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.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
WAMP wamp
I was sitting in our office this week and could here this sound wamp wamp. I wondered what it was and after about 5 minuets I go up to check. There were 2 boys out side with a long rug hung over a chinning bar. They had a tennis racket thing and they were hitting the rug with it sending up dust. After a little while they started to roll up the rug and hung up another. They same process continued for about 15 minuets then I noticed the noise stopped so I got up and peeked out they each had a rug over their shoulder and were headed in side. I have a very noisy vacuum maybe I should ask them the clean my rugs too.
Another sound I heard last night was a siren which sounded like it was out front. I went to look there were 2 guys out there getting into a car and one had a key bob and messing with the lights of a car. It was the car that was making the siren noise. It was making all the siren noises there are over here. After it went through one round it started on a second. Another couple came out and got in the first car and they drove away. The car making all the noise was finally silenced.
Every emergency vehicle here had a different sound. The amblance sounds like the old Natiz sirens. then the fire and police have a different sound. I haven't figured out what they are yet to tell the difference. None of them sound like American sirens.
There is a huge apartment building going up around the block. We can see the crane lifting loads of something ( probably cement) up seven or eight stories and putting in down where it is needed. We also here the banging of hammers and saws and men calling to each other.
We also here the voices of people walking in the street calling greetings to each other. We also hear children out playing or crying.
Tonight it pretty quite because it is a relgious holiday and a lot of people have returned to their villages or are at their home starting a fast that will be broken in a few days. It is kind of like lent where they give up something they really like for a few days. The stores and business will be closed until Wed. morning. I don't know what all we will get done. We did do some shopping to day so we will be ok until things are back to normal. Of course there is another holiday that starts next weekend so things will be closed again. We just have to plan for what we need and be prepared.
It is fun to hear and see all the things going on from our windows.
Another sound I heard last night was a siren which sounded like it was out front. I went to look there were 2 guys out there getting into a car and one had a key bob and messing with the lights of a car. It was the car that was making the siren noise. It was making all the siren noises there are over here. After it went through one round it started on a second. Another couple came out and got in the first car and they drove away. The car making all the noise was finally silenced.
Every emergency vehicle here had a different sound. The amblance sounds like the old Natiz sirens. then the fire and police have a different sound. I haven't figured out what they are yet to tell the difference. None of them sound like American sirens.
There is a huge apartment building going up around the block. We can see the crane lifting loads of something ( probably cement) up seven or eight stories and putting in down where it is needed. We also here the banging of hammers and saws and men calling to each other.
We also here the voices of people walking in the street calling greetings to each other. We also hear children out playing or crying.
Tonight it pretty quite because it is a relgious holiday and a lot of people have returned to their villages or are at their home starting a fast that will be broken in a few days. It is kind of like lent where they give up something they really like for a few days. The stores and business will be closed until Wed. morning. I don't know what all we will get done. We did do some shopping to day so we will be ok until things are back to normal. Of course there is another holiday that starts next weekend so things will be closed again. We just have to plan for what we need and be prepared.
It is fun to hear and see all the things going on from our windows.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Children
The children of Moldova are like children every where.
They have round faces and round cheeks. They have blond or dark hair. I haven't seen any red heads.
I hear them playing outside every evening. Their is a play ground of sorts out our back window. With a sandbox, slide and swing anchors with no swing. Mostly they play in the street with a ball or playing tag.
The young ones are always in a stroller being walked where ever their parents need to go. They get bumped down the 8 stairs to the entrance or our building. One little guy was waving good bye to us from his stroller as they walked away.
There is a hand rail on our entry steps the kids like to swing on that and jump off and go around to do it again.
Today, walking home from church we saw a double stroller. They were twins about 6 months old. They were happy and playing with their toys.
The children in some of the schools we have seen have one parent living abroad working a job. This parent might be gone for 4 months home for 2 weeks and gone again for 4 months. Some children have both parents living abroad and they are being raised by grand parents or are put in boarding schools. During the summer the school tries to find a place for these children to live either with relatives or with families in the village. I think many children are raised by grandparents so the parents can work.
The kids start school at the young age of 3. They are at school 12 hours a day. Doina our interpreter was telling us that her sister went to American and learned that it was not good to have children in school that long and that they should be not be taught baby talk but use correct words for everything. The mother of these children found that her kids could talk to adults but not to children. She sent her son to school for the morning for reading and math studies and then had him come home at noon. Pretty soon he wanted to stay all day, because he liked being with the children and the activities.
Now the little sister is about ready to go to school and she will probably go all day. They live next door to the school so if she needs to come home, she can.
I just think how much the parents are missing out on. This is a way that both parents can work and provide a living for the family.
