I grew up eating leftovers. I don't have a problem eating leftovers. I actually enjoy it. I have a problem with NOT eating leftovers. My thought is: Why be wasteful?? (Especially when you have a mother who can cook!)
I usually don't eat other people's leftovers. In general, I wouldn't just go over to a friend's house and ask for their leftovers. On occasion I have stayed at someone's house and they offered leftovers. AND I'm thankful.
BUT I certainly wouldn't eat leftovers from complete strangers. The point I am getting to is this: The other day I saw someone eating leftovers. Except this individual, a Moldovan man,wasn't eating from a friend's table. He was eating straight out of the garbage dump.
It makes me so sad that people are so hungry that they will eat the leftovers and scraps that others have thrown out with the garbage. Yet, this is often the case. The other day wasn't the first time I saw someone eating from the trash. I see it often here. For this reason, if I have food that is leftover or stale, I will put it out on top of the trash lid so that someone searching for food can grab it.
BUT people aren't just searching for food to relieve their physical hunger pains, I believe people are thirsty and hungry for life. For salvation. I pray that they will know God and his everlasting life through His Son Jesus who is the Bread of Life. I pray that they would come to know Jesus, the very one who is the living water. Jesus says in John 4:14, "But whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life."
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Clothing Styles
Just a quick note today to share about some of the clothing styles I get to witness living in Moldova. Although, I am sure these same trends are common in a lot of other places. These are the ones that are most interesting to me. Sorry there are no pictures. I think that would just be highly inappropriate for this blog.
Some of the styles that I see here on a daily basis:
Women:
see-thru shirts
really short shirts, shorts, skirts etc.
low-cut shirts
the long shirt with the leggings
and many others...
Men:
short shorts
the biggest thing I have noticed lately....man capris! I am told these are called 'ports'. These are the p(ants)(sh)orts that come to about calf-length on men. No offense, but I don't like them.
AND...last, but not least....my favorite(NOT!): spandex!! Yes, you read that right. Men at the public park swim/sunbath in spandex!....Oh, gross!!
Have a super weekend...and if the weather is nice and you take a stroll through the park, I hope you don't have to witness any spandex!!:)
Some of the styles that I see here on a daily basis:
Women:
see-thru shirts
really short shirts, shorts, skirts etc.
low-cut shirts
the long shirt with the leggings
and many others...
Men:
short shorts
the biggest thing I have noticed lately....man capris! I am told these are called 'ports'. These are the p(ants)(sh)orts that come to about calf-length on men. No offense, but I don't like them.
AND...last, but not least....my favorite(NOT!): spandex!! Yes, you read that right. Men at the public park swim/sunbath in spandex!....Oh, gross!!
Have a super weekend...and if the weather is nice and you take a stroll through the park, I hope you don't have to witness any spandex!!:)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
More Birthday Pictures
I think I am listening intently as my friends sing "Happy Birthday" in five different languages: English, Romanian, Russian, German, and Dutch!
Friends Singing...it was really special!
I think I am clapping somewhere in the middle of all the singing or maybe I'm getting ready to thank all my friends. They are all so sweet and kind.
I blew out all but two of the candles(24!) and made a wish!
Friends Singing...it was really special!
I think I am clapping somewhere in the middle of all the singing or maybe I'm getting ready to thank all my friends. They are all so sweet and kind.
I blew out all but two of the candles(24!) and made a wish!
Another's Perspective
*With the permission of my roommate, I am copying and pasting a post from her blog. She put into words what I have thought about for a long time and had not been able to put into words quite yet. I wanted to share her thoughts with you.*
The Moldovan People
Often when I am out on the public transportation, or walking to the market, I find myself with a straight face and furrowed brow. It is not because I feel unwell, or the culture shock has so permeated my body that I simply cannot manage a smile. It is not even because of how awkward I feel about the way many people are dressed. It is simply because everyone else is serious too. The Moldovans do not smile at strangers. They always seem so serious and even angry. There are often arguments on the mini-buses when the driver yells at someone for slamming the door. And the cashier at the grocery store always seems put out by having to make change. I've decided that people aren't like this because they hate each other, it is because they hate life. It is a hard and almost hopeless existence in Moldova. Prices go up and up, but incomes do not seem to change. Oil, food, and clothing are all close to European prices, and trying to give your family their basic needs is more and more challenging. The concerns of life show on their faces.
