Today has been one of the best days while I am here! Everything just felt wonderful:) Like my whole day just fell into place quite nicely. To start off, I woke up early to be ready to leave by 8:00am. Four of us went down to the police station since we were planning on being over 90 days for our visas. We basically would need to write a statement and fill out paperwork. Anyways, turns out me and Ashely are just at our 90 day mark. We went to Moldova for a day so they counted it as one day less. Works for me since I don't have to come back and fill stuff out. So despite waking up early, still a good morning! After that we decided to walk home. It was kind of far but it felt like one of those days that you just want to walk....so fun. But on the way back I dropped my gifts for my workers off at the orphanage. For me it was nice to have closure in saying goodbye. Though I almost cried when I saw my little ones and knew I would probably never see them again in this lifetime. I will miss them so much but I know they will be in good hands. Now, hopefully I can get pictures of them to have that memory forever...
On a happy note, I also bought some boots! The ones I have had my eye one that I just decided to get. The ones I brought here have all but fallen apart. I have walked so much here all of my clothing is just trashed. So I tried Moldova Mall first and they didn't have my size....I though for sure it was going to be a bummer since I needed to find boots. So a little later me and two other girls wanted to go out for lunch. I honestly wanted to go to check another shoe store at Iulius Mall. I had been there before and I though the size they had was too big but in reality it would work with just a bigger pair of socks:) I was scared that pair was gone "her kids". It was really sweet to watch. Then I hurried home because my apartment needed to clean. We have to move everything from our apartment to the other one since they are closing down ours. There are less girls coming so they only need one apartment. So I cleaned for about about 2 hours. Then, I unexpectedly got to talk to my mom on skype. It was so fun because it makes me so, so excited to go home now!
After that I went to FHE. It wasn't anything super planned but it was just nice to just talk and then say goodbye. This has been my ward family for the last 3 months and it is always sad saying goodbye. But, I know that it is only "till we meet again...". I will miss my experience here but today has been such a good day it is hard about the negative. So I won't quite yet :)
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Look How Far I've Come...
Buna Seara!
2 1/2 days till I go home. Seriously, time has just flown by. These next few days will too since I have lots of things planned for both of them. Mostly just cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, packing, packing, packing, and more cleaning. Sounds like fun, not. But I do kind of enjoy this kind of things because it tells me I am getting to go on a trip. And this particular trip is leaving Romania and heading to Texas for Andrew's graduation. I still feel like I will be coming back to live in Romania after my trip to Texas but I'm not. Though I keep thinking I am. It will hit me after a few weeks of living back in the states.
But, I really wanted to focus on how much I have changed. Hopefully for the better. I look back at what it was like in Romania the first time I stepped of the plan. I was so terrified. Mario probably thought we were clueless when we first went to the grocery store. I was scared to look or ask for anything (Romanian or English). I even only went back and forth between the apartments if people were with me. The orphanage was probably the silliest part looking back. I remember the first day I met all of the kids. And by kids, I mean ALL of them since we spent time in every room. That was a very overwhelming experience. Then over the weekend we decided amongst ourselves who would be working in what room. I initially wanted Mickey Mouse 2 but two of the other girls both wanted Mickey Mouse rooms but didn't care which one. So I got my second choice Bambi 2. I was actually really sick my very first work day but the second day I went to my room. I was overwhelmed with the amount of children in the room. 7 boys and only 3 girls. I definitely had to adjust. At first I was really quiet, almost scared to talk to the children in any language. I would only do what the workers told me to do,so I didn't take innitive in anything. It was also almost like a honeymoon stage with the kids. They just seemed like little angels and I was only concerned with being kind and loving them. Then there was the hospital. I wouldn't go onto a floor alone. I wouldn't feel comfortable in a room by myself at all. Not to mention I thought 3 months would last forever....
But I have already seen how much I have changed. It took a little bit but I can definitely see it. For starters there are now 5 girls and 4 boys in my room (we just barely lost one of our girls). Also, I take a BIG innitive now. I was even brave enough to take them to la masa by myself when my worker was busy. I put them to bed, I clean up the toys, and get them ready every day for snack/lunch. I also sing to them, in Romanian and English. I am not afraid to talk as much anymore because they don't care what language just as long as you interact. Also, the "honeymoon" stage definitely ended. I could see myself becoming like the workers, frustrated at times. It was hard not to be but I could see myself wanting to. I could see the difference because the "new" workers they just harder were like me when I first started. At the hospital I went many, many times by myself up to the 5th floor. No big deal anymore to go by yourself. I go to the g market like it is no problem. I know my ropes for the most part around Iasi shopping areas. And now I have just 2 full days left here in Romania. I seriously thought this week would never come...
There are so many other ways I have felt I have grown. I have really strove to take initiative in everything I do now. If you had seen me before, I don't do that at "home, home". So I have really come along way here and hopefully I can continue to when I go back. Also, my patience has definitely grown. Even a little is a big thing for anyone. I mean, it has to if you work with 10 kids everyday:) I have grown even more in my independence, probably a bad thing. But after being married a year I saw myself change since before I was. Now I feel I am back to how I was before I was married. I try to not to rely so much on others like I do with Andrew. So hopefully I can keep that instead making someone do everything for me. There is so, so much I really feel I have grown. My views on life have for sure changed. I see motherhood in a whole new (better) light than I did before. I also see how much difference a person can make in their life. Even the people I have met here have made a profound influence on me.
Hopefully I have grown even more mature and really grown into myself as I have come here to Romania. I have had so many adventures and I hope there are many more to come in the future. Never stop dreaming and live life to the fullest.
Mare vis,
Dani
2 1/2 days till I go home. Seriously, time has just flown by. These next few days will too since I have lots of things planned for both of them. Mostly just cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, packing, packing, packing, and more cleaning. Sounds like fun, not. But I do kind of enjoy this kind of things because it tells me I am getting to go on a trip. And this particular trip is leaving Romania and heading to Texas for Andrew's graduation. I still feel like I will be coming back to live in Romania after my trip to Texas but I'm not. Though I keep thinking I am. It will hit me after a few weeks of living back in the states.
But, I really wanted to focus on how much I have changed. Hopefully for the better. I look back at what it was like in Romania the first time I stepped of the plan. I was so terrified. Mario probably thought we were clueless when we first went to the grocery store. I was scared to look or ask for anything (Romanian or English). I even only went back and forth between the apartments if people were with me. The orphanage was probably the silliest part looking back. I remember the first day I met all of the kids. And by kids, I mean ALL of them since we spent time in every room. That was a very overwhelming experience. Then over the weekend we decided amongst ourselves who would be working in what room. I initially wanted Mickey Mouse 2 but two of the other girls both wanted Mickey Mouse rooms but didn't care which one. So I got my second choice Bambi 2. I was actually really sick my very first work day but the second day I went to my room. I was overwhelmed with the amount of children in the room. 7 boys and only 3 girls. I definitely had to adjust. At first I was really quiet, almost scared to talk to the children in any language. I would only do what the workers told me to do,so I didn't take innitive in anything. It was also almost like a honeymoon stage with the kids. They just seemed like little angels and I was only concerned with being kind and loving them. Then there was the hospital. I wouldn't go onto a floor alone. I wouldn't feel comfortable in a room by myself at all. Not to mention I thought 3 months would last forever....
But I have already seen how much I have changed. It took a little bit but I can definitely see it. For starters there are now 5 girls and 4 boys in my room (we just barely lost one of our girls). Also, I take a BIG innitive now. I was even brave enough to take them to la masa by myself when my worker was busy. I put them to bed, I clean up the toys, and get them ready every day for snack/lunch. I also sing to them, in Romanian and English. I am not afraid to talk as much anymore because they don't care what language just as long as you interact. Also, the "honeymoon" stage definitely ended. I could see myself becoming like the workers, frustrated at times. It was hard not to be but I could see myself wanting to. I could see the difference because the "new" workers they just harder were like me when I first started. At the hospital I went many, many times by myself up to the 5th floor. No big deal anymore to go by yourself. I go to the g market like it is no problem. I know my ropes for the most part around Iasi shopping areas. And now I have just 2 full days left here in Romania. I seriously thought this week would never come...
