tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7402486007081291692024-02-21T00:13:51.554-08:00Waking Up In RomaniaOne day I just woke up here...Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-49932533209535699382009-02-17T16:32:00.000-08:002009-02-17T16:38:58.848-08:00In reflection...This is the essay I wrote when I got home from Romania. I can't believe it has been over a year since I have been home. So much has happend, so much has changed. I turely beleive that Romania changed me. I miss it so terribly. I miss my kids and the love they had for me. I am so blessed that I got to experience my Romania. There will ALWAYS be a place in my heart for my Romania.<br /><br />A Change in Me<br />When I left for Romania I had a clear plan for the path ahead of me. I knew what I wanted and I knew what I needed to get there. I never would have thought the Lord had something completely different for me, and I needed Romania and its people to finally figure that out. I not only grew in knowledge but more importantly I was able to love more than I have ever loved in my entire life. I never was able to recognize that change while I was there, but now being home I can see that there has been a change in me.<br /><br />The night before I left for Romania, I had never cried harder. I was afraid. I was confused. I didn’t think I was strong enough for what I was about to do. Then having to walk away from it all, leaving everything I loved and cherished at home, I almost died inside. I remember walking up to these girls that I didn’t even know and just crying. I was terrified but I knew that for some reason the Lord wanted me in Romania. I just wasn’t ready to accept that yet.<br /><br /> When we arrived in Iasi, Romania, I was in sort of a haze. None of it really set in for me that I was actually in Romania, what seemed like light years away from those I loved. I sort of just blocked it out of my mind until I noticed everyone was not speaking English. For some reason, leaving home was behind me the moment I stepped on Romanian soil. I was okay. I knew I could do this but I knew I needed the Lord’s help. I was happy and excited to be in a new and exciting place. I remember the first time I started to get homesick and upset. We had been in the country about three weeks and we had still not been able to start working yet. I grew anxious and sad. I felt useless. I wanted to be doing what I had come to Romania to do. I was tired of sitting around. The Lord wanted me in Romania to do a work and I was tired of not doing it. Then about a week later we had the opportunity to start working at the hospital. Every ounce of bitterness and regret left me as soon as little Ozmond in the hospital yelled out and ran to me the moment he saw me, yelling, “Mommy, Mommy.”I will never forget that moment. As the tears ran down my face while I was holding him, I thanked the Lord for His tender mercies. I was finally able to “forget myself and go to work.”<br /><br />That initial high carried me the rest of the trip. Sure after this experience I had some definite lows, but through them I was able to recognize the good I was doing and how much I needed, for myself, to be there. My lowest of lows was when I was sick while in Romania. For weeks I had been waking up with more and more bites all over my body. I had counted over eighty bites on my body at one time, and those were just the ones I could see. I was emotionally drained and I could not stand anything to touch my body. Not only did I have these bites but I was also extremely sick. I had not been able to eat for days and I had lost seven pounds. I didn’t understand why this was happening to me and not the other girls. I needed help and nothing seemed to make me feel better. I had to turn to my Heavenly Father for help. That night the Elders came over to give me a blessing. As Elder Loveland was speaking for the Lord, I could feel the love He had for me and I knew everything would be okay. I was confident in the words that were spoken. I didn’t immediately get better but I knew deep down in my heart that everything was going to be okay and that the Lord was aware of me and my condition. That knowledge led me though computer crashes, homesickness, and my endless battle with Ioana against Satan for her to find herself worth. But through those events I always was able to look back and remember the words Elder Loveland had spoken for the Lord and I knew that I could conquer all.<br /><br />I have never been more distraught and unhappy as I have been while I was in Romania but that is nothing compared to the happiness and love I felt while I was there. My time in Romania was filled with tender mercies from the Lord that He poured upon me. One of my favorite moments when I was at the orphanage was working with Izabella. I had been working with her for weeks and I desperately wanted a reaction or some sort of change for her to notice me. I began to tickle her back and her face like I did everyday but this day was different. She started to giggle and laugh. Up to that point I had never seen a reaction of any kind in Iza but for some reason she found me incredibly funny that day. I played with her for over an hour the whole she was giggling and screaming. It was one of my favorite moments with her.<br /><br />Another moment that I will never forget was one with Ioana. I had been through a rough rollercoaster ride with her and I had grown to love her so much. She had been so unhappy and far from the Spirit. She even came close to death in one case. She called me late one night to tell me that she had prayed and that she knew that the Lord loved her. I immediately started crying. She finally realized that she was worth it and that so many people cared about her. She was finally happy. She finally understood what I had been telling her the past three months and why I had always said that I loved her. She never knew why. Now finally she had the breakthrough. She knew that I loved her because the Lord loved her first.<br /><br />One of the most sacred moments that I had while in Romania was at our final group meeting. It was such a special moment for us to reflect and ponder on all of our experiences. It was a moment for each of us individually to be able to thank the Lord aloud for all He blessed us with. The Spirit was so incredible. It was a moment of understanding. The Lord blessed me with these ‘moments of understanding’ the entire time I was in Romania. They came in glances, in hugs, in kisses, in goodbyes, and in letters. They helped me survive. They helped me with being able to leave and know that I did something good. These moments of understanding are what helped me survive while in Romania but their memory now is what helps me breathe everyday. When I had to leave I think I left a piece of me there too. I am not sure I will ever get it back. I think it was something that I needed to lose in order to find myself. Romania has become a part of me, a part that I never had until I went. I had never before quite understood my life or what the Lord had in store for me. I still don’t but I know now that it is okay.