Cooking & laundry in Moldova

Since our last blog post, a lot has happened. Wednesday, after English lessons, we took the boys to see Shrek 3 in 3D. The movie was in Russian with subtitles. Unfortunately for us, the subtitles were in Romanian. I (Sara) understood putin (a little) of the movie in Romanian. Colleen got a headache from trying to decipher the foreign languages and, therefore, had to take a brief respite (aka nap) to recover. We plan on seeing the movie in English when we return home so we can see how far off our interpretation was.

Yesterday, Eli, Alex & Dima picked us up from the house and we went to the art market. We found a few things that we liked and had a good time walking around looking at all the beautiful paintings. After the market, we went on a long walk and ended up at...you probably can't guess...the Yellow Box. If you haven't heard of the Yellow Box, then you probably don't know Steve Davis. On our Christmas in Moldova trip, we went to the Yellow Box probably 3 times or more in a period of 7 days. Don't get me wrong, the food isn't bad. It's just complicated when you have to take a team of 12+ people who don't speak the local language and they have to go through a cafeteria style line to pick out what they want to eat. (not knowing what it is they are actually getting)

Anyway, back to yesterday... So we ate at the Yellow Box and then went back to their apartment and had an English lesson. It lasted about an hour and a half and then we went downstairs to the market to buy groceries for dinner. If you've never shopped in a Moldovan market, it's quite an experience. Many of the food choices & ingredients that we are used to aren't available here. We had thought about making tacos, but were not able to find tortilla shells or salsa or anything that resembled it. So, at the market, we revamped our plan and chose to buy ingredients to make chicken, mashed potatoes, corn & Moldovan salad. Looking back, we wished we would've asked (prior to our trip to the market) what appliances in their apartment were in working order. When we returned with the groceries, we quickly found that their refrigerator is only slightly cool. We also found that their oven doesn't work and only one eye on their stove is functional. That made it more difficult and extended the process considerably. We also didn't know how few dishes they had or pots & pans. We made it work though.

Colleen didn't realize that Eli had picked out chicken that still had bones, when he had told her that it was boneless chicken. So, Colleen spent a good part of an hour de-boning & slicing the chicken. It was at that point that I was informed of her disgust of raw meat. She REALLY doesn't like touching it and I now wish that I'd gotten her expression on video. It was priceless. Apparently, her disgust of raw meat is comparable to my fear of mascots (aka people in furry costumes). I will now go on a minor rabbit trail to explain my mascot fear and how it was challenged here in Moldova.

On Sunday, before evening church, Igor, Colleen, Eli, Constantsa, Alex & myself went to the park and found the writing wall and we wrote some messages on it. Well, there was a man in a tiger costume walking around and Colleen asked me if I would take a picture with him, since no one seemed to take him up on his offer to have their picture with him. I protested, but was bribed with a Coke, so I conceded and tried to put my fear aside. (at this point, Colleen had no knowledge of my fear of mascots) She took one picture and then the mascot pulled me onto his lap for another picture and then wouldn't let me up. Igor gave him a look and he let me up. Then, when I was standing by the wall, the mascot came up behind me and grabbed me. I pushed forward toward Alex (since he was standing in front of me), hoping that he would protect me from the disgusting, furry creature. Thankfully, the mascot let go of me. Igor said something to him and he let go. Needless to say, whenever we go near that park and I see the tiger, I immediately latch on to one of the boys for protection. Sadly, that experience has further increased my fear of mascots.

