Mistakes are fun and exciting?

Monday morning I woke up in Petrosani and had a lovely breakfast with Christi and Nelson. I decided I would go to the shoe store before I caught the bus back to Lupeni. I went to the shoe store and found out I have huge feet and everyone here as tiny little feet... maybe I should stay here! I would probably save a ton of money! ;)

As I was leaving the store I realized the bus was approaching the stop! I hurried my pace in order to catch the bus. I quickly got on thinking to myself, "what perfect timing!". I took my seat and was proud of myself for being so independent! As we rounded the corner we veared to the left... which was not the way home. It occured to me I never read the sign... you know the sign that tells you which bus you are getting on! Ahhh... frustrated with myself I thought of all the options I had. Then I realized the last 2 people other than me were getting off. I quickly went to the driver and tried my best to explain that I needed to go to Lupeni. He of course spoke no english but he was kind. He took me off his route and stopped and pointed me in the right direction. I thanked him profusely! I started on my walk to where he had pointed. I stood there under the bus sign thinking, "I feel like I should be on the other side of the street... but this is where he pointed..." right then someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was the driver- he had parked his bus and walked to me! He informed me I was on the wrong side of the road! He lead me to the other side of the street and walked me to a woman. He also informed her that I was American and that I can't speak romanian then he asked her where she was going... and to please make sure I got to Lupeni.

We boarded the correct bus, which was so packed I had to stand, then she informed everyone that I needed to go to Lupeni... and that I only speak english. Everyone was looking at me... but not in a annoyed bad way... more of a curious kind way! When some people got off at their stop a lady offered me the seat next to her. She was sweet and she didn't speak any english but she did manage to say "America" and "California"! I smiled at her and she smiled back.

I got off at my stop and walked home with a big grin spread across my face.

It was such a wonderful experience... and I was overwhelmed with thankfulness for the kindness and helpfulness the people showed me. It could have easily become a frustrating case of the "Mondays" but instead it was exciting and reassuring of God's love and provision in my life.

Cornbread

Well- before I left the United States I asked Nelson if there was anything he'd like from the good ole' US of A. He responded with a no... which was later followed with a "do you know how to make cornbread??". I said.... "ummm yes" (thinking this is a strange question). It turns out Nelson visited the United States and one of the things he enjoyed about his visit was cornbread.

So this weekend Nelson and I went to the grocery store and got all of the cooking supplies I needed in order to make him cornbread. I was definitely nervous about cooking in an unfamiliar kitchen, with ingredients in a different language and converting cups and teaspoons. Turns out I didn't need to convert anything because they didn't use measurements! Great... So I used a coffee cup for all of my measurements and just used it as a relative measurement. I was thinking to myself "Oh no Elizabeth, there is no way this cornbread is going to turn out... and Nelson will be so disappointed!"

So after combining all the ingredients I went to put it the oven... which didn't have a specific temperature because it's gas. Good to know. Well I watched the cornbread and when I thought it was done I took it out.

Praise the Lord it turned out! Haha I was so relieved! Everyone said it was delicious and I believe them because they ate it all! Nelson was happy... and ate a ton of cornbread. Mission accomplished... at least that mission.

Information

Many people have asked for my address so if you would like it here it is:

Elizabeth Dew
Str. Spiru-Haret, Bl. 5/5
Loc. Lupeni, jud. Hunedoara
335600, Romania

Also if you would like to donate to help me stay here till March you can send your donation to Global Outreach Mission (just make sure to write Elizabeth Dew- Romania on the memo box) and their address is:

Global Outreach Mission
PO Box 2010
Buffalo, NY 14231-2010 (all donations are tax deductible)

Thank you everyone for your support and your prayers! Much love!

Update finally (Glad to have internet)

Well I hate that I haven't updated this sooner because now I have too much to catch you up on! I haven't had internet since Thursday here in Lupeni (which about drove me crazy). Let's see:

Friday- I went to Petrosani. I was suppose to be picked up by a friend of the Gall's (the family I stay with when I am in Petrosani) but that fell through. So I texted a girl who I knew was suppose to be going to Petrosani that day. Apparently she was sick but her brother said he didn't mind accompanying me. I was thankful not to have to go alone... but maybe in retrospect I should have ( one of the first things he said was "I am single. Like you, yes?"). Well it is about a 40 minutes bus ride... this was THE longest bus drive of my life. The bus (when I say bus I mean coach/van) only had 20 seats but there were at least 30 people stuffed onto it. When I got to Petrosani I attended a youth conference with Noemi (the Gall's 19 yr. old daughter)... it was more of the church setting I am use to in the states... with the exception of the whole language barrier! After the conference ended for the night Noemi, her 3 friends and myself went and got hot chocolate which was so nice and warm!