I saw a coloring book in the store on Friday. One side of the page was the picture all painted and colored the other side was the same picture only needed to be colored. I guess just like the original.
Not much for imagination..
Well there are beautiful children here, with big eyes and curly hair. They are clean and happy in spite of the hard times they may have.
They have round faces and round cheeks. They have blond or dark hair. I haven't seen any red heads.
I hear them playing outside every evening. Their is a play ground of sorts out our back window. With a sandbox, slide and swing anchors with no swing. Mostly they play in the street with a ball or playing tag.
The young ones are always in a stroller being walked where ever their parents need to go. They get bumped down the 8 stairs to the entrance or our building. One little guy was waving good bye to us from his stroller as they walked away.
There is a hand rail on our entry steps the kids like to swing on that and jump off and go around to do it again.
Today, walking home from church we saw a double stroller. They were twins about 6 months old. They were happy and playing with their toys.
The children in some of the schools we have seen have one parent living abroad working a job. This parent might be gone for 4 months home for 2 weeks and gone again for 4 months. Some children have both parents living abroad and they are being raised by grand parents or are put in boarding schools. During the summer the school tries to find a place for these children to live either with relatives or with families in the village. I think many children are raised by grandparents so the parents can work.
The kids start school at the young age of 3. They are at school 12 hours a day. Doina our interpreter was telling us that her sister went to American and learned that it was not good to have children in school that long and that they should be not be taught baby talk but use correct words for everything. The mother of these children found that her kids could talk to adults but not to children. She sent her son to school for the morning for reading and math studies and then had him come home at noon. Pretty soon he wanted to stay all day, because he liked being with the children and the activities.
Now the little sister is about ready to go to school and she will probably go all day. They live next door to the school so if she needs to come home, she can.
I just think how much the parents are missing out on. This is a way that both parents can work and provide a living for the family.
I saw a coloring book in the store on Friday. One side of the page was the picture all painted and colored the other side was the same picture only needed to be colored. I guess just like the original.
Not much for imagination..
Well there are beautiful children here, with big eyes and curly hair. They are clean and happy in spite of the hard times they may have.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
PINK
Hi from MOLDOVA
I have noticed lots of places are pink. Our kitchen cabinets are dark pink and our bedroom is light pink. We were in a school, that we are helping to renovate, and I noticed that the ceiling in the halls are the same color as our kitchen cabinets. The class rooms were also painted pink. This school was for younger children.
The other day I noticed 3 little girls playing on our front entry way, all of them were wearing pink skirts or shorts.
There is a big apartment building going up near our apartment. The brick they are using is, you guessed it pink, though not the same color as our cabinets, more muted.
In our travels we saw a Church with the towers like the Russian Kremlin all painted pink. A little further down the street was a yellow church and then a blue one. These colors as all bright.
Pink is a happy color and these people need happiness in their lives so pink is a way to do that.
We were reflecting today as we bought groceries. The prices are about what we pay in the states but some only make in a month what I made in a day at the school. It is amazing that they survive.
Their schools are old and need of repair but their children or clean and not going hungry. Luckily Moldova has the best top soil in the world. Everything can grow here so no one need starve.
Another color quite prevalent in Chisineu is cement gray. The building we live in is that color on the outside. It and many other buildings were built when the Russians occupied this land. Some of these building still house people and others are empty and need to be torn down. We have found little shops in these buildings for printing and photo taking. It is amazing what interesting things you can find in the smallest of places.
I have noticed lots of places are pink. Our kitchen cabinets are dark pink and our bedroom is light pink. We were in a school, that we are helping to renovate, and I noticed that the ceiling in the halls are the same color as our kitchen cabinets. The class rooms were also painted pink. This school was for younger children.
The other day I noticed 3 little girls playing on our front entry way, all of them were wearing pink skirts or shorts.
There is a big apartment building going up near our apartment. The brick they are using is, you guessed it pink, though not the same color as our cabinets, more muted.
In our travels we saw a Church with the towers like the Russian Kremlin all painted pink. A little further down the street was a yellow church and then a blue one. These colors as all bright.
Pink is a happy color and these people need happiness in their lives so pink is a way to do that.
We were reflecting today as we bought groceries. The prices are about what we pay in the states but some only make in a month what I made in a day at the school. It is amazing that they survive.
Their schools are old and need of repair but their children or clean and not going hungry. Luckily Moldova has the best top soil in the world. Everything can grow here so no one need starve.
Another color quite prevalent in Chisineu is cement gray. The building we live in is that color on the outside. It and many other buildings were built when the Russians occupied this land. Some of these building still house people and others are empty and need to be torn down. We have found little shops in these buildings for printing and photo taking. It is amazing what interesting things you can find in the smallest of places.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Streets
An observation of the streets in Moldova is amazing.
