Going To See Dracula!

Buna Sera!

I finally put up the pictures from the Halloween party!  Actually, I can't say finally because the party only happened yesterday.  But, I am so stinking excited for tomorrow I can hardly stand it.  It is definitely going to be a character building experience though...This week I am going to do many things I haven't done before that I can finally say I have.  I say never let a new experience pass you by because who knows when the opportunity will pass by again?  So I am trying to take life by the horns and do everything I can to live up all my experiences.

Today was Sunday.  I really do love Sundays, the only day out of the week I can semi-relax.  But even this particular day felt busy.  We went to our church and I am still amazed I listen to three hours of Romanian just from church.  I really wish I understood more but I can still feel the spirit so that is all that matters.  On my own, to be honest, I can't understand like anything.  It really does take alot more effort not to let my mind wander.  Luckily, the amazing missionaries get to practice their talents, and of course help us, by translating most of the meetings.  So they really have been a blessing.  And one of the, Sora Holden, happens to be on the same train with us leaving to Bucharest tomorrow!  She will really be a help in showing us the know-how of Romania trains plus I like here a lot.  She is just the best! 

But we got home around 2:00 by the time we walked back and then at 5, 3 of us girls and then 3 of our friends went to another church service.  We went to the Metropolitan Church where Sfanta Parascheva's body is supposedly still there.  It was seriously so amazing to attend and see what mass was like for Romanian Orthodox.  This is the church where the line stretches from even outside the church so people can touch the saint's "hand".  It still puts me in awe that I am surrounded by so much history.  An entire street is just dedicated to Cathedrals, Monasteries, and other historical parts of Iasi!  It really makes this town so unique because it is known as the cultural capital of Romania.  But the service was very interesting.  The entire time the priests were chanting and people were standing or bowing, for 2 hours!  It was very humbling and wonderful to see people so spiritually involved in something they believe in for the most part.  It was cool to see the similarities and differences to things we believe in.  The architecture inside really was breath taking.  I feel so lucky to have these experiences!

Speaking of adventures...Tomorrow at 11:30 at night starts mine!

1) ugh...an overnight sleeper train.  But...It is my first train ride!!!  It might not be up to other standards and I probably won't sleep at all but I know it is going to be an adventure.  From what I have heard the bedding they give is less than sanitary,no food, and the tracks are so loud who knows if I can even close my eyes.  But it will be so worth it because it is the start of my adventure!
2) We arrive in Bucharest at 6:30 am.  So very early.  But we have the entire day in the capital!  So we are planning on seeing the People's Palace and Revolutionary Square.  Then we get to stay at a nice hostel in the center of it all.  Again, a first.  My first hostel!  Going to be an experience
3) We sleep in the hostel and then wake up early to take a few hour train ride to Brasov!  Transylvania area!!
4) We have 3 days just in Brasov.  So we have a list of several possibilities.  But for sure on Thursday we are taking a day tour to see Bran and Peles Castle and then a fort!  But there is also a zoo, Singsoare, the Black Church and several other churches and forts
5) Saturday is our last day we board another train and ride back to Iasi and arrive late that night.  A crazy adventure but an amazing one nonetheless

Who knows if I can bring my laptop or what I am going to do about the Internet.  So if anything...talk to everyone next Sunday for an update!

Mare vis, because I know I sure am!

Dani

Halloween Time

Tomorrow is Halloween!  Such a fun day, but yes very crazy busy.  Since Halloween is on a Sunday this year the branch threw a party today.  No, Romanians don't celebrate Halloween but they do know what it is.  I have seen some jack-o-lanterns and ghosts for decorations but nothing like back home.  The "Halloween" isle at Karrfour was practically non-existent.  So the costumes we wore had to come from our wardrobes and imaginations.  Yes, I did dress up!  I went as Minnie Mouse this year.  It really wasn't that hard because my clothes seem to already look like her or something because all I really had to find was ribbon.  I finally found some at the Moldova Mall and it was only 2.5 lei for a meter of red ribbon with white polka dots.  But before I get too much ahead...I should start at the beginning of my day.

I got up early this morning so I could run with someone around 8:00.  He never showed up even though we waited for a little while.  Who knows what happened.  But it is ok because this morning was freezing, aka frost was everywhere and dogs were barking smoke, and I was really tired.  I just went back to sleep since I was up late making cupcakes.  But, I got up again at 10:00am and we started making so more cupcakes and made the frosting.  It was fun, but very time consuming.  They only cook for about 20 minutes but using an electric mixer that gets overheated very fast and using an oven we have to constantly check because it is gas is kind of a pain.  Plus we have to fill a pan with water to put on the bottom of the oven so it doesn't heat up too fast.  Which happened on the last batch we did of cupcakes because I forgot to add water again, like you need to before almost every time, and they burned.

After the second round of cupcakes I hurried home so I could shower.  Another interesting feat because half-way through the week the plastic that holds the hose on the wall broke.  So we have to hold it while we shower making it kind of inconvenient when you are tight on time.  But this is what adventures are made of!  I hurried back over, bringing all of my stuff to change into, and continued to cook, frost, and decorate till 2.  That is when Aurelia showed up with her stuff to get ready as well.  She helped fix my hair, a first in about 2 months, by using her curling iron thing which was just a plastic round brush that blew hot air.  But, it is still better than looking like I do everyday!  Then I got ready and 4 is when the party started!

Sadly, my worker and her family never showed up....but the party was still fun.  There were many people I hadn't seen before, probably investigators, but it was fun because there were lots of little kids as well.  The ward really has no kids so having a Halloween party made it fun with them there.  Our cupcakes were a huge hit!  Many people wanted the recipe even though they don't really have cupcakes here ( I don't think they even have the tins for them).  But they did love them.  The games went over splendidly as well.  We had bobbing for apples, guessing what something was (the touching the things that feel gross), doughnuts on a string, pumpkin carving, and of course costumes.  It really was a blast!

I got home around 6:30 and then got to talk to my parents.  I am super excited to see my family again but it crazy how fast time has been flying!  Many more fun things to come during the week! Lots of pictures being posted on my facebook from today coming soon...

Cu mult drag,

Dani

Cupcake Adventure

Buna Ziua Everyone!

Another great, ok AMAZING DAY!  Well there are plenty more of those to come in the near future but today was just plain fun.  I don't even know where to start... 

But, I did go to the orphanage today.  Man, I really do love my kiddos.  All of them, even the new ones.  And yes in case you were wondering I think I have thought of names for them.  The little boy's name is Dennis.  Here is a quick story about him.  Some of the girls had been with a little boy at the hospital for a while.  They just called him Dennis because no one seemed to know his real name or something.  So, one day they went and he wasn't there.  They were sad because they had really come to love that little guys but then they found out he went to the Section 2 where we work.  And yes, he ended up in my room.  There you have it, Dennis.  As for the little girl.  I really don't know much about her.  I do know that she just turned 1 in September and is already walking.  Crazy, how children develop at different places sometimes.  But, I couldn't really think of a name that really suited here.  She is a ball of fun and another little chunkster!  She is just adorable so I decided to call her Winnie like Winnie the Pooh cause she is snugly, pudgy, cutie pie.  I have only had them a few day but I am getting to know them bit by bit.  Winnie even gets really excited to see me walk into the room now!  But, there is another reason my day at the orphanage was amazing....I had my favorite worker there.  Her name is Kami and she is just a hoot.  Today she even said that I am like here daughter, and then said I wish.  So it really made me feel special today.  But, I did something just out of inspiration.  We are having a ward Halloween party here and I invited her and her family!  She has a 13 year old son so I know that dressing up and other games seems like something she would enjoy.  She has heard about our church before from past girls so it makes me happy to see that she knows my standards (like today she asked if I drank coffee and then said she knew I didn't because I was Mormon).  But I really did invite here just because it sounds like something her and her son would enjoy and because I really just like her as a person!  So who knows if she will show up, but at least I tried because I really would be happy to spend time with her if she came. Who knows what will happen.  But it is cool that finally my "work" life can cross into reality as well...aka inviting her and her family to come to a party.  I wanted Teo, the manager of the orphanage, to come but she is crazy swamped at the orphanage.  Things aren't going to well I guess right now and there is a HUGE meeting so the head staff are really busy.  I feel so bad for them because I have seen only a glimpse of how much it really takes to run an institution like this.  It is a lot of work!

I didn't go to the hospital today.  Today was just one of those days....but I did go to the mall with my friend Elizabeth.  I really do love shopping for other people cause I love seeing people all dressed up and happy.  We were finding a costume for her but the "costume" was really something she could wear again, like all the time.  She is going as Blair from Gossip Girl!  Ha ha love it.  Kind of a guilty pleasure for us.  But she got a WHOLE outfit, from top to bottom.   She said it was also kind of an excuse to shop.  It was so much fun.  I would really like to buy some things while I am here as well if I can.  For many reasons.  First, there is no sales tax here.  It is included in the price.  Second, things here are just cheaper and it seems like it is nearly the same quality if not better.  Third, I have decided I really like European style, it is just way for stylish than the American grunge look.  Funny I see it like that cause I am always in scrubs.  But, why can't I try to look better at home sometimes?

