Sitting in a home drinking hot tea and eating chocolates in a country in Eastern Europe defies the regular fare that one’s mind often wanders to when thinking of being on mission for God. Yet the family we are with is much like my own; the mom is a teacher, the dad wants his son to do well in school, and they want to make interior improvements to their living space. We sit and visit for a while, nervously speaking our own language while hearing translation into another, hoping the family feels and sees the intent of compassion in our hearts. They certainly do, as truth is shared and prayers and hugs are warmly exchanged, and going away from the home doesn’t feel like it’s the last time we will see this family. In the evening we respond to an invitation to visit the mother’s school where she teaches and her son attends. The father also teaches history there. Walking along the not so busy street in the cool of the evening reminds me of a much slower time back home. We are not in a rush to get anywhere. Taking in laughs at life and how our paths have met, our friends we are with are so dear to us. This is the mission trip I’m on. It seems so familiar, not because of my previous times here, but a kindred spirit is shared among our team and our Moldovan counterparts. We both love the people here. We want them to see Jesus as he really is. There is a larger story here beyond the number of people that have come to know Jesus. Jesus is the point of it all for sure, but within the context of the lives of the people he chooses to touch, a beautiful tale of joys and celebrations found in the love of God and prayers answered through faith are a normal occurrence at the church we are partnering with for the week. We love Filadelfia church and its people. They love their community so much. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be here among friends. My prayer is that what we have done here together, will have lasting impact in the lives of those surrounding Biserica Filadelfia for years to come.