Ok, back to cooking. So while Colleen was de-boning the chicken, Eli washed potatoes & I sliced them. We put those on to boil on the only available eye. While that boiled, Colleen still de-boned chicken and I took a break. In our first trip to the market, we didn't think to get milk, flour or dish soap. (since we didn't know they didn't have dish soap) So, Colleen & Eli went back to the market for those items, since Eli didn't know what flour was & needed some help. Once the potatoes were soft, I drained the water and mashed them and, in the typical southern way, added butter, milk & salt & pepper. We then breaded the chicken with the flour & a seasoning packet we got at the market. Since we bought 2 packages of chicken, it took a little longer than expected to cook it. We sauted it in some olive oil and while that cooked, we washed the raw chicken dishes with the newly bought dish soap. While the chicken cooked (which took about 45 minutes), Alex prepared the Moldovan salad which consisted of many random items such as, cabbage, radishes, mushrooms, mayo, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Once the chicken was done, we heated up the corn (to which we added some butter and salt & pepper).

We managed to fit 7 of us at the table (which was moved into Alex's room) to eat. There weren't enough plates or utensils, so some of us ate out of bowls and with spoons. (it was kinda fun eating chicken with a spoon) They really seemed to enjoy the food, though we didn't salt it to their liking. The Moldovan salad that Alex made was pretty good too. We bought ice cream for dessert, which was a big hit.

When we went to clean up, Eli told us to leave the food out and they would eat it later. We were concerned about food temperatures and it spoiling, but apparently this is a norm to them. Overall, it was a good experience for us to have. We learned how different things are here than in the states and we are very thankful for the modern appliances we so easily take for granted. (like a microwave, working refrigerator, a working oven, or a dryer)

We neglected to inform you of our experience washing clothes in Moldova. Victor & Valentina have a washing machine, but no dryer. We washed 1 load of clothes and then had to lay them out on a drying rack. If it wasn't supposed to rain, we would've hung them outside on the clothes line. It took a while for them to dry and we ended up having to iron them the next day (they creased on the drying rack), but it was a good experience for us. We will appreciate dryers much more now.

Today we're giving the boys an "exam" to review their English and then we're taking them bowling and to dinner at La Placenta. It's going to be a fun, yet bittersweet day since it's our last day with them. I'm going to post some pictures now for your enjoyment. We miss you all and love you dearly.

Sara (write) & Colleen (co-writer)

Colleen's laundry in the tub. She decided to hand wash a few things.

Our writing on the wall in the park. "Sara was here & so was Eli & Colleen & Igor & Constantsa & Alex."

Me with the scary mascot. Don't I just look thrilled?

Humbled

(Igor, Constantsa, Colleen & Eli)

Yesterday, we talked to the boys about money management and the importance of saving money for the future. The topic was much more complicated than we'd originally anticipated. We had no prior knowledge of their financial situations or how they receive income. We quickly found out that this was not going to be an easy topic. The boys are given money every 3 days for all of them to share for food and transportation. When we began talking about saving for the future, they were confused because that is not a concept they are familiar with. Since they grew up in different orphanages, they are used to living day to day and the future isn't really something they think about. When we talked about money in the context of having a family one day, they began to worry since none of them have jobs (except Eli will translate occasionally & Alex will occasionally get paid for teaching guitar & playing at camps). It's harder to find a job here in Moldova, even though it's hard in the U.S. as well. When Eli told us that, we instantly felt guilty because our intention wasn't to make them worry, but to explain the importance of saving.

When we talked about setting a little money aside, they explained that they like to help those in need whenever possible. They said that the money is God's and that's what He would want them to do because the Bible tells us to give to those in need. The hard part is that they don't see themselves as being in need. Hearing their strong desire to help others when they have so little, really made us feel ashamed. We have so much and yet we can be so stingy when it comes to helping others. This week we have witnessed their amazing faith in God's provisions and their trust that He will provide. We have also been the recipients of their generosity. It's been a very humbling experience, knowing that they really don't have the money to spend on us, yet they see us as valuable enough to do so.

Every time we get together with them, we are thanked numerous times. They also pray at the end of every lesson and thank God for us being there. We have become so close to them that it's going to be even harder to leave Moldova. We dread that day and I already know tears will fall.
(Mono poquito napkin?)