But the third best thing of my day just ended.  Ashley and I made cupcakes!  And boy were they an adventure.  We got all of the stuff Tuesday to make it for the party Saturday.  We knew that we would definitely not have enough time to do it all the day of so we made half of them tonight.  We tried to improvise because things here are slightly different.  Even the milk is processed (or maybe not) different than back home.  We did borrow an electric mixer from one of our friends here so that made it easier.  We made a vanilla cupcake recipe we found online and then we are making homemade chocolate frosting. Then we are going to decorate each with a gummy worm and crumbled cookies on top.  So far they are a success!  Granted they rose really weird.  Like a little ball is underneath in only the very middle.  Weird.  Don't know why.  But they taste good and they can look a little weird because it is Halloween! 

Tomorrow is going to be another great day so I will keep everyone posted.  Keep dreaming big and I love you all!

Cu mult drag,

Dani

New Kiddos

Today was another great day.  But I have to say it is the coldest it has been since I have been here.  Winter is definitely around the corning.  Ugh...I really hate snow and the cold!  Well I guess if it is freezing it might as well be cold.  By the way I want to apologize to all of those reading my blogs (though I know I am probably the only one that does as I write this)  but I know all the typing can be boring to read, not to mention I am not that good of a writer.  I do have pictures of my trip but you will just have to look on facebook and sadly due to the rights of all the children (a good thing) I can't post any pictures on line cause I could get in big trouble.  So please, bear with me.

The morning was a really good morning.  My favorite worker, Kami was there.  It is always fun talking to her because she does speak a little English so it is not as lonely and I can ask her stuff about my kids.  Turns out the two kids I had for the first time yesterday are officially new to my room.  I got a new boy and a girl.  So pseudo names are soon to come but I have to get to know them a little better before I decide:)  Change really is hard for me but I have grown alot as far as being flexible with life so while I really miss my other kids I know I will come to know these kiddos! I did learn some new things today.  Kami let me massage out both Bug and Moe (Mohawk) today!  First, I would put them on the big exercise ball that is in the room and pull their legs back and forth.  I think it helps loosen their backs because their poor bodies get really tense from sitting in chairs all the time.  Then I would lay them on their stomachs and rub a ridged ball over their back and legs like a massage.  It probably wasn't alot from me but I learned something new and got to spend time with them.  Alot of the times these two are in their cribs so anytime they are out I try to give them as much attention as I can!

The hospital was actually really hard for me.  I went up to the 5th floor today and all three of my kids were gone.  I was really sad.  Especially about Annie who I had really grown to love! However, I think she is at least at the orphanage.  But it is always sad to be with the same kids for weeks and then to suddenly find them gone.  It is good though because I get to practice and find new kids I can be with.  I found myself alone not really knowing where the other girls in the hospital were.  So I went to every floor asking if they had kids with no moms and finally found one on the 7th floor. She had been with the other girls weeks and weeks before but she was back.  She is 5, and kind of looks like a boy, but she is just such a funny girl.  I wasn't definitely unprepared because I was expecting to be with 3 babies but it was still a good experience!

Later we all got together at the church and made pizza.  I left early because I planned on calling my family so two of the girls came with me so I didn't have to walk alone. I didn't know how long I would be so I said they can just go back.  But while it was really good to talk to my mom it was only for about 25 minutes so I decided to go to the church.  Definitely a sketchy experience walking by myself in the dark.  Don't worry I did make it safely back, but still not a good idea to do it again if I can avoid it!  

Sorry not alot tonight.  Still way, way excited about Saturday and my upcoming trip.  Oh!  And apparently Andrew got a second call home cause his flight it doing so great! So my mom did relay the message and he sounds so happy and is doing good.  He did get yelled at once this week for not being in charge when his wingman did something wrong but he is still doing great.  Now I just need to figure out my flight plans...But that's all for now!

Cu mult drag,

Dani

A Day of Highs and Lows

There were some unexpected surprises today.  Both good and interesting...  I woke up once again so, so tired.  Definitely a low.  I don't know why I have been so tired lately-guess it must mean I am working hard.  Kids really are so wearing.  I hope to never see someone who sneers at a full-time mom because they have the hardest job ever!  Seriously, I am not full-time (and obviously not a real mom) but I do have a small taste of being around kids and they are something else.  But, the day did continue to be full of adventures....

The orphanage was filled with its fair share.  I will try to start with the lows so as to end on a positive note.  So, the major, major low of today was that two more of my boys left today.  I am so sad, I really have tried not to get overly attached to my kids because I knew I would leave them soon and some of them would leave me.  But, even still I really have become connected to my kiddos!  So Lucrez and Minga both left this morning to go to the orphanages.  It really is great for them to go because they will be getting the attention they need.  My friend Elizabeth is with the apartment they are going to.  It is definitely more of a family style and there are alot less kids for the most part. Lucrez did give me a big hug so it was at least I knew I made some impact on him!

Today at the hospital was probably my high.  I honestly thought today would be a low on the 5th floor because I didn't have a partner today so it was just me with 4 babies and I was exhausted.  But, I had an awesome experience.  I went in an saw that in the bed there was a new mom.  Turns out she is my age, married, and speaks English!  Some of the other girls have encounter moms who speak some English but this was my first time!  It was definitely really, really amazing to have someone to talk to.  She was able to tell me so many things about those kids, Romania, the hospital, etc I wouldn't really have been able to understood otherwise.  I found out a few things about my kiddos.  Turns out Annie is 1 year and 3 months old (but so tiny) and she might be moving to another floor since her heart problems are gone.  And they want to keep her to fatten her up!  I also found out one of the boys mom said she would pick him up this last Saturday but never did.  All she said was that he is a gypsy baby.  Not a bad thing, but the mom never showed up so she might have truly abandoned him. 

Sorry, I have another low that I heard from one of the girls.  A little while back I wrote about the experience I had in the Intensive Care Unit.  Well the little boy whose mom was there with him passed away this past Friday.  He is the one who is from the orphanage as well, the one everyone was waiting to die. I feel so much for this mother who came every day to be with her son knowing he would die.  Life can be so hard sometimes it hurts me to think about it, but I do believe that little boy is in a better place.  He had been suffering for so long but he was sent to Earth with a purpose ,which he must have fulfilled, and has gone back a perfect soul. 

After talking about that story I feel low and I am the one writing it!  I can't end on that.  We had FHE tonight and it was pretty fun.  Despite being away from my loved ones it is nice to know that I can still have a ward family here!  Although one low was very interesting...there is a guy who comes with his mom to FHE alot (just to clarify mentally he is not really there).  Anyways I was standing in the hallway when he comes over and slaps me really hard on the butt!  It was kind of a low, but also kind of funny.  Meanless to say I tried to keep my distance from him the rest of the night (while keeping my backside safe).  But after FHE we had a meeting at 9:00 because.....WE ARE GOING ON A BIG TRIP NEXT MONDAY!!!!

Seriously I am so, so excited.  It is such an amazing experience and a great deal.  We leave Monday night on a train (my first train ever).  And arrive in Bucharest Tuesday morning where we have the whole day.  We are going to be visiting the People's Palace and hopefully a museum.  Then we will be staying in a hostel(something else that is my first time!) there over night.  Then early in the morning we take another train down to Brasov. Where will be visiting many different sights including seeing Bran Castle (Dracula's castle), maybe the Black Church, Peles Castle and many other things.  We have 3 days there (staying in another hostel) and we get back Saturday.  It is going to be amazing, a chance to really experience the heart of Romania!

That's all for now.  Just to let everyone know, I am dong amazing.  I am hanging in there, have been safe thus far, and just loving the opportunity I have to be here!

Mare vis,

Dani

Broken Elevators

I honestly thought today would be another one of those days that nothing super exciting happened except perhaps laundry.  While that did get done my day was filled with some funny and unexpected surprises.  To start the day I got to sleep in till 8:45!  It was definitely amazing but I do wish it was longer. But, the reason I got up earlier was so me and one of the girls could go running.  Yes, my first actual run since I have been here.  It was only about 30 minutes for me, but I am not as out of shape as I thought and it turned into an adventure.  We wanted to keep the run somewhere close to a place that is familiar to us.  So we decided to run to the orphanage and see where we go from there.  Well we ran past the orphanage and thought it would lead us back to our apartments.  A few random turns later we are walking/running to try to find our bearings of where we were.  I would run ahead and see if anything looked familiar.  We had ended up in the back road and neighborhood type streets.  Honestly we had no idea where we were.  There was a lady walking up the street so we asked her where the Hala Centrala is (the store place right in front of where we live).  The only think we understood really was when she pointed in the opposite direction of where we were going.  We were like oh great we have no idea what is going on.  So we finally just decided to take a taxi back to where we live.  That was an experience too since neither of us brought money to pay him for the ride.  So Meghan ran up the street to the apartment to get some lei while I awkwardly waited in the taxi to pay him.  He charged us 10 lei, which is alot considering Kauflan is only 5-6 lei.  But we were so relived to be back and no where we were that all we could do was just laugh.  However, the fun the about being getting lost is seeing all of the cool sights we might not have known about before.  We even saw a monastery from the outside we didn't really know was there before. 

