Well, I arrived in Lupeni on Thursday night at about 10:30. My plane rides were very long, but pleasantly uneventful, except that the flight attendant on the way from
We went to the hotel in
In the morning we went to the train station, bought tickets and had to wait about 4 hours at McDonalds until our train came. We got to talk and show each other pictures and it was fun. We caught the train and settled down for our 6 hour ride. This is probably the most humorous part. I have prepared myself for Romanians to be quite cold and closed. But the train compartment we were in must have been filled with the friendliest Romanians ever. There was myself and George, Mr. Metricul and a woman with an older woman. The all seemed very friendly, especially Mr. Metricul. Now at this point I had not spoken a word of Romanian to George, even though I know quite a bit of the simple stuff. I get nervous about speaking even languages that I know and love. I discovered quickly that if I pretended that I didn’t know any Romanian, I could listen to some of the things that were said in the traincar and no one would know. George translated a lot, but there were things I picked up on that I don’t think he realized I did.
The people in the car assumed that George was paying me to take him to the States to be my husband. George corrected them. (This part he translated) But then Mr. Metricul went on to say perhaps there was still hope. George laughed but did not protest. For the rest of the train ride, no one knew that I knew George’s last name or the word for Mrs, but they called me Mrs Ionascu. Very funny. Also, George asked the younger lady if she was pregnant. I was shocked and old him in
Dana drove us the last 20 minutes to Lupeni. My apartment is small and I have 5 roommates right now. Katie, Carity and I are the Americani girls, and we share a room, but Charity is only here a week longer. Diana and Andreea are Romanians. And Andrew is Americani, but leaving in June. The apartment is quite messy, though I think that is on account of the Americanis, because Diana and Andreea’s rooms are neat. I hope our organization improves because it is trying on me right now. One issue is that there is nowhere to put anything- no shelves or closets or anything. I hope to build something VERY soon- my brain is too disorganized for my things not to be.
Yesterday was my first day at the office for the Fundatia (foundation). It is a quick walk down the street. Dana said I could chill, but I was bored so I started reading the enormous manual for the Impact clubs. I really wish I could express all that I have thought today while reading the introduction. Their theories and models are really mind-blowing. Their theology is so sound and the outworking of it is amazing. I cannot wait to delve into this. There will definitely be more thoughts on this later.
Today all the Americanis went to the Piata- open air market and bought food and lilacs for the kitchen. Lilacs remind me of home, so the fragrance everywhere is a blessing. The piata was fun. All the old ladys with skirts and kerchiefs like to grab my arms and smile saying: Romaneste? (I reply nu, with a smile, and before I can go on…) Italiano? Hungari? (nu nu, Americani) They smile at Americani and ask me how I like
I want to describe the town and surrounding area, because it is SO unique, for now I will be vague because I think I will be able to describe it more clearly when I have experienced it more. For now I will tell you that it is a blast from the past. Picture the opening scenes of Beauty and the Beast, but dirtier. There are markets everywhere and abandoned run down buildings, but if look just beyond the farms and dirty children, foothills loom, still a bit snowcapped and just accessible enough that they make you want to climb them RIGHT NOW. I am excited to start really learning Romanian, and Dana is going to get me a tutor for it. I am catching on quickly with the basics, and the people at the Fundatia are very encouraging.
Tmorrow is the Orthodox Chrismation for the Bates, so we and the Romanians are going to party like its 1999 (except in
I have moments of missing you all like crazy, but I have been able to distract myself from them for now., though it does not diminish my love.
4 comments:
Davia, I am so glad to read that things are going well!! My prayers are always with you and I can't wait to hear more. Luckily in June I get a whole week to hear all of the details!! :) I was talking to my sister about how you will be around for a week, and we both decided you are a very useful person to have around for a whole week before a wedding. Not only will you make it beyond fun, and be beyond supportive, but you will be very helpful and selfless when it comes to getting things done!
I love you more then words can express.
Allison
Davia!!
So glad everything went so well getting there! So good to hear that you are settling into your new home! You're in for a large adventure dear friend! Can't wait to hear all about things as they develop! love love!
Rachel
Law and Order !!! No Way !!! Glad to here things are going well. It sounds very exciting . Donna
Dearest-
It makes me smile so much to read about the beginning of your adventures abroad! I can just picture you wide-eyed and humble as you approach all the new things. Keep your eyes open, enjoy the little things and the big things. I have my whole house praying for you...specifically my mom and my grandmother. You are showered with love and prayers from so many people.
I love you.
Rachel
p.s. law and order was one of the american shows that was always on in england, too.
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