Today, we interviewed a recipient of a wheelchair provided by the LDS Church. We called yesterday to tell them we were coming they were so excited to have us come. His name is Simion Condrea. He is 54 years old. His wife is 50.
They live in the village of Chistelnita, in Telenesti District. It is a 2 hour drive from Chisinau. We arrived in the village at about 11:00 a.m. It took us a while to find them. The roads were full of ruts and some places were washed out. We went down a road to the top of a hill, wrong way. We talked to Simion several times. He sent his wife out than he said he was out on the road. We finally found him on crutches about 1/4 mile from his house. We followed him home he didn't want to ride. He told us to park at the top of the hill because the road was so bad we would have to walk the rest of the way to his house. As we got out of the car his wife joined him and she hurried on down to the house. We walked with Simion. The road was pretty bad and a little muddy because it had rained 2 days ago.
We arrived at the beautiful home. In the front yard was a huge rototiller hooked to a wagon. I have been trying to get a picture of these modes of transportation for a while. I took some pictures. The house had flowers in pots and in the ground along the front of the house. They took us up to the side porch and we were going to sit there for the interview but they decided to take us inside. They have what my Mom called the Visiting Room, where no one went to play or do anything. It was where we entertained guests. Their room had beautiful curtains. This country has beautiful curtains everywhere.
In one corner was a display of pictures of Christ and things to remind the family of Christ. I saw an oil lamp, a cup, a dish. Simion said there was something very old over there but we couldn't figure out what it was. Along the wall was a big wooden cabinet with pictures of their 5 children and it had their dishes, glasses, and some drawers held their important papers. On the next wall was a large panel of needle work. On the other wall was a beautiful tapestry. It was heavy and like a carpet.
They sat us around the table that was covered with a white lace table cloth. There was a bowl of cookies and candies on the table for us to eat if we wanted. This is were we did the interview. Doina ask him the questions in Romanian and he gave his answers so Walt could wright them down. He was very kind to answer all the question about why he needed the wheelchair. He had his leg amputated.
He used to work but is not now. His wife works at odd jobs to bring in some money. They have a son in Russia who sends them money. Their youngest child is in 3 grade, I think. The village has water but they don't because he had to have surgery on his leg and they didn't have money to hook up to the water. Their lives have been made better because they have a wheelchair. He can help with the chores outside. They have a cow and 2 goats, chickens and a garden and 12 bee hives. He can also go to church easier and visit with family and friends. They so appreciate the wheelchair.
After the interview Simion's wife started to bring in food. It started with bread and sausage that they bought for us. Then came chicken that they had raised it was very tender and juicy. Then came some potatoes and sauce. She also brought out some home made bread. Then their was homemade tomato juice and apple juice. They said we don't have much money but life is good. We are so happy. They love to have people come and visit them. They are very generous and kind to us. We were there about 2 hours. We finally said we had to go. So they walked us out to the garden. Then they remembered the bee hives. They got their smoker and opened a hive for us and removed a rack and took it to the house where they took the honey and comb and put it into 2 bowls and covered them with plastic bags for us to take home. One bowl was for us the other was for Doina. They gave us their nice bowls! Amazing people. She walked us to our car and he stood at the gate and waved at us as we left.
On the walk to the car we saw turkeys, that were strutting their back feathers into a big spray. They were beautiful. I didn't know turkeys could be so pretty.
It was a very nice day and so good to meet new people and make friends with them. Their is a loving reverent spirit in their home. Moldova is a nice place to be.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
More Precious Than...
Our Elders are hanging up posters advertising free English lessons. The posters are really nice and they want to hang them on telephone poles. The only thing they could think of to do that dirty job was some duct tape. They have looked every where for duct tape and we have too. They is none to be found. Luckily, a Senior Missionary some where brought some to this apartment and we have some in our drawer. So we had them come over and get it. They were very excited. They said, "this is more precious than GOLD." That is true. We see many people in the villages and here in town that have teeth filed with gold. On the cover of a magazine we got on the airport on the way over they is a picture of a women smiling with all gold teeth.