After that we actually did just get ready and go to Kauflan.  I started one of my large cultural proofs where I live on a Romanian budget for a week. This is mostly just for groceries.  So I took how much the average Romanian  would make (about 700 lei for a month) and subtracted things like rent and utilities. Basically for groceries until Thursday I have 32 lei to spend.  I still have 4 lei left for groceries so not too bad.  It is kind of fun actually.  But after we got back I just relaxed while I did all of my laundry.  Not overly exciting then but it needed to get done!  I only have 2 pairs of scrubs I wear the whole week.  One for the hospital and the other I leave at the orphanage.  After all the drool, boogers, food, and who knows what else I get on them,  it is actually a relief to finally wash them at the end of the week. 

The second big adventure happened in the elevator today.  After just chilling at the apartment for a little me, two other girls, Petru, and Mihai went to the mall.  But on the way down from the apartment we kind of had an accident in the elevator.  All 5 of us were in the elevator so someone had to push up on the buttons on the top of the door that make the elevator move even when the doors aren't closed (it tricks it into thinking the doors are closed).  So Mihai let go of the buttons or something happened...but anyway we had a huge crash at the bottom.  We literally all felt the elevator crash at the bottom. I just knew something like this would have to happen sometime.  Mihai had to manually get it to where we could open the door and then climb a step up to get out of the bottom.  I was so much in shock that I started to cry!  I don't even know why but I was so scared or something.  I hate crying in front of people but I just don't know why I did but it was kind of funny it scared me so much.  So yes, very adventures.  Then when we came back from the mall the elevator was completely broken.  It must of broke because of us.  It was crazy!  Very much an adventure for me- I haven't been that scared from crashing in a while. 

But overall today was a really good day just hanging out and having unexpected surprises!  So many more are still to come so it will be very fun.  Tomorrow we should be planning the final details for our trip in two weeks!  Yes all of the details I will tell everyone about as soon as it is finalized.  But it should be amazing. 

That's all for now!  Mare vis,

Dani

Baby Doll

Wow, today was just one of those breakthrough days where you just have one of those moments.  The moments that make everything I am doing here worth it. The moments that despite everything else going on around me I feel myself smiling and thanking God for the innocence of little children.  Children sometimes just doing things that make me realize how ever present our Heavenly Father is in their countenance. 

Obviously, I had a really great moment today that lasted an hour.  A whole hour I was just smiling and feeling the spirit come from one of my girls.  Today when I came in another worker was there instead of Ada.  There are usually three main workers that seem to alternate throughout the weeks.  I am not really sure what to think of this worker but I do like her!  So when I first walked into the room two of my kiddos, Bug and Mohawk who are usually in their cribs, were in their rolling chairs.  All of the other kids were of course out as well.  So I went over to them because when they are out I try to focus all of my attention on them because out of all the kids in my room they probably get the least of it from the workers.  But my worker came over and asked if I wanted to hold Bug!  I was so excited because this would be the first time that I have ever seen her really out of the chair or crib being held.  She said I could take Bug to the mattress so I did.  As soon as I did my Little Blue Diva came over to us and kept saying Bugs name.  She like loves Bug or something because she was so sweet with her.  I think BD must believe Bug is a doll or something.  She wanted to hold Bug too.  It was seriously the most precious thing ever.  Bug is bigger than BD because she just turned 4 and BD is only 2.  So it was so cute seeing her hold Bug on her laugh.  She would even get upset if I tried to move Bug.  I eventually put them both on the bed so she could hold Bug more easily.  Blue Diva kept trying to adjust Bug on her lap and then would stroke her hair and even sang to her.  BD hardly ever talks other than whining so it was so funny to just hear BD say Bug's name over and over again.  It was seriously the highlight of my week.  And it lasted all the way up till La Masa for snack time.

So that is what made my day so great.  Just to have one of those moments that make the rest of the week and time being here worth it.  It is crazy sometimes and it makes me so exhausted at times but in reality those tiny moments make it all the while.  Plus, children just have a unique way of being so Christlike it make me want to be a better person too.

Sorry not much for today.  But much more to come soon!

Cu mult drag,

Dani

La La La La....

There were several high's from today!  I am really loving it here, the people, the kiddos, and just culture here in general.  It is nice to know that I can learn something about Romania everyday!  Never, ever say you can't learn something from somewhere.  You are never too old, learned, or proud to learn something new.

So at the orphanage is was filled with both high's and low's sadly.  My low's were mostly from Iggy.  This little guy is just another one of those kids with a difficult temperament.  He was just in hysterics for a good 1 1/2 hours while I was there.  Anything would set him off, there was no calming him down.  If another kid touched him, or someone moved him, or gave him a toy, or told him it is ok- he would scream.  I did try bubbles, which he loves, but the bubbles weren't really working cause the wand is broken so that happiness didn't last very long.  Even the workers were just fed up with him.  It was kind of exhausting because it is hard to play with the other kids when he is screaming.

That was really the only low today.  The rest of the time at the orphanage was pretty good.  Queenie was difficult as usual to feed but the snack today was so good.  Sadly I didn't get any but I am sure the kids loved it!  At first I thought it was meat but turns out it was a huge thing of chocolaty something.  Plus a banana.  I just thought it was interesting because it was something new.  But the most interesting part of the orphanage was right before lunchtime.  All of the kids were gathered around one other beds and I was holding Queenie with Lucrez right next to me.  But, a song came on and it was one of the songs where they do la la la over and over.  So I started to sing to Queenie and she started to sing la la la like I was doing!  Then Ada started doing it when Little Blue Diva and Minga started to sing.  So all of us were going la la la before lunch.  It made me realize how much music does connect to the lives of children.  They loved just going la la la as if it were the coolest thing ever!  It was quite a fun time just spending time with my kiddos.

The hospital was another crazy day though!  Luckily one of the girls came with me today because there was another new baby boy!  So there are now four babies on the 5th floor.  It was just alot taking care of them because three of them are very needy as far as wanting to be held.  But the thing is that they should have that right to be held.  I think the hospital is the hardest for me to work at but also the place that needs me the most.  It is hard because these kids really have no one to take care of them.  Like literally no one.  If they are babies they are never held and lucky to get their diaper changed (why we are there).  And I am pretty sure they are never cleaned like the baby I told you about yesterday.  I could go on and on but this kind of thing is everywhere in the world.  So many kids without moms that love them.  The orphanage does there best as far as taking care physically for the kids but babies are so much worth. It takes one person 24/7 to really give a child the emotional care they deserve/need.  I really have come to realize how much care children need.  So while I am here with these kids in Romania I hope that at least the short time I am there they realize they are loved by me.

Tonight me, Elizabeth, and Mihai all went out just walking.  We walked down to the mall and ate at the food court.  It was nice just to be out with friends and get some Shaorma!  It really good just to talk about random topics- it helps me feel less lonely while I am out here knowing despite everything I can still have friends and have a fun time! 

It is already "hump day" and i can't believe wed is already over for me.  This week has gone pretty fast and next week is Halloween!  Gonna be a good one. 

Cu mult drag,

Dani

Opening Kinder Eggs and News About Andrew

I always hate when I don't write in my journal for one day and I feel like the next day I have so much to write about.  So crazy, but so good!  Didn't go anywhere exciting really but yesterday was an amazing day!  It was just one of those days where the mornings went good so it didn't really matter what happened the rest of the day.
Let me tell you what happened yesterday morning...
So I went in at 9:00am like usual and the kids seemed especially happy to see me.  Minga and Lucrez even both gave me hugs that morning.  I have fun with those two when the other kiddos sleep.  But, la masa was fun.  By the way masa means table and apparently snack and lunch.  Alot of words in Romanian have several different meanings for the same word.  It is quite humorous to me because I have like a 3 word vocabulary which equals to like a 15 word vocabulary in Romanian.  A little exaggerated but anyways... So morning snack usually goes pretty well, it is just lunch when the break downs happens.  My worker even gave me two waffers that morning.  But after was when I was really proud of myself. 

