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

21 weeks

I'm blessed to get to come home and visit for a few weeks in December and I've been thinking about what I will tell people when they ask me how everything in Moldova is.

It's a challenge. It's hard to live so far away from home. It's hard to live in a completely different culture. It's hard to not understand the native language. It's hard to do this.

But I don't think God's work is meant to be easy. So it's right.

I've been working with a ministry that is making a difference in this country. A difference to people who some haven't known anything else than a father who isn't around or is a drunk and mother who works her hardest to feed her family. A difference to youth who have been raised surrounded by the traditions of the orthodox church. A difference to someone who has never owned their own Bible.

There is a difference being made here, and to be involved in it is truly and God given honor. Yes it is hard at times, but when I look back at those hard days I'm thankful for them, because that is when growth takes place. I'm where I am in life because of the growth I have experienced during the trials in my life.

God amazes me every day.

I started a new class at the seminary this past week over Genesis through Deuteronomy. This is the beginning of the word of God, the beginning of God's Creation. This is where it all started! And to be able to study it has been a true blessing. I have one more week of this class and then the entire seminary has a fall break for 2 weeks. Please keep all the students in your prayers, that they would be able to understand all the material (since english is not their first language) and that the Lord would penetrate their minds with knowledge and wisdom.

Other than class I stay busy with taking pictures at basketball on Thursdays and at the meetings on Saturdays, teaching english to kids on Saturdays, and meeting with Hellen and other girls during the week.

Some challenges are to come, but I still know without a doubt that I am where I am supposed to be. I am following the will of God.

Big thanks to all of you for your love and support.

More next time

God Bless,

Bethany

O and by the way thought I would share that I have mastered the art of ordering cheese and meat over the counter at the store! One of my earlier posts was a story about my attempts of ordering cheese, but I think I have made friends with the girl at the store by our apartment, and we make it happen. Just thought I would share that fact that I am proud of, because there are a lot more options that way trust me! Much love

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."- Genesis 1:27