<br /><br />That I know I can trust in the Lord, I need not fear, and that He shall set me free. A true transformation has taken place. Some would say a change of heart, but I think it was “A Change in Me.”<br /><br /><br /><br />“A Change In Me”<br /><br />Artist - Beauty and the Beast soundtrack<br />Album - Beauty and the Beast<br />Lyrics - A Change In Me<br /><br />There's been a change in me<br />A kind of moving on<br />Though what I used to be<br />I still depend on<br />For now I realize<br />That good can come from bad<br />That may not make me wise<br />But oh it makes me glad<br /><br />And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind<br />My childhood dreams<br />But I don't mind<br />For now I love the world I see<br />No change of heart a change in me<br /><br />For in my dark despair<br />I slowly understood<br />My perfect world out there<br />Had disappeared for good<br />But in it's place I feel<br />A truer life begin<br />And it's so good and real<br />It must come from within<br /><br />And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind<br />My childhood dreams but I don't mind<br />I'm where and who I want to be<br />No change of heart<br />A change in meDanielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-2682920807648073172007-11-11T08:57:00.002-08:002007-11-11T08:58:20.177-08:00My Home Away From Home<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 10. 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It felt really good to be back to my home away from home. It was a little hard to go back to the trash and the murky feeling that hangs over Iasi. But I was still happy to be home. We definitely took most of the day to recoup. Sniff it was so nice to be home. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I decided that i wanted to go to Saturday sports with the branch. It was crazy. It stared to rain. So we ended up playing soccer in the rain. It was really fun but super tiring. I was exhausted but I am glad I went.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Since we missed Mihai's birthday we were going to take him to dinner. We forgot again that Saturdays are impossible to find somewhere to eat. Everything is always booked of weddings. We ended up going to the mall and eating in the food court.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-43643454580464298202007-11-11T08:57:00.001-08:002007-11-11T08:57:46.721-08:00A Blood Sucking Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 9, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We got up early this morning to go and visit Bran Castle and the fortress. It was so fun taking a tour and looked at all of the places. What was a little frustrating was that we got like a half hour to go through each place. So we were definitely rushed. I would have liked to spend more time but I guess you take what you can get. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After that I spent the rest of the day and the hotel watching movies. I had to rest my hips and it as really nice to relax. What is funny is that i thought the hostel was going to be completely stressful and horrid but it actually ended up being more relaxing than our hotel. Probably because we weren't as busy. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our train left tonight at like 11 so I am super tired and it is not a sleeper car. This is going to be really fun:)</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-75480067697153745992007-11-11T08:56:00.002-08:002007-11-11T08:57:04.002-08:00The Hostel<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 8, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When we got to the hostel this morning I honestly thought it was a joke that we were staying here. It looked like the armpit of Romania. Honestly I was afraid to touch anything, it looked terrible. I think part of it was how grumpy and tired I was. But it was a little bad. When I woke up I felt much better about my surroundings. Yay! </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After some much needed naps we took a short walk around the city and visited the Black church. Brasov is so beautiful it was one of the only cites in Romania to go almost completely untouched by Communism. It is right at the base of a n incredible mountain range just at the right time where all of the leaves are changing. It was so beautiful. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We went to this authentic Romanian restaurant for lunch. It was really good and fun to be able to go and eat different Romanian foods that we have not yet tried. We went back tot he hostel and hing out the rest of the day. It was so nice be able to just sit and relax.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-46947365279934979732007-11-11T08:56:00.001-08:002007-11-11T08:56:32.025-08:00On to Brasov<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 7, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was our last day in Hungary:( It was really sad to leave because Budapest is so beautiful and i loved the city so much. But that is okay! On to Brasov!!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="en-US">For the last few hours before we got on the train we went to the House of Terror. Wow it was really neat. It is this building in Budapest that was the head quarters for the Hungarian Communist Party and the Hungarian Nazi's. It talked a lot about all of the terrible things that went on there. It was really creepy and authentic. It was a </span></span></span>little hard to get into it thought because it was all in Hungarian but I still enjoyed it. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We left for the train station two hours early. Only to sit there for a long time and almost miss our train. Our tickets had the wrong information on them so we did not know where we were suppose to get on the train at. Luckily we made it!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">However by this point in the trip my hips were killing me. We walked a minimum of 8 miles a day because our hotel was so far from the city center. I honestly could not walk, and lying down I just cried because they just ached. So once we got on the train I took some medicine and just lied there. It was a really long train ride. But I made it and I think I just need to walk as little as possible.