Ada put all the younger kiddos asleep leaving only Minga and Lucrez awake.  Ada is really good about trying to do activities that help them learn when it is only them.  So I went over there and watched what they were doing because I often learn something from it as well.  With Lucrez, Ada was working on counting to 10.  He is seven but the more I observe him the more I can see he is pretty delayed academically.  He is a bright kid but he is having trouble remembering things like that.  I have read and been told that no matter what all institutionalized children are always delayed in some aspect (also why alot of my kiddos are walking later).  Anyways,  Ada was working with him by having him count blocks.  He kept forgetting random numbers and would say one instead of 5 or something.  Ada was getting frustrated and basically telling him how do you not know this?  (She sounded a little upset although Romanian always sounds harsh).  I was sitting next to him and he was looking like he was about to cry.  He was definitely frustrated with himself.  So the best I could communicate with him I told him lets keep practicing.  I started slowly with having him count my fingers.  Then we started using the blocks and going back to fingers if he forgot.  The more we did it the faster he got, and at the times he got it right (even with help) we would say "Bravo!" He was much happier the more we did.  He would still sometimes forget and just say uhm...but for the most part he was doing better.  And since he was a little boy I knew making it a competition would help.  So I would say, "Gata? (ready?)" and then I would move the blocks as fast as he would say the numbers to count them.  Making him say it as fast as he could made him remember it better.  He really like turning it into a game.  We probably did this for about 30-45min while the other kiddos were asleep till la masa.  It was really neat to feel like I helped him or something.  I know the numbers in Romanian so I was able to help him learn and I practiced at the same time.  Granted we only went up to ten.  But for him (and me) it was like an accomplishment.  Ada actually looked really pleased I was working with him.  She likes when I take initiative, and especially when it is educational or helpful. 

So that is what made yesterday morning so good.  At night we had so much fun at Family Home Evening.  We met at the branch, as always, at 7 and there was a big turn out (20 people!).  The Zone leaders were visiting so they got to join in on the fun (so technically there were 6 missionaries and 6 of us girls, so the majority of us).  But, us girls are always in charge of FHE for the branch- giving the spiritual thought and planning the activity.  They always already have popcorn there.  We played a game the Romanians love ( I think it was a Romanian game I don't know).  But it is where everyone sits in a circle and there is someone in the middle with a cup of water.  The person in the center thinks of an answer to a random subject.  Like fruits.  Then it goes around the circle, naming fruits, and if someone says the fruit the person in the middle was thinking of they get water in their face!!  It was so fun...and yes I was in the middle 3 times from guessing the answer.  It was a good evening for sure!

As far as today goes it was another good one.  I am really sad though because I am loosing alot of my kids really soon.  I think Dumpling is already with his foster family cause he wasn't there today! He was so adorable, I am really going to miss him.  But supposedly Sunshine is also going with a foster family soon and then Minga and Lucrez are going to the apartments two of the other girls work at.  There are less kids there and it is more of a family because they live at the apartments.  While I am very, very sad at the thought of loosing them I know that at least they might get all the attention they need.  I love my room I am in but it also kind of hard because it has the potential to change alot since if any kids would be fostered or adopted it would be from my room. 

Yesterday and today at the hospital I was alone on the 5th floor with 3 kids!  Annie is still there but then there were two new boys.  One I think is a newborn or something!  Poor thing.  But it was really insane because Annie and the other boy (I will call him Rudy) both love to be held and cry when they don't.  It is the price we pay for holding children but worth it for all of us in the end!  The newborn baby (I will call him Alvin) was asleep for most of time.  It is sad because his skin is so discolored and disfigured.  I am not even sure he has ever been washed or had his fingernails clipped.  He is precious but his skin is just so red and flaking off.  Today I did try to clean him up with baby wipes.  But,yesterday I didn't even know he was a boy until I changed his diaper (this happens alot!).  He was dressed in pink and had a little pink blanket.  One of the girls said such a funny, but true, made up quote.  "Changing diapers is like opening up a Kinder egg, inside is a surprise."  It was so funny because half the time you really don't know if they are a boy or a girl until you change their diaper!  So yes it was crazy because I would hold one, while feeding another, while having to keep an eye on the other.  It was pure madness.  How do moms do this?!?  They are supermoms that is why.  Hopefully this is at least teaching me patience. 

Speaking of Kinder Eggs I am pretty sure I mentioned a while back that I have never eaten more chocolate until I came here.  I LOVE MILKA CHOCOLATE!!! It is so amazing, Kinder brand is good too.  I also have tried things with Hazelnut chocolate.  I actually like it. 

I have mentioned some highs and lows of this week, but I think one of the biggest highs was talking to my parents yesterday.  We talked for a while ,and my grandma had told me my parents had talked to Andrew on Sunday! His flight had their first inspection-which he passed with flying colors.  As a reward he got a 15 minute call home- and he called my family.  I wish I could have talked to him but at least I got all the information passed along. A little about him...he is doing awesome!  His flight is really doing well and seems to be pulling together as a unit-which will really benefit them in the long run.  But his job he was given is called "house mouse".  My parents were saying it is where he is in charge of cleaning out his flight leader's office and other things.  Not for sure all the detail but it is really good to have because it gets him on the in's with their FL.  And apparently he really likes Andrew cause he is doing a good job.  I really am so proud of him, from how he sounds.  He is so happy and from what my parents told me he is really just right where he is supposed to me.  I know now that this is what he is meant to do because he really is in his element. 

I know it was a long one to read through...but I did have two days to catch up with!  Hope everyone else is living life the fullest because I know I am right now!

Mare vis,

Dani

My Mini-Mission

Another super rainy day!  I am not exactly sure what is up with the weather here but it needs to stop.  I just want to shout up to the sky, "Hello! I have to walk in this everyday, can you just stop now?"  If only it were that easy.  But I still got to say I do love the rain, just not when I have to walk in it.  Church was great yet again.  I really do love my family here in Iasi.  They help make the days go by faster, more exciting, and make it easier to be away.  It is so amazing to know that even when you are away from home the church is always here to make it better.

So I was writing another letter to Andrew, yes I am actually writing good old fashioned letters, when I wrote him alot of things I was feeling about.  The more and more I think about it the more I realize I am serving a mini-mission.  Before I got married, going on a mission was what my goal was.  I never wanted to take away the Lord's plan for me but I did still have a desire to go.  I was a little bummed when I realized I wouldn't get to go but in a way things have turned out for the better.  This is where I was meant to be at this time and place.  I am getting to do all of the same things.  I wake up early every morning.  I walk wherever I have to get to.  I attend every branch activity.  And my main purpose for being here is to serve people.  I have been doing personal pray and scripture study and I am learning a new language.  So in a way, the rules are similar and so are the reasons I am here.  So maybe it is not for a year and half but I am still glad to have these experiences.  I mean, I AM IN ROMANIA!  Not many people can say they traveled and lived in Romania for 3 months.

Being here has taught me about myself and to be open to many new things.  I do enjoy trying new things so why not do it now?  For those of you who really know me, you will know I really do not have a love for vegetables.  Like at all.  But since I have been here I have been open to just eating in new way.  For instance, Saturday when I had pizza the pizza I ate had peppers and olives on it.  I am pretty sure Andrew would have never believed I would do that.  Still not ready to try mushrooms quite yet but everything else I am actually enjoying.  I actually love peppers now! I know to others that might not be a big deal but being here I feel that when I go back I will have changed as a person.  Maybe I will be eating better because I have tried new things.  Or maybe I will really reach out to others more because I have been doing it here and back home they will actually know English.  So who knows how I have changed but I hope it is for the better!

This week is over and a new one is about to start.  I am already over half-way done with my adventure here in Romania!  Bittersweet but I am just going to focus on the time at hand and experience as many things here as humanly possible.  In fact, one of our friends here was telling me his mom went to a place that did massages for only 15 lei!  Sounds great to me!  I will just have to see what else lies in store while I am here....

Mare vis,

Dani

A Blistery Day

Saturday's for me always seem to be so busy. Even when I wish for a day off.  But, I can't complain because today was amazing!  Ok, it was just a more fun day than usual for me.  It was wonderful to sleep in till 10:00am.  Yes, 10:00am, it was so great!  Another girl and I planned our whole morning to finish our shopping.  Today was the last of Iasi Days.  So we met at 10:30 to go walk the strip for a final time.  I always love buying things for other people, just so I can see their face when they get an unexpected surprise.  I love surprises myself.  So maybe I am just one of those people that does thing for others because it would be what I want.  Selfish?  Perhaps, but I hope not. 

Anyways, we started at 10:30 and gave ourselves till noon to pick out our last minute gift.  And of course I did get some things for myself since I just couldn't resist.  One thing I got I am so excited about!  For myself I found one of those china doll things that gets a smaller version of itself when you open.  Hopefully I am describing it clearly.  I wasn't expecting to buy it but when I saw it I just couldn't resist.  It is so cool and I have always wanted one of those for myself.  It is pretty big actually and made out of wood with its designs looking like they have been burned in.  I got a good deal!  Only 30 lei, basically 10 American dollars.  That is just one thing I really enjoyed.

