Living, Learning and Serving in Sighisoara, Romania: Getting Settled In

Hey everybody we’re back! Sorry it took us so long to post, but the good news is we’re finally settled in with our families. We were all very anxious and nervous to meet our families and to begin living in a new culture.

Before we arrived, our advisor Dorothy spent a lot of time praying about what students to place with each host family. Each day with our families has been living proof that God revealed to her the best family for us.

Sarah and Darbi are living with the Moldovan family, which is 45 mins away (walking), from the Citadel. This is where most of their days are spent. They are delighted that their host family shares their humor and love for adventure. Tavi (Ta-vee), Dad, their professional photographer, loves to take them on fun adventures. Especially before their program is scheduled to go, so they have a head start. He says, "When they leave the family is going to have to adopt two girls." Adrianna (Ah-dree-ah-na), mom, works at the city hall. She is the sweetest lady who loves to mix her languages (Spanish, German, Romanian and English). She makes sure they have everything they could want or need including a ride to school in the mornings! Madalina (Mu-da-lina), sister, is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. She has been their best tour guide, Romanian coach, and "mom". She's even more in tune with American culture than they are. Last, "little" Gabi (Gah-be), brother, is 12 years, full of humor, and always wants a hug…even from ducks! They still love him though. Darbi and Sarah are proud to announce that they introduced him to oreos and peanut butter and now have him hooked on it.

Ashley and Veronica are living with the Bocskay family 15 mins away (walking). Illona (Ee-lone-uh), mother, has been a wonderful cook. Ashley and Veronica will literally eat ANYTHING she cooks. There have even been some foods that they wouldn’t normal care for in the states but have been very good here. Illona is an English teacher, very motherly and has such a sweetness about her. Laci (Lot-see), Father, has a sociology degree and is a school psychologist. He teaches psychology & some optional classes. Bogi (Bow-gee), 15, plays piano, clarinet, and dances. Bogi has told Ashley and Veronica that she feels like she’s known them a lot longer than she really has. Iringo (Ee-ring-o), 12, spends a lot of time playing games & hanging out with the girls. Veronica and Ashley love when she shouts things in Hungarian, because even when she's not upset she sounds like it. Jackal is their German Shepard, whom they have yet to become allies with, and Juszufka (You-shoof-ka) is their guinea pig.

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Since our arrival, we have begun our language, history and hiking classes for the semester. Majority of it has involved our orientation, being introduced to the staff members we will be working with for practicum as well as the different population groups. Sarah will be working with Kindergarten and Eldery Club/home visits, Darbi with Special Needs, Kids Club (afterschool program) and Elderly Club/ home visits, Veronica with Kids Club and a teen group called “It Takes Courage” and, Ashley will be working with Adolescents and Kids Club. The first day of our placements began yesterday and was a little overwhelming and scary at times. Needless to say, we made it through and today was a successful day!

We absolutely love it here and could go on forever about our adventures, but if we did that we wouldn’t have anything to share with you when we come home! ;) Here is a little sneak peak of a few of our favorite memories so far…

· Attending the Film, Hop (Beer) and Music Festival. This is where Sarah and Darbi were first encouraged by their host sister, Madalina, to “Do it for Romania” by eating Hamsi (small fish….we HATE fish)! This is also where Ashley and Veronica watched their host sister dance and play clarinet.

· We went on our first hike to Breite which nearly killed all of us. At that moment we were all regretting signing up for the hiking class. Since then we’ve had two more hikes to Vila Franka and St. Demitrie Monastery which weren’t nearly as hard.
· We spent our first Sunday at the local Nazarene Church. Everything was in Romanian and we all loved it. We heard familiar songs and hymns that we grew up singing. It was a reminder to us that God remains a constant everywhere.
· Veronica is learning how to walk all over again. She’s still trying to adjust to shoes that aren’t heels, and has had quite a few close calls (tripping daily).
· We have all grown to love Monday nights at Dorothy’s. This is our time to just be Americans and fellowship and pray with other missionaries and RSP students.

On Sarah and Darbi's walk home from school it started pouring and the walking space was limited. They tried to avoid the waves from the cars driving through puddles but it was inevitable. Needless to say, they were soaked!

Ashley and Veronica went to a birthday party for Illona's mother. That side of the family speaks ONLY Hungarian, so that was quite an experience!

Thanks for being a part of our adventures. We miss and love you all.

**Shout out to Sonrise Community Church in Bryan, OH. Your donation to Veritas was a blessing to everyone. They will be sure to put all items to good use for their programs. :)