There are so many other ways I have felt I have grown. I have really strove to take initiative in everything I do now. If you had seen me before, I don't do that at "home, home". So I have really come along way here and hopefully I can continue to when I go back. Also, my patience has definitely grown. Even a little is a big thing for anyone. I mean, it has to if you work with 10 kids everyday:) I have grown even more in my independence, probably a bad thing. But after being married a year I saw myself change since before I was. Now I feel I am back to how I was before I was married. I try to not to rely so much on others like I do with Andrew. So hopefully I can keep that instead making someone do everything for me. There is so, so much I really feel I have grown. My views on life have for sure changed. I see motherhood in a whole new (better) light than I did before. I also see how much difference a person can make in their life. Even the people I have met here have made a profound influence on me.
Hopefully I have grown even more mature and really grown into myself as I have come here to Romania. I have had so many adventures and I hope there are many more to come in the future. Never stop dreaming and live life to the fullest.
Mare vis,
Dani
Friday, November 26, 2010
Why is Life a Routine?
Friday is officially over for me. My last work day in Romania, over. This internship, basically over. My final full week, over. How strange is it to say that? Three months ago I never would believe this day would come. So surreal that the occurrence hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I doubt I will even cry about not seeing my kiddos again till a few days after I get home. Because I feel that “going home” is more like a vacation and after about a week I am coming back to Romania where I have lived my whole life. I know living somewhere for three months doesn’t seem like a long time. But, when you create a constant routine in a foreign country, day after day, it comes to seem like it. It really has not sunk in yet at all for me. I can’t even discuss what it is like for me to not go to “work” anymore.
So for those of you who have actually read this, and of course for myself, I am going to go over again my daily outline. I wake up around 8:00am. I shower, eat quickly, and walk to the orphanage. I wear the same clothes every single day-my gaucho pants, boots, and a hanes white t-shirt. Since it has been cold, a jacket and gloves have been added. The walk to the orphanage is a little less than a mile. I arrive around 9:00 and change into my scrubs and work shoes. These shoes are kept there ever day so as to not get dirty by wearing them. I then walk upstairs to the top floor since classrooms for those who pay are located on the first floor. I walk upstairs and make a right at the very end of the hall. I walk through a doorway leading to the “Bambi” rooms, passing the eating hall on my right. Bambi 1 is on the left and mine is just past, going straight. I open the door, that has a window so as to see out of into the hall. Normally I see my kiddos before opening the door to see who is up. I walk in and my kiddos look up, start to laugh, and run over towards me. They come up and hug my legs since they are just little guys. After that I am with them for about an hour when 10:00am hits. At this time I load up the ones who need chairs and hold the others by the hand as we go to “la masa”, which is morning snack. Often I will be pushing one of the wheel chairs, have another one of my kids helping push it, while I am holding another by the hand. We walk towards the cafeteria and I seat all the kids at their little tables. After that I help feed the ones that need it. Occasionally I will be given the same snack they eat. Usually this is a wafer cracker with a banana or apple. After that we cart the kids back to the room. Then, depending on the worker, some or most of the little ones will take a nap. Screaming usually occurs for the first 10-15 minutes but they all eventually fall asleep. I get special time with the other who are up the whole time I am there, for the most part. Then at 11:00am, 2 of my kiddos have a special lunch time just for them. Then, depending on the worker, I might help feed one of them, or watch the others while they are carted away to eat. They usually come back around 11:20-11:30. Then I get about 15 minutes to be with them after until the other kids need to get up. The other kids are then woken up, sometimes taken to get a diaper changed, and allowed into the playroom. There are two small bedrooms, one in the front and one in the back, that has 5 cribs in the first, and then 2 small beds with some cribs in the back. So after that, I try to settle them down before lunch. We clean up the toys and then I put aprons or bib-type thing on them to get ready for “la masa”, lunchtime. At noon we cart off again towards the cafeteria. I usually end up sitting at a small table and feed 2 kids. Then if I have time I will feed another. But, they start with a main meal (usually looks rice based), then have a second course of soup. If they are good they receive a gumdrop or chocolate after they finish. By the time we are done it is 12:30 and I take them back to the room. I walk downstairs and change. After that I leave to start my walk home. By the time I come home it is 12:45 or later and I get ready to eat. Everyday I come home and make myself a grilled cheese sandwich. As soon as I am done I bring all my things and head over to the other apartment with the Internet. Though I haven’t done it in the last few days, the first 2 ½ months consisted of the hospital at 2:00pm. We start walking there which is the opposite direction as the orphanage. It is in the direction heading towards Iulius Mall. It is about a 25 minute walk to the hospital. We arrive and work till 5:00pm. We then walk all the way back the apartment. Monday is FHE, Thursday is Outreach, Friday is Institute, Saturday sometimes has activities, and Sunday is of course church. This doesn’t include our own little things we want to do. Dinner of course happens sometime after 5:00pm. I then get everything done I need to and go to bed around 10:00. I wake up the next morning and repeat.
I did this for about 2 months. For me, I don’t know how I did it. It seems so long ago that I first came here. I have decided to set my entry on Sunday about how much I have changed since I first arrived. I have really come a long away from the scared person I was when I first got here. Today wasn’t really goodbye because I plan on going back Monday. I need to drop off some gifts for my workers and Teo and then pick up the cd containing the pictures of our kiddos! Which I must say I am so excited to show off to the world since I can’t post any of them online. I hope to stop by and say my last goodbyes.
I still have 4 ½ days left and still so much to get done! Packing, deep, deep cleaning, and shoppingJ I really do have a lot. But, I will be posting a little more before I come home! So that’s all for now.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Scoala
Another day nearly down! I know it is bad but I am starting to count down the days. I have loved my experience her in Romania but now I just can't wait to see my family. It is officially a week until I am on the plane towards my overnight stay in Vienna. I also have only 2 more work days while I am here. How crazy is that? Seriously, in that sense time has just flown by....yet it still seems to be taking forever till I can talk/see Andrew again!
Anyways...today was a really interesting day. I went to the orphanage this morning when I actually wasn't planning on it the night before. I still left early because me and Elizabeth went with one of our friends to her University class. It was actually really fun. It started at 12 and lasted till 2. The cool part was is her major is psychology so Elizabeth, who is also a pysch major, could relate to alot of the classes she was taking. But, it was definitely interesting going to school with her and see what college life is like around here. It is kind of funny to because it is one of the biggest Universities in Romania but it only has like 1200 students. So, super tiny at least compared to some universities back home! It was still kind of fun to see how people my age do things here at school. So that lasted till 2 and we took a taxi home to wait for Mario to get to our apartment. It was kind of our day to get all of the "paperwork" part of our internship done. Mostly Mario just signing our work logs and such so that we can get credit showing we actually did it. Then we went with her and her daughter to Mamma Mia pizza. We seriously love that place! But it was fun to just hang out and eat there. We talked forever but it was nice to just hang out. Talking with her made me realize just how strange it is that we are really leaving. She told us that the girls in my apartment would have to bring all of our stuff left in that apartment to the other apartment since they are closing that one due to the lack of girls in the next group. She told us about deep cleaning at the final visa things we will be figuring out Monday. I still feel like I am leaving in 2 weeks so it is crazy!
I don't know what it will be like going home but I am going to enjoy what time I still have left here.