The street that goes in front of our apartment is narrow but has traffic coming both ways. People also use it as a side walk. Parking is a premium search. There is a new apartment building going up in the next block so the workers need a place to park. There is a parking lot between us and the new building but the government has closed it off. There may be a government building over there. During the weekdays it is hard to find a spot. Some people park on the the side walks, or take the spots for our building.
There are other streets a little wider than ours with three lanes. One going right the other going left. The one in the center is what Walt calls a Chicken Lane. Both lanes of traffic pass using the center lane. I don't know why there aren't more head on collisions but so far we haven't seen any.
All main streets in all the Moldova towns are called Stephan cel Mare. This man was a military man who helped save Moldova from an invasion a long time ago. The street in Chisinau (where we live). is wide, two lanes going both directions with round abouts (traffic circles). There are business, shops and parks on this street.
Yesterday in our travels to the North we found some brand new highways. Newly paved. They were very nice. They got the money to do this from a grant from the United States. As soon the new pavement ran out the roads it was rough riding.
All the roads are pretty rough. (Except the new one) Some times we nearly hit the roof of the car going over speed bumps or through pot holes. We got a little lost once so this guy came to find us and take us to where they were digging trenches for a water project. He was trying to stay out of the pot holes and was driving quickly from one side of the road to the other. We were trying to keep up but couldn't his driving was to fancy for us. We were glad to get out and walk around for a bit. We get pretty tired with all this driving. I think it is because we are joggled and tossed from side to side and up and down the whole way to where ever we go.
Some of the roads into the villages and to water sites are not paved. They are bare rock or dirt. We see a lot of horse and cart travelers on the roads of all kinds, not in the city though.
I always wear my seat belt but I noticed that Sis Pinder and our translator Doina do not. We were all riding in the back seat. Walt and Elder Pinder in the front wear their seat belts. There is no way I will be without mine. Traffic is a white nail, hang on tight, close your eyes and pray experience.
The roads almost every where are lined with English Walnut trees. The nuts are green now but people go out and pick them to sell. We have also seen beautiful fields acres and acres of Yellow Sun flowers. They are very beautiful. We also see orchard of apples and peaches which are on right now. Watermelon and grapes are also being grown here. People sell these and every other kind of fruit of Veggie you can think of. People are not hungry here for which I am Thankful.
Moldova is a good place to be.
The street that goes in front of our apartment is narrow but has traffic coming both ways. People also use it as a side walk. Parking is a premium search. There is a new apartment building going up in the next block so the workers need a place to park. There is a parking lot between us and the new building but the government has closed it off. There may be a government building over there. During the weekdays it is hard to find a spot. Some people park on the the side walks, or take the spots for our building.
There are other streets a little wider than ours with three lanes. One going right the other going left. The one in the center is what Walt calls a Chicken Lane. Both lanes of traffic pass using the center lane. I don't know why there aren't more head on collisions but so far we haven't seen any.
All main streets in all the Moldova towns are called Stephan cel Mare. This man was a military man who helped save Moldova from an invasion a long time ago. The street in Chisinau (where we live). is wide, two lanes going both directions with round abouts (traffic circles). There are business, shops and parks on this street.
Yesterday in our travels to the North we found some brand new highways. Newly paved. They were very nice. They got the money to do this from a grant from the United States. As soon the new pavement ran out the roads it was rough riding.
All the roads are pretty rough. (Except the new one) Some times we nearly hit the roof of the car going over speed bumps or through pot holes. We got a little lost once so this guy came to find us and take us to where they were digging trenches for a water project. He was trying to stay out of the pot holes and was driving quickly from one side of the road to the other. We were trying to keep up but couldn't his driving was to fancy for us. We were glad to get out and walk around for a bit. We get pretty tired with all this driving. I think it is because we are joggled and tossed from side to side and up and down the whole way to where ever we go.
Some of the roads into the villages and to water sites are not paved. They are bare rock or dirt. We see a lot of horse and cart travelers on the roads of all kinds, not in the city though.
I always wear my seat belt but I noticed that Sis Pinder and our translator Doina do not. We were all riding in the back seat. Walt and Elder Pinder in the front wear their seat belts. There is no way I will be without mine. Traffic is a white nail, hang on tight, close your eyes and pray experience.
The roads almost every where are lined with English Walnut trees. The nuts are green now but people go out and pick them to sell. We have also seen beautiful fields acres and acres of Yellow Sun flowers. They are very beautiful. We also see orchard of apples and peaches which are on right now. Watermelon and grapes are also being grown here. People sell these and every other kind of fruit of Veggie you can think of. People are not hungry here for which I am Thankful.