And if this was all I knew of the Moldovan people, these scowls and this hopelessness, I may feel very discouraged indeed. But the people here are truly loving and kind. They are the kind of people who greet their friends with such joy and excitement that it seems as though they have not seem them for a year. I have seen my community gather around in the courtyard and try to help me find the place to pick up my package. I have heard of men closing their shops to help a nice American girl find an adapter in the market. My landlord greeted me on the street with such enthusiasm: two kisses to the cheeks, and with pride introduced me to his friend. The women selling produce always have a kind word about how my Romanian is improving. These people love each other and there is a place in their hearts and in their lives for me. My hope is that when I get to inhabit that place, I get to bring the hope and joy of Jesus Christ with me.
Visit her blog at: www.saratady.blogspot.com
The Moldovan People
Often when I am out on the public transportation, or walking to the market, I find myself with a straight face and furrowed brow. It is not because I feel unwell, or the culture shock has so permeated my body that I simply cannot manage a smile. It is not even because of how awkward I feel about the way many people are dressed. It is simply because everyone else is serious too. The Moldovans do not smile at strangers. They always seem so serious and even angry. There are often arguments on the mini-buses when the driver yells at someone for slamming the door. And the cashier at the grocery store always seems put out by having to make change. I've decided that people aren't like this because they hate each other, it is because they hate life. It is a hard and almost hopeless existence in Moldova. Prices go up and up, but incomes do not seem to change. Oil, food, and clothing are all close to European prices, and trying to give your family their basic needs is more and more challenging. The concerns of life show on their faces.
And if this was all I knew of the Moldovan people, these scowls and this hopelessness, I may feel very discouraged indeed. But the people here are truly loving and kind. They are the kind of people who greet their friends with such joy and excitement that it seems as though they have not seem them for a year. I have seen my community gather around in the courtyard and try to help me find the place to pick up my package. I have heard of men closing their shops to help a nice American girl find an adapter in the market. My landlord greeted me on the street with such enthusiasm: two kisses to the cheeks, and with pride introduced me to his friend. The women selling produce always have a kind word about how my Romanian is improving. These people love each other and there is a place in their hearts and in their lives for me. My hope is that when I get to inhabit that place, I get to bring the hope and joy of Jesus Christ with me.
Visit her blog at: www.saratady.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Special Prayer Request
~My Dad~
On his birthday last year...
Hello Dear friends!
I just wanted to mention here on my blog this simple prayer request:
I am planning to go to Romania and join a group from my home church before heading home in July. In Romania, we will work with children. I am looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store for each person on this missions trip and for the kids that we will meet and minister to. Sometime back(last summer/fall) my dad heard about this trip and wanted to be a part of it. He has been in prayer about it.
Well, when I heard about the trip, I wanted my dad to be a part of it as well. BUT, I also thought that it would be really sad for him to come all the way to Romania and not make it to Moldova(Moldovan and Romania are neighboring countries) to spend a couple of days with me. (Maybe I am selfish.:))
Then, a couple of months ago, he mentioned to me that he would like to come to Moldova to help me pack up, see Moldova, and travel with me to Romania in addition to joining the missions team in Romania.
Now, the time has come for him to purchase his ticket and he has struggled some to get all the finances together for this flight and other trip costs.
My dad and I both trust that if this is indeed God's will that He will provide all the resources and finances. So, we are waiting and trusting. We only want what God wants in this matter.
Please join us in prayer that we would be obedient and content with whatever the Lord wants concerning this circumstance and that we would have joy regardless of the outcome. Please pray that God would grant my father wisdom in figuring out what the available resources are.
Thank you for praying.
On his birthday last year...
Hello Dear friends!
I just wanted to mention here on my blog this simple prayer request:
I am planning to go to Romania and join a group from my home church before heading home in July. In Romania, we will work with children. I am looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store for each person on this missions trip and for the kids that we will meet and minister to. Sometime back(last summer/fall) my dad heard about this trip and wanted to be a part of it. He has been in prayer about it.