Saturday- I woke up and attended the second part of the conference...but I left early because it is a long time to just sit in one place and not understand what's going on around you! Then I went to see the progress the Gall's had made on the mission they're building. The view from the 3rd floor is incredible! Afterward we headed home and Nelson (the 22 yr. old son) finally gave me the accordion concert I had been asking for!!! It was fabulous. I couldn't help but smile. Then he let me try... it's much harder and heavier than it looks!

Sunday- I went to church, it rained and it was cold. We went home afterwards and had a big Sunday lunch... no fried chicken and potato salad sadly! I took a nap and then headed back to church. I didn't realize it but this weekend they decided to celebrate Thanksgiving in Petrosani! So I had Thanksgiving twice... without the turkey this time. Instead they served the traditional Sarmale which is a meat and rice mixture rolled into a cooked cabbage leaf. It was interesting... not bad but I couldn't eat very much of it. It was rainy and dark when we left the church so I decided to return to Lupeni in the morning.

Monday- I took my very first bus ride alone. It was nice and I finally felt a little independent. I made it home in time to take my stuff back to the apartment and walk to school to pick up the kids. It was nice to see them. I really missed all the kids a lot! I came home and did laundry... which is an all day process. I am still waiting for some of my clothes to dry!

Well, hopefully my internet will hold out so I will be able to update you sooner! Much Love!

Forte Frig!!!! (very cold)

It all started Oct. 13th... I woke up in serious need of a shower only to find out we had no water! Don't worry there was PLENTY outside. It was pouring and Anda (my roommate) and I had to go pick up the kids from school. We shared an umbrella until Anda stopped by her old workplace and borrowed one... so now we had two umbrellas and we had to pick up one 6 year old and two 3 year olds. (I'm thinking the entire time how the heck are we going to pull this one off!?) Thankfully the Nemes met us there with a car...oh wonderful cars!

Well we made it back safely and fairly dry. We ate lunch and the kids napped. Around 4pm Pinti (one of the older boys) pointed out zapada (snow) on the mountains! All the kids...and me...got really excited! Soon after this discovery it started snowing where we were. Of course I went outside to experience this crazy thing called "zapada" and I about froze! (well I am from Florida)

Today I felt like I was in a snow globe all day and it was like someone was constantly shaking it! It was snowing SO hard that I couldn't even see the mountains! Sorry, I didn't take any pictures- today I stupidly thought I left my camera in my "camera" (room... isn't that confusing!!) but... apparently I did not. No worries, I have 5 1/2 more months of snow! haha.

Also, Sebe and Delia's mom came to visit. It was sweet and sad. She looked like she has had a rough life and I have no clue to even begin to guess her age. They were sweet showing her everything at the orphanage (including me!). She was only there for 15 minutes or so... I'm still not sure of that situation and why they are here, hopefully I will find out soon.

Well, that's all for now! More pictures of snow to come! Much love-

Zapada on the mountains!

Sebe learned how to say "I love you" in english just for me.

Rares checking out the new snow on the mountains! :)

Pinti in front of the mountains with fresh snow!

Me freezing outside.

Happy Thanksgiving...yes in October!

Today was Thanksgiving here. I woke up this morning and went to church where fruits and vegetables were displayed everywhere! There was a lot of special music by the adults, youth and the children. Everyone seemed especially thankful for the things that they have (which is a lot less than what we, Americans, have).

On Friday I mentioned that in America on Thanksgiving we eat turkey. When I arrived at the Nemes' house today for lunch they had prepared turkey. It was very thoughtful and sweet! We had soup, turkey, carrots, potatoes and pickles...OH and bread of course (they never serve a meal without bread here).

The kids sang a song about Thankfulness and it was adorable! At one point Mario and Delia (3 yrs.) were kissing... and I couldn't help but laugh!