Then at 12 we walked to Kauflan.  We kind of got a little lost, it is a little far away. But we did find it eventually.  I hate shopping on Saturdays!  It is always a mad house in there if you go on the weekends.  I am high stress person so things like that really hype me up in a bad way.  I just don't like people shoving me when I am trying to push a cart.  It scares me a little.  But, it was good to finally get my weekly grocery in and hey, it builds character right?

We shopped till 2 and then took a taxi home to get ready for soccer.  I honestly am loving taking taxis.  It is pretty cheap, like 6 lei to get where we need to go.  Plus I feel sophisticated or something taking them like something from a movie.  It is just my first time using them so it is kind of a fun feeling.  Anyways, so I went home to put my groceries away when I had to hurry and get ready to play.  By this time it was starting to rain outside.  Yes, it does rain quite a bit here.  Good thing I brought my umbrella to Romania because I was not expecting to be here during a time when it rains alot, but it does.

So me and two other girls met three of the guys from the branch here in Iasi.  We met up at the bus stop and went to the main university about 15 minutes, by bus, away.  They had soccer courts there.  It is really more like a basketball court except with soccer goals.  It was different than the ones I am used to but it was kind of unique because all their soccer courts are like that around here.  Again, by this time it was raining.  We played anyways by splitting up into 3 teams and playing with a single goalie to 3.  It was a blast!  I forgot how much I loved playing soccer.  And of course me and Mihai did awesome.  But, the best part it was pouring like crazy halfway through.  I was so soaked by then I didn't even care.  It was so fun playing soccer in the rain today!  We played for 2 hours and then went home. 

After that it was just showering and laundry.  I didn't end up getting to talk to my family for some reason but it was ok.  Everyone came over and we ended up watching A Walk To Remember!  It was fun seeing a sappy movie like that again.  One of the guys really wanted to see it so that is why we watched it.  But it was really fun just hanging out.

An overall very busy day.  But very fun!  It wasn't so bad having a busy Saturday because it was well worth it.  Missing my family and friends but I am so grateful for that same kind of dynamic from the people here in Romania!

Cu mult drag,

Dani
 

Babies, Belonging, and Bargins

It's Friday!  Another week down almost down, only 6 more till I go home.  So crazy.  Today was another great one with Iasi Days coming to a close-tomorrow is the last day.  Before I get into another Iasi days experience I wanted to share some of my highs and lows of today...

I am really loving working at the orphanage.  Everyday brings new challenges and frustrations but it also brings new successes and happy moments.  I am really feeling apart of something at the orphanage.  While I do enjoy also working at the hospital, I can honestly say that I do prefer working at Section 2.  Little moments are what make my day.  For instance, when I first walk into my room around 9:00 am I see my kiddos through the glass door that leads into my room.  They often see me when the door creaks open.  It is a joy to see their faces light up when I walk in or come over and hug my legs.  I feel like it shows me they really like me being there.  While the workers are sometimes changing I have felt a difference with them as well.  While I can't really talk to them very well and can only understand part of what I say we have invented a new language of our own.  Ok, not a new language but body language and hand gestures can really help when trying to communicate with each other.  Instead of ignoring me the workers will often include me now. They will hand me things so I can help them out, or give me a snack after la masa, or even give me a little freedom to hold the kids.  My favorite though is when the workers will give me a look when they see one of our kiddos being silly.  Dumpling has this new thing where he scrunches his face into a big smile and squints his eyes.  Nobody can resist him when he does it.  But the other part is that he knows it!  The other day he was going into a room where he wasn't supposed to when one of the workers yelled at him to not go in there and come back.  All he did was turn around and give us his chipmunk smile.  One of the worker gave me silly look and just rolled her eyes before laughing.  It is nice to know I am kind of included in this new world out here.

I am also feeling a little more accepted at the hospital.  I really do like the hospital but it is just harder for me to be motivated to go since it is in the afternoon.  But I shouldn't have that kind of attitude because for the most part I am really making a big difference there because without us they would have no one.  No workers like at the orphanage, only nurses who check on them occasionally.  However, that is not always the case because sometime there are wonderful mothers with their own babies who also take care of "our" babies without moms.  Today showed me that even the short time we are there makes a different.  When I went up to the 5th floor this afternoon the gypsy mom, whose baby is in the same room as my girls, was holding the girl who is from the orphanage.  For the sake of the rest of the time we will just her Annie, the girl in the hospital, on the 5th floor, who is from the orphanage in the Isolation room.  Just to clarify.  So she was holding Annie when they both saw us coming down the hallways.  Immediately, Annie started getting a little fussy and reaching out towards me!  The mom just smiled knowing Annie wanted me to hold her.  It was kind of nice to know that I am making a small difference in making all the kids loved a little more. 

So my experience here is continuing to be awesome.  Iasi days is wrapping up and today and tomorrow are the best days to buy anything because the vendors are trying to get rid of their merchandise!  Elizabeth and I went with Radu and Petru (two of our Romanian friends) to go and try to bargain a little.  Elizabeth got a really leather jacked at a good discount today.  The price was originally 420 and she got it for 320.  Not a bad deal.  I also got some good purchases, though I can't post what here for fear of ruining a surprise!  But for the most part they are pretty hard set on their prices and they have already lowered many from even the first day it started.  And those prices are really good deals....for instance here you can get a nice scarf or a hat for 15-20 lei.  Meaning around 5-6 American Dollars. 15-20 dollars is the normal price back in the US.  So everything is a really good price by American standards.  Of course I have to mention things that are brand name are about the same price, only converted into lei.  Like going grocery shopping my most expensive item is whey I buy Honeynut Cheerios. 

Well, I am loving everything about my experience here in Romania!  Like I mentioned I am trying to do everything new I can.  Tonight Elizabeth and I treated our friends to a pizza place near the church after institute (which we attended of course).  It was really fun to go inside and just eat the Romanian twist on pizza-same concept of course just different toppings and crust ...that is popular here.  It was a good night out and hope to have many more to come. 

Mare vis,

Dani

Happy Birthday Parascheva!

Today was another amazing day!  Emphasizing on the amazing part!  Today is Parascheva's birthday.  She is the the patron saint of the city, so tons of people from all over Romania came to pay tribute.  So when I woke up this morning to go to the orphanage I saw more people than I have ever seen.  It was worse even than Disneyland if you can believe that.  The tiny sidewalk that has all the tents with vendors was packed.  Like literally there was pushing and shoving like no other.  I have never seen this many people in one area before. 

After the orphanage today me and Megan walked by the Cathedral where they supposedly have the saint's body where you can "touch her hand".  We walked down that main street and again there were tons of people!  We did get to the church and saw lots of vendors in the courtyard.  They were selling flowers and religious souvenirs.  But when we got there, there was sermon being given over the loud speaker.  Towards the entrance it was packed with a crowd just standing around and listening to it.  Seems many were there just paying tribute and celebrating in honor of her birthday.

Then, we went to the hospital, which was a crazy day!  My gag reflexes were really going as one of the girls had lots of boogers (poor thing). I was cleaning her up when her feeding tube came out, covered in snot since she has a bad cold.  I tried putting it back in but eventually had to get a nurse.  And of course at the same time the other girl was screaming. When you are by yourself it is always crazy trying to make everyone happy.

But, the best part of the day was after the hospital when the really part began.  It was close to 6 when we went out and the street was already closed with tons of people just walking.  In front of the Cultural Palace they had a huge stage and a band playing rock music.  We went to Outreach with the branch and then after came to find a place to listen to the music and watch the fireworks.  I have never seen closer, or better fireworks in my whole life!  The band was pretty good, they were kind of older cause they have been around for 25 years but I guess they can still rock it.  But after they finished the fireworks started.  Some of the fireworks they showed I had never even seen those types before.  It was so, so cool.  The show lasted a half an hour and in the states it would have been a major legal violation for sure.  The fireworks were the closest I had ever seen before.  So close that the falling ash was going into the crowd.  A piece of ash fell and burned a hole in a little girl's hat right next to us!  But it was so worth it, even despite the cold.  Feeling the festive spirit of the big Iasi Day celebration made my week.

I am loving the unique experience I am getting while I am here and hope to have many more soon. 

Mare vis,

Dani

Simple Moments

Today has been another great day.  It is so surreal how close the end is.  We are already half-way through our internship!  It really is bittersweet for me.  I am going to be so excited to see Andrew and my family, but at the same time I know I will be missing my kiddos when the time comes.

