Bus lag and a toilet mishap

We are finally recuperated from our trip to Turkey for the Eurasia Regional Conference. It was a 27 hour bus ride there and more than 30 hours back by bus and train. We were absolutely wiped out. But it was worth it to be with our Romanian participants and the Conference was fantastic - great speakers, seminars, and the biggest food buffet I have ever seen. The resort was on the SW coast of Turkey at a place called Antalya. Acts 14:25 calls it “Attalia” where Paul preached. We also visited the ruins of Perga mentioned in the same verse and the ancient city of Ephesus, which was amazing (see our blog for pictures from Ephesus). I was blown away as we gathered to worship with 500 plus Eurasian Nazarenes – to hear the buzz of translators all around the room and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts like there was no difference between us! We witnessed the ordination of the first Nazarene pastor in Iraq and were inspired by daily themes suggested by the regional vision: “In Christ, like Christ, for Christ.”

Now we are back home in Bucharest, and it does feel like home. Our shipment arrived last week. It was like Christmas pulling our things out of boxes that had been packed away since early June. Only one dish was broken, everything else arrived in great condition.

We started language study this week with our teacher Roxana. She is in her early 30's, married, and has her own business as a language tutor. She speaks perfect English as many young Romanians do. The hardest part is fighting the traffic. The first day it took an hour and a half to drop Olivia at day care and get to our tutor's apartment. Today we left the house earlier and arrived at the tutor's an hour early, so we used the time to chill and study a bit. It feels funny starting over from scratch with a new language - not even being able to tell the lady at the bakery how many pastries we want! It is humbling but I think it is just what I needed. I'm finding myself relying much more on God than on Scott. Roxana tells us that our pronunciation in Romanian is very good, Cindy is probably doing better than me! She has younger ears and brain cells. We have to take our shoes off at the door and she has “slippers” for us to wear in her apartment. If I don't learn to speak Romanian I will blame the footwear. I asked to use the “WC” today (restroom), and when it came time to flush I didn't find the normal round button on top of the tank, so I pushed a button on the wall that I thought was right and sprayed air freshener in my ear. So, I'm not from around here! This is, by the way, what it is like at first to live cross culturally - re-learning what you thought you knew.

Olivia likes her school. They feed her breakfast and lunch, which she loves! Each child brings a toothbrush and cup to brush after each meal, and 2 pairs of shoes - outside/ inside. Olivia's teacher speaks basic English, but for the most part Olivia hears Romanian from 8am to 1:30 each day. Sitting at the table tonight she started counting in Romanian on her own! It is amazing what her brain soaks up. She watches Mini Max - a cartoon in Romanian each morning and really likes that even though she doesn't really understand what they are saying. So far her transition has been very easy and we are so thankful to God for that.

We are conscious that many people are lifting us up in prayer and for that we are grateful. I know that God is helping us each day as we trust Him.

La revedere (bye),

Scott

Max - Our little neighbor

Olivia met Max on Friday. They hit it off immediately. They don't speak each other's language, but they managed to play together. When Max's dad told him it was time to go home, his head dropped and he stood still for the longest time until he finally gave in and walked home. I took some pictures and video of their first play date. Olivia is doing so well - she is adjusting beautifully.

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