A man helping Elder and Sister Schwartz put together their furniture thought his clothes were very precious. He came in in jeans and a nice shirt. Before the men started working, the one guy took off all his clothes except his underwear. He didn't want to mess them up. Sister Schwartz went "woow!"
"Now that is service." She turned around and went out of the room. She didn't go back. They wouldn't take their boxes out after they were done. They said that is not our job. Elder Schwartz had to pay each of them 25 lei to carry out their mess. Service is very precious.
A couple of weeks ago Elder Kneib and I went to a day care center for severely disabled children. We took some toys and furniture over to them. One of the things we took was a little key board. There is a little girl about 7 who had a hard time opening her hand. They have worked with her to get her to do that. She has no strength to hold up her head she can't sit up either. She was sitting in a bean bag chair. She loves music. I opened the key board and sat it in front of her it didn't work but I tried to show her how to put her hand on it. Then I found the power cord that went with it. We plugged it in and put it on a table. We moved her and the bean bag over to the table. She opened her hand and reached out to touch the key board. It made a sound. Her teacher ran to get her mother and other teachers and parents to watch what was happening. The teacher had tears in her eyes. The little girl moved her arm along the keys and made "music." Such a smile was on that child's face. It brought tears to my eyes as well.
The Most PRECIOUS thing of all. THE SIMLE OF A CHILD.
A man helping Elder and Sister Schwartz put together their furniture thought his clothes were very precious. He came in in jeans and a nice shirt. Before the men started working, the one guy took off all his clothes except his underwear. He didn't want to mess them up. Sister Schwartz went "woow!"
"Now that is service." She turned around and went out of the room. She didn't go back. They wouldn't take their boxes out after they were done. They said that is not our job. Elder Schwartz had to pay each of them 25 lei to carry out their mess. Service is very precious.
A couple of weeks ago Elder Kneib and I went to a day care center for severely disabled children. We took some toys and furniture over to them. One of the things we took was a little key board. There is a little girl about 7 who had a hard time opening her hand. They have worked with her to get her to do that. She has no strength to hold up her head she can't sit up either. She was sitting in a bean bag chair. She loves music. I opened the key board and sat it in front of her it didn't work but I tried to show her how to put her hand on it. Then I found the power cord that went with it. We plugged it in and put it on a table. We moved her and the bean bag over to the table. She opened her hand and reached out to touch the key board. It made a sound. Her teacher ran to get her mother and other teachers and parents to watch what was happening. The teacher had tears in her eyes. The little girl moved her arm along the keys and made "music." Such a smile was on that child's face. It brought tears to my eyes as well.
The Most PRECIOUS thing of all. THE SIMLE OF A CHILD.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Kindergarten 183
Six weeks ago this project was approved. We were working with Counterpart International who renovated the kitchen. It was in terrible shape. The ventelation system was so loud the kids couldn't hear their teachers. The water and sewage system were sub standard. Anyway, when I walked in the kitchen, on Friday there was such a difference. It was beautiful. We had originally bought a bread slicer and oven. They were delayed at the boarder so our provider gave the option of a steam oven which was more expensive and a food processor. We talked to the school they were pleased so we went for it. Everything was in place for the closing on Friday 27 of Sept. I want to find out if the cooks really like and use what we provided. They had the option to change to the bread slicer if they would us it more.
Our young missionaries had ask to do service projects. We told them about this school and they called and were invited to go help with the work that was done. I think their work was more appreciated than the appliances. They put in about 120 hours. If they had been paid the going rate here it would have been worth more than $700. The project was completed quicker with their help.
We met the Ambassador from America to Moldova. He was in a hurry but was glad to meet us and appreciated the work we all do.
The school provided some women singers. The children also sang some songs they were all dressed in traditional dress. There was also a big very classy meal served. The Ambassador left after the toast and then we could eat. One Elder hung back and said this is to classy for me. I told him we are all country folk and it was OK to eat. He did.
