It this what spring is supposed to feel like?

So in order to try to make up for the fact that I haven't posted in a while, I knew that pictures would be a good idea. A lot has happened since you all have last heard from me. English lessons, kids and youth meetings, seminary classes, drum lessons, my 19th birthday! Most of them the normal things, but also some exciting things along the way.

My biggest question these days is if the sun if ever going to come back to Moldova. It has been overcast and quite chilly almost everyday for almost 2 weeks now. I will never complain about "too much sun" again, or at least try not to. For a girl who is used to Midland, who only has 3 types of weather, hot, really hot, and windy with an occasional cold front and very occasional rain, this 4 distinct season thing is hard to understand! But I know the sun has to come back sooner or later so my T-shirts sunglasses and flip flops will wait for that day!

I am currently finishing up a class at the seminary on teaching methods. Since a lot of my ministry here is teaching, this class has been very helpful! And this is definitely my type of class we have been doing all sorts of different activities to learn and apply the different methods, and it has been very hands-on, which is definitely my preference. Alina and I are on a team and we will be presenting a lesson on Proverbs 3:1-12 for adults tomorrow to the class, so pray that God uses us tomorrow.

Also for prayer please pray for the upcoming camps this summer. We have a had a little trouble getting teams from America to commit for all the camps, so please pray that God would bring the right people here. We love doing the camps and spending time with the kids, but we know that we wouldn't be able to do any of it without God providing all that takes to do it. Also for anyone who has either been to Moldova before or if you have ever thought about coming please get in contact with us, we have many dates this summer that we need to help with and would love to have anyone who feels that God is leading them to serve!

I continue to remain thankful to God for all that he is revealing to me here in Moldova. I discover something new almost every week if not every day. He is showing me more and more what it means to live through Him. I can't do this by myself. I must follow his path not my own. The times I try to take my own path lead me to calling out to Him looking for help, but the amazing thing is that He is always there to guide us back. I have had people come in and out of my life, but knowing that Jesus Christ isn't going anywhere is the source of greatest hope for me. I'm uncertain of where exactly He will take me next, but I am slowly learning to be ok with the uncertainty, because He knows what He is doing, which as I've said before I'm thankful for because there are many times that I have no clue what I'm doing. Remain faithful to Him, His will for your life will be revealed. Even in times of despair and uncertainty He has his merciful loving arms wrapped so tightly around us. He won't let go of us.

Well all for now enjoy the pictures and I pray that your week is full of blessings,

Bethany

O Vlad, he has quickly learned to play bass and been such a blessing to the ministry. He is always so eager to help where needed, and to pick on me, but don't worry I pick back. This is a candid shot, it's difficult sometimes to get a genuine smile from some people unless I catch them laughing like I did Vlad ha

This was an amazing night. After Friday prayer meeting a few weeks ago Tanya and her fiance Serghei took Hellen, Artiom and I to this spot in another district about 20 or 30 minutes away. You can lierally see the whole city from this spot. This was the best I could get since I didn't have a tripod, but definitely a cool night.

These 2 men came from the states to teach a week long course on being a chaplain. Chaplains are an unknown thing here in Moldova. So what these guys do is travel to different country training people in hopes of establishing chaplaincy teams. It was a very interesting class, and will be cool to see the outcome of it.

Tanya and Kate taking notes.

This was about a month ago when it did seem like spring was coming and Hellen and I went for a walk in the gardens in Botanica (the district I live in) We left as the sun was setting and as you can see it was a pretty one for sure.

Hellen was the photographer that day. She was trying to figure out how to use my camera, she decided she'll let me be the photographer from now on :)

This is from the awesome bowling party we had for my birthday! We had so much fun and it was such a blessing to get to spend that time with all my closest friends. There was 15 of us there, and it was full of laughs, gutter balls, and fun. This is Maria, myself, Claudette, Nadia, and Hellen

Claudette and I battling it out, who do you think won?

Uliana!! I have grown closer and closer to this amazing friend/mother/wife/incredibly woman of God. She is so eager to learn more about the Bible and God and it's cool to see how excited she gets. I have really loved getting to know her and even spent last Sunday at her house playing with her adorable 2 little kids Nick and Anastasia. I hope to get some pics of them outside once everything is bloomed again, they are so cute!

O Irene I love her o so much. And yes that is a homemade from scratch double chocolate chip cake! She knows me all too well, and knew exactly what to get me for my birthday! Irene gives the best hugs and makes the best cakes. I know this will be a friendship I will have for the rest of my life.

So for the last couple months Eugene, the church drummer, has been giving me lessons. I have been playing drums for a couple years, but I haven't ever had actual lessons. So this has been so helpful because drumming is definitely something I want to continue to do no matter where I am. So thank you Eugene!

