We have arrived!

It is now 5:45 am and I am awake. As shocking as that may be, I really am awake.

We arrived in Chisinau on schedule yesterday at about 5:30pm Chisinau time. We had a three + hour delay in New York while Delta atempted to fix the fuel system of the plane. After several hours we were shuttled to another plane and finally took off. The flight over was uneventful which is what we wanted.

We were met at the airport by Serghei Corchmaru and Serghie Vinocurvo along with the gentleman from whom we are renting a flat. It was a pleasant and joyous arrival. After thinking I would never see Moldova again I am grateful to the Lord that He has made this trip possible.

After we settled into our flat (which by the way is VERY nice) we gave Connie, Sid, Ernestine & Daniel their first taste of grocery shopping Moldovan style. They all seemed convinced that it was a bit different. Our cart was by far the thoroughly stuffed cart in the store. The grocery is located just a short walk from our flat. I know you will be amazed (Diane may faint) but I actually enjoyed the walk.

We made our first contacts last night. We met an American , teaching English at an elementary school here and he along with his Moldovan wife expressed interest in coming to study. Also while going to McDonalds we met two Americans working with the Peace Corps. One of them a delightful young lady, invited Sid and & to visit in her village and teach Bible classes. We are making further contact via email and pray that these contacts materialize and lead us to good and honest hearts.

Supper last night was McDonalds. We wanted to try Green Hills, my favorite Moldovan resturant, but as late as it was I was afraid it would be too crowded and smoky. We may try it later for lunch today.

Steve has gone back to bed; Sid and I have cleaned up and had our first hot shower; Connie is working at the kitched table while Daniel and Ernestine, the luckiest of the bunch, are still sleeping.

Our work begins in earnest later today. We have been invited to Serghei and Anna's at 4:00 pm and then have a study with the church in Chisinau tonight. I am scheduled to speak on Counting our blessings as an antidote to whinning. I will post later and let you know how our first study goes.

I will sign off for now. Thank you for your prayers and interest.