It was another day at the orphanage and hospital.  Like many things in life, it is easy for things to become a routine and loose site of the special moments in life.  I kind of feel it is easy for me to allow my days at the orphanage and the orphanage to be a routine.  But, I say why live life like that?  Live it up, because despite how normal and routinish the day may be there is always something that stands out and makes the day become special. So my goal has been to at least one thing that stands out from the orphanage, hospital, and just my general day!

At the orphanage today, it was so good just being with my kiddos.  I feel that everyday I learn something new about there personalities.  I am so grateful I took my Human Development class before I came because it has allowed me to see the developmental pattern of children.  So, I can definitely tell alot of my kids have a natural difficult temperament.  This of course is not a good mixture when the workers have to deal with ten kids all day long and keep them from going into hysterics.  So, I really try to do my best to treat all of the kids with kindness and not loose my cool.  Even though I seriously have to bite back my tongue sometimes.  I can see how it is frustrating for them.  But, today was a nice day with a few of my kids.  Queenie is one of the kids with a difficult temperament, but she is also very clingy and really just wants to be held(not a good mixture).  I can see how she wants to though since the kids in the orphanage aren't really held ever because if you do than they will just cry after (which the workers don't really like).  So I started doing something yesterday and today that I think kind of helps.  When she is in hysterics she causes problems with the other kids so removing her from the situation seems to help.  So when something happens that she is hysterics and the workers can't calm her down I grab a doll, don't say anything and just pick her up.  I sit down and put her on the bed next to me and do nothing but just sit next to her.  That is all alot of them really need to be happy, just sitting next to them or holding them there just helps!  It isn't much but I have tried to take charge in calming the kids down who get upset. 

At the hospital, I have been with my girls again.  It is always such a good day when I go there and they are in a good mood.  But, I have also made a goal of leaving the kids on a good note. So this means no hysterics when I leave (which happens if I have been holding them and then put them down).  It is not an easy feat by any means!  I still try though. Simple things really do make their day.  Just blowing on their faces or pushing up and down on the mattress to make it like a mini trampoline just sends them into giggles!

After we went the hospital we went to Iasi Days again!  I wish I had all the money in the world and could buy something of everything.   There is alot of stuff for women and children especially.  I wish I was an aunt or could borrow a child or something just to dress them!  They had tons of cute boots, hats, and vests for kids.  But, I did make a few more purchases today so I was very excited.  Tomorrow they are having fireworks and a concert afterwards.  So definitely partying it up here in Iasi. 

Another goal me and another girl made was to try to do something whenever we can.  I need to live it up while I am here because who knows how many years or if I can ever come back.  So by going out and just visiting everything I am able to a full, cultural experience.  I am trying to live the dream by doing all the things I can with traveling and learning as much about the world as I can!

Mare vis,

Dani

Unu Elehante

Today was another one of those days that happen when you don't get a lot of sleep.  I don't know what my deal is I just had a rough day Sunday I guess.  Yes, even I can get lonely when I have virtually no one to talk to.  With Andrew as my only constant person who I communicate with it is hard when that person leaves!  But, that is ok, I still have my kiddos to talk to...even if they don't understand alot. 

I woke up again today, contemplating whether or not to go today because I was so tired.  I went anyways, expecting the worse and it turned out to be a very good day.  I knew myself better than to just dive into things when I was feeling that way so I simply pulled Mohawk aside in his rolling chair and just played with him. It was amazing, no talking, no constant movement, no drama.  Just his laughter as I massaged his legs and touched his face.  He supposedly deaf,blind,and can't walk, meaning he is in his own world, so he loved any sort of interaction.  It was a great way to start the morning. 

Ada was not there again, one worker always seems to change, so I was not sure what to expect.  I had her before in my room so I hoped she could still get used to me.  It turned out to be really great!  She is kind of known for being loud, but she let me do stuff still. She wouldn't let me hold any of the kids today but she did let me change Sunshine's clothes which is first because the workers usually like to do that kind of stuff themselves.  Then, there were 5 of them still up and the worker let me come join them.  She was doing a children's song in Romania.  It involved hand movements so the kids loved it.  We all gathered around these two children's table and it was great to see the kids really enjoying themselves.  She sang about sleeping, playing a violin, and even about elephants. That's about all I got but it was still catchy!  So today at the orphanage was great.

I went up to the 5th floor like always and my two girls were still there.  I was so tired though by the time I got home.  But...everyone should be proud, I actually worked out today for a little bit after the hospital.  It was kind of lame but I ran stairs for 20 minutes and then I did a core workout.  Not as much as I would like, but my options are kind of limited when I shouldn't be running by myself out here!  Iasi is a pretty safe place, but I know a few people back home (aka Andrew) who would super worried if I did something by myself.  Not to mention BYU wants us to stay in pairs.  The buddy system is always a good idea anyways!

I don't think I will sleeping much tonight because there is something like a dance party in front of La Hala Cintrala.  It is crazy out here because Iasi Days started this week!  Holla!  I will be getting all of my souveniors from the stands, I am so excited.  Well, that's all for now!  Any email or anything would be great to receive!

Cu mult drag,

Dani

Why I am here...

Can you believe it is already 10/10/10?!?  Crazy right?  Another week down and one more closer to going home.  Though that makes me both happy and sad to think about so I won't.  Today was another down day for me.  Rain always makes me super lazy and sleepy.  But, it was nice to store up some energy for this week coming up cause it will be just a ton of fun, in a blender.  Seriously though, I wanted to kind of express out why I am really here.

I talked with a girl today from my group about my decision to come out to Romania.  Honestly, it was an extremely hard decision for me to make.  I don't even know where to begin with this.  Andrew and I had just moved, again, and that cost a lot of money as usual just to do.  On another hand, it was so hard for Andrew to just find the part time job that he did because we planned on being there together for only 4 months.  By that time we knew that Andrew would be going into the military, didn't know when exactly, but we planned sometime during the summer.  That didn't end up happening.  No jobs were opening up and we couldn't exactly find work when we didn't even know when he was going to leave.  So that is where I come in.  What will I do when he leaves?  Will I stay down in Provo and keep going to school? Or will I stay with my parents and then move down with them in Utah during January while he is gone?  I had no idea what would happen...

But then a job opened up for Andrew that would leave in October.  Finally, at least a time frame of what would happen.  Still....what would I do?  We found this out around Spring Term.  This was when I first heard about the Romanian Internship program.  I was sitting in my Human Development plan when my teacher started going on and on about a program out in Romania where students work with kids with special problems at an orphanage.  The more he talked about it, I felt something inside me become very curious about the possibility of me going.  The semester went a little further along when we watch a short movie ( I think from the 20/20 program "Shame of a Nation") about the orphans in Romania.  They were in horrible conditions, children looking helpless and like something out of a holocaust (to be clear, it is not like that at all anymore!). It really touched my heart that I went and started talking to the facilitator and my professor about more information. 

I went and talked to Andrew about the possibility of me going.  He was kind of opposed at the idea because I would be leaving a month before he does and then the program cost around 6,000 dollars for me to go (money we didn't have).  But, I really prayed about what I should do and I felt things just fall into place after that.  Several questions came to mind but they came to answer themselves.

1. The time frame of when I would be leaving- I talked to my parents and the surprised me by saying "Dani, you should really do this."  The time frame works out perfectly! I will finished with my program and be able to fly out to Texas for when he graduates!
2.  Money- a huge issue really. Despite some setbacks and some chunks taken out of my savings.  I was able to take back a loan and Andrew is able to to start making money as soon as he goes in so we will be able to pay it back soon.  Plus, my wonderful family who is so supportive and was able to help loan some for me.
3. The children I would be working with have severe special needs.  Attachment disorders, mental, and physical disabilities...luckily the program wanted us to volunteer at Oakridge Elementary School in Springville, UT that really helped prepare me for what I would see at the orphanage in Romania.

So many possible setbacks, and don't get me wrong they are big possible hindrances, but I really felt it was worth it.  The program facilitator sent out an email saying that they really needed people for the Fall Semester.  It was then I knew I was meant to go.  I filled out my paper work and was accepted within a week.  I hope that I have added to the dynamic of the program because I love being here.

There are still challenges but I know that things will be good.  Working with children is a whole new experience for me.  I have this weird aspect of my personality where I will do things just because I wouldn't normally want to.  Children, especially babies, ( not to mention those with special needs), terrify me!  Seriously, I am not very good with children.  So this was one of the reasons I came just because I knew I would be working with them.  I have a strong desire to become a better person and as I nurse I will be doing things that are currently outside my comfort zone.  So why not prepare myself now so I will be a better person when that time comes?  Another challenge comes from me kind of feeling like an outcast.  I am the only one in my group who is married, and even a few years younger that those who are still single.  Not to mention I went from dealing with one personality to six.  It is definitely a challenge for me but I am getting to know the girls and I think this will be another growing experience for.  And of course an obvious when is Andrew is gone.  With him at boot camp we have virtually no contact till December when I see him again.  I like to consider myself a strong person in this way because I haven't let this way me down.  I know that while he is at Basic Training for the Air Force that he is becoming a stronger, better person so why shouldn't I?