(Igor, Sara & Eli)

We appreciate all of your prayers as we are across the world, but know we are in good hands, God's hands. He has taken care of us and we aren't worried about our safety or the strange foods we eat and buses we ride. God has blessed us with knowing them and our faith has been challenged through their selfless love. Also, chivalry isn't dead...at least not in Moldova.

As you pray for us on this trip, I (Sara) would also appreciate your prayers as I prayerfully consider an extended stay here in Moldova in the near future. The need here is great. As you pray for us, please pray for the boys, Elijah, Igor, Alex, Eduard & Dima. They have such great hearts and they all desperately want to come to the states. Pray for God's plan for their lives and that their faith would continue to grow.

(Eduard, Eli, Dima & Alex)

Ajutor!! Ajutor!! Ajutor!!

In case you are wondering what Adjutor means, it is Romanian for HELP! This has been our most commonly used phrase of the week, and it is only Tuesday! No, we are not in any real danger, we mainly use it when we have communication issues with the boys. The most common use of the word is "Eli Ajutor Ajutor!". He is our translator for the week and has a minor case of ADHD. The other boys have joined in using this phrase and also call for HELP when they don't understand us.I must say that over all, the guys are doing a great job and picking up on English very quickly. As Alex would say "I am making progressing"!

We have also taught them that yawns are contagious, the proper use of the word duh, and difference between a flower and grass. Aren't we fabulous teachers.

In all seriousness they are doing very well and Sara and I feel very lucky to be teaching them. I said yesterday that I feel like I have taught them more in 3 days then I taught my class all last year.Today we are going to talk about money management and it should be quite interesting. It is difficult for them to understand the concept of saving. They have always had to live in the moment and when they get money it burns a whole in their pockets. They are also incredibly generous and love to share what Jesus has given them. It has been a very humbling experience to see their faith in God and their desire to share what they know is not truly theirs. Many times this week we have been the recipients of their generosity and feel a little guilty because we know they do not have much. But they love to give!

These guys are so appreciative of what we are doing here. We are constantly being thanked for helping them and we can see that they truly want to learn. It is different from any other student I have known, they do not take learning for granted and understand how important it is and how much it will benefit them in the future.

We already know that it is going to be very difficult to leave since they are not just our students, but also amazing friends. We hope to continue teaching them when we get home through the use of Skype. Their goal is to be able to speak English well in one year, and we will do everything we can to make that happen!

We thought that this week would be somewhat relaxing and that we would have plenty of down time, but, as things tend to go, we have been spending 8 + hours working with the boys. (which is why we haven't been blogging, as promised) We will try to write more often, though it may be brief.

And now, as we close this wonderful blog, we will leave you with a new Romanian phrase we have learned, as well as a picture of Eli, Colleen, me & Alex with the beautiful (frumoasa) flowers (not grass) they bought us.

Am nevoie de un calmant. (I need a painkiller.)


We love you all,
Colleen & Sara

Cake In Heaven

The past few days have been quite a blur. We've been quite busy going to Olga & Dorel's church on Sunday and then going to camp the past few days. Camp has been fun and we've seen quite a few kids we first met on our Christmas trip. Since we're brain-dead due to lack of sleep, we're going to just post some pictures from the trip. Enjoy! We'll write in more detail next week when things aren't so crazy.



Two of the itty-bitties helping each other up the stairs.


Maria was ready for the flood.



Dima, me, Alex, Colleen, Eduard & Eli at the Chisinau sign.

Andrian & his brother, Eugen.




Sara & her buddy, Nina.


Andrian, Colleen's buddy.


Ghena, one of the boys at the camp & Colleen's other buddy.


Eli & Dima. Dima took his red balloon and let air out behind everyone, to simulate a certain gassy noise.


Melissa, Sara & Alex being goofy in the van.