Mare vis,
Dani
Anyways...today was a really interesting day. I went to the orphanage this morning when I actually wasn't planning on it the night before. I still left early because me and Elizabeth went with one of our friends to her University class. It was actually really fun. It started at 12 and lasted till 2. The cool part was is her major is psychology so Elizabeth, who is also a pysch major, could relate to alot of the classes she was taking. But, it was definitely interesting going to school with her and see what college life is like around here. It is kind of funny to because it is one of the biggest Universities in Romania but it only has like 1200 students. So, super tiny at least compared to some universities back home! It was still kind of fun to see how people my age do things here at school. So that lasted till 2 and we took a taxi home to wait for Mario to get to our apartment. It was kind of our day to get all of the "paperwork" part of our internship done. Mostly Mario just signing our work logs and such so that we can get credit showing we actually did it. Then we went with her and her daughter to Mamma Mia pizza. We seriously love that place! But it was fun to just hang out and eat there. We talked forever but it was nice to just hang out. Talking with her made me realize just how strange it is that we are really leaving. She told us that the girls in my apartment would have to bring all of our stuff left in that apartment to the other apartment since they are closing that one due to the lack of girls in the next group. She told us about deep cleaning at the final visa things we will be figuring out Monday. I still feel like I am leaving in 2 weeks so it is crazy!
I don't know what it will be like going home but I am going to enjoy what time I still have left here.
Mare vis,
Dani
Monday, November 22, 2010
Rasco
Day 1 of my last "work week" down. Today has gone by really fast. I am at the end of my day and I still don't know what I think about it. Weird. I mean it had major highs and then major lows. So would it be considered an average day? I don't think so because alot actually happened. Where to begin? At the beginning of my day of course.
To start out with I talked with my parents this morning! Monday morning my time, Sunday night their time. It was actually really good to talk to them. I never get to talk to them for very long but any time is better than none. I learned about some great things that have happened so I am excited! But, it has also made me really excited to go home. A good and bad thing for me. Because at this point I have been praying for strength to just get through the next 10 days! Silly me. But, I did talk to them till I left for the orphanage which is the start of my "work" day. The orphanage was actually really tiring. It was probably just me because I could not sleep at all last night! Not going to lie, I am going to be excited to sleep on an actual bed when I get home:) Anyways...the orphanage was wearing today because my worker was not in a good mood today. Poor her, I could tell she was kind of grumpy and stressed. I tried to be helpful but with her I actually have to watch my actions because she doesn't like it when I initiate caring for the kids all the time. It was great because I realize I just love my kids. I am really, really going to miss them. Though feeding them is another story. When you have a half an hour to seat 7 kids, keep them in their seats, feed two of them, make sure they are not turning away or getting out of chairs, don't have a melt down, and feed them both a main course and soup. It is kind of alot of work for me. The kids have a time limit to eat so meanless to say it is not always enjoyable. Still love "my kiddos".
It is funny I keep calling them "my kiddos" because I am starting to realize they aren't really mine! I say this because we met with a couple who visited us today. She is an American who actually came on this internship back in Winter 2008. She ended up marrying the guy who is the brother of the little boy who was burned and is now in the process of getting adopted. But it was really great talking to them! It is always great learning about girls' past experiences and how they think. Everyone will forever refer to things in the orphanage as "their room" or "their kids". Which I can understand, because it will always hold a special place in our hearts. So after they left (with their adorable son!) some of us went to the hospital.
I decided to go to the hospital today for at least a little bit since I haven't been in a while. It is my first time in almost 2 weeks and I am so glad I did. I originally went with the intention of finding one of "my boys" who had moved to the apartments a few weeks ago. Elizabeth, whose apartment he is now in, went with me. We checked and he wasn't there. He probably went back during the afternoon sometime. So instead we went up to the 5th floor to see if there were any motherless children. It is after all, "my floor" at the hospital. Turns out their was! There was a baby girl and then a boy. I took on the boy while Elizabeth took the baby girl. This little boy was so cute. I am going to call him Rasco. He looks to be about 3 and when we first went in their he was completely none responsive. Like at all. I thought he couldn't walk or anything because he was at first just lying in this crib. Elizabeth initially had started to change his diaper and needed my help because it was a mess. But I noticed as I was finishing he was lifting his legs when I was putting his pants on. His face was expressionless but he was moving. So I decided to see if I could see if I could get him to smile. While Liz was with the baby I took on what I thought was an impossible feat. The mom in the room got him to sit. Obviously I saw he could at least do that. He was beginning to seem actually normal. I got a balloon, the kind you could punch back and forth cause it has a band attached. He actually grabbed a hold of it. First response, but no smile. What finally got him going was a bunch of those foam letter and number things where you place the letter or number within the empty foam space it belongs. I was just talking to him and what little Romanian I know we were able to play with it. He loved it! After that he was very responsive. He even loved the song I sang to him, the one Romanian song I know. He really was just the cutest thing ever. But the low came as I was about to leave. So I was saying goodbye and telling him I would see him tomorrow when he just broke down. It broke my heart to suddenly see him start balling and lean into me so I would hold him. I couldn't leave him like that. I was letting him lean into me and I kept telling him it was ok and I was going to see him tomorrow but he kept crying. A nurse finally came in and saw and just told him to come walk with her. He was still sad and crying but at least this allowed me to go without feeling overly bad. Rasco would be in good hands because she is a good nurse. After only a little bit this guy was already sad I was leaving. I don't know what to think about this experience but I do know I hope to see him tomorrow!
After that I went home and got ready for FHE. It was supposed to be better than it turned out to be. One of the guy's birthday was today so we decided to have a BIG party for him, those birthdays in December, and as our "going" away party since we are leaving next week. But he couldn't make it because he was with his family. Which is fine! But still kind of sad. Because....we bought a really good ice cream cake from Betty Ice, such a good ice cream place! And some chips, pretzels, fanta, and popcorn. It was still fun though! I was just kind of having a rough day. People in Europe are just a little more blunt about pointing things out to you. I am sure they don't mean to offend, they usually are probably just trying to be helpful, but today was just not a good day for them to be blunt. I can't wait to be with Andrew who loves me no matter what!
But sorry it has taken so long for me to update! Just needed to get back into the swing of things. I still can't believe next week is the day when I leave after living her for 3 months. So crazy.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
To start out with I talked with my parents this morning! Monday morning my time, Sunday night their time. It was actually really good to talk to them. I never get to talk to them for very long but any time is better than none. I learned about some great things that have happened so I am excited! But, it has also made me really excited to go home. A good and bad thing for me. Because at this point I have been praying for strength to just get through the next 10 days! Silly me. But, I did talk to them till I left for the orphanage which is the start of my "work" day. The orphanage was actually really tiring. It was probably just me because I could not sleep at all last night! Not going to lie, I am going to be excited to sleep on an actual bed when I get home:) Anyways...the orphanage was wearing today because my worker was not in a good mood today. Poor her, I could tell she was kind of grumpy and stressed. I tried to be helpful but with her I actually have to watch my actions because she doesn't like it when I initiate caring for the kids all the time. It was great because I realize I just love my kids. I am really, really going to miss them. Though feeding them is another story. When you have a half an hour to seat 7 kids, keep them in their seats, feed two of them, make sure they are not turning away or getting out of chairs, don't have a melt down, and feed them both a main course and soup. It is kind of alot of work for me. The kids have a time limit to eat so meanless to say it is not always enjoyable. Still love "my kiddos".
It is funny I keep calling them "my kiddos" because I am starting to realize they aren't really mine! I say this because we met with a couple who visited us today. She is an American who actually came on this internship back in Winter 2008. She ended up marrying the guy who is the brother of the little boy who was burned and is now in the process of getting adopted. But it was really great talking to them! It is always great learning about girls' past experiences and how they think. Everyone will forever refer to things in the orphanage as "their room" or "their kids". Which I can understand, because it will always hold a special place in our hearts. So after they left (with their adorable son!) some of us went to the hospital.
