Check out this quick video of a ride on the metro (subway). The next frames are maggots - used for fish bait:)

Here is Olivia's latest art!

First impressions

Buna Ziua (Good day):

Two weeks have passed since we arrived in Bucharest. God has definitely been with us every step of the way! We praise Him for his faithfulness. Here are a few of our first experiences:

Best things we've eaten: Ciorba de perisuare (a sour soup with veggies and cream) and all kinds of different cheeses!

Worst thing I've eaten: raw bacon (by mistake – hey, it was shaped like lunch meat!)

Best cultural experience: we were invited to hear one of the teens from our church perform at the “George Inescu Music Festival” open air concert at the Revolutionary Plaza.

Most frustrating experience: Not speaking the language! I ordered 2 coffees and 2 chocolate crepes. I got 3 coffees and 1 crepe. Don't let them fool you - speaking Spanish doesn't get you very far in Bucharest!

Most fascinating experience: Monica, the pastor's wife, took us on a walking tour of downtown Bucharest where she participated in the 1989 revolution. She showed us the places where the main events occurred and shared her memories and feelings.

What I really enjoyed: Parcul Carol (a park around the corner from the house). There are wide open plazas with fountains and tree lined walk ways where Olivia rides her bicycle. Lots of families are walking and playing together on the playgrounds, skating, etc. It was fascinating to see how Olivia opens doors for us to talk to people. Now we just need to learn how to understand them!

What I disliked the most: twice I've stepped in dog poop and tracked it into the house. This is why Romanians remove their shoes at the door (I'm a slow learner).

Most unusual thing: The escalator at the grocery store is a ramp instead of stairs. You push your shopping cart onto the ramp and it stays in place without rolling out of control because the wheels are magnetic. Very smart!

Some of our new Romanian Friends

Cristi and Monica are pastors of our church in Bucharest. They have helped us settle in so many ways, picking us up at the airport with our 15 bags!, watching Olivia, cooking for us, translating (both speak fluent English!) and taking us on a tour of the city. We thank God for their help and the kindness of the people of the Blessings Church and the district Advisory Board.

Bucharest here we come!

We are sitting in the airport waiting for a plane from Kansas City to Washington DC, connecting to Zurich, Switzerland, then on to Bucharest Romania. We arrive tomorrow (Sunday Sept. 9th) around 1pm. As we type these words we are so impressed with God's abiding presence with us - preparing the way before us. We know God is there inviting us to join him in His work of reconciling the world.

We were anxious about our extra bags! We are allowed two bags each not to exceed 50 pounds. We have that plus five additional bags. We packed the shuttle van full of luggage and barely had room for Olivia and her car seat. It would have been a shame to have to leave her in Kansas City! As the van pulled up to the curb in front of United Airlines, a man with a large cart loaded our backs, pushed them inside, weighed the bags, loaded them back on the cart, pushed the cart over to security and checked the bags in. It was the easiest baggage check I have ever done. We gave him a nice tip and hurried over for a "Cinnabon" for some "nourishment."

While we were eating two couples from our missionary intern class came into the airport to say goodbye and pray with us. What a privilege and blessing to be a part of a group that really does understand the process and transition that we are facing.

So, by this time tomorrow we should be on our "final approach" landing in Bucharest.

Keep checking in - we hope to keep this blog updated with all the latest ways we have embarrassed ourselves as we learn the Romanian language & culture.

Blessings!

Scott, Cindy & Olivia