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Horse and Van
A common sight.... The horses are so trained/tired that most of them are not even tied up when they stand along the road. Most horses are not in pastures, but tied on chains in ditches. We spoke to the women's group this morning. I spoke on Galatians 6:9 "Do not grow weary....." and on the first chapter of James which again speaks of perseverance and how God loves the widows and orphans. These women all have taken orphans into their homes. Jane spoke about being refined as silver from Malachi. God allows us to go through trials so we can reflect His character. We couldn't talk with the women as it was through an interpretor, so don't know the response. I am sure we'll hear sometime.
We then did groceries with our driver, a middle age man who has lived in the States for many years. Jane offered to buy him a coffee, which totally offended him. He instructed us to the cost of coffee; how he could buy a quarter pound of coffee for that price and serve fifteen people. He makes 800 lei per month, which is about $400. That is a good wage here. Many people make much less. No wonder they can't buy the groceries in the store! We wanted to buy the young people some snacks as we fed them on $25/person over an eight day time span. (until Sunday)
The Outhouse
Jane working on the outhouse.... They asked us to step up the food a little! (but we can't; couldn't find much decent meat in the store this morning. We've had to go to several different places at times to find hamburger. We've tried to buy coffee cream but the cream and whole milk has been sour every time we've bought some.) The first few days were rather interesting as we learned to cook for 25 people in a kitchen that is 3.5 wide and 5 feet long. (not including the tiny counter and stove) The floor is so crooked that I needed to hold the frying pan on the stove or it would slip off! The stove is so tiny that only two pans fit on a four burner stove. The place we are staying in is actually an old Bible smuggling station from the communist era when Romania was a closed country. It's really comfortable for all of us. We even have a wash machine, although we dry everything outside. Today we did laundry for all the boys; then it started raining so we hauled it all inside again. It's been fun!
We had a good visit with Hailey, Peter's wife, this afternoon
as well. We sat around and fellowshipped. It's interesting to hear it from her perspective. Romanians have little money but lots of time, so will waste time to save a little bit of money. We did discuss the West as well, and how different things are here. So many things that are important in Canada seem so inane here. She told us of a family who have seven in their family but only one bed for the whole family. When Peter asked them how they decided who would sleep in the bed, they answered, "The sick ones." One Canadian family is now buying a bunkbed for them. There is so much poverty here. Although there is perhaps more poverty in Russia, we didn't get into people's lives like we are here. It makes me question a lot of things that seem so important to me in Canada. I want this trip to change me, to give me more of a heart for those suffering. This trip beats a cruise to the Caribean by a long shot! Just to sit around and debrief with the team about their experiences, to pray together, read the Bible together, to be able to get
Dacia
In the Communist era there was only one kind of car: the Dacia. They came in all colors, but no different makes or models. The country is full of these eighties cars. into the lives of Romanians and come along side of them, makes it so worthwhile. I wouldn't trade ten trips to Disney World for this! The kids are out working at the mission station; painting, cleaning up, etc. Every morning they get up early and leave with the men. They arrive home at night exhausted but excited to go the following day again. I am so glad that we've been able to experience this as a family. (although I miss Mark!)
Tomorrow we hope to visit Dracula's castle in Sighisoara. Not the Dracula that Disney has created, but the real Dracula who rescued the Romanian people from oppression. Its the only functioning castle in Europe; people live in the castle, have stores there, etc. Should be very interesting, especially seeing how many horses are used here!
Anyway, we miss you all! Teresa and the gang at the barn; we miss you! (Give them all my greetings!) Toos, if you are reading this, please give my love to all the family and tell them we are doing well! Teresa, could you print off the blog and give it to Kathy Pierzchala if you see her. Wendy, thanks for subscribing
Romanian Lunch in Lunca
We had a Romanian lunch for the May 1st holiday in Lunca. to the blog; hope you are doing well. Johanna, send me an email sometime! I am in touch with some of you via email, so I haven't forgotten you!
God bless you all!
Love,
Els
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