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.
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