Moldova is a good place to be.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
First 5 days
I don't know where to start. We have traveled over part of the Southeast part of the country, tomorrow, we go Northwest.
At church on Sunday, we meet some members of the branch. There were about 60 people there some were visitors from the United States. A former missionary returned with his family. We had an interpreter who speaks Russian and English. We were singing songs in Romanian others were singing Russian. You really couldn't tell the difference. The Pinder's gave a power point about the things they have been doing for the past year. People were surprised they had no idea what Humanitarian missionaries do. any way Elder Pindar was speaking in English. The power point was written in Romanian and we finally got a Russian interpreter up there to tell the Russian speakers what was going on. It was slightly CONFUSING.
Monday we took off at 8:00 a.m and went to a Kindergarten school in Causeni. The children going there are 3 to 7 years old. This project will be finished next week. New bathrooms were installed for boys and girls and 8 new outside doors were put in. That was our part but because we were willing to put money and equipment into it others who do construction were willing to redo floors and windows. Another company is going to put in new windows on the North side of the school. There was a big change in the old and new.
Then we went to a water project that will be finished this month. When we have the closing the US Embassy people, mayor etc with be there to speak and thank the people who did so much or the work and are willing to pay for clean water. Right now they get their water from wells that you draw up the water with a bucket.(usually rusty).
We also saw fields of big Sun Flowers. We stopped and got some pictures. Horse drawn carriages are a way of travel. People walk miles to get to the bus or Maxi Taxi stops to get into town or to work.
They walk a lot. We also saw people selling fresh tomatoes, peaches, grapes. There is also a place to buy these close to our apartment. yumm
Tue at 6:30 a.m. We got out and Elder Pinder drove us around town so we can get the law of the land with out to much traffic. The next 2 days we also drove around Walt drove I tried to follow on the Map. The most danger you are in is when you drive during business hours. SCARY IN DEED.
Wed. We saw another school this one was a school housing children form 7 to 18. They needed desk and chairs for three class rooms and computers. They are teaching English for their number one foreign language. The desks they have were donated from a kindergarten and are to small for the kids going there. The desks, chairs and school are 40 years old. They have been painting them white to help them look sort of nice. Parents and teachers help paint rooms etc. No money for desks and chairs.
They also need computers so we will be able to get some refurbished computers for them. Walt and I wrote up a project request for this school. It is our first project.
Today we went to another school here in Chiriseu It is a kindergarten so kids form 3 to 7. The kitchen is going to be constructed and they need a bread cutter. They slice 150 loaves of bread a day and peel 88 lbs of potatoes a day. They need a new potato peeler and oven. I worked in the school system for 15 years and we complained about freezer and refrigerator that were a little old. This fridge was 30 years old and rusty, there were holes in the walls and tile. They only had 4 racks in two small ovens. It is awful. The workers were surprised when I told them I had worked in a school kitchen.
The educated teachers there make in a month about what I made in a day. Yet they stay on and help the children, who are there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are fed 4 meals day and each child has a little bed to sleep in. This school might be our next project.
Well tomorrow we head North. Good night to all be. Thankful for what you have.
At church on Sunday, we meet some members of the branch. There were about 60 people there some were visitors from the United States. A former missionary returned with his family. We had an interpreter who speaks Russian and English. We were singing songs in Romanian others were singing Russian. You really couldn't tell the difference. The Pinder's gave a power point about the things they have been doing for the past year. People were surprised they had no idea what Humanitarian missionaries do. any way Elder Pindar was speaking in English. The power point was written in Romanian and we finally got a Russian interpreter up there to tell the Russian speakers what was going on. It was slightly CONFUSING.
Monday we took off at 8:00 a.m and went to a Kindergarten school in Causeni. The children going there are 3 to 7 years old. This project will be finished next week. New bathrooms were installed for boys and girls and 8 new outside doors were put in. That was our part but because we were willing to put money and equipment into it others who do construction were willing to redo floors and windows. Another company is going to put in new windows on the North side of the school. There was a big change in the old and new.
Then we went to a water project that will be finished this month. When we have the closing the US Embassy people, mayor etc with be there to speak and thank the people who did so much or the work and are willing to pay for clean water. Right now they get their water from wells that you draw up the water with a bucket.(usually rusty).
We also saw fields of big Sun Flowers. We stopped and got some pictures. Horse drawn carriages are a way of travel. People walk miles to get to the bus or Maxi Taxi stops to get into town or to work.