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-64557556862060902752007-11-11T08:55:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:56:04.280-08:00Relaxingish Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 6, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was our relaxing day. We went to the baths and walked around shopping.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Shopping was really fun. We wen tot this huge warehouse place that they have this giant market. It was really fun to go and interact with the locals and see all other things they buy and sell. Then we headed over to the hotel Gerret. It was so incredible. The building is huge and looks like a castle. The baths are sort of like swimming pools but really beautiful and indoors. The ceilings were at least three stories high and all mosaic tiles. It was so incredible and breath taking. We all got massages. Ha that was an experience. I will never have a European massage again, but I am glad I got the experience. He he he.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now that I am home I am so unbelievably tired and this was suppose to be our relaxation day.....</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-57010106218508158192007-11-11T08:54:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:55:14.617-08:00Rainy Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 5, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a beautiful Monday in Budapest. We spent the day walking around and visiting all of the sites. In the morning we decided to split up the group and visit different areas of interest in the city. Laura, Natasha, and Alie went to visit the Jewish Synagogue. Christina and I were planning on going to this really big beautiful museum but it ended up being closed. So we decided to walk around the city. It was really nice to be able to have a little time alone. It sort of do what we wanted and not be stressed or hurried. It was fun.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We then met up with the other girls and went to St. Stevens Basillica. It was absolutely beautiful. In it is St. Stevens hand. It was a little gross but that is okay. We then bought our tickets for the dinner cruise and decided to go home and get ready.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We hurried and got ready and decided to take the metro to the Fisherman's Warf before the dinner. However things went a little haywire. It stared pouring rain and we never were able to get on the metro because of how crowded it was. It took us two hours to walk in the rain to the dinner cruise. We were soaked, it was really fun though. Laura got the bus splash, it was hilarious she was drenched head to toe.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We finally got to the dinner cruise. It was beautiful. The dinner was authentic Hungarian and so good. It was so nice cruising along the Danube and eating a wonderful dinner. It was so relaxing and romantic. Too bad i had no one to be romantic with....maybe someday soon:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We then went back to the hotel, I am so exhausted. I am going to bed!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-1275783906040587982007-11-04T08:10:00.002-08:002007-11-04T08:11:29.787-08:00Budapest, Hungry<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 4, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are here! We made it! It is so fun and exciting to be some where new. Hungry is so different than Romania and it is fun to notice the differences for good and bad. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The more and more I am put in situations that could possibly end up bad, the more I am starting to recognize how much the Lord watches over me and the other girls. We so often could have been taken advantage of, hurt or scared but always the Lord has put people in our paths who could help us or protect us. I am learning more and more how much the Lord's hands are in all things. He has blessed my life so greatly by having me come here. No matter the struggles he is there by my side leading me a long the way. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We walked around the city for a few hours today. It is such a beautiful city. The history and architecture set this city apart. It is so beautiful and old. I loved walking down the streets and thinking about the many millions of people who have walked here before. I love thinking and learning about my past and my history. It is especially interesting to be able to learn of the past of these countries and to see how far they have come. It can be so amazing. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am super tired. I am not really sure why since I slept fairly well last night. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-55276006255778357522007-11-04T08:10:00.001-08:002007-11-04T08:10:35.543-08:00Saturday<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 3, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">SO today was a day on the train. It actually went by super fast. I read Ella Enchanted. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I love that book so much. It is so romantic and I honestly see it in a different light every time I read it. I am learning from the contents with each phase of life. I am really enjoying it a lot. Sniff I don't care if Adrian doesn't like it HMPH!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There was a drunk man today on the train. He tried to get into our cabin but Laura help the door shut. He started pounding on the glass and was yelling profanities at us until a man can and pushed him away. It was actually pretty scary but for some reason I started to laugh. I tend to laugh at the most inopportune times. I am definitely going to be working on that.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The sleeper car was not that bad. It was actually really fun and I slept pretty well. I would take a sleeper car any day of the week.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-65925366968103944852007-11-04T08:08:00.000-08:002007-11-04T08:09:59.455-08:00Friday<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 2, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I cant believe that we are leaving in a matter of hours for Budapest! I am so excited. Now I have been totally stressed about everything but still I am really excited and hopefully all of that stress will leave once I get gone. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I had a normal day at the orphanage and hospital. I was a little anxious to leave but at the same time it was sad to think that i would not see my kids for a week. I think going back might be a lttle bit discouraging because of that fact that there will be minor set backs. Hopefully they will jump right back though and we can continue working. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Elder's came over for dinner. It was really fun. We cooked Fajitas and they brought Carrot Cake for dessert. It was amazing. Honestly i had no idea that elders could cook that well. It was really really really good. Maybe it is just my lack of food-well good food lately that has brought me to thinking that everything that is edible is good. Hopefully it will wear off when I get home and I will actually get my taste buds back.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I helped Elder Loveland fix his Ipod. Hopefully I did it right....who knows. I am still trying to get everything packed. I am super tired but I need to finish up. See ya!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-73698151203377030312007-11-04T08:05:00.000-08:002007-11-04T08:06:33.887-08:00Thursday<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">November 1, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I cant believe that it is already November 1<sup>st</sup>. In some ways it has seemed like everything has flow by but in other day to day time everything is at a crawl. I am really excited to go to Budapest on Saturday. I am definitely ready for the much needed break. I can tell that i am starting ot get emotional and super tired. Hopefully Budapest will rejuvenated me enough to finished strongly.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mihaiella was an angel today at the apartments. She was honestly entertained by the bubbles the entire time. It was nice to be able to spend some time with the other kids with out Mihaiella freaking out.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have been sort of stressed out lately about my class schedule and finding a job when I get home and finding somewhere to live. I mean I know it will all work out and everything will fall in to place I just get worried when I cannot see the end from the beginning. I definitely need to place more trust in the Lord.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-73263253712863076262007-10-30T12:42:00.000-07:002007-10-30T12:43:17.289-07:00Cute Girls<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 30, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a good full day. I got to talk to Adrian this morning. It is so nice to hear his voice. Sniff.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"> </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We did the normal orphanage thing. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Larisa was really funny today. She was disappointed that I didn't bring my IPOD but luckily she fell in love with Adrian instead. It was really funny. She saw our picture on my phone and her eyes lit up. She even kissed his picture and asked if we could call him on the phone so she could talk to him. It was really funny. I will have to keep my eye out for her, she might steal Adrian from me.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is going to be nice to come home to some personal space. It will be really nice to actually be alone....</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Went to the apartments in the afternoon. Mihaiella was as crazy as ever. She is so funny because she would get so excited and hyper, like out of control. Then she would ask me to pick her up, and she would turn into this angel. She let me hold her for like 20 min and she was silent the whole time. Wow she can be two different people sometimes.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-62357937697264976112007-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:002007-10-29T14:11:52.012-07:00Romanian Orphanage<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 29, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a pretty good day. I was my first day back since last Friday. It felt really good to be back. It was so fun to come in the room and have all of my kids yell “DANIELLA!!” It was nice to know that I was missed and loved. Ghitsa was practically knocking his wheel chair over he was so excited. Sniff I really liked that.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We got to go outside today too! It was my first time taking the kids out. It was fun to see them all get bundled up to go out. They had to have hats and winter coats on. It was pretty funny. I pushed the kids on the swings and played with the plastic bowling set. It was really funny. I remembered I was in Romania when one little girl had to go to the bathroom. The worker instead of taking her in the building which was five feet away, she took her behind a bush. It was pretty funny.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We had Family Home Evening tonight. We made Caramel apples. It was really fun. Sort of hard to make Caramel on Romanian ingredients but it was okay. I am excited to get home and have Caramel Apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Wow those are so good...</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-43350463582424922952007-10-23T12:09:00.000-07:002007-10-23T12:10:25.219-07:00Halloween is decided!!!<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 23, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today is my half way point! I dont really like describing it like that because it feels like I have been here a long time and then I find out it is only half way. I like to think of it in bit milestones. I leave for Budapest in a week and a half, when I get home I will have a week and a half until Thanksgiving and then i leave in three weeks to come home! I cant believe it. It has gone by so fast and yet so slow at the same time. It feels like years since I have seen my friends and family and Adrian, but I cant believe that I am almost going home. A little bitter sweet but hey I will be glad to be home.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Aside from the strange illnesses I seem to acquire, I live Romania. I love the people and the culture. But trust me it has definitely given me an appreciation for America that I never had before.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have decided to go with Erica's idea of being Wendy from Peter Pan. Really ingenious idea! Heff the girl from the Ring terrifies me. If I embodied her character, like I do all of my Halloween characters, I would be scarred for life. That is actually really scary to think about....