Well, when I heard about the trip, I wanted my dad to be a part of it as well. BUT, I also thought that it would be really sad for him to come all the way to Romania and not make it to Moldova(Moldovan and Romania are neighboring countries) to spend a couple of days with me. (Maybe I am selfish.:))
Then, a couple of months ago, he mentioned to me that he would like to come to Moldova to help me pack up, see Moldova, and travel with me to Romania in addition to joining the missions team in Romania.
Now, the time has come for him to purchase his ticket and he has struggled some to get all the finances together for this flight and other trip costs.
My dad and I both trust that if this is indeed God's will that He will provide all the resources and finances. So, we are waiting and trusting. We only want what God wants in this matter.
Please join us in prayer that we would be obedient and content with whatever the Lord wants concerning this circumstance and that we would have joy regardless of the outcome. Please pray that God would grant my father wisdom in figuring out what the available resources are.
Thank you for praying.
Shoe Shopping
Today I went shoe shopping. It was a little hard...Ok, a lot hard! What am I saying? I have a hard time shopping for shoes in America. There are just so many shoes to choose from. Well, there are many shoes here, too. They are just DiFfErEnt!
My friend's shoes
more shoes...
I really wish that I had pictures of random shoes that I see around the city when I am out and about. There are all kinds of sylin' shoes. Most of them I would never wear. There are shoes of all colors, designs, patterns etc.
I don't think that shoes are worn for comfort here, but rather for fashion. There are lots of fancy shoes here. I am in the process of trying to find comfortable, inexpensive sandals of some sort. (I brought American flip-flops and other shoes that don't stay on my feet well from America. I had not anticipated the amount of walking I would do here. I also did not give any thought to the fact that because I drive or ride to most places in America, that I don't pay attention to how well my shoes stay on my feet.) So, needless to say, my American summer sandals/shoes will most likely not work here. These new shoes that I am searching for should be made for a lot of walking. I know that I will be home soon, but I want to wear them when I go to the retreat in Turkey next month. Today I found some for a good price, but I couldn't find the right size. It was fun looking though. So, just be warned that I may come home with some shoes that you have never seen before! Wish me better luck next time I go shoe shopping.
My friend's shoes
more shoes...
I really wish that I had pictures of random shoes that I see around the city when I am out and about. There are all kinds of sylin' shoes. Most of them I would never wear. There are shoes of all colors, designs, patterns etc.
I don't think that shoes are worn for comfort here, but rather for fashion. There are lots of fancy shoes here. I am in the process of trying to find comfortable, inexpensive sandals of some sort. (I brought American flip-flops and other shoes that don't stay on my feet well from America. I had not anticipated the amount of walking I would do here. I also did not give any thought to the fact that because I drive or ride to most places in America, that I don't pay attention to how well my shoes stay on my feet.) So, needless to say, my American summer sandals/shoes will most likely not work here. These new shoes that I am searching for should be made for a lot of walking. I know that I will be home soon, but I want to wear them when I go to the retreat in Turkey next month. Today I found some for a good price, but I couldn't find the right size. It was fun looking though. So, just be warned that I may come home with some shoes that you have never seen before! Wish me better luck next time I go shoe shopping.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day by Day
I heard this song, Day by Day by Point of Grace the other day while I was riding the minibus to work. It is not an incredible thing to hear songs in English on the bus. I hear songs in English on the bus quite frequently. It was incredible however to hear a Christian song in English on the radio. As I listened to the words I thought about several things.
First of all, I wondered, "Does anyone understand the words of this song on the bus besides me?"
Secondly, I pondered the fact that God IS returning soon. We are getting closer...Day by Day. The song reminded me to focus on God as each day brings us closer to His return. The song put life in perspective for me again. I love it when God uses such simple ways to wake me up! After looking up the lyrics online and reading them, I have a few more thoughts.
I see several similiarities with the lyrics and my time here in Moldova. The song talks about a mission, world travel, and being open to what God wants. That's me. I just want to be used my God in whatever small(or big)way He chooses.
Lastly, I just really want to see Moldovan faces(any faces that don't know Christ, really) to be turned to the LIGHT so that they too may fall on their faces at His glory.