They walk a lot. We also saw people selling fresh tomatoes, peaches, grapes. There is also a place to buy these close to our apartment. yumm
Tue at 6:30 a.m. We got out and Elder Pinder drove us around town so we can get the law of the land with out to much traffic. The next 2 days we also drove around Walt drove I tried to follow on the Map. The most danger you are in is when you drive during business hours. SCARY IN DEED.
Wed. We saw another school this one was a school housing children form 7 to 18. They needed desk and chairs for three class rooms and computers. They are teaching English for their number one foreign language. The desks they have were donated from a kindergarten and are to small for the kids going there. The desks, chairs and school are 40 years old. They have been painting them white to help them look sort of nice. Parents and teachers help paint rooms etc. No money for desks and chairs.
They also need computers so we will be able to get some refurbished computers for them. Walt and I wrote up a project request for this school. It is our first project.
Today we went to another school here in Chiriseu It is a kindergarten so kids form 3 to 7. The kitchen is going to be constructed and they need a bread cutter. They slice 150 loaves of bread a day and peel 88 lbs of potatoes a day. They need a new potato peeler and oven. I worked in the school system for 15 years and we complained about freezer and refrigerator that were a little old. This fridge was 30 years old and rusty, there were holes in the walls and tile. They only had 4 racks in two small ovens. It is awful. The workers were surprised when I told them I had worked in a school kitchen.
The educated teachers there make in a month about what I made in a day. Yet they stay on and help the children, who are there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are fed 4 meals day and each child has a little bed to sleep in. This school might be our next project.
Well tomorrow we head North. Good night to all be. Thankful for what you have.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Moldova
Well we have arrived. Our flights were all pretty good. We had some bad turbulance over Boston and Washington DC area. The stewardesses were trying to hand out our meal, it took them a long time to get it all out. We were sitting on the last row of the airplane so were about the last to be served. By the time they got to us the ride was smoother so this time it was good to be last. That 2nd flight was 8 1/2 hours long. We had a GPS on our individual screens so we could watch the course our flight was taking us. We were able to sleep a little. In Frankfort, Germany we had to ask for the gate number the man helping us spoke very good English. We were in the bottom on the airport way on the end. They bussed us all to the airplane for the 2 hour flight to Moldova. Walt and I were assigned different rows. I was able to have my row to my self. I got to look out the window in between nodding off to sleep.
There are a lot of trees and plowed fields going in different directions. There is a river too that we followed for a while. Don't know which one.
Elder and Sister Pinder and Elder and Sister Schwartz picked us up. Their cars were to small to pick us up with our 4 large suitcases. So we met both couples at the same time. Moldova only allows 2 adult missionary couples in the country at once. I don't think the young missionaries have a limit.
Our apartment is pretty big. We have 2 bedrooms on of which is our office. A kitchen with a breakfast nook and then and inclosed balcony where we hang our clothes to dry, (there are no dryers here) and we can store our snow tires and suitcases etc. there. Next to the kitchen is the living room with a formal dining area. We have 1 1/2 bathrooms. In the smaller on we have filtered water which we can get our water to drink and cook with. It is all very nice.
The windows are all open so there is a nice breeze going through. Also going through are the noises of the children playing and people calling to each other. The street is narrow and is used for a sidewalk as well as the street.
The threshold to each room is raised so you have to step over it to get into the rooms. I wonder how many times we will stub our toe or stumble before we learn where they are. The floors are wooden with different patterns in the way the pieces are put together. They are very beautiful and have rugs to cover the walk ways. We have three locked doors to get to our apartment so it is very safe.
Today we went over to Elder and Sister Schwartz's place of dinner. It is much smaller, but thy have a beautiful flowered courtyard to go through to get to their apartment. They have 3 rooms and a bathroom.
It was Fast Sunday at church today. Most of the people speak Russian, some speak Romanian. Testimonies were said in both languages. The Romanian I could understand parts of what was said.
The Young Adults had a conference in Turkey (I think). There were about 7 from our branch and 3 others 2 investigators, 1 from the Ukraine. They had to go through a lot just to get visas and passports, driving records etc, etc to go. It was a hard process, but it was a wonderful time for them to draw together, learn so much, and feel the spirit. There was about 50 people in attendance more than we expected so it is growing here. There was a family from Utah there. They had picked up a son from the German mission and come to Moldova to visit the place their older son served his mission. The members loved seeing him again with his family.
The people were friendly lost of young adults. I only saw 3 children for the Pimary
There are a lot of trees and plowed fields going in different directions. There is a river too that we followed for a while. Don't know which one.
Elder and Sister Pinder and Elder and Sister Schwartz picked us up. Their cars were to small to pick us up with our 4 large suitcases. So we met both couples at the same time. Moldova only allows 2 adult missionary couples in the country at once. I don't think the young missionaries have a limit.