I decided to go to the hospital today for at least a little bit since I haven't been in a while. It is my first time in almost 2 weeks and I am so glad I did. I originally went with the intention of finding one of "my boys" who had moved to the apartments a few weeks ago. Elizabeth, whose apartment he is now in, went with me. We checked and he wasn't there. He probably went back during the afternoon sometime. So instead we went up to the 5th floor to see if there were any motherless children. It is after all, "my floor" at the hospital. Turns out their was! There was a baby girl and then a boy. I took on the boy while Elizabeth took the baby girl. This little boy was so cute. I am going to call him Rasco. He looks to be about 3 and when we first went in their he was completely none responsive. Like at all. I thought he couldn't walk or anything because he was at first just lying in this crib. Elizabeth initially had started to change his diaper and needed my help because it was a mess. But I noticed as I was finishing he was lifting his legs when I was putting his pants on. His face was expressionless but he was moving. So I decided to see if I could see if I could get him to smile. While Liz was with the baby I took on what I thought was an impossible feat. The mom in the room got him to sit. Obviously I saw he could at least do that. He was beginning to seem actually normal. I got a balloon, the kind you could punch back and forth cause it has a band attached. He actually grabbed a hold of it. First response, but no smile. What finally got him going was a bunch of those foam letter and number things where you place the letter or number within the empty foam space it belongs. I was just talking to him and what little Romanian I know we were able to play with it. He loved it! After that he was very responsive. He even loved the song I sang to him, the one Romanian song I know. He really was just the cutest thing ever. But the low came as I was about to leave. So I was saying goodbye and telling him I would see him tomorrow when he just broke down. It broke my heart to suddenly see him start balling and lean into me so I would hold him. I couldn't leave him like that. I was letting him lean into me and I kept telling him it was ok and I was going to see him tomorrow but he kept crying. A nurse finally came in and saw and just told him to come walk with her. He was still sad and crying but at least this allowed me to go without feeling overly bad. Rasco would be in good hands because she is a good nurse. After only a little bit this guy was already sad I was leaving. I don't know what to think about this experience but I do know I hope to see him tomorrow!
After that I went home and got ready for FHE. It was supposed to be better than it turned out to be. One of the guy's birthday was today so we decided to have a BIG party for him, those birthdays in December, and as our "going" away party since we are leaving next week. But he couldn't make it because he was with his family. Which is fine! But still kind of sad. Because....we bought a really good ice cream cake from Betty Ice, such a good ice cream place! And some chips, pretzels, fanta, and popcorn. It was still fun though! I was just kind of having a rough day. People in Europe are just a little more blunt about pointing things out to you. I am sure they don't mean to offend, they usually are probably just trying to be helpful, but today was just not a good day for them to be blunt. I can't wait to be with Andrew who loves me no matter what!
But sorry it has taken so long for me to update! Just needed to get back into the swing of things. I still can't believe next week is the day when I leave after living her for 3 months. So crazy.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
I am pretty much super woman
Ok, so maybe I am just tooting my own horn by saying that but I really felt proud of myself today. Today was one of those days, that despite the kids' craziness, I actually felt accomplished. So to start of the day I went to the orphanage as usual except when I came in 6 of my kids were on the beds. And the other 4 were in chairs. Alot of times they will just put Bambi and Doll in chairs since they haven't quite mastered walking but they get into everything. Kind of sad sometimes but this is their way of dealing with them when so many other things are going on. Anyways I look over and Cami and a few other workers from the Bambi Girls were taking inventory. It looked like they were going through ever piece of linen and article of clothing they had in the room. Seemed like a lot of work. But what was really surprising was when Teo came into the room. With her she brought a little boy from Ashley's room. He is Doll's older brother. He is only like 3 so they are both really little.
I had been told they would be leaving this week but I just didn't know it would be today! I first walked in and took her out of her seat so I could play with her. It was then that Teo walked in and said that they were going to the foster family! So Cami, already frazzled because she was so busy today, rushed to clean Doll up and get her ready. I don't know what happens back in the bathroom but the kids always scream when getting changed. I think kids in general just don't enjoy getting dressed or their diapers changed. Anyways I could tell Cami was having a hard day so I kind of took the reigns in helping her. I immediately tried to hold Doll so she would stop screaming. She really enjoys me holding her so it usually work. For the next little bit I was in charge of holding her so the Teo and Cami could get her coat and stuff on. Teo even took pictures of her and her brother. It was so precious when her brother came in the room because he immediately got a smile on his face and went over to Doll (who I was still holding). He held her hand and he was just happy to be with her. I think they were a social case where they were taken out of their home and put into the orphanage till they could find another home for them. So it is such a blessing they are able to go together! It really just makes me so happy. It was so sad to say goodbye but even Teo told me as they were leaving "this is good for them". I really do know that. As hard as it is for me to say goodbye it doesn't matter because they are really doing their best to find the best environment for the kids' development.
But, after they left and the inventory was done my worker kind of just disappeared leaving me with all the kids. After I while I just decided to things on my own. I felt kind of like I was in charge of helping them. When I could tell my kids were really tired I even put a few of them done for a nap, something my worker is usually in charge of doing. Then when I say my worker still doing inventory and it was snack time I offered to take the kids to snack. I took them, sat them all down, and even go their snacks. Usually I just wait because the worker will say when to go to la masa and usually gets the food for them. But really my worker even told me she was having a bad day. I could tell how stressed she was so I didn't mind at all in helping them. But I helped them all with their snacks and took them back to the room. After that I was alone with them till after 11:00am when my worker came back. Usually she will get Bug and Mohawk in chairs to be ready to eat but I did it without her asking. She was trying to tell me something that she needed my help but I was already getting Mohawk in his chair. She turned around and say that I already did what she was asking and she was so grateful. Cami kept giving me kisses on both cheeks as a way of thanking me.
Then for lunch I ended up feeding two of my kiddos at once. I would take one plate on my lap and while that kid was chewing I would feed a spoonful to the other. Not an easy feat especially with Queenie being one of them. Today was longer than usually and I didn't leave the orphanage till 12:45 today. So it was definitely a busy day for me. But, honestly, I did kind of feel like a super woman. I always believed my mom, and all moms out there, were super moms, and today I almost felt like that. I will probably never measure up to a supermom but I was still kind of proud of myself. If that is not too bold to say. I hope that when I get back home I can continue to initiate more things because it really can help people out and get things done.
Mare vis,
Dani
I had been told they would be leaving this week but I just didn't know it would be today! I first walked in and took her out of her seat so I could play with her. It was then that Teo walked in and said that they were going to the foster family! So Cami, already frazzled because she was so busy today, rushed to clean Doll up and get her ready. I don't know what happens back in the bathroom but the kids always scream when getting changed. I think kids in general just don't enjoy getting dressed or their diapers changed. Anyways I could tell Cami was having a hard day so I kind of took the reigns in helping her. I immediately tried to hold Doll so she would stop screaming. She really enjoys me holding her so it usually work. For the next little bit I was in charge of holding her so the Teo and Cami could get her coat and stuff on. Teo even took pictures of her and her brother. It was so precious when her brother came in the room because he immediately got a smile on his face and went over to Doll (who I was still holding). He held her hand and he was just happy to be with her. I think they were a social case where they were taken out of their home and put into the orphanage till they could find another home for them. So it is such a blessing they are able to go together! It really just makes me so happy. It was so sad to say goodbye but even Teo told me as they were leaving "this is good for them". I really do know that. As hard as it is for me to say goodbye it doesn't matter because they are really doing their best to find the best environment for the kids' development.
But, after they left and the inventory was done my worker kind of just disappeared leaving me with all the kids. After I while I just decided to things on my own. I felt kind of like I was in charge of helping them. When I could tell my kids were really tired I even put a few of them done for a nap, something my worker is usually in charge of doing. Then when I say my worker still doing inventory and it was snack time I offered to take the kids to snack. I took them, sat them all down, and even go their snacks. Usually I just wait because the worker will say when to go to la masa and usually gets the food for them. But really my worker even told me she was having a bad day. I could tell how stressed she was so I didn't mind at all in helping them. But I helped them all with their snacks and took them back to the room. After that I was alone with them till after 11:00am when my worker came back. Usually she will get Bug and Mohawk in chairs to be ready to eat but I did it without her asking. She was trying to tell me something that she needed my help but I was already getting Mohawk in his chair. She turned around and say that I already did what she was asking and she was so grateful. Cami kept giving me kisses on both cheeks as a way of thanking me.