Despite all of these things I have a strong desire to serve others.  I always have, thus my career choice.  I have always wanted to travel, I always will, and this seemed like the best of both worlds.  I am killing many birds with one stones as I try to serve others, our Heavenly Father's choice spirits (aka children), while also knowing this experience will add significantly to my personal growth.  It is always scary being on my own again, especially in a foreign country.  But, I do know that I was meant to come here and that someone out there is watching over me.  A scripture I came across again while reading through general conference was this:

  "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." -Joshua 1: 9

I love this scripture because for me personally it gives me the strength I need to get through the hard times.  Religion has always been important for me because I never feel alone.  It gives that quite, innermost strength that leads me to know the decisions in life that will make my best self and worthy of serving others.  Coming to Romania has been one of those decisions.  I get to experience the beauty of Romania and its rich culture while also working with special children.  It is hard, but I know it will be worth it. 

Cu mult drag,

Dani

Just Chillin

I needed today.  I promised myself last night that today I would allow myself a day of no obligations.  A relaxing Saturday to just do just nothing if I want to.  And that is pretty much what I did.  No screaming children, no boogers, no endless walking, no nothing.  Yes I kind of missed the usual busy schedule but even I needed a day like today.  For one thing it was raining and freezing!  Who would want to go out in that?!?  If you really know me you would know that I would be the last person to do that.  If you want a sledding buddy for winter time to have fun and just be crazy....don't invite me.  Seriously, I will go out for 5 minutes before I run back into the car for about 20 to get warm again, and then repeat.  I am the world's biggest wimp when it comes to be cold and it is has been really cold here in Romania. Honestly, I wasn't expected it to be like this!  I told myself before coming to just be smart and bring my boots and a small jacket just in case.  Good thing I did too!  I wish I brought more.  I really did suck it up on Thursday (took a while to defrost in the morning after the first monastery), because I wanted so bad to see everything.  In fact, our driver that day said sometimes it can get negative forty, "Like Siberia...".  I was like Siberia?  Are you kidding?  At least the coldest month here is January and I will be gone by then.  I mean hello people, this is why I went to Hawaii for two years. 

But again on with my day.  I woke up at 10:00 this morning, something I never do even on off days.  Then I did my laundry, washing my scrubs and just hanging out.  I didn't really even get ready this morning.  But, at 4:00 me and two other girls went to the church to clean since it was our Saturday.  Luckily, this is nothing like cleaning the churches back home.  It only took an hour.  Then all of decided to go to a place called "Little Texas".  It is a "Mexican" food place here in Romania.  We took a taxi down there and had a great time.  It wasn't the best thing ever, and it was pretty pricey by Romanian standards, but it was still a nice break from our usual food routine.  Plus, I am willing to try anything.  I actually really like Romanian food but today was just a day for a break.  I even had a huge piece of chocolate chip cheesecake!  Back home I am not a huge chocolate person but something inside me snapped when I got here and now I have gone crazy.  I have no self control, I eat everything in front of me and I have no motivation to eat healthy.  Well a little.  But, I am now officially in love with Milka chocolate.  It is bad, but I by some every week.  I am addicted.  Kinder chocolate is pretty good too though....yum.  But, it was just a fun time for all of us to just hang out. 

So I really did enjoy a down day to myself. Everyone needs a weekend every once in a while to just recoop.  I know now more than ever I am not ready for children quite yet.  Well, maybe a little bit closer because I know it will be easy going to just one or two after being 10!  They are exhausting and I only work with kids 6 hours a day.  Moms back home don't even get a day off like I did today.  Power to you all who have kids, you are so amazing, seriously!  That's all for today...

Cu mult drag,

Dani

"The Place Was On Fire..."

Another week has flashed away in a blink of an eye.  The more time that passes by the more I realize what everyone means by living every moment to its best potential.  Because once they are gone you will never get it back.  Not to mention that I am really beginning to realize what an amazing experience it is being here.  Who knows when I will get to come back?  So, I am really going to try to live up this experience the best I can!

Today, was just one of those days.  To be honest I wanted nothing more than to just sleep the entire day and miss today's hours of work entirely.  For me, traveling just wears me out. Yesterday was so fun-filled it just took it out of my for today.  But, I couldn't let today go to waste so I went to work anyways. As a random side note, I once read that depending on what you called what you do determines how much it really means to you.  For instance if you call it a job, than it is nothing more than a necessity that one is forced to do in order to get by in life.  If you call it a career than you have sacrificed to become what you work at.  It goes on and on with a list of things including work and your passion.  But one of the highest levels of showing that you love what you do is when you call it your calling.  It has become something you would do know matter what because it is what you are meant to do in life.  I hope to someday find what my calling is in life.  So what do I call what I am doing now?  I honestly don't know.  Not work because I think what I am trying to do actually makes a difference to me.  Maybe I will find out what to call it by the time I leave.

To make my exhaustion worse I almost regretted going today.  The kids were, as my parents would say, "on fire!"  They were just something else entirely.  Most of them just acted up and I was of course left with them (meaning about 7 of them at a time), by myself for a little while.  It was pure craziness!  Sunshine even fell out of his walker thing twice because it broke.  Twice!  Poor thing, but I did rush over to him those times because he is just a little baby and it looked like it hurt.  Normally, the workers just tell me it is ok when a kid will fall or slam his head on the floor because if you don't react than they don't.  I can see their point sometimes but I am glad they made an exception today.  Also, Lucrez wasn't such the little helper today. When the workers left to feed two of the other kids and I was alone I saw him act out.  He kicked Dumpling in the stomach and even slapped 3 of the other kids across the head.  It was really sad to see him like this but he must have got it from somewhere.  I am sure it has to do with alot of things, for one he is just little boy, and others because maybe he sees an opportunity to be in charge a little for once.  Sad, but hopefully I can just remain patient and treat all of the kids with kindness no matter how much they frustrate me sometimes.

On a happy note I am really liking my workers.  The more I am there the more they are coming to like me, at least I hope.  Mama Dorina, as they always call her, is like a grandma to me and the kids.  She stands out from other workers because she really does show that she loves all the kids.  It is easy to love and show the kids attention that are "more normal" but it is always amazing to see when all of them are treated with kindness and love.  She even gave me la masa today for the first time.  The workers sometimes switch on me so I kind of have to change how I act depending on how they do but I am proud of myself for taking the initiative in work unlike how I did in the beginning.  As I am relaxing around them, they are giving me more freedom.  For instance, I usually just take the kids out of beds or chairs now and put the bibs myself on them before the la masa.  It isn't much but with a slight language barrier I am pretty proud of myself.

To end today off at the orphanage I had a little fun with Dumpling.  The workers like to get ready for la masa like 20 minutes early.  It is kind of crazy because they want the kids to all sit on the beds and wait for it, not easy at all when 6 out of the 8 of them are around 2.  So yeah crazy.  But, Dumpling was a little cranky today cause he gets really hungry before so I sat him on my lap and pretended my legs were a car.  I made motorcycle noises with my mouth and even turned him this way and that to give him the full experience.  He loved it!  He was laughing and all of the other kids were just watching us in awe.  Despite the craziness of trying to settle the kids down it is always fun because it is a chance for me to hold the kids.  Three of them will usually just come up and sit on me while I hold them because most all of them love to be held.  I think it is a slight attachment disorder but I try to hold them when it doesn't cause problems because they do enjoy it so much.

The hospital was another good day.  Only 4 of us went because we were all so tired.  But, I am glad that I went and I even stayed a little longer than usual.  Megan and I were partners today and we visited like 3 different floors.  It was actually a good experience for me to just walk around visiting lots of different kids in different conditions.  We started at the ICU and changed two preemie-twins' diapers.  One was asleep but the other one took a little calming down.  They are two months old but because they were premature they are so tiny!  We then went to the other side of the ICU were a little boy was from the orphanage.  He is four years old and actually was in my room in the past before his surgery.  He was a bright little boy who had the largest vocabulary in all of the orphanage but when he had a brain hemorrhage and a failed surgery he just wasn't the same.  He kept giving us kisses and he really is still a doll.  We stayed with him a while before heading up.  we then went up to the 2nd floor where there were about 4 kids without moms.  We changed all of their diapers and visited a bit with all of them.  They were all still little babies but still so sweet.  We also gave diapers to two other kids without moms that weren't babies.  We even gave out our first adult diaper that the past girls had accidentally bought to give to a boy who was a little older.  Good thing, cause today it came in handy :)  We finished on the 5th floor where there were the two little girls I usually always have.  One of them was back from the ICU (she is the one from the orphanage) but she didn't look as good as usual poor thing. 