Here are the lyrics:
I'm not unhappy but I'd take the train today
If you'd let me
If you'd let me
They may be clapping for me but I wait for you to come get me
Come, come get me
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Somebody told me I could travel the world
To find beauty
To find beauty
But to behold it I would have to keep it within me
Yeah well it's in me
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Give me a mission if I've still got the time
Cause I'm open
Yeah I'm open
Be my vision and I'll be your delight
Cause I'm going wherever you're going
Turning faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
First of all, I wondered, "Does anyone understand the words of this song on the bus besides me?"
Secondly, I pondered the fact that God IS returning soon. We are getting closer...Day by Day. The song reminded me to focus on God as each day brings us closer to His return. The song put life in perspective for me again. I love it when God uses such simple ways to wake me up! After looking up the lyrics online and reading them, I have a few more thoughts.
I see several similiarities with the lyrics and my time here in Moldova. The song talks about a mission, world travel, and being open to what God wants. That's me. I just want to be used my God in whatever small(or big)way He chooses.
Lastly, I just really want to see Moldovan faces(any faces that don't know Christ, really) to be turned to the LIGHT so that they too may fall on their faces at His glory.
Here are the lyrics:
I'm not unhappy but I'd take the train today
If you'd let me
If you'd let me
They may be clapping for me but I wait for you to come get me
Come, come get me
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Somebody told me I could travel the world
To find beauty
To find beauty
But to behold it I would have to keep it within me
Yeah well it's in me
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Give me a mission if I've still got the time
Cause I'm open
Yeah I'm open
Be my vision and I'll be your delight
Cause I'm going wherever you're going
Turning faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Cause day by day you're coming closer
Making our way clearer and straighter
Turning our faces into the light
And I can't wait to fall at your glory
On my face down in the morning
You're coming closer
Day by day
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A Full Heart
(I don't know why these pictures are showing up so poorly.) Here are the names of my friends. L to R: Irina, Julia, Olga, Nina, Me, Rodyca, Nelly, Nadia, Heather, Mariana, Ina, and Vica. Not pictured, but also at the party: Alida, Aliona, Ana, and Sara ...and Jessie is the bottom one, but not the top one.
I am writing this blog with a heart full of JOY.
A heart full of THANKFULNESS.
A blessed heart.
Ziua mea de nastere este pe 16 mai. (My birthday is the 16th of May in Romanian).It was so special to celebrate MY DAY in Moldova. I had a wonderful time celebrating with both Moldovan and American friends. This is the run-down of my day:
Friday morning Nancy backed chocolate muffins. Yummy. I had a short day of school with the girls. Friday afternoon I ate chili with my roommates. My roommates and I cleaned the apartment and prepared for the party.
Friday evening I had 16 girlfriends come over for pizza, snacks, cake, and ice cream. When it was time for cake they sang happy birthday to me. It was so fun because it was sung in 5 different languages: English, Romanian, Russian, Dutch, and German. Have you ever heard of such a thing? It was really fun. We had such a nice time of fellowship. I really wanted to share cake and ice cream with all the friends I have made over the last year. I have been so blessed to be a part of the lives of these special girls and young woman. They have poured so much into my life, helped me in very practical ways, encouraged me, and they have spoken wisdom into my life. I am blessed to call each of them friend.
I was blown away by their thoughtfulness on my birthday. They presented me with gifts, prayed over me, encouraged me with lots of beautiful words, and there were lots of hugs and kisses. Thank you, Lord for the blessing that each one of these women are in my life. My life is richer for having these women in it.
I am blessed.
I am thankful.
My heart is full of joy.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
El Paso with the McClungs!!
The McClungs, missionaries to Lithuania have been working with our team in Moldova for the last two months. It has been a lot of fun to get to know them some and spend time fellowshipping with them. One of my favorite ways to fellowship is to EAT. So, we went to El Paso, the Moldovan-Mexican restaurant here in Chisinau. I was able to eat Mexican food in Iasi, Romania a couple of weeks ago, but I had not tried this Moldovan restaurant until yesterday. So, I was looking forward to trying this place out. I was not disappointed. Now, for some this may not be close enough to the American Tex-Mex restaurants, but I thought it was super. I definitely recommend it. Here is some chicken fajita goodness:
MMMmmm...good!