</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was home sick today. I was all alone. It was kind of boring and a little scary. Hopefully I will be better tomorrow but things are not looking bright.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-14008525618066234572007-10-22T12:58:00.000-07:002007-10-22T13:01:43.515-07:00Cabin Fever<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 22, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today I was home sick again. I definitely think this Cabin Fever thing is true. I have not left the house since I got home on Friday at 12. It is weird what not having fresh air can do to you. He he he.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hopefully I will be better tomorrow and i will be able to go to the orphanage. This is the reason why I have not been posting. My life has been very boring.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK8IB8g0LxUB44_xmPI6oc9BurenOI1N9oZ4hJWX8t0eWA72p2sbCXm8CY9qp3uq1ICHtX_9h6fe474OpIc-az0oZfIssw3cr7_i_V0_8BztGxOKCv8jfAYA7psudt4BZYDZGluqz3jU/s1600-h/IMG_0529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK8IB8g0LxUB44_xmPI6oc9BurenOI1N9oZ4hJWX8t0eWA72p2sbCXm8CY9qp3uq1ICHtX_9h6fe474OpIc-az0oZfIssw3cr7_i_V0_8BztGxOKCv8jfAYA7psudt4BZYDZGluqz3jU/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124253585565970946" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have been thinking a lot about what i am going to be for Halloween. Sort of slim pickings here in Romania. We did however find a box of old Halloween stuff form past interns. Inside it contained a blue dress. I think i am going to wear it. I dont know what I am going to be though. What do you think I could be? The most creative answer wins!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have a paper due on Wednesday that i have not yet started. I should get to work on that. I went to FHE tonight. That was fun. We made toilet paper mummies:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-12815473788230054882007-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:002007-10-07T11:06:14.045-07:00Fast Sunday<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 7, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was my first Fast Sunday in Romania. It was really nice to hear all of the testimonies of the branch members. We also met the new missionaries. They seem really nice and willing to translate so that will be good. There was a baptism today. It was really neat and the spirit was so strong. The Elders asked if we would sing a musical number the night before. It went okay, a few minor flubs but not too bad. I am sad that I am missing out on General Conference, we get it next week in Romanian. I need to find out my other options.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I got to talk to Karlie today. That was really nice. I had missed her a lot and it was good to talk for the five min before the phone card ran out. Hopefully we will be able to talk again soon. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have been a little home sick today. If anyone would like to send me pictures I would love them. I dont have many.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sigh sorry this entry was not the best, but I love you all and i will write more tomorrow and in my emails.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-68983985184394332722007-10-07T11:02:00.000-07:002007-10-07T11:04:48.946-07:00Happy Birthday Alie!<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 6, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="en-US">Today Is Alie's 21</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><sup><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="en-US">st</span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="en-US"> birthday. </span></span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We started out by going to Kauffland's and stocking up. Since the festival is going to be starting to is going to be crazy trying to get around and especially trying to go grocery shopping. So I went and got my case of ramen noodles for the next two weeks. I really like ramen noodles. I even am starting to mix things up by adding different vegetables. It makes things a little interesting.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After that we came back and started making party preparations. She wanted to do something with the youth from the branch so we decided to have a little get together at the branch. But before that we went to dinner. It was crazy trying to find a place to eat. Everyone has weddings on Saturdays so we went to like five places and they were all booked out. Finally we found this little Lebanese restaurant that was actually fabulous. I really enjoyed it. But since we got started lated we barely made it to the villa on time. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The party was really fun. About 6 or 7 people came so it was a big turn out. We played games and had cake and ice cream. After that we came home and had girls night. We watched Alie's favorite movie, While You Were Sleeping. It was cute.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-79769605394279740902007-10-05T12:02:00.000-07:002007-10-05T12:03:29.926-07:00A Good Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">October 5, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today has been a really good day. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I had a little break through at the orphanage today, in two different situations. With the kids whoa re completely functional; it has been really hard to know what to do with them or how to work with them. Since I dont speak Romanian I have had a hard time communicating with them or getting to know them. Today I figured out a way that I can be teaching them but also gaining their trust at the same time. I starting teaching them and playing a shape game with them. I would say the name of the shape and then all of the kids would take turn solving the puzzle. It was also good because it is helping them be happy and cheer for one another, after each child would go we would clap and say “Bravo, Bravo!” for them. It made them all giggle and smile. I was happy that we were all working together. Also I have been trying to reach this little girl named Izabella. She is severely handicapped. When stimulated she hits her face really hard and has bruises all over her face because of it. She cannot speak and is completely blind with one completely clouded eye. She can be sort of intimidating and scary to look at. Often times she is forgotten in the corner because the workers just do not want to deal with her. So everyday I make a conscious effort when I go in to touch her face and say “Buna Ziwa Iza!” so she knows that I am here and that I am soft and nice. I bring a toy for her to play with and through out the day I go and touch her face and say hello. SO I have been doing this for about two weeks with no reaction. Today I go and spend a little time with her and I actually got her to smile and even laugh for a small moment. For the instant it really sort of uplift me and show me that I really was making a difference. It was amazing.