Then the choir came in and started to sing again then they were doing a round dance and invited Walt and I to join them we did and then all the Elders and Sisters joined in as well. Then the singers made another circle inside our circle and went the other direction. It is a traditional dance and was fun to be part of it. It was the same dance that the children at the High School did on Sept 2 opening day of school. There were 3 sets of young Elders and a set of young Sisters and Elder Kneib and I at this closing. So that was 10 missionaries dancing in a circle with some of the teachers and the director.
Walt was interview on TV and so was the District Leader Elder Adams. The ribbon cutting ceremony was shown on the evening news. Hopefully, it will help the people recognize what we are doing in this country.
Our young missionaries had ask to do service projects. We told them about this school and they called and were invited to go help with the work that was done. I think their work was more appreciated than the appliances. They put in about 120 hours. If they had been paid the going rate here it would have been worth more than $700. The project was completed quicker with their help.
We met the Ambassador from America to Moldova. He was in a hurry but was glad to meet us and appreciated the work we all do.
The school provided some women singers. The children also sang some songs they were all dressed in traditional dress. There was also a big very classy meal served. The Ambassador left after the toast and then we could eat. One Elder hung back and said this is to classy for me. I told him we are all country folk and it was OK to eat. He did.
Then the choir came in and started to sing again then they were doing a round dance and invited Walt and I to join them we did and then all the Elders and Sisters joined in as well. Then the singers made another circle inside our circle and went the other direction. It is a traditional dance and was fun to be part of it. It was the same dance that the children at the High School did on Sept 2 opening day of school. There were 3 sets of young Elders and a set of young Sisters and Elder Kneib and I at this closing. So that was 10 missionaries dancing in a circle with some of the teachers and the director.
Walt was interview on TV and so was the District Leader Elder Adams. The ribbon cutting ceremony was shown on the evening news. Hopefully, it will help the people recognize what we are doing in this country.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Festelita: Means LIGHT by AJK
I just wrote on Walt's page and I don't know who to move it so I decided to write some more. The 19th Century is Arlana's handiwork I'm sure you all know.
To day we got up at 5:30 and met our interperter at the bridge on our way to a village called Festelita. It is a beautiful village quite large and has been trying you years to get clean water to the homes of the people. They contacted the church who said "Okay lets do something." When the Ministry of Environment heard we were helping they decided to help, too. So with the help of the government and the church a large water tower was built and pipes were laid pumps and electrical wires were put in. Today was the celebration of the completion of that project.
We left the apartment at 6:40 picked up Doina at 7 and arrived at the village at 8:30. The first plan was to start at 10 then it was moved to 9:30. We waited by the mayors office for 30 min then went to the water tower. It looks beautiful and we could hear it filling with water. We also went down to another pump site and saw what was happening there. Then back up the hill to the water tower. The Priest was there at first then went down to the pump to walk the way up to the tower and bless the pipes etc. A few of the villagers came up to join us and the Minister of Environment came with the Mayor. We were finally ready to start it was 10:30. The Mayor, Minister, the Vice President of the Raeion (county) Walt, Lidia our friend the engineer and her son all spoke. The people also presented each of us with a circle loaf of breaded bread and a towel with a candle and matches. There was a National news reporter there and he recorded all that was happening.
A women''s choir dressed in traditional dress sang several lively songs accompanied by a man on an accordion. I was tapping my foot along with their beat. While they sang the food and wine was brought out and we were invited to eat. They were stressed when we wouldn't taste their wine. Some one went and got some juice made from grapes, (white and purple). It was ok to drink that. We were grateful for Doina who protected us. The wine was in 2 liter bottles and looked like pop. She let us know what it really was. The food was good traditional salads and potato and meat dishes and bread of course. Very good. After the ladies quite singing and we had eaten the Minister had to leave for funeral. We were going to go sign some papers but they ask us to wait until all the people had eaten with the mayor. The people didn't eat until we had. So we watched them eat and tried to not have them filling our cups with more drink. We finally decided to have a cup of juice and not drink it until it was time to go. This guy who was seeing to our needs filled my coat pocket with chocolate candy. I didn't mind. He also invited us to his house which I would have liked to do but we didn't go back after the paper signing. He was a very happy man.