Wendell and Patti (sorry about the red eyes!)
Patti and I outside the restaurant
Now, the time has come for the McClungs to return to Lithuania. Thank you for sharing life with us in Moldova. It was wonderful spending time with you. God Bless!
MMMmmm...good!
Wendell and Patti (sorry about the red eyes!)
Patti and I outside the restaurant
Now, the time has come for the McClungs to return to Lithuania. Thank you for sharing life with us in Moldova. It was wonderful spending time with you. God Bless!
Happy Birthday, Heather!!
Action photo: This is Sara, my roommate, Heather, birthday girl and MK, and I. The Raatz girls, my students are in front. Nancy was wiping chocolate off of Elissa's mouth and we were all watching!! The cake was yummy!
The real photo!Happy 16th Birthday, Heather!!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I don't want to step on anyone's shoes...
Yesterday was a good day. Earlier in the day I did laundry, dishes, vacuumed under the couch, and many other little things around the apartment. Fun stuff....I know!
Later on, I went to pay my internet bill, but the business was closed due to a holiday here. I believe it was a day of remembrance- Day of Victory. I enjoyed my venture out into the city. It was a very beautiful day weather-wise, too. There were a lot of people out and about. There were celebrations in the main square downtown complete with the traditional Moldovan dancing and costumes.
While I was on the trolley bus, I stepped on a man's shoe while trying to scoot into a new spot to make room for someone else. I have been told that Moldovans take great care in keeping their shoes clean. I have witnessed this with my own eyes. While standing on the sidewalk waiting for a bus, a young lady will bend town and wipe her shoes clean with a cloth. My attitude towards the matter is quite different. My thought is,"They are just shoes and they will get dirty again because I am walking on a muddy sidewalk." So, as if I didn't stand out enough with my casual, western dress, one can definitely tell that I am not Moldovan if they look at my shoes. But, I do respect the fact that Moldovans take great pride in their appearance and how they dress-even down to their shoes. So, I would never want to offend anyone by stepping on their shoes! This is bound to happen though in taking public transportation. So, I said to the man, "Sorry(in Romanian)." His reply,"It's okay (in English)."
Wow. It brought such calm to me. I thought...It is okay! Little things are going to happen in life and I should not let them stress me out. Somehow, hearing those words in English, really spoke volumes to me about resting and trusting the Lord with all things. God is in control and He is working my last several weeks out in Moldova for HIS good.
I need not stress or worry about finances, plans, accomplishing tasks, etc.
Everything is going to be alright.
It's okay. It's okay if I don't get everything on my list done. It's okay if I have to be flexible in my plans. And the occasional stepping on some one's shoe, really is OKAY.
Later on, I went to pay my internet bill, but the business was closed due to a holiday here. I believe it was a day of remembrance- Day of Victory. I enjoyed my venture out into the city. It was a very beautiful day weather-wise, too. There were a lot of people out and about. There were celebrations in the main square downtown complete with the traditional Moldovan dancing and costumes.
While I was on the trolley bus, I stepped on a man's shoe while trying to scoot into a new spot to make room for someone else. I have been told that Moldovans take great care in keeping their shoes clean. I have witnessed this with my own eyes. While standing on the sidewalk waiting for a bus, a young lady will bend town and wipe her shoes clean with a cloth. My attitude towards the matter is quite different. My thought is,"They are just shoes and they will get dirty again because I am walking on a muddy sidewalk." So, as if I didn't stand out enough with my casual, western dress, one can definitely tell that I am not Moldovan if they look at my shoes. But, I do respect the fact that Moldovans take great pride in their appearance and how they dress-even down to their shoes. So, I would never want to offend anyone by stepping on their shoes! This is bound to happen though in taking public transportation. So, I said to the man, "Sorry(in Romanian)." His reply,"It's okay (in English)."
Wow. It brought such calm to me. I thought...It is okay! Little things are going to happen in life and I should not let them stress me out. Somehow, hearing those words in English, really spoke volumes to me about resting and trusting the Lord with all things. God is in control and He is working my last several weeks out in Moldova for HIS good.