Then for lunch I ended up feeding two of my kiddos at once. I would take one plate on my lap and while that kid was chewing I would feed a spoonful to the other. Not an easy feat especially with Queenie being one of them. Today was longer than usually and I didn't leave the orphanage till 12:45 today. So it was definitely a busy day for me. But, honestly, I did kind of feel like a super woman. I always believed my mom, and all moms out there, were super moms, and today I almost felt like that. I will probably never measure up to a supermom but I was still kind of proud of myself. If that is not too bold to say. I hope that when I get back home I can continue to initiate more things because it really can help people out and get things done.
Mare vis,
Dani
Monday, November 15, 2010
The New Worker
Today we got a new worker in my room. She is younger and today seemed like her first day. It was definitely different having two workers in my room after only having one for so long. The tone just felt really off for me because once again I felt like an outsider. Mostly it was the two of them talking, even though this is usually my favorite worker today. So I didn't really feel as included. However, I could tell the new worker felt a little out of place too. Not so unlike my first week at the orphanage, though she actually speaks Romanian giving her a big jump ahead of me. But looking at her it made me think about how I was my first week. It took me forever to learn the kids names because I couldn't ask what their names where yet in Romanian. Even she had trouble and it was kind of funny to watch. She kept asking what their names were and kept calling Queenie, Little Blue Diva's name. So it was kind of humorous to watch.
I remember being so, so scared about learning the ropes. I wanted so much to fit in because the kids already knew the workers there and it would take some getting used to having me around. Seeing the new worker she was alot how we all were when we first started. It is a good thing! Because she was a worker that actually played with the kids. She isn't mean and doesn't really discipline the kids at all. Looking at her I am scared I am becoming like the other workers! It is funny because really I do feel like my kiddos are driving me crazy. The honeymoon stage is over like how it was at first and now I am almost like the others. Like I am a mom or something:) I still love them but it is just intriguing looking at how far I have come from. With just two weeks left I have realized how much I have changed with the kids. They are comfortable around me and actually excited to see me. I also feel like I know what to do when it comes to taking care of them. I know their routine and I take charge in helping take care of them now. I don't just wait around for someone to tell me what to do unlike when I first came. So seeing this new worker really made me a proud of myself as to how far I have come. Granted, again, she can speak Romanian so it will be a much easier transition for her.
I really do love my kiddos so much. They are crazy and a handful, but I love them. Talking to my family this morning was nice. It made me realize how close I am to the "finish" of my adventure. I really am going to miss my kids when I leave especially after coming this far. It is surreal to think about going home because I feel like I am going to be here forever. But it will definitely be amazing to see my family and my husband.
Speaking of which HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW! He won't get to read this since he is still at basic training. But he turned 24 today and I am so proud of all he has done. He let me follow my dreams and have this experience and I am so grateful for it.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
I remember being so, so scared about learning the ropes. I wanted so much to fit in because the kids already knew the workers there and it would take some getting used to having me around. Seeing the new worker she was alot how we all were when we first started. It is a good thing! Because she was a worker that actually played with the kids. She isn't mean and doesn't really discipline the kids at all. Looking at her I am scared I am becoming like the other workers! It is funny because really I do feel like my kiddos are driving me crazy. The honeymoon stage is over like how it was at first and now I am almost like the others. Like I am a mom or something:) I still love them but it is just intriguing looking at how far I have come from. With just two weeks left I have realized how much I have changed with the kids. They are comfortable around me and actually excited to see me. I also feel like I know what to do when it comes to taking care of them. I know their routine and I take charge in helping take care of them now. I don't just wait around for someone to tell me what to do unlike when I first came. So seeing this new worker really made me a proud of myself as to how far I have come. Granted, again, she can speak Romanian so it will be a much easier transition for her.
I really do love my kiddos so much. They are crazy and a handful, but I love them. Talking to my family this morning was nice. It made me realize how close I am to the "finish" of my adventure. I really am going to miss my kids when I leave especially after coming this far. It is surreal to think about going home because I feel like I am going to be here forever. But it will definitely be amazing to see my family and my husband.
Speaking of which HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW! He won't get to read this since he is still at basic training. But he turned 24 today and I am so proud of all he has done. He let me follow my dreams and have this experience and I am so grateful for it.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Late Night Masquerade
Wow...I really am horrible. Forgetting Friday? Seriously I have been way busy these past two days. I mean it is the weekend so I am allowed a fun night out. Half the time I don't know why I write a blog. Probably more for me because I am going to regret not remembering my memories. So this way I am required to write them down and can look back at all my adventures. Anyways, not too much happened Friday. I went to the orphanage like always and realized how much my head worker Ada actually goes through.
Apparently on Thursday she was yelling my name from the bathroom but I thought she was saying another one of my kids names so I didn't do anything to help her. However,I am kind of proud of myself because I can tell she appreciates in when I help her out on my own. I am so much more initiative in my work so I will do things without having to ask. But when Mario came in to visit me on Friday she was telling me Ada is not very happy. She is really, really stressed. Not that I blame her. There are alot of mobile kids in my room. All rooms at the orphanage present their own unique challenges and some even have more kids than mine but the difference with mine is their young age (aka the terrible 2's) and their activity level. My little ones get into everything! And since she often will leave me with all of them during that hour of feeding time for two of my kids I can understand a little of how she feels. Poor Ada has a whole shift with them so no wonder she is stressed out. Plus, my room has just one worker (other than me) which is not enough for the amount of kids in my room. But it is wonderful to see all of the workers working so hard for a good cause in caring for these children.
So meanless to say this week has been very overwhelming being back with the kids. Especially getting two new ones.
But Saturday was a great day! I accomplished quite a bit in the morning, after sleeping in till 9 of course. I did laundry and then just hung out waiting till 6. The Illius mall had a big celebration from 7pm-2 am. Early this week I found a pamphlet on the way to the other girls' apartment that had an advertisement in a pamphlet. I translated some of it online but the rest I left up to Mihai. It sounded so much fun and I was particularly excited to get a free mask so some of us went. We left at 6 and it was packed! But it was so cool, almost like a circus. Everyone got a free mask upon entrance of the mall by two people on stilts. Then many of the stores had discounts and most or all of their merchandise. So the shops were crazy. I am kind of a high stress person so I get overwhelmed by that amount of people in a store. So that was interesting, but character building, right? But other than shopping they also had performances. They had performers in costumes and masks doing dancing. There was also fencing and musical shows. It was really fun to see everyone enjoying the shows and just having a good time. We only stayed until 10 but it was good enough for us! It was a really fun night!
Other than that not alot happened. I need to be better in posting everyday again but I guess the days are just passing me by. So I will continue to keep those of you who read updated. Though I kind of know these postings are more for me.
Mare vis,
Dani
Apparently on Thursday she was yelling my name from the bathroom but I thought she was saying another one of my kids names so I didn't do anything to help her. However,I am kind of proud of myself because I can tell she appreciates in when I help her out on my own. I am so much more initiative in my work so I will do things without having to ask. But when Mario came in to visit me on Friday she was telling me Ada is not very happy. She is really, really stressed. Not that I blame her. There are alot of mobile kids in my room. All rooms at the orphanage present their own unique challenges and some even have more kids than mine but the difference with mine is their young age (aka the terrible 2's) and their activity level. My little ones get into everything! And since she often will leave me with all of them during that hour of feeding time for two of my kids I can understand a little of how she feels. Poor Ada has a whole shift with them so no wonder she is stressed out. Plus, my room has just one worker (other than me) which is not enough for the amount of kids in my room. But it is wonderful to see all of the workers working so hard for a good cause in caring for these children.
So meanless to say this week has been very overwhelming being back with the kids. Especially getting two new ones.