It was a fun day to meet with the shy, kind people of this village. They so much appreciated the clean water coming to their homes. It will change their lives. I took a picture of this sweet old lady. I wanted to hug her but decided I shouldn't. She said I could take her picture. We also had our picture taken with the singers.
To day we got up at 5:30 and met our interperter at the bridge on our way to a village called Festelita. It is a beautiful village quite large and has been trying you years to get clean water to the homes of the people. They contacted the church who said "Okay lets do something." When the Ministry of Environment heard we were helping they decided to help, too. So with the help of the government and the church a large water tower was built and pipes were laid pumps and electrical wires were put in. Today was the celebration of the completion of that project.
We left the apartment at 6:40 picked up Doina at 7 and arrived at the village at 8:30. The first plan was to start at 10 then it was moved to 9:30. We waited by the mayors office for 30 min then went to the water tower. It looks beautiful and we could hear it filling with water. We also went down to another pump site and saw what was happening there. Then back up the hill to the water tower. The Priest was there at first then went down to the pump to walk the way up to the tower and bless the pipes etc. A few of the villagers came up to join us and the Minister of Environment came with the Mayor. We were finally ready to start it was 10:30. The Mayor, Minister, the Vice President of the Raeion (county) Walt, Lidia our friend the engineer and her son all spoke. The people also presented each of us with a circle loaf of breaded bread and a towel with a candle and matches. There was a National news reporter there and he recorded all that was happening.
A women''s choir dressed in traditional dress sang several lively songs accompanied by a man on an accordion. I was tapping my foot along with their beat. While they sang the food and wine was brought out and we were invited to eat. They were stressed when we wouldn't taste their wine. Some one went and got some juice made from grapes, (white and purple). It was ok to drink that. We were grateful for Doina who protected us. The wine was in 2 liter bottles and looked like pop. She let us know what it really was. The food was good traditional salads and potato and meat dishes and bread of course. Very good. After the ladies quite singing and we had eaten the Minister had to leave for funeral. We were going to go sign some papers but they ask us to wait until all the people had eaten with the mayor. The people didn't eat until we had. So we watched them eat and tried to not have them filling our cups with more drink. We finally decided to have a cup of juice and not drink it until it was time to go. This guy who was seeing to our needs filled my coat pocket with chocolate candy. I didn't mind. He also invited us to his house which I would have liked to do but we didn't go back after the paper signing. He was a very happy man.
It was a fun day to meet with the shy, kind people of this village. They so much appreciated the clean water coming to their homes. It will change their lives. I took a picture of this sweet old lady. I wanted to hug her but decided I shouldn't. She said I could take her picture. We also had our picture taken with the singers.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
First day of School
The first Monday in September is the starting date for school.
We were invited to a Chisineu school where the church had renovated bathrooms. We were guest of Honor representing the work of the church. There are 1110 children attending this school. They are from 1st to 12th grade. All the kids and lots of parents were there as well. Everyone was around a cement slab about half the size of a football field. We stood at the narrow end with the Director of the school, the vise mayor of Chisineu, a priest and his helper and other school authorities and I think some of the senior kids who were the MC's or announcers.
They announced the first year students who came in two at a time holding a hand of and adult. The kids were all dressed in black and white. The girls had big white bows in their hair. They all looked so sharp and beautiful. There were over 100 first graders.
They had some welcoming speeches Walt gave his speech and we presented them with the basket, volley and soccer balls. They all clapped and children brought us flowers I had about 10 boquets, Walt got 3, that was awesome.
They announced a famous rock singer from Moldova. He sang 3 songs and the little kids went out and danced around him and had fun. Two of the older boys went out and joined with the little kids. They gave him flowers too.
Some more talking went on.
Another Folk singer also sang 3 songs. He goes out in the villages and holds concerts for the people there so he is very popular also He sang about the conditions in the villages which is a sad story but he gives hope because he uses an upbeat melody to tell his stories. He looked a lot like our Elvis. The kids big and small were out dancing with him.
Another number they had was a group of young people dressed in traditional white bloused with red embroidery. The girls skirts were white and may have been just the long blouse, with a red and black checked apron. The boys had on light tan trousers. They did a traditional dance that was quick footed and a lot like the Russian dances.
