sat foot on American soil

driven a car

held my neice

attended a church service where the entire service was in English

eaten any American fast food other than McDonalds

seen my Memphis/Millington/Missouri family and friends

picked up my cell phone to call my mom at anytime of the day

eaten my mom's cooking

been to Walmart

listened to K-love

used an American dollar to pay for anything

drank water out of the faucet

So, this is just a partial listing....I could go on, but I won't. This isn't supposed to be a sad, Shauna-is-homesick-today-kind-of-post, but I just wanted to share what I was thinking about. I think it's interesting to see the little things that we give up to experience something else. If I was still in Memphis, I wouldn't have experienced the richness of what God has wanted to show me and teach me in the last seven months...and counting.

In the last seven months I've:

flown overseas for the first time in my life

taken public transportation for the first time in my life

immersed myself in a culture and a language other than my own

used a foreign language in conversation outside of a class in school

made many new friends

lived in an apartment for the first time ever

learned to cook (something I didn't know I could do)

learned to appreciate all the comforts I've been afforded growing up in America

faced my fears on a daily basis

boiled water to drink for the first time ever

experienced God's faithfulness and mighty hand at work in my life and those around me

Thank you for reading and God bless!

Zooming Out

"Worship is zooming out and refocusing on the big picture. It's refocusing on the fact that two thousand years ago,Jesus died on the cross to pay for the penalty for my sin. It's refocusing on the fact that God unconditionally loves me when I least expect it and least deserve it. It's refocusing on the fact that I have eternity with God to look forward to in a place where there is no mourning or sorrow or pain. Worship is forgetting about what's wrong with you and remembering what's right with God. It is like hitting the refresh key on your computer. It restores the joy of your salvation. It recalibrates your spirit. It renews your mind. And it enables you to find something good to praise God about even when everything seems to be going wrong."-Mark Batterson, from the book: In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day

Yesterday I zoomed out as I stood singing in church. I am really getting the hang of singing the songs in Romanian. I don't get it all right, but man I give myself an 'E' for effort. I was able to lay down all the events of my week and the world around me and just focus on who God is. It was wonderful. We must have sang songs for nearly an hour, but honestly I think I could have sang for another hour. I was most excited and surprised when we sang, "Shout to Lord." This is my favorite worship song of all time. The Romanian words of the song pierced my heart just like the words in English do. The part of the song that gets to me every time are these words:
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in
YOU!

Indeed, what a promise we have in Him. I am so thankful for this! I was really refreshed as I zoomed out and sang these words yesterday.
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A bonus at church: There was a Turkish Christian who shared his testimony about how he and his wife converted from Islam to Christianity. Powerful stuff. Besides his powerful story, I was surpised by his English. He shared his story in English and then the pastor translated in Romanian to the congregation. What a joy it is to hear English in church. I don't think I fully understood before I came here how much English really is the universal language. It is amazing how many people speak it and speak it well here. It never ceases to amaze me. It is times like these that I am so thankful I was born in America. :)

Speaking of Turkey...Did you know that I get to go to Turkey in June? Yep. I'm really exctied. I will be there for retreat.

What I Like About Moldova....

This is a partial answer to a question I am frequently asked.

I like Moldova because: (In NO particular order)

1. It is fairly easy to get anywhere in the city. They really do have a good public transportation system.

2. The people in general are kind and friendly.

3. It's not too hard to find someone who wants to speak English.

4. It is easier to get out and walk. There are really nice parks here.

5. McDonalds...enough said.

6. All the little cafes there are to discover.

7. The way people greet one another(when meeting friends)is really nice.

8. The chocolates.

9. People say things so beautifully.

10. This is where God has be for this season in life.

Goals-2008

(Happy New Year in Romanian)
It's 2008! Wow...how time flies. I had a wonderful year in 2007. The highlights: Nannying for a family in Branson from Jan-May, Graduation Ceremony in May, Becoming an aunt in July, Coming to Moldova in July-present to teach and work for the Raatz family. God has been so faithful!! I look forward to His faithfulness in 2008.

I always make New Year’s resolutions. This year is no different. Before writing my own, I wanted to take a look at the most common resolutions Americans make.

Popular New Year's Resolutions (according to usa.gov):
Lose Weight, Pay Off Debt, Save Money, Get a Better Job, Get Fit, Eat Right, Get a Better Education, Drink Less Alcohol, Quit Smoking, Reduce Stress Overall, Reduce Stress at Work,
Take a Trip, and Volunteer to Help Others.

Wikipedia’s definition: A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved.

MyGoals.com has some great tips about achieving goals/New Year’s Resolutions.

The challenge is actually following through with the goals we set for ourselves. The key is having a plan. I plan on putting my plans together later on today, but for now here are some of my goals for this year:

1)Exercise. (this a must every year) Let's see if I can actually make it happen this year! :) Exercising 2 or 3 times a week-every week.
2)To love others selflessly. To set aside any motives and just love people!
3)Instead of judging others, gently encourage and inspire others.
4) Trust GOD in all things instead of being so quick to worry.
5)Say no to distractions in order to use my time wisely. This will require much discipline.

Here's a verse I want to cling to this year:
The Lord says, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. "Isaiah 55: 8-9

I have no idea what all the Lord has planned for my life in 2008, but I choose to trust Him and to be still and know that He is God. His ways are higher than mine. He is in control. I'm so looking forward to what He has in store.