But Saturday was a great day! I accomplished quite a bit in the morning, after sleeping in till 9 of course. I did laundry and then just hung out waiting till 6. The Illius mall had a big celebration from 7pm-2 am. Early this week I found a pamphlet on the way to the other girls' apartment that had an advertisement in a pamphlet. I translated some of it online but the rest I left up to Mihai. It sounded so much fun and I was particularly excited to get a free mask so some of us went. We left at 6 and it was packed! But it was so cool, almost like a circus. Everyone got a free mask upon entrance of the mall by two people on stilts. Then many of the stores had discounts and most or all of their merchandise. So the shops were crazy. I am kind of a high stress person so I get overwhelmed by that amount of people in a store. So that was interesting, but character building, right? But other than shopping they also had performances. They had performers in costumes and masks doing dancing. There was also fencing and musical shows. It was really fun to see everyone enjoying the shows and just having a good time. We only stayed until 10 but it was good enough for us! It was a really fun night!
Other than that not alot happened. I need to be better in posting everyday again but I guess the days are just passing me by. So I will continue to keep those of you who read updated. Though I kind of know these postings are more for me.
Mare vis,
Dani
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Has It Really Been This Long?
I can't believe three weeks from today I will be visiting Andrew at Basic Training and seeing my family. Honestly I am so excited to get home. I have had an amazing experience thus far but I know many more adventurous are still to come in the future. But I only have two work weeks left at the orphanage. My work at the hospital is basically done, unless I choose to go, since my hours are nearly complete. I really am going to miss the orphanage though when I leave.
I have learned many new things today. First, one of the girls told me tonight that there are only 4 girls coming for the Winter semester. That is even smaller than my group. It kind of breaks my heart that only 4 people signed up for such an underrated experience! Plus, what are going to happen to the kids? I mean there are basically 7 different groups of kids, 5 rooms and then 2 apartments. If there are only 4 which rooms miss out? Kind of sad to think about actually.
But on a high note I think I have a fun Saturday planned! I still can't believe tomorrow is already Friday. Anyway, they are having a big discount and party/concert thing at the Illius Mall her Saturday night. You even get a free mask! Sounds silly but I don't want to miss out on Anything.
By the way....I have though of names for my two new kiddos I mentioned in my last write up. It might sound silly, the names I mean, but I think they fit. For new kiddo #1 I have given the name Doll. She looks like an adorable little doll with huge blue eyes and a winning smile. For kiddo #2 I decided to call her Koala. Just because she reminds me of cute little bear and she is one of the only kids I know that actually like teddy bears. Not super creative for me but really they do fit the more I think about them.
I still can't believe I have been gone for 2 1/2 months. It really is crazy to have lived in a foreign country, working, for that long. I never been super open about my feelings so I don't talk about family or even Andrew that much for matter. I am sure that some people are like this girl is really married? Well I thought about it today and the reason I am like that is it is just easier that way. When I just think and dwell on things it makes me sad. So instead of being "the girl with the husband" and who is sad alot I just want to be myself. I miss him to death! More than I let people see, but for me not talking about it too much allows me to be ok with the situation and enjoy my self while I am here. Which I definitely have!
So a note to everyone out there, never let anything hold you back. Dream big, live hard, and laugh a lot. My own abridged saying but it is what works for me. Traveling and experiencing life has always been one of mine so I am trying to live it up while I am here. And to my family can't wait to see you in just a few short weeks!
Cu mult drag,
Dani
I have learned many new things today. First, one of the girls told me tonight that there are only 4 girls coming for the Winter semester. That is even smaller than my group. It kind of breaks my heart that only 4 people signed up for such an underrated experience! Plus, what are going to happen to the kids? I mean there are basically 7 different groups of kids, 5 rooms and then 2 apartments. If there are only 4 which rooms miss out? Kind of sad to think about actually.
But on a high note I think I have a fun Saturday planned! I still can't believe tomorrow is already Friday. Anyway, they are having a big discount and party/concert thing at the Illius Mall her Saturday night. You even get a free mask! Sounds silly but I don't want to miss out on Anything.
By the way....I have though of names for my two new kiddos I mentioned in my last write up. It might sound silly, the names I mean, but I think they fit. For new kiddo #1 I have given the name Doll. She looks like an adorable little doll with huge blue eyes and a winning smile. For kiddo #2 I decided to call her Koala. Just because she reminds me of cute little bear and she is one of the only kids I know that actually like teddy bears. Not super creative for me but really they do fit the more I think about them.
I still can't believe I have been gone for 2 1/2 months. It really is crazy to have lived in a foreign country, working, for that long. I never been super open about my feelings so I don't talk about family or even Andrew that much for matter. I am sure that some people are like this girl is really married? Well I thought about it today and the reason I am like that is it is just easier that way. When I just think and dwell on things it makes me sad. So instead of being "the girl with the husband" and who is sad alot I just want to be myself. I miss him to death! More than I let people see, but for me not talking about it too much allows me to be ok with the situation and enjoy my self while I am here. Which I definitely have!
So a note to everyone out there, never let anything hold you back. Dream big, live hard, and laugh a lot. My own abridged saying but it is what works for me. Traveling and experiencing life has always been one of mine so I am trying to live it up while I am here. And to my family can't wait to see you in just a few short weeks!
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
At Least I Didn't Scream
This has been one of the first times in a long time where I just wanted to scream! I know it has nearly happened before but today was just one of those days. It seemed like a good day to begin with. I walked in and it just makes my day when my kiddos run over to me all excited I am there. But, for some reason, don’t know if they slept really well, but they were just on fire! Out of control, didn’t know what to do kind of a day. It was definitely a day filled with highs and lows.
Well to start with a high. I got two new kids today! Two girls it turns out. Instead of a majority of boys in my room, the score now stands 4-6 in favor of girls. So I am still trying to adjust to girls instead of trucks, balls, and hitting. So both of these girls came from Isolation since they must be old enough to be in my room now. One of them just turned 1 and she is a doll! Still trying to come up with names for them but they are both sweet. The one year old has huge blue eyes and adorable auburn hair as well. The other one is darker with a shaved head, which is why I wasn’t sure if it was a boy or girl when I first met her. But her real name seemed to give it away, though one can never tell. I already love them. The other one is mobile so she is already falling into place in my room. However, with two new kids it brought a whole new set of problems. Blue Diva of course LOVED the one year old because she was like a doll. The more I am around BD the more I realize how motherly she really is. When the other one was crying today she just went over all concerned and stroked her head and said, “Gata, gata”. She doesn’t talk too much, just whines usually, but it was funny because that word (well it means a lot of things) but moms will use this when they are trying to get a baby to calm done like “there, there its ok”. So that was definitely a high.
However, her, Iggy, Queenie, and even Bambi and Winnie were just on fire today! Ada kept leaving in the room alone with all 8 of the other kids while she fed the other ones. Not a big deal usually because I guess it shows that she thinks I can take of things while we were gone. But, they just act up so much more when the main workers aren’t there because they know I am not as strict and won’t yell at them. So new kiddo #2 today was crying and I knew she was tired. She kept rubbing her eyes and Ada wasn’t in the room to put her down. So I took initiative (a good thing for me to do) and took off her shoes and put her in one of the rooms. But of course here follows 4 of my kids cause they think it is a game to open up the other rooms. They kept giggling and running away from me as I was trying to lay kiddo #2 down. I would try to take one out when another would keep running in. Then of course the one I was holding would flop so I would have to put them down and couldn’t get them out. They kept doing it. They were driving me crazy! I finally herded all of them out the door. The fun didn’t end there. Blue Diva loves to be held, but today she thought it would be funny to spit a little on my pants while I was holding here. But if I put her down then she would just hang all over me and whine. Then Queenie was the most on fire today! She was a MONSTER! I don’t think she got very much sleep because she was crying the whole day. For no reason. Someone would try to hold her or get her off the ground (cause she kept throwing herself on the ground) and she would flop and start crying hysterically. Lunch didn’t go smoothly again with her either. Iggy was just another story today. I am still not sure what to think of this little guy cause he will be fine for one minute and then another minute he will just start crying, for no reason. Today he just loved tormenting the other little kids (and me) by hitting and pushing them. Then he would cry if he got in trouble. The last little monster was Bambi, of all of the kids. It is always so amazing to see him laugh and smile but today was just a headache. While I was trying to calm the others down he would open the main door and crawl out. Laughing the whole time he was crawling away from me. And yes, he can’t even walk but he is tall enough to reach the door handle if he pulls himself up.
