Dinner with Landlords

Last week my roommates and I had dinner with our landlords, Constantin and Nina. They are so much fun. During dinner we discussed how they met each other, what Constantin does for a living(He's an actor among other things), and things we can do to better our health. The conversation was all in Romanian and Russian with Sara translating most of it into English for Jessie and I.

We had spaghetti with sauce and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. It was tasty. I think the sauce was a little too spicy for Nina's liking though. :)

I am so thankful and blessed to know these two. They are so encouraging, helpful, and sweet. I get the feeling that they actually care for us and about us. Nina has baked me a homemade treat before while Constantin has fixed numerous things around the apartment. They have been so patient with me while I struggle to speak with them in Romanian.


They have a daughter in college about our age. I think they treat us like we are their daughters. I am so very appreciative!

I am especially thankful that Constantin rescued me out of the bathroom last week. Did you miss that post? See the post for June 5th.

Roommates!

My roommates, Sara,Jessie and I went out with to eat the other night with some other Americans we met here. After dinner we stopped to take some photo opportunities next to an old Jewish synagogue. You can see the remains in the background. Here are the fun pictures!





Jessie, Me, and Sara

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

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!!

Trip to Iasi,Romania (Part 1)

Monday through Wednesday, our team took a retreat/team-building trip into Romania. It was my first time leaving Moldova since last August. I was super excited to visit Romania. It was my very first time to see Romania. It felt like a different world compared to Moldova, but in many ways the countries are still very similiar. There were 12 of us traveling in three vehicles. Everyone got through all borders just fine. It was my very first experience crossing borders of different countries, too. Here are some pictures from my trip.

In Iasi, our first stop was a mall. The mall had a small food court so we ate at KFC! How exciting to have American fast food other than McDonalds.

I don't recall ever eating a lot of KFC in America, but boy was it TASTY. I had a chicken sandwich with fries.
We stayed at a hotel called "Little Texas". It was a wonderful place that was decorated with all things Texas/cowboys/Western style. The owner is an American from Texas. He opened the hotel and restaurant as business as missions.
Front of restaurant. The restaurant served MEXICAN food, of course. Oh, it was so tasty. They also served the most amazing complimentary breakfast ever. I definately took advantage of the restaurant and enjoyed all the delicious food.
The part of the hotel my roommate Sara and I stayed in.
Natalie and Lauren climbing a tree.
My new roommate Sara and I.
Elissa, Natalie,Lauren, and I
Heather, Heidi, and I.(My eyes are closed, though). They are a lot in pictures. What do you do?

Freezing in Moldova!!

The temperatures have been dropping like crazy lately. As I stood waiting for my bus for 15 minutes the other day, I decided it was finally time to purchase the Moldovan winter coat(the one I have just isn't cutting it). This was quite the purchase for me. I have been searching for a coat for about 3 months. I haven't been able to find exactly what I wanted. I was also trying to find the right deal and get a good coat for my money's worth. So, I found this coat on Friday! I am so excited. It is longer (which is what I wanted). It is brown so it matches my boots. AND it has fur(which will help protect my head against the harsh wind)!! The nice gloves are a Christmas present from my roommate and the hat is one that my roommate knitted for me! I love it. I am sporting the new purse I bought, too. I needed a purse as well. The little blue-jean purse I was tagging along doesn't have a zipper,so this will be much better. This purse is much bigger than what I prefer, but this is about all you can find here. They like big purses. I was joking with my roommate that I left the apartment looking very American and I came back looking pretty Moldovan. I think I blend in a little better now. The temperature outside right now is about 5 degrees. This is definitely the coldest place I've ever lived. I'll be well prepared for the winter weather now!!

Fun Photos from the Wax Musuem in Moldova!!

Me with Albert Einstein at the Wax Museum in Moldova
(It only cost about $1.50 to tour the small Wax Musuem)
What fun!!

Shrek and I

Donkey, Me, and Shrek

Christmas Day Fun (Click on the Image to make it bigger)