Me trying to act like I know what I'm doing ;)

And last but not least my awesome English class! Sasha and Victor aren't in this picture, but the rest are. These kids love getting their picture made so it was hard to pick just one, but I felt like this one showed how fun they can be. Thank you Tanya for letting me serve in this ministry with you! From left to right top to bottom is: Anya, Nastia, Kate, Tanya, Andre, Susha, and of course on the bottom Vanya. Love each and every one of them!

Aftermath

I spent the last 30 minutes reading past posts from my blog, and noticed that I have had this blog for over a year! Crazy to think, but really is 1 year even that long? It seems like years flash by before our faces, but they are packed full of events, memories, occasions, losses, gains, relationships, emotions, adventures. Some that we will never forget, and some that we won't even remember, but all with a purpose.

My mind has been recently swimming with the months I've spent here and what I think the future will look like. Whether positive or negative thoughts my mind always comes to the (awesome) fact that God is in control of that. He has gotten me this far.

I've taken a couple of classes at seminary so far this year and am currently focusing on Russian, and I have come to a conclusion about Russian, it is really hard. I've never had/wanted to learn another language before (other than the 2 years of Latin I took purely for credit sake), but obviously living somewhere else makes that pretty important. My study habits could be better, but so could my patience level. I understand more and more why I was in speech therapy when I was younger haha So I would ask your prayers for patience, and understanding. I have found that I understand a lot more than I can actually speak, which is good but also not. I know I have the capability to learn the language I just need to put forth the effort that takes.

In other news I am really looking forward to the summer! Not only for warmer weather, but because even though it's crazy busy, it's so exciting! New people constantly coming and going, and all the camps and opportunities to spread the Word, now that is just exciting. So please be praying for the camps and all the people who are beginning to commit to coming this summer from America. I've seen God move in mighty ways through the different projects, and I know that this summer will be no exception.

I want to end by sharing some lyrics to a new Hillsong United song. It's called Aftermath and is from their new album also called Aftermath. I found it to be great inspiration this week.

The skies lay low where You are.

On the earth You rest Your feet.

Yet the hands that cradle the stars. Are the hands that bled for me.

In a moment of glorious surrender. You were broken for all the world to see.

Lifted out of the ashes. I am found in the aftermath.

Freedom found in Your scars. In Your grace my life redeemed.

For you chose to take the sinner's crown.

As You placed Your crown on me. In that moment of glorious surrender.

Was the moment You broke the chains in me.

Lifted out of the ashes. I am found in the aftermath.

And in that moment You opened up the heavens.

To the broken the beggar and the thief. Lifted out of the wreckage.

I find hope in the aftermath. And I know that You're with me.

Yes I know that You're with me here.

And I know Your love will light the way.

Now all I have I count it all as loss.

But to know You and to carry the cross.

Knowing I'm found.

In the light of the aftermath.

This is what they have to say about the meaning behind this song in the digital booklet on Itunes, which I just discovered and also want to share.

"The cross is a paradox. What was a symbol of failure and death is now established forever as a symbol of life and victory. The crucifixion was a gruesome and traumatic event and at the moment of surrender as the storm clouds gathered and the skies went to darkness it would have seemed to all who were witnesses, especially His followers, that all hope was lost - the so called 'Son of God' humiliated and tortured, dying as He hung upon a cross. But unlike any historical that has ever taken place before or after, this moment would change everything - Forever. Because of the cross we no longer have to live entangled in the fallout and the wreckage of our lives, or the worst the world can throw at us. We have been lifted out of the ashes and into the LIGHT of the aftermath. We find hope, peace, freedom, and life, and we can know with assurance that He is with us no matter what comes out way."

Often when you hear the word aftermath what follows is a description of the result of a disaster. In this case the aftermath is what has saved us and put us into a saving relationship with the Father. I like how they said "entangled in the fallout and the wreckage of our lives, or the worst the world can throw at us". This may sound negative, but it is so true and a great way to describe our lives without Christ. The world throws so much at us in this life that causes us to be entangled in all this confusion. But Jesus, He is the master at untying knots.

God I give my knots of this life for you to untie, because I can't do it without you.

Blessings to you all,

Bethany

I love these kids.

I know I said the next post would be about the class I just finished taking in seminary, but I had these pics and just wanted to share a little about these awesome kids.

I've talked about how I teach english at a Sunday school type meeting on Saturday mornings, well we have been meeting again this new year and I leave every meeting tired but so thankful! All 6 kids have been coming these past Saturdays (which is rare to have all 6) and I have just grown closer and closer to each of them. They all have their own personalities and quirks that always seem to make me laugh.

We usually start by praying with the kids and this past Saturday we had a prayer in Russian, Romanian, and English. Every time that happens it just blows me away because I know that God understands every single word! I shared with the kids right after how cool I thought this was and they agreed. One boy Sasha even went on to say how God is all-powerful and all knowing, that of course He understands all of us, even when we're all talking at once. I wish I had this kinds of wisdom at age 12!