I need not stress or worry about finances, plans, accomplishing tasks, etc.
Everything is going to be alright.
It's okay. It's okay if I don't get everything on my list done. It's okay if I have to be flexible in my plans. And the occasional stepping on some one's shoe, really is OKAY.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
(Bump) Plane Ticket Home (Edited)
I am planning to return to America in early July.
Please pray for my travel arrangements.Please pray that:
1) I would find the return flight home that is feasable for my budget and
2) The flight arrangement is exactly what God would have it to be.
3) For peace and calm for me in this process. This is somewhat stressful for me.
I am making travel arrangements this week. So, thank you for your prayers.
Shauna
*Edited: Thank you so much for your prayers!! My plane ticket has been purchased. It is the exact flight that I want!! It is WAY cheaper than I ever thought or imagined. God totally answered all three of my prayer requests in such an amazing way.*
Thank you for your prayers.
God bless.
Shauna
Please pray for my travel arrangements.Please pray that:
1) I would find the return flight home that is feasable for my budget and
2) The flight arrangement is exactly what God would have it to be.
3) For peace and calm for me in this process. This is somewhat stressful for me.
I am making travel arrangements this week. So, thank you for your prayers.
Shauna
*Edited: Thank you so much for your prayers!! My plane ticket has been purchased. It is the exact flight that I want!! It is WAY cheaper than I ever thought or imagined. God totally answered all three of my prayer requests in such an amazing way.*
Thank you for your prayers.
God bless.
Shauna
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Chocolate Chips and Sour Cream
chocolate chip morsels
sour cream
I try everything once. This is a phrase that I say here a lot. I would never want to offend anyone, so I will always try whatever is prepared(except the fish...I never eat the fish here...).
The other day, a Moldovan by the name of Victor, suggested to me in conversation that I should try sour cream and chocolate chips together. He said, "It is SO good!!" It sounded pretty crazy to me (not crazy as a lot of things though). I told him I would try it.
So, we had chocolate chip morsels in the apartment. Don't be fooled. We cannot buy them here. A team from America brought them in abundance and lavished them upon the missionary community. THANKS. One day I will use them to make some dessert that is right tasty.
But TODAY....I had other plans for those choc.chips.I wanted to try them with the sour cream.
Now, the sour cream here tastes way different to me than it does in America. The sour cream here kind of reminds me more of yogurt. BUT I like it. Strange, because I don't like yogurt at all(here or there). In spite of my dislike for yogurt, I have grown to really enjoy sour cream or smintina/smantana as it is called here. It has been my experience that most Moldovans LOVE sour cream. You can put it on a multitude of things i.e. bread, soup, meat... here.
ANYWAY, I tried it. It was not out right NASTY, but let's just say it wasn't good!!
Lesson: So, if you are ever in the mood to mix two random items just for kicks, don't mix chocolate chips and sour cream.
Question:
What are two things that you eat together that is tasty but unusual?? Please comment...
FrUsTrAtIoN...
This is the oven in our apartment. While it frustrates me to no end, I am thankful for it!! It is a tool that helps me eat, which I like to do!! :)
One of my almost daily frustrations is lighting the gas stove in the apartment.
It is so fickle. Sometimes it will light right from the start and other times it takes many tries.
To light the stove you must first open the oven door, then you must hold in the oven knob, and lastly you must insert the igniter/match into the hole(while simultaneously holding the oven knob in because it's childproof). Sounds simple enough right? WRONG.
Just when you are about to jump for joy because the oven is lit and you release your hold on the oven knob, the flame goes out!! This is due to the fact that it is childproof(nice for those with children)and it requires a good 20-40 seconds of hold once you see flame. So, to succeed one must WAIT and have PATIENCE. Yay.
If a child can light this oven and keep it lit, then he should be renamed Baby Einstein!!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Plane Ticket Home
I am planning to return to America in early July.
Please pray for my travel arrangements.Please pray that:
1) I would find the return flight home that is feasable for my budget and
2) The flight arrangement is exactly what God would have it to be.
3) For peace and calm for me in this process. This is somewhat stressful for me.
I am making travel arrangements this week. So, thank you for your prayers.
