Frozen Tree Art

The frozen trees are spectacular! We are amazed as we drive around Bucharest at the incredible beauty of the ice covered trees. People are slowly clearing side streets and walk ways. It didn't snow at all last winter and this is the most snow Romania has seen in many years.

Winter in Bucharest

It has been below freezing for a week. We had about 2 feet of snow that fell one night. So the neighbors and I got out and shoveled snow to clear our street. It was fun, but I hope we don't have more fun this winter!

Romanian Christmas Carolers

This morning we experienced a Romanian Christmas tradition - two boys rang the door bell and said something we didn't understand. But we had been told to expect people who would ring the bell and sing a Christmas carol - so we said "da" and they sang this song (play video below). Afterwards it is the custom to give hot tea or candy or some coins - we gave Christmas chocolates and oranges.

Olivia's Christmas Greeting from the Meadors

Olivia wants to wish you Creciun Fericit (Merry Christmas)! We hope this Christmas brings a new sense of God's gracious presence in you life. Matthew 1:23 reminds us that the very first Christmas gift was God himself coming to be with us. May your celebration be centered around Him.

Olivia's Christmas Play

Olivia's Gradiniţa (Day Care) presented the play "Alba Ca Zapada" or "Snow White" for Christmas. Olivia played the Mirror. She loved being on the stage (even when she wasn't supposed to be).

Sighişoara

While in Sighişoara last weekend we stayed in the home of Dorothy Tarrant within the old city walls. The place is magical - complete with a bell tower and cobblestone streets. Snow dusted roof tops greeted us through the windows of our upstairs bedroom each morning. Dorothy is the director of Veritas, a Christian non-profit organization working to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of Sighisoara through educational programs. You can get more information at their web page www.veritas.ro

District Assembly

We just returned from Sighişoara for our annual District Assembly where we organized a new church in a neighboring village called Ţigmandru. The church has about 20 charter members and now worships in a brand new facility. Roberta Bustin is doing a great job pastoring both of these churches!