We made it to Moldova

After over a day of traveling, we are exhausted. We managed to make every connecting flight and navigated the airports with little trouble. Our 17 year old counterpart, Jennifer Olga (originally from Moldova), whose traveling safety was entrusted to us, managed to only get separated from us once, for a brief time. Thankfully it was in Munich and the airport wasn't as big as we'd expected. She made it here with minimal damage to her psyche. Our luggage arrived with us and we were greeted by several of our Moldovan friends. (Eli, Eduard & Boris)
We made sure to give Boris our "tickets", which are a running joke from last year when he used the "gun show" joke on us. Colleen made some awesome tickets that were bright pink and sparkly. Needless to say, Boris loved it!
Boris drove us to Victor & Valentina's house (and throughout our drive we had a mini Romanian lesson). Colleen and I cleaned up with showers and took a little bit of a nap (though now we're trying to wake up so we are able to sleep through the night).
Thank you for your prayers for our flights. We are here and in good spirits. We will post more once we're more coherent and rested. The Texas team arrives tonight around 6 pm. Currently, it is 4:17 am, if that gives you any idea of our time frame. We are 8 hours ahead of you, so if you have questions about tomorrow, let us know. :)
We love you all and hope you are doing well!

Mission Trip to Moldova

To all my faithful readers (all 5-6 of you), I will be leaving on a mission trip to Moldova tomorrow for 3 weeks. My friend, Colleen, will also be on this 3 week journey with me. We will be documenting our journey and adventures here, on my blog. We figured it would be easier to tell our friends and family one place they can go to keep up with us and what's going on with us, instead of having to go through several different social networks to keep people updated. We can't guarantee that we'll post daily (though we will try), since internet access isn't always easily attainable, but we will blog as often as we can. The first two weeks we will be in Chisinau and should have access to internet. I'm not sure if the team house in Balti (week 3) has internet access, but we'll find out. So, if you don't hear from us the last week, we probably don't have internet access. Either way, we hope to keep you informed about our travels and activities as much as possible. We appreciate your prayers and support as we leave and we can't wait to return and tell you all about our trip!

Schoolday Memories from 1938

Before you jump to conclusions and think I'm really THAT old and that I've found the fountain of youth, the title of this particular blog refers to memories from before my time. I'm going to share some "schoolday memories" from my Grandma (Wilma) Rich's class autograph book.  In 1938 they had some pretty catchy "yearbook" phrases.  Here are some of my favorites...

Dear Girl Friend,

When you get married and have twins, come over to my house for safety pins.

Yours till the boardwalks,

~Edna Broom

Dear Wilma,

Love many

Trust few

But always

Paddle your

Own canoe

~Mother

Dear Wilma,

When the words that I write here are dim on the page, and the leaves of your album are yellow with age, Remember me kindly and don't forget that wherever we are, I'll remember you yet.

~Joyce 

Dear Wilma,

Remember the school days when you and I were young. We used to sit together and chew each others "GUM." 

Your friend,

~Emma Pauline Cobb

Dearest Wilma,

May your life be like arithmetic,

Your friends added,

Your foes subtracted,

Your joy multiplied,

And your sorrows divided.

Your true friend,

~Margie Munroe

Dear Wilma,

May your life ever-float down the river of time, like a bob-tailed chicken on a sweet-potato vine.

Yours truly,

~Jimmy McConnell

Dear Wilma,

Remember me early

Remember me late

Remember the girl

That stole your date

Your friend,

~Norma Stephens

Dear Wilma,

When you get married, and your old man gets cross; pick up a rolling pin and show him who's boss.

Your friend,

~Lewis Kirkpatrick

Dear Wilma,

A boy's love is much like snuff

Just a little and that's enough

A girl's love is more like gold

Hard to get and hard to hold

Your pal,

~Lenna Malcom

Dear Wilma,

If you get old and ugly

As people sometimes do

Remember that you have a friend

Who's old and ugly too.

Your friend,

~Betty G.

Hope you enjoyed reminiscing of the old days as much as I did!  Feel free to share any that your grandparents/parents might've written in their class autograph books.