Our apartment is pretty big. We have 2 bedrooms on of which is our office. A kitchen with a breakfast nook and then and inclosed balcony where we hang our clothes to dry, (there are no dryers here) and we can store our snow tires and suitcases etc. there. Next to the kitchen is the living room with a formal dining area. We have 1 1/2 bathrooms. In the smaller on we have filtered water which we can get our water to drink and cook with. It is all very nice.
The windows are all open so there is a nice breeze going through. Also going through are the noises of the children playing and people calling to each other. The street is narrow and is used for a sidewalk as well as the street.
The threshold to each room is raised so you have to step over it to get into the rooms. I wonder how many times we will stub our toe or stumble before we learn where they are. The floors are wooden with different patterns in the way the pieces are put together. They are very beautiful and have rugs to cover the walk ways. We have three locked doors to get to our apartment so it is very safe.
Today we went over to Elder and Sister Schwartz's place of dinner. It is much smaller, but thy have a beautiful flowered courtyard to go through to get to their apartment. They have 3 rooms and a bathroom.
It was Fast Sunday at church today. Most of the people speak Russian, some speak Romanian. Testimonies were said in both languages. The Romanian I could understand parts of what was said.
The Young Adults had a conference in Turkey (I think). There were about 7 from our branch and 3 others 2 investigators, 1 from the Ukraine. They had to go through a lot just to get visas and passports, driving records etc, etc to go. It was a hard process, but it was a wonderful time for them to draw together, learn so much, and feel the spirit. There was about 50 people in attendance more than we expected so it is growing here. There was a family from Utah there. They had picked up a son from the German mission and come to Moldova to visit the place their older son served his mission. The members loved seeing him again with his family.
The people were friendly lost of young adults. I only saw 3 children for the Pimary
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Saying Good Bye
Some of our group have already left. They started leaving last weekend going to Nebraska, South Carolina and one couple left for the Philipeans (sorry I don't know how to spell it). The PEF missionaries had training on Saturday and Sunday and finished up today. A couple Elder and Sister Blatter from our first district leaves tomorrow morning for South Africa. They are from Montana. Others are leaving for Cambodia, and the Ukraine.
There aren't any Humanitarian projects in the United States so all 6 couples assigned to that area are going a long way a way. One couple in this group is departing on their 6th mission. They are going to Johanesburg South Africa. They have been all over the world and are a great source of information to us. Another of our group is headed our on their 4th mission. They are going to the country of Georgia. The rest of us are first timers one couple is going to China, another to Borneo, another Mexico City and us to Moldova. Elder and Sister Elise have to fly to Los Vagus tomorrow morning trying to get a Visa to Mexico City. There are about 6 of them going to do that. We teased them about getting on a bus and crossing the river and be reverse illegals. They are not sure when they will get to go to Mexico City. The couple going to Borneo will go home for 2 weeks then head out to their country. I don't know why that arrangement was made unless they only have Humamitarian missionaries going out one time a month. It is pretty extensive training with people from the head quarters doing the training.
We have learned about the Water/ Sanitation, Vision, Wheelchair, Immunization, Neonatal Resussutaion programs. We still have the food program to do or they might skip that one. They said none of us will be doing that program so they want to save the time for something else. We have also learned about the computer program that we have to writhe up our projects on. We have one more day of training. Then we will do the laundry, send back some of our stuff that we won't need, pack our bags and hopefully not have them weight over 50 lbs. and be off to Moldova at 5:30 a.m.
We had a Windows 7 class this evening there is another tomorrow evening. I don't know if we will make that one it depends on how ready we are by that time,
We had more new missionaries come in today. I looked out our window at 9:00 and could see lots of activity below. I think a new group came in. We didn't seem to have the cafeteria rush for dinner that we had last week so maybe they were more spread out coming in.
Well it is bed time and I need to be obedient and get there.
Good night all and Thank you for your prayers.
There aren't any Humanitarian projects in the United States so all 6 couples assigned to that area are going a long way a way. One couple in this group is departing on their 6th mission. They are going to Johanesburg South Africa. They have been all over the world and are a great source of information to us. Another of our group is headed our on their 4th mission. They are going to the country of Georgia. The rest of us are first timers one couple is going to China, another to Borneo, another Mexico City and us to Moldova. Elder and Sister Elise have to fly to Los Vagus tomorrow morning trying to get a Visa to Mexico City. There are about 6 of them going to do that. We teased them about getting on a bus and crossing the river and be reverse illegals. They are not sure when they will get to go to Mexico City. The couple going to Borneo will go home for 2 weeks then head out to their country. I don't know why that arrangement was made unless they only have Humamitarian missionaries going out one time a month. It is pretty extensive training with people from the head quarters doing the training.