It was a good Thanksgiving day here... it was strange without the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Also without my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, mom and dad, brother and sister. But I think that this Thanksgiving I am probably more thankful than I ever have been before. I am thankful for my family, my friends, this experience and the people who have made this journey here possible. I am thankful for these children. "Multumesc Lord"

New Additions to Casa de Copii

Yesterday I went to Petrosani with the social worker Jeanie and The Nemes' (the director and his wife). We went to pick up two new children. They were, for whatever reason, removed from their home and put into a safe house for children. We went to an apartment which on the outside seemed very grungy but on the inside was nice. There we met Delia (3yrs.) and Sebastian (6yrs.) and they were very excited to get to ride in the masina (car). Almost the entire car ride Sebastian, nicknamed 'Sebi', talked... while occasionally Delia would point to a horse and yell "CAL"!

When we arrived at the Casa de Copii (orphanage) they both looked excited. Most of the kids were already outside waiting to meet their new friends. Both Sebi and Delia fit right in and seemed happy. Here are a few pictures!

This is the apartment complex where we pick the children up.

This is Sebi and Delia!

Me and Delia, she is a cutie!

Some of the children, a 'mom', Jeanie the social worker and the director and his wife.
Mario and Delia (both 3 yrs.) get along great! They're so sweet!

Inside the orphanage here in Lupeni

Yesterday was my first day at the orphanage and it went well. I had a hard time communicating with the kids...verbally at least but a good bit of communication is body language so it wasn't too bad! We played with the toys that I brought with me. The little boy's favorite gift was definitely the bouncy balls that looked like a baseball, basketball and soccer ball! Tina (9) looks precious in her head band and she loves her new jump rope! The older girls like their head bands and bracelets. I didn't really know what the older boys would like but they did enjoy the candy I brought! (Everyone loves Worther's Originals...good call Whitney!)

Today I took Mario and David to school, it was so cold I could see my breath and my face went numb! It's only going to get colder....

At 12pm I go to pick Mario and David up from school then I take them to the orphanage and make sure they eat lunch and take a nap. The rest of the afternoon is for homework and playing! Yesterday we got to draw with the sidewalk chalk, color in the coloring book and play ping pong! (The older boys love ping pong and always ask me to play...I'm not very good!)

The orphanage is really struggling for money; the district promised a certain amount of funding... but they were just informed that the money will not be coming in because they just don't have it! Also some sponsors have decided they cannot financially support the orphanage anymore. There are more kids that need a home and have been assigned to this orphanage...but they cannot take them because there is no money. Please pray finances come in to support the kids here.

This is Mario (3 yrs.)

This is Tina (9 yrs.) in front of her bedroom window!

This is David (6 yrs.) he is Mario's older brother! He is a handful! ;)

This is Rahrosh (7yrs.) and he is a sweetheart! He gives the best hugs and kisses!

Two of the older girls! I can't remember their names. But both are very sweet and beautiful!

There are more children and I will try and get their pictures up too! I am loving it here and I hope that I can be helpful and learn the language. Much love!

This country is breath taking.

I've been here 6 days, and I've loved all 144 hours of them! I love the landscapes, the people, the history and the culture. I have so many things I could write about already but I will only pick a few.

OK... so the language. It's a big problem, but I am trying my very best to learn it and have a good attitude despite the difficulties it presents. Tomorrow will be my first day without anyone around who can attempt to translate for me, so I am a little nervous. In my defense I have learned a lot already! BUT there is SOOOOOOO much more I have to learn.

Well, I was suppose to start tomorrow and take Mario (3 yrs) and his brother David (5 yrs?) to school but I will not be doing that because the teachers decided to go on strike. Yep. Well Nelson says they just picked tomorrow as a holiday but others say it is a strike. Which ever the case I will not be taking them to school!

Let's see... a brief overview of some things I have seen:


















1.) A horses pulling a cart down the street.

2.) Hunedoara Castle
3.) Wild horses on the mountains

4.) The gypsy houses I mentioned earlier!



Tomorrow I starting working at the orphanage! Please pray that I will be able to communicate clearly with the children and the adults. Also pray that I am able to convey the love that Christ has for/to these children (copii).

I will post more pictures soon! Much love!