Week 1 - Getting Adjusted

Day 1-Tuesday, June 5, 2007, Well, I made it to Romania! I survived the flight, was picked up at the Bucharest airport with another intern, and spent my first evening with my good friends Alina, Fibia, and her husband Andre. We had a great dinner and time together.

I'm staying in Fibia's parents apartment this summer and was surprised to find out they don't have any hot water until Saturday. Wow. That's a cold shower!

Day 2 -Wednesday (June 6), I woke up at 4:30am (because of the 10 hours difference in time) and had a great quiet time. We got to the office and there is a team here this week from Laurel Glen Bible Church, Bakersfield. DeAnn Sampley is leading the team and I was able to serve with them at a deaf school! Their team did special appearances of super heros like spider man, batman, superman, and Mr. Incredible. They also did skits, pantomimes, and musical sign language dances. Later on, we were playing soccer and dodge ball with about 12 boys from an orphanage.

Day 3 - Thursday (June 7), we went to a rehabilitation center for mentally disabled kids. I was able to sit with them while waiting for another team. This is a group of about 25 kids who have a variety of disabilities. It was great sitting with them and holding them. I feel like I can be used by God to show them love. The LBC team appeared in costume and we made them cotton candy.

Later that day, we went to the soccer courts again with some boys from the orphanage. After the first game, Victor and I were playing soccer. I was in the goal and he kicked a ball above my head and I jumped to hit it. However, this goal box had a metal frame and my head hit it hard. Victor looked surprised as he noticed the blood dripping down my face. Long story short-- I went to an emergency room and my head was checked, small patch of hair cut, had a shot of pain kiler, wound was cleaned, head was X-Rayed, and I was done. No stitched required! It was only my dignity that was shaken. Ill see if I can post a picture =)

Day 4 - Friday (June 8), did some shopping in the morning and then went with Daniel (CTL staff), 3 interns, the rehab staff, and about 20 kids from the rehab to the movies! Each adult was holding onto two kids hands and we rode the tram to a mall near by. We got to the theature and an organization paid for each kids ticket as well as his/her own popcorn and soda! We watched Meet the Robinsons and the kids loved it! It was a great experience. Afterwards, each kid got a balloon and a free donated backpack! Then we rode the tram to McDonalds (the kids favorite) and the staff there also gave the kids balloons! (most of which were popped by the end of the trip=).

Saturday (Day 5), I was able to sleep in late, relax, clean, and explore the neighborhood Im staying in. I rode the Metro to meet my good friend Alina and we went to a huge park and walked in my first Romanian thunder storm. WOW! Im really really enjoying my time here. Ive been praying that God would give me opportunies to serve the staff and the kids. Thank you for your prayers!

Sunday (Day 6), Today, after having lunch with Alina, Victor, and Alinas roommate (she makes the best salads Ive ever tasted), we went with the team team and some of the staff to a Refugee church. Its a church for people transitioning from one country to another-- Romania is kind of a neutral nation. The team performed a musical drama and I met some really neat people. It rained again and it was a very wonderful day! More next week!