Another thing, but kind of funny, was new kiddo #1. She really is adorable. But she was set on the mattress because she can’t walk yet or crawl really. But she can hold herself up. However, three times today she bent too far forward and landed bent in half on her forehead and she couldn’t of course get herself up. It was actually kind of funny cause it happened in that exact position every time. But she was hurt and I had to always rush over and pick her up. Usually not a big deal, except today I had to deal with everyone else. Phew! Seriously today took a lot of work.
On top of that…. I had my first experience with kids getting shots. I am going to have to get used to it if I am going to be a nurse but it broke my heart to see and I am not even their real mom! Four of my kids had to wait for the longest shot I have ever seen I swear. It took like a minute to go all the way in. They didn’t even know what was going on until they started to feel the pain. I was charge of pulling their shirt so they could get access to their arm. I even held Winnie while she got a shot. It was so, so sad to see my kiddos in pain. Luckily most of them recovered fairly fast and ate lunch just fine. But it wasn’t the best climax of my day at the orphanage.
Even with all the “lows” of my day I am still grateful for this experience. I know this whole internship would be hard in different ways but I think that all these things are only strengthening my character. Well, at least I hope. I am going to have to deal with these kinds of things if I ever become a mom and be the “bad guy” when I am nurse and giving shot. So it is best for me to be exposed to these kinds of things now. Despite their behavior today they are still amazing kids and I love them to death. They just need love no matter how they act because they are still just little kids.
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Hello and Goodbye
Only a few days back from my week long trip and I already felt out of sync with things. But, yesterday was seriously an amazing day! It was so nice to get off the train and say "I'm home." I know that I won't be here much longer but it is still weird when you come to feel connected to a place. So yesterday was just one of those days where everything is just fun and falls into place.
I went to the orphanage for the first time in week and it felt so weird being back. I felt like I had missed work forever. But I walked into my room not exactly sure what to expect and my girls' faces immediately lit up. Little Blue Diva, Queenie, and Winnie all ran over to me and hugged my legs. They are so sweet I just love them to death. It really was great just to be back with my kiddos. But the more I think about it the sadder I get when I realize I will be leaving them soon. Hopefully they know how much I loved them when I was there. But, little kids really do cease to amaze. I was so lucky to have quite a bit of time with two of my boys I normally don't get to be with. First I had almost an hour with Dennis while the other kids were napping. I am just getting to know this little guy because he is not really mobile. But it was really nice to just hold him and try to connect with him. Mohawk was the other guy that I just got to spend some time with. He really is such a doll. The littlest touch on his face just makes him laugh. He is so precious and happy. Despite his disabilities he is one of the most happiest and content little guys I have ever met.
I didn't go to the hospital yesterday or today. Kind of strange but I am loving just being at the orphanage. i am almost done with my credit hours so trying to spread them out because I for sure want to work at the orphanage up until I leave just so I can be with my kiddos. But, with the free time I did alot yesterday and today.
After the orphanage yesterday we celebrated our friend Mihai's 23 Birthday and Petru's farewell for his mission at a pizzaria called Mamma Mia. It looked kind of sketchy at first since it was underground but we got in and it was really nice and the overall lunch was really fun. After we went to the Mall! Yes, I actually bought something....can't wait till right before I leave and I can really shop. But it was great just hanging out. Then after a short FHE we said goodbye to Petru by going to a club-type place and just hanging out. He left for Spain last night but hopefully it won't be a farewell but a see-ya later :) It has been really fun to just hang out with everyone and make new friends.
Today I went to Karrfour after the orphanage. A much needed trip since literally I ate all of my food before my mini-vacation so I had nothing to eat when I came home. So hopefully I got enough to last me for at least two weeks because then after that there is only one week till I head back to the United States!
Cu mult drag,
Dani
I went to the orphanage for the first time in week and it felt so weird being back. I felt like I had missed work forever. But I walked into my room not exactly sure what to expect and my girls' faces immediately lit up. Little Blue Diva, Queenie, and Winnie all ran over to me and hugged my legs. They are so sweet I just love them to death. It really was great just to be back with my kiddos. But the more I think about it the sadder I get when I realize I will be leaving them soon. Hopefully they know how much I loved them when I was there. But, little kids really do cease to amaze. I was so lucky to have quite a bit of time with two of my boys I normally don't get to be with. First I had almost an hour with Dennis while the other kids were napping. I am just getting to know this little guy because he is not really mobile. But it was really nice to just hold him and try to connect with him. Mohawk was the other guy that I just got to spend some time with. He really is such a doll. The littlest touch on his face just makes him laugh. He is so precious and happy. Despite his disabilities he is one of the most happiest and content little guys I have ever met.
I didn't go to the hospital yesterday or today. Kind of strange but I am loving just being at the orphanage. i am almost done with my credit hours so trying to spread them out because I for sure want to work at the orphanage up until I leave just so I can be with my kiddos. But, with the free time I did alot yesterday and today.
After the orphanage yesterday we celebrated our friend Mihai's 23 Birthday and Petru's farewell for his mission at a pizzaria called Mamma Mia. It looked kind of sketchy at first since it was underground but we got in and it was really nice and the overall lunch was really fun. After we went to the Mall! Yes, I actually bought something....can't wait till right before I leave and I can really shop. But it was great just hanging out. Then after a short FHE we said goodbye to Petru by going to a club-type place and just hanging out. He left for Spain last night but hopefully it won't be a farewell but a see-ya later :) It has been really fun to just hang out with everyone and make new friends.
Today I went to Karrfour after the orphanage. A much needed trip since literally I ate all of my food before my mini-vacation so I had nothing to eat when I came home. So hopefully I got enough to last me for at least two weeks because then after that there is only one week till I head back to the United States!
Cu mult drag,
Dani
Sunday, November 7, 2010
My Week As A Tourist
This past week has definitely been a once in a lifetime experience! Although I do have to say I would love to come and do it again. Monday night at 11:30pm we left Iasi on a night train (my first) to head to Bucharest the capital of Romania. I have to say I love sleeper trains! They are so much fun. We had two rooms that slept 6 people. So it was 3 beds on top of eachother on either side. Luckily there were only 4 to a room. Being me, I had a great time because I slept the whole way. I have that unique ability that if I am really tired I can nearly fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow. But we arrived on Tuesday at 6:30 am. A very tiring day since that was our one day. We arranged to stay one night there at a hostel. So we arrived at our hostel, an interesting place, at 7:00 but weren't assisted until about 8:15 when the girls woke up. It was a busy night for them from the looks of things. But we were in a room of 8 beds and one of them was eventually taken by some random guy. We immediately went out to explore the city. The People's Palace was the main place we wanted to see. Luckily, they had an English tour that started at 11:00am and lasted for 2 hours. Sadly, two of the girls didn't bring their ideas so they missed out on an amazing experience. This place was so amazing!!! It was built out of selfishness and drained the Romanian people of everything during the communism era but it was finished beautifully and is now finally the people's. I actually got in free to it because I had my student id with me:) It was awesome but after the two hour tour we were told that we only saw 5% of it. That should give a rough guess of just how big it is! But after that we headed for Revolution Square, just a small memorial where the last speech was given and the revolution broke out, and civilians were shot. It was really amazing to see the 1,600 names listed of those civilians who died for that change. We ran into an old Romanian man who spoke English. He told us the history of it all and even gave his opinions of what it was like during than. It really is special to hear history from someone else's point of view. Especially when this person lived through it. But, we finished by just looking around Bucharest and sleeping at the hostel.