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I also got some pictures of my new little nephew Dyson. Can I just say that he is absolutely adorable. He has Jessica's nose and chin and the rest of his face looks a lot like Derrek's. Oh he is so cute. It makes me home sick to see him. I just want to go and hold him. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are having our girls night tonight instead of tomorrow, so we made Crepes. They were so good. We got this jam stuff from one of the sisters in the branch and it was amazing!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a good day...</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-62491003480432966042007-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:002007-09-30T08:33:47.834-07:00Romanian Experiences<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 29, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was definitely a new Romanian day. I experienced a lot of things I haven't before! It was really fun. We started out by going to Aurelia's house. She is a investigator and she amazes me at how strong and happy she always is. She lives at a boarding school and she is an</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> orphan. We went over and had a dance party with her. It was actually really fun. The school was definitely a little scary b</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTSzLK_c5X7_eHodFp-hl34WZcEY7EyxE2VUL1595CDKbgEUVDCpgzxcGCnGa9KHgLEKIgnrJ1rsWCT9tBzNb3Wsd-7cSyidAeWovBynAYTw3vEtY0bSN27nmR6sAINrVSixrxfM5qmw/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTSzLK_c5X7_eHodFp-hl34WZcEY7EyxE2VUL1595CDKbgEUVDCpgzxcGCnGa9KHgLEKIgnrJ1rsWCT9tBzNb3Wsd-7cSyidAeWovBynAYTw3vEtY0bSN27nmR6sAINrVSixrxfM5qmw/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116020732901160194" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ut we had a lot of fun. She taught us a dance and then showed us her ballroom salsa moves. I laughed a lot and it was fun to sort of let go and have fun.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After that we were suppose to meet the Sora's at the train station to go to the branch picnic. We almost missed it and that was a little stressful. The picnic was really really fun. It was down in the valley on the far side of Iasi. There was a little lake and a bunch of trees. We had Romanian pizza which is really really good except for the fact that they dont put pizza sauce on it, and we had some grapes and apples. It was nice to hang out with the branch and get to know everyone a little better. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I started to walk along the bank of the lake and it was disgusting. From a far it looks really pretty and serene. Up close is a totally different story. There was tons of litter lining the banks, there was leeches in the water and even a syringe with the needle still intacted. It was a little scary, definitely toxic waters. But anyway we had fun trying to catch frogs and taking pictures with them. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some of the old men in the branch had fun trying to teach us how to whistle. They dont really care if they spit on you he he he. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After the picnic we played Saturday sports. It was really fun. I am starting to actually enjoy playing soccer. We had our girls night after that. We watched “13 going on 30” it was fun</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I am not really sure whats going on in Baby City but I would liked to be filled in. Where's the baby?</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-29925665441737154162007-09-28T23:26:00.000-07:002007-09-28T23:28:05.644-07:00A Girly Night<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 28, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a crazy day. We started out at the orphanage which is really starting to go well. I think it will keep getting better and better as I get to know the children and the workers. I just want them to be adopted so badly. I know that there problems will go down greatly because of that. It would help them so much. The chances of them getting adopted are pretty low though, no one usually adopts a handicapped child even with mild disabilities.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We took the Soras' and the Wrights to lunch today. We went to a restaurant called “Little Texas”. It was supposedly suppose to be like Texas and have American food. It was still Romanian-American but it was really good. They had Mexican food that i have missed having so that was nice to have. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After lunch Christina and I ran to Kaufland's with the Soras to get stuff for the YW's girls night activity. We shopped for a little bit and then headed home. We got lost. Sniff we have no idea how to get a taxi or a maxitaxi I almost started crying. We had walked there once so we started to walk home. It was pretty scary actually walking through the streets of Iasi not really knowing where we were going. We made it back but it took us forever. Sigh</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Girl's Night with the YW was so much fun. It was fun to be able to do girly things with them that they really never get the chance to do. I really think they enjoyed themselves and I loved watching the looks on their faces after the makeovers and nail polish.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Oh just a couple of side notes. I sister is having her baby tomorrow! YAY I am so excited!!! and also I have like 20 flea bites on my body, he he he I guess we have fleas in my apartment. The Sora's are going to kill them though so that will be good.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-13732220360620881002007-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:002007-09-25T11:57:45.261-07:00Hmmm Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 25, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today was a lot better day than yesterday! In the morning we went over to the orphanage apartment in Dancu. It took us about 30 min to get there but the kids were adorable. I really enjoyed going there and working with them. I played with the cutest little Down Syndrome boy. He could not speak so he would look at me and smile and laugh.