After the meeting from 10-12 we have the kids club at the church at 2 and they're always there and yesterday Sasha who usually runs the meetings let the kids be in charge. Which I wasn't so sure about, but they did great! I see God changing every single one their lives week by week and it just brings me joy.

Here are some pics of these cool kids, and I ask that they would be in your prayers: Sasha, Victor, Vaunya, Katie, Anya, and Susha

Much love and blessings to you all,

Bets

Susha

Katie, Anya, and Susha

Emily, another American who helps us

Katie

Helping Katie with the glue ha

Anya and Susha

they eat a lot haha

o Vaunya

Victor and Sasha

Sasha

Well

Sometimes I know I need do write a new post, but I just don't know what to write. I mean if anyone knows me they know I have plenty of words to say, but I don't feel like any of them are right. I battle with do I write an update of the last weeks and possible sound boring and repetitive or do I try to put some inspiration in these words.

But the more I think about it I realize, that it's just a blog and the reason I even have this space is because I love all of you who read it. You have all supported me in one way or another, whether it be by prayer, financially, or honestly even reading this and being curious about what is happening in my life and how God is using me over here in Moldova.

If you're wondering what has been happening in my life I can give you a synopsis: Went home to the US for Christmas and it was 3 and half weeks completely full of blessings and love with my family and close friends. I'm so thankful for that trip it was the great refresher that I needed. Now I'm back in Moldova and pretty much back on the same schedule and tasks as before. I'm excited to be back, and have this gut feeling that God is about to do some huge things in me. It's scary and exciting at the same time, but I'm ready and eager. I'm taking a class right now at seminary taught by an American professor and we are going through the book Grace Rules by Steve Mcvey, and it's good stuff. The deeper I get into it though the more challenging it is, but challenges can be good. I have looked back in my life and have noticed how I've grown the most from my biggest challenges in life.

Already working on the post for when the class is over, and I have a feeling it might be a long one ha

Blessing to all of you in this new year.

Much Love, Bethany

Back To The Roots

Instead of my right corner bed on the 21st floor in Chisinau, this post is coming from my bed in Midland, Texas!

I made it home last night without any delays or problems, which I am very thankful for, so for all of you who were praying thank you!

It feels a little weird being back home after 6 months of being in Moldova, but at the same time it is refreshing and exciting. Seeing all my family and friends will be the re-boost I need for the holiday season and my return to Moldova.

I am still going back at the end of December and am excited to go back and continue serving. I know that God is not done using me there yet.

While I am here in Midland I'm getting the opportunity to speak to some different groups at my church about the last 6 months i've spent in the mission field. I am also hoping to do a little bit of fundraising for the youth group (Upgrade) back in Chisinau. They are in need of a few things, including a set of wireless microphones, and some funds to be able to do some leadership training. Since I have been working a lot with the youth I want to be able to do something special for them this holiday season. I ask for you to pray before any donations are made, it's important for you to feel led from the Lord.

I also hope that as we are entering the holiday season that is filled with many blessings. I know that this season can be difficult for some, but I pray that we all are reminded of the birth of our Lord and savior.

Much love and blessing,

Bethany

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1

remembering you today

So this one is to all the people in my life who I love so much. God has blessed me with so many amazing family and friends. Today I remember my brother Aaron, it's weird being away from my family and friends on this day, but I know that God is holding me in His hands and that my brother is looking down on me. It's been 5 years and I've learned a lot through his death, and one big thing is how ungrateful I can be and my lack of thank you's to God.

So God thank you, thank you for always being there, for picking me up when I have fallen, for always protecting me, for healing my wounds, for always providing for me, for your good and perfect will, for sending me to Moldova, for using me in bigger ways than I imagined, God thank you.

With thanksgiving coming up next week, who and what are you thankful for? I love the fact that I will be able to spend thanksgiving here in Moldova, yes it would be nice to be with my family, but I will be right in the middle of one of the biggest blessings in my life. I have grown more in the past 5 months than I thought possible. I have been stretched, challenged, and blessed.

This week and next i'm taking part 2 of Hermeneutics, Applying and Understanding the Bible, with Irene, Eugene's wife, as the teacher. Then just 1 more week in Moldova and then I'll be heading home to America for 3 weeks! Looking forward to spending time with my family and closest friends during the holidays.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

Much love, Bets

"I thank my God every time I remember you." - Philippians 1:3

November Orphanage visit!

So last Wednesday we had a chance to visit the orphanage for handicapped boys again. A few of us had the idea of printing some of my pictures from the summer visits and taking them to them. So I picked 73 pictures and was able to get 6 large packages of diapers to take to them. We were able to stay there a little over an hour and I loved it. I really do love this place and being able to go visit the kids. They get so excited whenever people come to visit. I thought I would share some pics from the visit.

I also just want to say thank you to all my supporters, it was because of you that we were able to make this trip over to the orphanage, so thank you.

more to come, God Bless,

Bethany