We had another early wake up and left at 6:00 to catch our 7:30 train to Brasov. Worst train ride every! There were four seats in a row, on either side, and maybe it was because I was so tired but it seemed the longest. But we did finally get there around 12:00 because of some delays. The hostel we booked for 3 nights was amazing! We had a nice rooms all to ourselves and even got a free drink every night. Yes, we could choose soda as a drink option. But the people who worked there were super helpful and really showed us alot of cool things. Also, we met alot of those who were backpacking across Europe. They are our ages but they have been to like 14 countries in 4 months just seeing all of Europe. Now that is an adventure! I dream of traveling the world someday and seeing them inspires me to continue to try to do what I can to make that come true.
That night we just saw the city of Brasov. We saw the main square and just the beautiful architecture that surrounds it. It is amazing to just walk down the street and see the Black Church there in the center. Seriously, it is just blows my mind to be in an old medieval looking town in all of its beauty. The only frustrating thing was that people don't follow the listed hours (like if it says it is open till 5 they might close it at 3:30) and things close really early. Mostly around 3-4. So didn't see alot that day other than just getting bearings on the area.
We had planned on doing our "big day" on Thursday. We paid 80 lei each for a tour guide and charter bus to see Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Rasnov Fortress, and a Fortified Church. Sadly, Peles Castle was closed all of November for cleaning because that would have been really amazing to see. But we left at 9:30 and returned around 4. It was so much fun. I would love to live in Bran Castle, it is like a Villa almost and very beautiful. Did I mention the weather was beautiful while we were there? We were so lucky, Bucharest was kind of cold and really, really foggy, but Brasov was pretty warm. This was in contrast to the freezing city of Iasi we left. But seeing everything was a very fun day. I am always very tired after doing trips but I still managed to go out an explore afterwards. Again, everything closes early...boo.
Friday could have been the best day, but turned out to be disappointing. So on the top of a mountain they have a Brasov sign kind of similar to the Hollywood sign. The only real way to get there is to take a cable car to the top. But, some of us decided to go paragliding after we say people doing it on wed. It would be only 50euro and you get to see the beautiful city of Brasov from a bird's eye view. How amazing would that be?!? So we signed up and found out when we check around 9:00 that the weather might be bad and they would call us at 10:30. So in the meantime we went to the Black Church. The Black Church is amazing on the outside, kind of dull on the inside since they painted it white inside after the fire. But we called them and they said the weather was fine to go! So we got back and they told us the cable car was broken and they would call us with updates. Major bummer because we didn't know when or if it would be fixed. So we kind of waited around the hostel a while, by the way they have tons of movies!! ( though they are pirated...). And finally me and Elizabeth went out for some food and saw an art museum. It was really cool, and since I have a true appreciation of art it was interesting to see the type of art depicted by the local artists. It showed the uniqueness of Romania. But then we stopped by at St. Nicolae church which is by our hostel on the way home. By that time it was almost 4 and still no call. So, nothing worked out. It was a huge bummer because it would have been amazing to see Brasov from such a height! Oh, well I still got to see alot.
Saturday was just all day trains. Not as bad as I thought and I definitely love taking trains now! But, we didn't get home till 11:30 and now today is Sunday. I try not to miss out on doing things anymore so three of us went with our friends to a monastery. It is a little farther so we took a bus and then hiked the rest since it is at the top. It was so beautiful! There are so many monasteries and I enjoy all of them. The architecture and art is just breathtaking I really do love them! This one was by far one of my favorites because of its location on top of the hill that overlooked the city. Plus, the bell tower was open to get an even higher view of it all.
It is going to be weird going to the orphanage tomorrow after being gone a week. Back from being a tourist to working again. I kind of missed it but it strange knowing I go home in 3 1/2 weeks. How crazy is that? I definitely miss my family and friends but this has been an amazing experience so far. Still not sure how I will feel when it gets really close. But for now I am not going to think about it and just enjoy wherever my adventures take me.
Mare Vis,
Dani
We had another early wake up and left at 6:00 to catch our 7:30 train to Brasov. Worst train ride every! There were four seats in a row, on either side, and maybe it was because I was so tired but it seemed the longest. But we did finally get there around 12:00 because of some delays. The hostel we booked for 3 nights was amazing! We had a nice rooms all to ourselves and even got a free drink every night. Yes, we could choose soda as a drink option. But the people who worked there were super helpful and really showed us alot of cool things. Also, we met alot of those who were backpacking across Europe. They are our ages but they have been to like 14 countries in 4 months just seeing all of Europe. Now that is an adventure! I dream of traveling the world someday and seeing them inspires me to continue to try to do what I can to make that come true.
That night we just saw the city of Brasov. We saw the main square and just the beautiful architecture that surrounds it. It is amazing to just walk down the street and see the Black Church there in the center. Seriously, it is just blows my mind to be in an old medieval looking town in all of its beauty. The only frustrating thing was that people don't follow the listed hours (like if it says it is open till 5 they might close it at 3:30) and things close really early. Mostly around 3-4. So didn't see alot that day other than just getting bearings on the area.
We had planned on doing our "big day" on Thursday. We paid 80 lei each for a tour guide and charter bus to see Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Rasnov Fortress, and a Fortified Church. Sadly, Peles Castle was closed all of November for cleaning because that would have been really amazing to see. But we left at 9:30 and returned around 4. It was so much fun. I would love to live in Bran Castle, it is like a Villa almost and very beautiful. Did I mention the weather was beautiful while we were there? We were so lucky, Bucharest was kind of cold and really, really foggy, but Brasov was pretty warm. This was in contrast to the freezing city of Iasi we left. But seeing everything was a very fun day. I am always very tired after doing trips but I still managed to go out an explore afterwards. Again, everything closes early...boo.
Friday could have been the best day, but turned out to be disappointing. So on the top of a mountain they have a Brasov sign kind of similar to the Hollywood sign. The only real way to get there is to take a cable car to the top. But, some of us decided to go paragliding after we say people doing it on wed. It would be only 50euro and you get to see the beautiful city of Brasov from a bird's eye view. How amazing would that be?!? So we signed up and found out when we check around 9:00 that the weather might be bad and they would call us at 10:30. So in the meantime we went to the Black Church. The Black Church is amazing on the outside, kind of dull on the inside since they painted it white inside after the fire. But we called them and they said the weather was fine to go! So we got back and they told us the cable car was broken and they would call us with updates. Major bummer because we didn't know when or if it would be fixed. So we kind of waited around the hostel a while, by the way they have tons of movies!! ( though they are pirated...). And finally me and Elizabeth went out for some food and saw an art museum. It was really cool, and since I have a true appreciation of art it was interesting to see the type of art depicted by the local artists. It showed the uniqueness of Romania. But then we stopped by at St. Nicolae church which is by our hostel on the way home. By that time it was almost 4 and still no call. So, nothing worked out. It was a huge bummer because it would have been amazing to see Brasov from such a height! Oh, well I still got to see alot.
Saturday was just all day trains. Not as bad as I thought and I definitely love taking trains now! But, we didn't get home till 11:30 and now today is Sunday. I try not to miss out on doing things anymore so three of us went with our friends to a monastery. It is a little farther so we took a bus and then hiked the rest since it is at the top. It was so beautiful! There are so many monasteries and I enjoy all of them. The architecture and art is just breathtaking I really do love them! This one was by far one of my favorites because of its location on top of the hill that overlooked the city. Plus, the bell tower was open to get an even higher view of it all.
It is going to be weird going to the orphanage tomorrow after being gone a week. Back from being a tourist to working again. I kind of missed it but it strange knowing I go home in 3 1/2 weeks. How crazy is that? I definitely miss my family and friends but this has been an amazing experience so far. Still not sure how I will feel when it gets really close. But for now I am not going to think about it and just enjoy wherever my adventures take me.
Mare Vis,
Dani
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