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After that we came home because everyone was sick. I think there is something going around and I hope I don't get it. Christina and I are the only ones that have not gotten and let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't get it! Well anyway I made lunch for everyone and then Christina and I left for the hospital.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The hospital was amazing today. There were tons of Orphans to visit. In the time were were there we only got to check to floors and visit 4 little girls. They were so adorable. Consuela was a month old and so precious. Ana Maria she is a year old but about half the size of Consuela. She is the tiniest little person. You can tell she is older though because of the interaction she had with me and how she can hold her head up and smile. She has fetal alcohol syndrome so I hope I will be able to work with her a lot while I am here. She is really smart and so cute and funny. She weighs about 5 pounds but she is the funnest little girl. I really loved being able to go and interact with his little girls today. I wish we could have stayed longer to be able to visit all of the levels but we have to leave at 5:00. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Elder and Sora Wright the senior couple for the branch had us over for dinner tonight. It was amazing. Petru a sweet member from the branch cooked for us. It was so delightful to be able to sit and visit with them and eat amazing food. It really was so good, I am not sure if it is just the fact that I have not had a good meal in a while or if it really was good but I sure liked it!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was starting to get stressed out about all of my homework that I have to finish while I am here. So I made a schedule and a calender and I planned out all of my projects. It makes me feel so much better when I have it all down on paper what I am going to do and when. Anyway this is getting really boring...</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cu Drag, </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dani</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-31782097198960666902007-09-24T05:15:00.000-07:002007-09-24T05:16:24.337-07:00Sunday is a special day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 23, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I taught for the first time today in Relief Society. I said probably a total of about seven minutes worth of my lesson and the women talked the rest of the time. Well two women did ha ha ha. I taught about family togetherness time and how important it is. It was really different teaching that lesson to Romanians. The way of life and how they view things is so different. So different from the Utah version of the gospel. But I really like the challenge of creating the lesson for these sisters specifically. It makes things a challenge and it forces me to get to know the culture and the women of this branch better. I could never just go up and teach how I would back home. The women that way would either be offended or would learn nothing from the lesson.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Elder Loveland translated Sunday school for us today. He is a pretty funny guy. He has been out for about seven months so he is definitely still getting used to the language so it was funny to see him sort of take a round a about way of telling us what they had said. He was such a nice guy for translating for us!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We attempted to make hamburgers tonight for dinner. Something went wrong with the meat and for some reason the hamburger would not stick together. We ended up making sloppy joe hamburgers. Ha cooking in Romania is so funny. First of all the timing is always off. Like cooking rice for instance. We only have the non instant variety so normally in the US it would take about 20-30 min, here is takes 5. We just cooked jiffey muffins that we brought from home and they took five min as well. It is going to be hard to get used to going back to our slow cooking methods in the States. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-6762586018160584632007-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:002007-09-23T11:10:32.050-07:00Another train ride....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PFPPeISztmmCCIxBmqR4hSc6WzyHcg5SqCXMPyprXRmWTYKaeurvdJhL-c6tOWiwED5JnNF1WT7aQnLlkv9GLbbSddwQ1qrMsi2TnYwqxXQlJyk1Y3i3bNTmCrOSW6eWyhv7Z2yiU7c/s1600-h/IMG_0167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PFPPeISztmmCCIxBmqR4hSc6WzyHcg5SqCXMPyprXRmWTYKaeurvdJhL-c6tOWiwED5JnNF1WT7aQnLlkv9GLbbSddwQ1qrMsi2TnYwqxXQlJyk1Y3i3bNTmCrOSW6eWyhv7Z2yiU7c/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113463560912729298" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 22, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well we almost did not make it home to Iasi today. We seriously got on the train and it started moving. It was crazy. I was ready to go on time.....</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The train ride was really really long. Luckily the conditions were not as bad as the ride there. We played games and listened to Vasile and Mihai play the guitar. It was fun but also very boring at the same time. I really started to get home sick and miss my friends and family at home. I had not been able to really talk to anyone while i was gone so it started to make me sad. But I shook it off and realized that I would be home in a few hours and be able to talk to them then:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And then we got home and I am so glad to be home. I never really thought of this place as somewhere that I would call home for four months but I am glad that it is starting to become that for me. I missed my mattress on the floor and my internet ha ha ha. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Anyway I have to go to bed I am teaching tommorrow! yahoo</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-4199251742682203112007-09-23T11:05:00.000-07:002007-09-23T11:08:48.851-07:00A Beach / Crazy Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 21, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We decided that we wanted a little girl time this morning. So we got up early and left the boys to hangout by themselves. We went and walked around to the shops and did a little bit of shopping. It was really fun to number one hangout with just the girls and to number two go shopping! Ha my favorite past time:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibya-icypU1b-zIdxH9yyWPLDYGY4B-EnDy_HuwSFXm8jTs2voHVdebjvuLMiXN83TrHos6Iqlk_Wc60AsE6XtgTFo3SHZlo9J3uIWKq_4HmDDDnD3dKIha-ntOhfYYePtYQUTerZ087c/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibya-icypU1b-zIdxH9yyWPLDYGY4B-EnDy_HuwSFXm8jTs2voHVdebjvuLMiXN83TrHos6Iqlk_Wc60AsE6XtgTFo3SHZlo9J3uIWKq_4HmDDDnD3dKIha-ntOhfYYePtYQUTerZ087c/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113462658969597106" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We then went back to the apartment and go ready to go to the beach. Besides the fact that it was about 40 degrees outside, we were excited. We all jumped into our swim suits and went to take some pictures on the beach. We did not actually swim but we got wet and had fun. The Black Sea is really dark and mossy. I am used t</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">o the clear blue water of California. It was definitely a change but it really was beautiful. We did not stay for very long because we were freezing but that is okay we walked on the beach later that day.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There was a special Dolphin show going on while we were there so we decided that we would go. It was definitely not Sea World. I loved it for the fact that it was so original and completely Romanian. I dont really know how to describe it besides saying it was fast and efficient. Not really the American show we are used to but I did not come to Romania to get American situations.</span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After coming out of the show were saw a large group forming on the side walk of the street. We went and looked at what was happening. I guess a man had committed suicide by slitting his throat and was found with the doors locked in his car. I will never forget the image of that man. What disturbed me the most was the way the police handled the situation. IT was sort of in a callous and harsh way that had no feeling. They never covered the body or blocked off the road. They let things run as normal like nothing different really was happening. It made me feel really blessed that I am American. Not just in the fact that our police handle things differently but that I have the gospel and that I am able to feel safe in my country. Not that I don't feel safe here because I do, but it is a different feeling of safe. I don't know how to describe it but it just really made me glad to be an American.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fTEYjzkmkgj51KMoUUNUhQEpkMFAZ33-ZiCQ403y8O_6nqU0Jhg2Z2Zudwb3UeYX0ysZUL0sE54se0Nww6XeuzjmdxvaKoGVh4_gIC4Skw0kXxfudFZJk8wb2DwEIYqzf4neh2mT8cw/s1600-h/IMG_0127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fTEYjzkmkgj51KMoUUNUhQEpkMFAZ33-ZiCQ403y8O_6nqU0Jhg2Z2Zudwb3UeYX0ysZUL0sE54se0Nww6XeuzjmdxvaKoGVh4_gIC4Skw0kXxfudFZJk8wb2DwEIYqzf4neh2mT8cw/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113463011156915394" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After that we tried to have a little shift in atmospheres and took a nice long walk</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> on the beach. It was so beautiful to walk on the beach at sunset and collect sea glass and shells. Sea glass is my absolute favorite and I got tons. I also found some huge shells on the beach. It made it really fun to be able to find cool things like that. Normally I end up with a few tiny oyster shells:)</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Next we went to the Villa and watched a movie for their outreach night. It was really fun and strange at the same time. A investigator in there branch asked me out, luckily there was this really cool missionary in the room and let him know that that was not allowed. Ha he and I laughed about it later on. He asked me out merely by the fact that he knew I was a ballet dancer and he was very strange about it. Like at the birthday party he asked to take a picture with me and wanted me to do an arabesque and I of course declined but none the less it was awkward. We ended up watching A Night at the Museum. It was fabulous. I really liked it, it was super funny and clean. Yay! </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740248600708129169.post-45801308146722996382007-09-23T11:03:00.001-07:002007-09-23T11:05:01.959-07:00A Constanta Day<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">September 20, 2007</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So we slept a lot of the day today, until about noon. We were all completely exhausted from the train ride. Once everyone was up and going we decided to get a tour of the city. Our friend Vaislae who is currently going to college in Iasi but is from Constanta showed us around. It was great having someone there who knew the area and was willing to help us out. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We went and walked by the beach and saw all of the old parts of the city. It was really cool because we saw the remnant of walls and foundations that were from 40</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6A2NgL8fMt5v2dv6Br9o9VfnBKip8kllnvnQfqqotYRLN1dKZFKtUdtFSH8wJu9K1LUscLI1ZvOMObxZj9-LC8-BIm4sGyru241g3ferQ8IJK7Y1-RNvtUp2pH_Q3-GPmbdm4vLhh6I/s1600-h/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6A2NgL8fMt5v2dv6Br9o9VfnBKip8kllnvnQfqqotYRLN1dKZFKtUdtFSH8wJu9K1LUscLI1ZvOMObxZj9-LC8-BIm4sGyru241g3ferQ8IJK7Y1-RNvtUp2pH_Q3-GPmbdm4vLhh6I/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113462109213783202" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 B.C. When Constanta was actually under Roman rule.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We also went to the mall. I am really starting to not like the cigarette smoke. Everyone smokes here and everywhere. They don't really have laws against smoking in public places and since everyone smokes it can be sort of overwhelming at times.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then we went over to the villa for the Constanta branch. They were having a surprise birthday party for one of the member of the branch presidency. It was really fun to go to an actual Romanian birthday party. It was of course Americanized because all of the missionaries were American and we were all American. One of the missionaries there taught me how to play Backgammon. I guess it is a really big thing here and that everyone plays it. It is actually really really fun. I was a little confused at first but I caught on and it was fun.</span></span></p>Danielle Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883334036654937945noreply@blogger.com0