It is just that time of the year because all of the kids at the orphanage and the hospital seems to have a cold.  So today was lots of boogers, something I hate the most.  I sucked it up and did it anyways cause I love my kiddos so much, but that doesn't mean that my gag reflex wasn't going.  It was very character building today let me tell you. 

Again, I am so grateful to have such a unique cultural and service experience.  I am loving it and happy that this week was a good one.  Next week will be amazing as well since it is Iasi Days!  So any souvenirs I get it will be then.  Tents are already lining the streets getting ready for it.  That's all for today!

Cu mult drag,

Dani

The Day of Monasteries

Today has been one of my favorite days while here in Romania.  Despite the cold, and yes it is freezing here even with all of our layers on, it was well worth suffering through.  We had an amazing day planned with the girls, Mario, Dr. Porter, and Aaron.  They had come from the states and wanted to do something that really would be memorable.  So, Aaron was kind enough to choose the most famous monasteries in Romania!  We left at 8:00am this morning and traveled 600km to 3 different monasteries in Moldova.  To clarify this was the region of Moldova that is still part of Romania, not the country of Moldova owned by the Russians that we went to before.  It took about 3 hours to get there but it was well worth the trip.  Talk about an amazing cultural experience. 

The three monasteries we went to were: first, Sianta Mănăstire, second, Moldovita Mănăstire, and last Mănăstirea Sucenvita. You may ask why these monasteries were so amazing?  Well these monasteries had art work on both the inside and the outside.  Yes, I have pictures up on facebook for all to see.  These were amazing!  I have always loved art and I really enjoy culture so I felt right at home with marveling such beauty.  The ones we saw were built around the 15-16th century.  These monasteries were all run by the nuns and were for the Romanian Orthodox church.  It was interesting to learn some of there beliefs about their church and to see it reflected in the art work.  All that was painted included past saints, scenes of Christ from the Old and New Testament, and other religious symbolism.  Honestly I can't put into words how amazing it was to travel and see these monasteries (which is why I tried to take some pictures).  But it was such an experience to see something unique to Romania.  They have tons of monasteries in Romania, and they have 7 just in Iasi.  It only cost us 3 lei to get in and then a little more if you wanted to take pictures.  But it was well worth it to have one of those experiences you will never forget.

To end the day, we had a surprise from Mario...a trip to a salt mine near one of the monasteries.  We paid 10 lei to get in and the owner was so nice to give us a tour because they had technically already closed when we got there.  We went 40 meters underground and walked tons of steps to get there.  On the way through the tunnels we saw both a catholic and orthodox shrine underground.  We also saw several carvings into the salt walls.  These included Adam and Even, the saint who watches over all those who work in mines, and many others.  Then we passed by a little artificial pond thing.  Couples who wanted to get married used to have to row across the water in order to be able to.  Our last stop was an underground ballroom.  Mario told us that there are other ballrooms around that people use to help asthma.  I am not exactly sure how but they will do activities, dance, play basketball in these salt mines and it helps their asthma.  I thought that was pretty cool.  We then had to struggle to climb the stairs we just came down.  We then all drove back to Romania which took about 1:45 minutes because we did somewhat of a circle in driving to the different monasteries.

We were blessed with good weather (the rain held out till we were almost home), Mario who helped us explain insights of the experience, and a great driver who was friendly, and just an overall amazing trip!  I really loved exploring these kinds of things and experiencing the culture in a unique way.  I wish I could write more but we all came back exhausted from such a fun filled day.

Mare vis,

Dani

Aveţi copii fără mamă?

This entry is just going to be another one of those random thoughts from me and of course some clarification of past items I have written about.  Today I wanted to focus on the hospital.  "Aveţi copii fără mamă" is basically what we will occasionally ask the hospital staff if they have any children who don't have moms.  Then we will go there, one or two of us depending on how many kids on that floor, and we will stay with them until we come one day and they aren't there.  So exactly what does it mean for them to have a child without a mom?  We have learned that there are actually three different meanings to "not having a mom". 

First, literally they don't have a mom.  They have been abandoned, something happened to their parents, or they are just unwanted.  Often this can be the case of abandonment so they are left at this hospital because often they have some sort of a medical problem.  Mario said that people in Romania have just gotten used to giving their children over to the government so the government can take care of them if there is something really wrong.  Sad but true.

Second, is they again have moms but they are not actually at the hospital.  Many of the patients at this hospital come from humble incomes.  So many of the mothers live far out in the countryside and leave their babies at the hospital while they stay and work because they can't afford to come visit.  They can't really ever come and visit because the countryside is so far away and they are poor.

Third, and more often than you think, they do have moms but no longer live with them.  Actually, this is the case many times from the orphanage because the children there are so disabled.  In some of the rooms at the orphanage, a mother will occasionally "visit" their child, sometimes  even bringing another sibling.  I mentioned this before about the mother who has a son in the Intensive Care Unit waiting to die.  Because they are so disabled the mothers will turn their children over to the government because the mothers cannot afford to care for their child.  It is a sad case but when you have little income, and their child needs expensive medical or physical care, it is not an easy choice of what to do.

Coming to Romania many of us were not as prepared as we wished when it came to the hospital.  It is a really amazing experience and we are kind of learning along the way.  I had only one baby on the 5th floor today, she has been there since we have been there, and my little boy was gone today.  It was actually sad when you grow connected to a child for a while and then the next day they could be gone.  I asked the nurse and she said he was on ICU getting something done (I asked in Romanian but I couldn't quite understand everything she said) but when I went to look on the 1st floor they didn't know where he was.  He could have been on the other side though.  But still, it is still great that for those kids without moms we can be somewhat of a substitute and care for them while the rest of the nurses are busy with the other patients.  Especially when you baby soaks through EVERYTHING and you have to change them.  Sometimes they are just too busy to really take time to get around to them. 

Tomorrow will really be an adventure since we are traveling 600km to Moldova and visiting 4 monastaries!  Can't wait to tell you all about that!

Mare vis,

Dani

Angels Among Us

Today was just one of those feel good days when people let you know that you belong.  This of course came from several people because when it comes from more than one source it just makes you feel good inside.  So this morning the girls met with Dr. Porter, Aaron (the Kennedy Center international facilitator), Mario, and the manager of the orphanage!  We just sat in the conference room while Dr. Porter and Aaron expressed their gratitude of allowing us to come and the real honor it is to be facilitating this program.  Basically alot of the logistics that help the Romanian Internship program run smoothly.  But....the manager of the orphanage really said alot of things that made all of us feel welcomed.

She expressed her gratitude of us being there.  Apparently, because of the economic hardships, there are only 13 actual workers out of the 26 they usually have!  So basically, we are very welcomed there!  She said we were doing a great job and she could tell we work hard and love the children.  She also said she can tell a difference in the children when there aren't BYU girls there in the rooms (aka the two week gap between semesters).  Even if it isn't the exact same girl the children act differently when they recognize the girls who represent the BYU program.  She said there was a good spirit we bring that makes the children feel loved and helps them grow.  It really, really made me feel special that even the manager of the orphanage can recognize the difference we are trying to make in all of the childrens' lives. 

Another breakthrough occurred today from one of my main workers, Ada, in my room.  Normally, she can come across as a little standoff-ish but in reality she is so good with teaching the kids and even being understanding today.  But today was the first day she gave me some food for snack!  She had never done this before so I wasn't expecting anything.  But she came over to me after la masa with the kids and brought me one of the wafers she feed the kids and a metal cup containing the kids drink.  I never knew what was in the cup they drink out of...turns out it is juice from the whole apricots inside of it.  It is actually very sweet juice so I can see why the kids love drinking the juice and eating the pieces of fruit inside.  Her gesture made me feel like the longer I am there the more we warm up to each other.  I really love my room and I am getting comfortable in taking charge of helping the workers in making things run smoothly while also giving love to my kiddos. 

Dr. Porter and Aaron came over tonight with Mario and her daughter after the hospital and brought pizza for all of us to eat.  After we ate they of course shared with us different positives and of course things we need to be aware about the program here. But Dr. Porter shared something with us from the scripture that really touched me.  He talked about when Christ came and ministered to the people and the angels came down and surrounded the little children.  In essence he compared that to God sending us to be in this program.  He said we are like the angels that come and care for these children.  I can't be full of myself by comparing myself to one of God's heavenly messengers but I can say that I agree when he said we were sent here for a reason. 

Despite the financial, physical, and emotional sacrifices I did to come here I know it is all worth it.  This experience will be worth it if I get those small experiences everyday.  The smiles, laughs, kids learning to walk, and even kindness from the workers make this trip worth it.  Not to mention the amazing, unique cultural experience I get while I am here.  I know that this will be one of those experiences that make a profound change forever on my life.  Much of what I do here is considered service and charity but it is something that I have always dreamed of doing and I hope I am at least bringing some small good in this world. 

Mare vis,

Dani