The part I liked the best was when a Senior boy picked up a 1st grade girl and put her on his shoulder. They each had a bell to ring. The girl a small gold bell and the boy a larger dark gold bell (well used). The young man carried the girl around 1/2 of the field both of them ringing their bell. This represented the bridge between the old and younger students. There is also a bridge form the teachers to the students. They are all trying to build bridges.
Toward the end they had a dance with traditional song. The kids big and small were out dancing a round dance. The little kids were dancing inside the circle of the big kids and some circles were all of smaller children. Circles in circles. It was great to see.
At the end the priest gave a blessing and sprinkled everyone with Holy Water. It was a reverent time. Then the kids were released to go to their classes.
We took pictures of us with the Director etc. Then we were taken to the restrooms we had provided. They looked good. Two boys were trying to find a place for the balls we brought. We saw them go by once on the second time they were going to leave them in the hall. The lady with us told them were to put them and they followed her directions.
It was a wonderful way to start the new school year.
We saw children all over town dressed in black and white and carrying flowers.
We brought home 14 bunches of flowers. They were heavy. I have 4 gallon size jars full of flowers.
We were invited to a Chisineu school where the church had renovated bathrooms. We were guest of Honor representing the work of the church. There are 1110 children attending this school. They are from 1st to 12th grade. All the kids and lots of parents were there as well. Everyone was around a cement slab about half the size of a football field. We stood at the narrow end with the Director of the school, the vise mayor of Chisineu, a priest and his helper and other school authorities and I think some of the senior kids who were the MC's or announcers.
They announced the first year students who came in two at a time holding a hand of and adult. The kids were all dressed in black and white. The girls had big white bows in their hair. They all looked so sharp and beautiful. There were over 100 first graders.
They had some welcoming speeches Walt gave his speech and we presented them with the basket, volley and soccer balls. They all clapped and children brought us flowers I had about 10 boquets, Walt got 3, that was awesome.
They announced a famous rock singer from Moldova. He sang 3 songs and the little kids went out and danced around him and had fun. Two of the older boys went out and joined with the little kids. They gave him flowers too.
Some more talking went on.
Another Folk singer also sang 3 songs. He goes out in the villages and holds concerts for the people there so he is very popular also He sang about the conditions in the villages which is a sad story but he gives hope because he uses an upbeat melody to tell his stories. He looked a lot like our Elvis. The kids big and small were out dancing with him.
Another number they had was a group of young people dressed in traditional white bloused with red embroidery. The girls skirts were white and may have been just the long blouse, with a red and black checked apron. The boys had on light tan trousers. They did a traditional dance that was quick footed and a lot like the Russian dances.
The part I liked the best was when a Senior boy picked up a 1st grade girl and put her on his shoulder. They each had a bell to ring. The girl a small gold bell and the boy a larger dark gold bell (well used). The young man carried the girl around 1/2 of the field both of them ringing their bell. This represented the bridge between the old and younger students. There is also a bridge form the teachers to the students. They are all trying to build bridges.
Toward the end they had a dance with traditional song. The kids big and small were out dancing a round dance. The little kids were dancing inside the circle of the big kids and some circles were all of smaller children. Circles in circles. It was great to see.
At the end the priest gave a blessing and sprinkled everyone with Holy Water. It was a reverent time. Then the kids were released to go to their classes.
We took pictures of us with the Director etc. Then we were taken to the restrooms we had provided. They looked good. Two boys were trying to find a place for the balls we brought. We saw them go by once on the second time they were going to leave them in the hall. The lady with us told them were to put them and they followed her directions.
It was a wonderful way to start the new school year.
We saw children all over town dressed in black and white and carrying flowers.
We brought home 14 bunches of flowers. They were heavy. I have 4 gallon size jars full of flowers.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Traditions
There are a lot of traditions here in Moldova.