We have learned about the Water/ Sanitation, Vision, Wheelchair, Immunization, Neonatal Resussutaion programs. We still have the food program to do or they might skip that one. They said none of us will be doing that program so they want to save the time for something else. We have also learned about the computer program that we have to writhe up our projects on. We have one more day of training. Then we will do the laundry, send back some of our stuff that we won't need, pack our bags and hopefully not have them weight over 50 lbs. and be off to Moldova at 5:30 a.m.
We had a Windows 7 class this evening there is another tomorrow evening. I don't know if we will make that one it depends on how ready we are by that time,
We had more new missionaries come in today. I looked out our window at 9:00 and could see lots of activity below. I think a new group came in. We didn't seem to have the cafeteria rush for dinner that we had last week so maybe they were more spread out coming in.
Well it is bed time and I need to be obedient and get there.
Good night all and Thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Thankful for Gray hair continued.
I had to get off of a call coming in.
So we went to dinner at 4:40 People traffic wasn't to bad, but before we finished eating they annouced that if you were down eating leave because another group was waiting to come in. There was a crush to take dirty dishes to the belt and to leave. It is amazing how this place works.
We had 2 fire sides tonight. The first was for missionaries leaving this week. there were 2 room bigger than our chapel and over flow full of people leaving. I have no idea how many. We had a guy come and tells us where to sit right up front. That was nice. They announced all the places were we are all headed and had the missionaries going there stand. Pretty amazing.
The second was for everyone. We had been told to go to the back of the auditorum. So that is where we were looking. But all we were heads of brown, blond or red hair. Then Walt spotted a row of gray hair in the front left side and we knew where we were to go to for our reserved seating. It is amazing to see all those youth going out into the world as Representitives of Jesus Christ. I am so glad to be part of their number.
Love you all
Arlana
So we went to dinner at 4:40 People traffic wasn't to bad, but before we finished eating they annouced that if you were down eating leave because another group was waiting to come in. There was a crush to take dirty dishes to the belt and to leave. It is amazing how this place works.
We had 2 fire sides tonight. The first was for missionaries leaving this week. there were 2 room bigger than our chapel and over flow full of people leaving. I have no idea how many. We had a guy come and tells us where to sit right up front. That was nice. They announced all the places were we are all headed and had the missionaries going there stand. Pretty amazing.
The second was for everyone. We had been told to go to the back of the auditorum. So that is where we were looking. But all we were heads of brown, blond or red hair. Then Walt spotted a row of gray hair in the front left side and we knew where we were to go to for our reserved seating. It is amazing to see all those youth going out into the world as Representitives of Jesus Christ. I am so glad to be part of their number.
Love you all
Arlana
Thankful for Gray Hair
Today was Sunday July 28. We had sacrament meeting at 7:30 a.m. Then breakfast at about 9. From there we watched Music and the Spoken Word. I have always like On a Clear Day You Can See for Ever. The choir sang that song and others.
Then we had Relief Society and 10:00 there 1,500 Sisters in the meeting. We were admonished to strengthen faith, find hope in all thing, read the scriptures, have trust in God. The speaker spoke for 45 min with out notes. She was awesome. There was a new sisters meeting then we had lunch.
The missionaries came in waves so not all at once. Very good thing. Roast beef, potatoes and gravy and carrots, plus side things to eat. As I came out of the cafeteria I was headed East, right into the head of hundreds of tall, well dressed young men going West, to dinner. Wow what a sight I had to get to the side of the hall so I wouldn't cause a crash.
We were home by 12:30 and talked to our kids. Skype with Sharon and family then Darren and Lauren. We called Valory. Talked to Stacey last night.
At 4:45 we went to dinner. was not to bad but before w
Then we had Relief Society and 10:00 there 1,500 Sisters in the meeting. We were admonished to strengthen faith, find hope in all thing, read the scriptures, have trust in God. The speaker spoke for 45 min with out notes. She was awesome. There was a new sisters meeting then we had lunch.
The missionaries came in waves so not all at once. Very good thing. Roast beef, potatoes and gravy and carrots, plus side things to eat. As I came out of the cafeteria I was headed East, right into the head of hundreds of tall, well dressed young men going West, to dinner. Wow what a sight I had to get to the side of the hall so I wouldn't cause a crash.
We were home by 12:30 and talked to our kids. Skype with Sharon and family then Darren and Lauren. We called Valory. Talked to Stacey last night.
