The Monastery at Saharna

One of the few tourist attractions in Moldova (and in Romania) are the beautiful Orthodox monasteries and churches. On Easter weekend, while visiting Corinne, she took us to see this beautiful monastery set in the hills of northern Moldova. There's nothing quite like spring in Moldova, and after the dreary winter - with very little snow - it was wonderful to be out in nature and to see the blossoms on the trees and to walk under the clear blue sky. When we arrived, Corinne pointed to the little building that you see up on top of the hill in the photo on the right. She asked, "Do you want to go up there first, or hike the trail behind the monastery first?" I definitely wanted to do the climbing part first, knowing if I didn't, it wasn't going to happen at the end of the day. And sure enough, later on I was saying how glad I was that we climbed at the beginning. But it was worth it. From on top of this point, where there is a kiosk with a religious icon (I think it was Mary's footprint), there was a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

The girls on Corinne's team - Natasha, Aurica and Esther - were also with us and they seemed to arrive at any given destination long before I did. But we enjoyed taking our time and just appreciating the scenery and the beautiful day. Also along with us, of course, was Corinne's faithful dog Silas. He really enjoyed the opportunity for hiking and climbing and even to sit up on high and appreciate the scenery!

Upon entering the monastery grounds themselves, there was a very interesting sign of welcome to visitors. At the bottom of the sign it indicates the date as being, "The year from the birth of the Lord 2002" and on the right it says "The year from the Creation of the earth 7510". So there you go, in case you ever wondered. After a quick walk through the church in the monastery we made our way to the quiet woodland path behind the complex. There was a stream that flowed from a waterfall further up, and just behind the monastery there was a pool that was labelled as a place of miraculous healing waters. On certain feast days people come here and go in the pool praying for healing. Further along we came across what I believe may have been the original monastery, built right into the stone of the hill and painted Moldovan blue. (That's my name for the ubiquitous paint colour here in Moldova.) The walk in the woods was really quite lovely and our Austrian sister Esther was right in her element, bounding through the woods and up the cliffs and across the streams effortlessly. She was joined also by another alpine friend, one of our short-term workers visiting from Switzerland. Together they seemed to be where God created them to be - true forest creatures. Those of us who are not quite so ambitious enjoyed the chance to sit near the waterfall and simply reflect on the beauty of all that the Lord has created. What a joy it was to have such a day in this lovely country! Thank you, Lord! (And thanks for taking us, Corinne!)