The one we have experienced is what happens on special occasions. They made a hugh loaf of round bread the top is braided and about 6 or 7 inches high and 12 or more inches across the bottom. Each person who is visiting the special ceremony is to break of a piece of bread and dip it in salt then eat it. It means good luck or well wishes. They also serve wine but we don't partake of that. The last one we attended was this week had 2 children, about 8 years old, holding the bread and wine. The honored guest goes first and others follow. Walt was the first to take the bread I went 2nd. He was one of the 2 honored guest because we helped with the donations to a clean water project. Walt also got a large pot which would make a good cookie jar. After all the speeches we went inside and were given front row seats to watch some children sing and give little stories about water. Then the children danced. They were dressed in their traditional white blouse with red cross stitching and red skirts. The boys had a different cross stitch design and black pants. The children were 6 or 7 and did a very good job. From there we went into a room that had a large table with food, open faced sandwiches fruit of many kinds and wine or water or juice. It was a beautiful table.
That is the story for today.
The one we have experienced is what happens on special occasions. They made a hugh loaf of round bread the top is braided and about 6 or 7 inches high and 12 or more inches across the bottom. Each person who is visiting the special ceremony is to break of a piece of bread and dip it in salt then eat it. It means good luck or well wishes. They also serve wine but we don't partake of that. The last one we attended was this week had 2 children, about 8 years old, holding the bread and wine. The honored guest goes first and others follow. Walt was the first to take the bread I went 2nd. He was one of the 2 honored guest because we helped with the donations to a clean water project. Walt also got a large pot which would make a good cookie jar. After all the speeches we went inside and were given front row seats to watch some children sing and give little stories about water. Then the children danced. They were dressed in their traditional white blouse with red cross stitching and red skirts. The boys had a different cross stitch design and black pants. The children were 6 or 7 and did a very good job. From there we went into a room that had a large table with food, open faced sandwiches fruit of many kinds and wine or water or juice. It was a beautiful table.
That is the story for today.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Busy with the Petersen's
Elder and Sister Petersen arrived on Monday morning. He is the water specialist for the church. We need is "OK" on any project we want to do. On Monday afternoon we went to see our first water project not far form Chisineu. On Tuesday we left for the far North of Moldova. It was a 3 1/2 hour drive one way. We were there 3 hours and then headed home. This project looks like a good one.
Wednesday it was raining. The first rain we have seen since we got here. The streets were full of water. We drove to Elizaveta 2 1/2 hours away. There was a closing ceremony for a water project. We thought they would take us inside for the party but we stood outside for an hour in the rain. The mayor, Councelor assistant mayor to the town next door, Walt and Elder Peterson spoke and a few others. Walt got a red ribbon tied around him and a cookie jar. He was the honorary person along with the neighboring assistant mayor.
We had some hand outs to give out. Our young Elders were there to do that. Then we went into the Kindergarten and some of the young children gave little talks about water and the sang and danced. Our translator got very cold and wet she was standing on the edge of 2 umbrellas both were dripping on her. Luckily our friend Lydia had a change of clothes for her. They were two big but dry.
Then there was food and wine. (we had water and cherry juice) We ate and had visits with the people of the town. Lots of fruit and little fishes on bread. We were told not to eat the fish it might make us sick. So we didn't. They gave us a big bag of fruit to take home.
Walt had to sign some papers and use our stamp. To show all was well and accepted. We were finally able to leave at 7:30 It was after 10 p.m. when we got home. We were tired and ready for bed.
Thursday was another closing. It was still raining so they had it in the mayors office and will have the big party on Sept. 19. Walt signed and stamped more papers. There was some discussion about how everything was handled but Walt interrupted that with a Thank you speech of his own.
Then we heard about another water project that is for a town in that area. Then we drove another 30 min or so away and heard about another water project and saw the plans and the work site. Lydia was going to go with us but her car broken down. So we went on without her. I didn't like this mayor as well as the other. He has more work to do. Then we came home, it was about 7:30 when we arrived.
We and the Petersen's had watermelon (a gift from the Mayor) and leftovers for dinner. We visited
until about 9:30. They are in their upper 70's and have traveled all over the world. Great Wall of China, Africa, and the Antarctica the only continent they have not visited is Australia. I don't think we will every be like them when we grow up.