At 4:45 we went to dinner. was not to bad but before w
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Third day in the MTC
Third day in the MTC I have found that it is not a good thing to go into dinner before 4:30 that is when all the young missionaries come in and there is no room for the older missionaries. Especially by the ice cream bar. I have observed young Elders in wheel chairs, on crutches and in braces because of twisted legs. I have seen them in casts of leg and arms. There is as young Sister here who is less than 3 feet tall. They are amazing. The are willing to serve the Lord no matter what there problems are. Young return missionaries are teaching new senior missionaries and doing a great job. To day we saw a machine in motion as 300 cars came in dropping off 300 missionaries in 3 hours. They have that down to an art. I have learned that I can teach with help from above. Even though what we planed was not used. We are learning more every day. Now we want to go for a walk and see the old tabernacle that is being rebuilt.
Good night to all
Love, Arlana
Good night to all
Love, Arlana
Monday, July 22, 2013
Entering the MTC
We caught the shuttle at the SLC airport. Debbie and Wayne Watts were our ride to the airport.
We received our name tags and paper work. We accomplished our check in tasks. Book store, travel office, Immunizations check. all were ok. We had a short orientation meeting. Then went to lunch. We had a turkey terriaquie ( sorry I don't know how to spell it) with pineapple sandwich with sweet potato fries. We looked of Elder Ogden but didn't see him. There are lots of girls here as missionaries. All sorts I was watching to see what they were wearing. I should be alright. We took our picture by a smaller world map. A missionary was passing by and took it for us.
At 1:00 we had another class at the end of it they divided us into districts. Walt was hoping not to be called but he was. So he is our District Leader for the next 4 days. There are 3 other couple in our district. We went over our list of things to check on and found out where every one is staying and phone numbers.
I used all our minuets up last night so we didn't have a phone number. We have replenished our minuets for the MTC. They want us to have a phone number.
They told us were to go for our district meeting. I took Walt the wrong way so we were the last ones to arrive. Oh Well. My sense of direction often gets me into trouble.
We finished at 3:30 and went to find our Romanian teacher. They wrote an emil to her. I don't know if we will see her or not
At 4:00 it was dinner time. I thought the young people would come later but they didn't. We were invited to sit with a couple with our district. We hadn't eaten very much when a young man said "Hi" It was Elder Odgen. We was sitting further down our table. He looked our way and saw us. That was cool to be abel to talk to him for a few min. Later we saw him in the hall and we took our picture with him.
We had to waited for an hour for the shuttle to the Merriott Hotel. This is where we are staying. Don't tell the young missionaries. We will go over to the regular housing on Sat. For now we are in nice digs.
Well I guess that is our day. We still have to unpack and do some studying of Preach My Gospel. We also have to be in bed by 10:30 Wow that might be hard for me. I am tired though so it will be a welcomed time. We have to be in class by 8 a.m. that is after breakfast etc.
Night all.
We received our name tags and paper work. We accomplished our check in tasks. Book store, travel office, Immunizations check. all were ok. We had a short orientation meeting. Then went to lunch. We had a turkey terriaquie ( sorry I don't know how to spell it) with pineapple sandwich with sweet potato fries. We looked of Elder Ogden but didn't see him. There are lots of girls here as missionaries. All sorts I was watching to see what they were wearing. I should be alright. We took our picture by a smaller world map. A missionary was passing by and took it for us.
At 1:00 we had another class at the end of it they divided us into districts. Walt was hoping not to be called but he was. So he is our District Leader for the next 4 days. There are 3 other couple in our district. We went over our list of things to check on and found out where every one is staying and phone numbers.
I used all our minuets up last night so we didn't have a phone number. We have replenished our minuets for the MTC. They want us to have a phone number.
They told us were to go for our district meeting. I took Walt the wrong way so we were the last ones to arrive. Oh Well. My sense of direction often gets me into trouble.
We finished at 3:30 and went to find our Romanian teacher. They wrote an emil to her. I don't know if we will see her or not
At 4:00 it was dinner time. I thought the young people would come later but they didn't. We were invited to sit with a couple with our district. We hadn't eaten very much when a young man said "Hi" It was Elder Odgen. We was sitting further down our table. He looked our way and saw us. That was cool to be abel to talk to him for a few min. Later we saw him in the hall and we took our picture with him.
We had to waited for an hour for the shuttle to the Merriott Hotel. This is where we are staying. Don't tell the young missionaries. We will go over to the regular housing on Sat. For now we are in nice digs.
Well I guess that is our day. We still have to unpack and do some studying of Preach My Gospel. We also have to be in bed by 10:30 Wow that might be hard for me. I am tired though so it will be a welcomed time. We have to be in class by 8 a.m. that is after breakfast etc.
Night all.
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