Shauna
Please pray for my travel arrangements.Please pray that:
1) I would find the return flight home that is feasable for my budget and
2) The flight arrangement is exactly what God would have it to be.
3) For peace and calm for me in this process. This is somewhat stressful for me.
I am making travel arrangements this week. So, thank you for your prayers.
Shauna
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May 1st= 9months in Moldova!!
Woo-hoo! I've now been in Moldova for 9months! Two months left!
In honor of my 9 month mark I would like to share with you some of the highlights of my time here.
2007-
August- Arrive in Moldova, begin to set up house with the Raatz family, organize home school materials, living with Raatz family, meeting friends, and adjusting to culture, meet Omar Beiler and John Bueno,
September-Continue to experience new foods and new people,have many new cultural experiences, begin language study, meet my future roommate, begin riding on public transportation, school begins,
October-Spend time with teams that arrive from America, move into apartment, language study continues as I switch to a different teacher
November-The Darrins arrive!!,really begin to experience cultural shock, eat at Italian pizza restaurant in Moldova for what would be the first of many times, really begin cooking, enjoying roommate and other friends, Thanksgiving with other Americans here
December- it was really COLD, Christmas doesn't really feel like Christmas, Nice Christmas Eve/Day with Raatz family and other missionaries, surprise package from Mom and Dad, enjoy a really nice break, start going to a different church, really begin inviting Moldovans over for dinner and fun
January- is still really cold, continue vacation break, second semester of school begins, snow,
February- my roommate of 4 months returns to America(NOT a highlight....I miss you, Kelly), Andy and Nancy return to America for three weeks (again,NOT really a highlight, but a happening). So, I am somewhat lonely and bored.
March- Raatz family return, school is back in session, the McClungs join our team for a couple of months
April- new roommates arrive: family of 4, then my new roommate Sara arrives, and we go to Romania for a fun trip
Looking ahead:
May- We will finish school, attempt to get things are on my list done, My birthday
June- prepare for Turkey,and take care of a lot of things to do before I leave, GO TO TURKEY, my Dad is coming to Moldova(that's the current plan), Dad and I are going to take a train to Romania and join up with a missions team from our church, arrive in Romania
July- spend time in Romania on a missions trip, AND arrive in Memphis, TN, America!!
Well, I know it was long, but I hope you enjoyed the run down. :)
In honor of my 9 month mark I would like to share with you some of the highlights of my time here.
2007-
August- Arrive in Moldova, begin to set up house with the Raatz family, organize home school materials, living with Raatz family, meeting friends, and adjusting to culture, meet Omar Beiler and John Bueno,
September-Continue to experience new foods and new people,have many new cultural experiences, begin language study, meet my future roommate, begin riding on public transportation, school begins,
October-Spend time with teams that arrive from America, move into apartment, language study continues as I switch to a different teacher
November-The Darrins arrive!!,really begin to experience cultural shock, eat at Italian pizza restaurant in Moldova for what would be the first of many times, really begin cooking, enjoying roommate and other friends, Thanksgiving with other Americans here
December- it was really COLD, Christmas doesn't really feel like Christmas, Nice Christmas Eve/Day with Raatz family and other missionaries, surprise package from Mom and Dad, enjoy a really nice break, start going to a different church, really begin inviting Moldovans over for dinner and fun
January- is still really cold, continue vacation break, second semester of school begins, snow,
February- my roommate of 4 months returns to America(NOT a highlight....I miss you, Kelly), Andy and Nancy return to America for three weeks (again,NOT really a highlight, but a happening). So, I am somewhat lonely and bored.
March- Raatz family return, school is back in session, the McClungs join our team for a couple of months
April- new roommates arrive: family of 4, then my new roommate Sara arrives, and we go to Romania for a fun trip
Looking ahead:
May- We will finish school, attempt to get things are on my list done, My birthday
June- prepare for Turkey,and take care of a lot of things to do before I leave, GO TO TURKEY, my Dad is coming to Moldova(that's the current plan), Dad and I are going to take a train to Romania and join up with a missions team from our church, arrive in Romania
July- spend time in Romania on a missions trip, AND arrive in Memphis, TN, America!!
Well, I know it was long, but I hope you enjoyed the run down. :)
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