Friday, we left at 10:00 a.m. and went to a water project still in process. then we saw 2 more place wanting our help. They were both small projects that we will have to take care of next year. If we can.
We were back in Chisineu at 4:30 We decided to go out to eat at a restraunt near our apartment. It was very good. We left the Petersen's at their hotel so he could work on his pictures for a presentation he has to give on Monday in Germany.
Today, Saturday, we picked up the Petersen's at 10:30 with their luggage and went shopping. It is a holiday in Moldova so there was a band playing and lots of stands open. We went to market in the middle of town. They have been there before. Sister Petersen's bought some lady bugs made of wood and some little wooden dolls. Then she bought a traditional blouse that is embroidred with red and black cross stitches. It is very beautiful. She also got some little shoes made of corn husks and a cutting board with a map of Moldova on it.
Then we headed to the airport and dropped them off at the very time they needed to be there.
We saw the North, South, West and East part of Moldova. It is a beautiful country. There was lot of time in the car and on bumpy roads but it was good to see the country and the people who are so excited to see us.
Wednesday it was raining. The first rain we have seen since we got here. The streets were full of water. We drove to Elizaveta 2 1/2 hours away. There was a closing ceremony for a water project. We thought they would take us inside for the party but we stood outside for an hour in the rain. The mayor, Councelor assistant mayor to the town next door, Walt and Elder Peterson spoke and a few others. Walt got a red ribbon tied around him and a cookie jar. He was the honorary person along with the neighboring assistant mayor.
We had some hand outs to give out. Our young Elders were there to do that. Then we went into the Kindergarten and some of the young children gave little talks about water and the sang and danced. Our translator got very cold and wet she was standing on the edge of 2 umbrellas both were dripping on her. Luckily our friend Lydia had a change of clothes for her. They were two big but dry.
Then there was food and wine. (we had water and cherry juice) We ate and had visits with the people of the town. Lots of fruit and little fishes on bread. We were told not to eat the fish it might make us sick. So we didn't. They gave us a big bag of fruit to take home.
Walt had to sign some papers and use our stamp. To show all was well and accepted. We were finally able to leave at 7:30 It was after 10 p.m. when we got home. We were tired and ready for bed.
Thursday was another closing. It was still raining so they had it in the mayors office and will have the big party on Sept. 19. Walt signed and stamped more papers. There was some discussion about how everything was handled but Walt interrupted that with a Thank you speech of his own.
Then we heard about another water project that is for a town in that area. Then we drove another 30 min or so away and heard about another water project and saw the plans and the work site. Lydia was going to go with us but her car broken down. So we went on without her. I didn't like this mayor as well as the other. He has more work to do. Then we came home, it was about 7:30 when we arrived.
We and the Petersen's had watermelon (a gift from the Mayor) and leftovers for dinner. We visited
until about 9:30. They are in their upper 70's and have traveled all over the world. Great Wall of China, Africa, and the Antarctica the only continent they have not visited is Australia. I don't think we will every be like them when we grow up.
Friday, we left at 10:00 a.m. and went to a water project still in process. then we saw 2 more place wanting our help. They were both small projects that we will have to take care of next year. If we can.
We were back in Chisineu at 4:30 We decided to go out to eat at a restraunt near our apartment. It was very good. We left the Petersen's at their hotel so he could work on his pictures for a presentation he has to give on Monday in Germany.
Today, Saturday, we picked up the Petersen's at 10:30 with their luggage and went shopping. It is a holiday in Moldova so there was a band playing and lots of stands open. We went to market in the middle of town. They have been there before. Sister Petersen's bought some lady bugs made of wood and some little wooden dolls. Then she bought a traditional blouse that is embroidred with red and black cross stitches. It is very beautiful. She also got some little shoes made of corn husks and a cutting board with a map of Moldova on it.
Then we headed to the airport and dropped them off at the very time they needed to be there.
We saw the North, South, West and East part of Moldova. It is a beautiful country. There was lot of time in the car and on bumpy roads but it was good to see the country and the people who are so excited to see us.
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