Anna had the smile I needed those two short weeks spent on the other side of the world. I had been invited to join a team taking a trip to Moldova, a country my friends travel to often but a place I had never been. Moldova is a small country which shares a border with Ukraine, and our mission was simple: we were going to support the locals on the ground who do the hard work 7 days a week, year after year. We were to go and offer an ear, a hug, the resources we were able to bring with us, helping hands where needed, prayer to encourage, and then we would leave with imprints of their lives on our hearts forever. So is the pattern of most short term trips.

This particular trip was unique for me. Part of what I had been asked to do was to assist in teaching a Bible study with some of the women. I was in seminary at the time and eager to talk Jesus with anyone willing, so I spent a month preparing. We planned to walk through the Book of Ruth and I devoted a month to devouring everything I could read about that beautiful story. I had notebooks full of study notes, I brought highlighted commentaries packed with questions I wanted to ask, and discussions I hoped we would have.

But then life happened and our first morning in Moldova I was told they didn’t need me to teach. I was embarrassed to admit what I had prepared, but as I awkwardly tucked away my commentaries and notes, I pulled out my art supplies instead. I brought as many paintbrushes as I had commentaries, and thankfully so, because in walked Anna smiling. In a culture that makes you work hard to see a smile, Anna was different. She beamed with kindness and humility, and her smile made me feel like I was home. Anna is an artist in a country that doesn’t offer women opportunities to learn their craft. She sat down at my makeshift art table, I tossed every art supply I brought with me onto the table, and I fell in love with art all over again while spending time watching Anna paint.

I was only able to spend a few days with Anna, as our team was traveling throughout much of the country in our short time there. Anna lives in a small, poor, and rural village with her husband, their 3 biological children, and 4 adopted children. They all work tirelessly to serve and provide for as many in need as they can in their village. Anna’s story changed my life, and as we said our good-byes to the team in Moldova, Anna unexpectedly came walking into the restaurant where we were eating before leaving for the airport. She had traveled through the night on different buses to get to me before I left the country, bringing to me her portfolio of work. It was a holy moment.

I spoke with Anna as early as yesterday and she said the need grows by the hour. Refugees are pouring into Moldova with nothing. They are cold, they are tired, they are terrified, they are heartbroken, and all of it is more than anyone can bear. But then I remember Anna’s smile, and how well she loves on others, and my heart is grateful that the Lord has placed her on the border of Ukraine to welcome the wandering. And I am ecstatic that I have Anna’s portfolio of work here with me, and that I am now able to share it with you. With Anna’s permission, each piece is for sale and 100% of the funds go directly to Anna and her family as they serve the people in Ukraine and Moldova. My website is but a platform to share with others her art. I hope you will consider viewing her work and consider making a purchase. You will be investing in both a beautiful piece of original art, and also investing in hope for a hurting world. To see more of Anna’s work, please visit Amyheywood.com/anna.