That winter we lived in Romania was harsh. Similar to last winter in the north eastern states, we experienced snow piling upon itself day after day. The only difference from the U.S. was, that in a bad snow storm, it was only a matter of time before the snow plows came through. Not in Romania, and definitely not where we lived. One storm in particular had us wondering if we were going to make it with the supplies on hand. Keep reading to find out more as we go through my Mom’s diary in Remembering Romania.
If you would like to catch up click here for past posts in this series.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2004
We cooked potatoes and meat on a metal disk outside on the fire. It was delicious. The girls made funnel cakes. This is dough wrapped on a smooth wooden cone shaped thing, dipped in sugar and turned over hot coals. There was also the usual beer and wine. This didn’t bother us any until it came to the horse sleigh ride. We piled about 10 of us on their sleigh and they hitched their two horses up. The driver had too much to drink though and kept going too fast. Fedi had him slow down after he almost dumped us.
They took us up to the whiskey factory. There was this contraption that looked just like the stills in the old bootleg days in America. It was interesting, but alcohol is a huge problem in this village. Not only did several of Fedi’s relatives get drunk, but we saw quite a few men staggering around on the street.
Fedi’s Aunt’s Mother-in-law, who is eighty was there. She is a sharp lady and very sweet. She gave me the customary 2 kisses on each cheek and exclaimed how good I looked since I gained some weight. She said 12 years ago when she saw me last I was thinner and didn’t look near as good. Fedi was cringing and I was laughing up a storm. The older people here really, sincerely think that chunky people look healthier.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2004
We are getting a heavy snow this morning. Fedi left early. He called me about 5 minutes ago to say our 1988 rust bucket of a jeep just pulled a BMW out of the ditch.
Yesterday was fairly warm. Because it was Sunday we saw probably 4 horse drawn sleighs full of people enjoying a ride. The streets stay snow-packed for months in the villages and the common way of getting around for people with kids is to pull them on wooden sleds. We stopped at the school one day when the mothers were picking up the Kindergarten kids. There were about 10-12 sleds lined up.
Well the guy with the horse (Attila) and his wife said they would come to church in 2 weeks. He is grateful for Fedi giving him work to buy hay for his horse. His price was right – that was about the standard, its just people normally don’t hire it done – they do it partially themselves. We would have also except Attila needed the money. He said since we are helping him this way some of his relatives will chip in to help him with the labor so he can get it done in one day and not two. He also said several of his friends and relatives want to meet us and get to know us. Yeah, I know their motives will be suspect since they see us helping someone but still there are starting to be many, many open doors. It is almost as if there was a break- through and people have decided to trust us.
Attila (the cow rancher’s son) and Erika came to church Sunday. It is really more of a discussion group on Sunday morning. The main service is in the evening. They both liked it and want to come back. Fedi asked Attilla if he had any questions and he wanted to know where Mary fits in and why we don’t pray to her. The church gave him all the right answers – from the Bible. Attilla said he would love to come to the main church service but it will be necessary for them to first find an employee for the milking.
Same day. The heavy snow is continuing. We have at least 6 new inches on top of the old 5. The kids are all outside. The question is if Fedi will be able to make it home tonight if it keeps up this heavy. I’m not worried about us getting snowed in. We have plenty of food, firewood, propane, and gas for the generator. It may be fun for a couple of days. There is one thing I’ve been attempting and I am determined to do before I leave Romania. That is to roll a snowball down a hill and watch it get bigger and bigger. My early attempts have taught me that the hill has to be pretty steep. Another day of trying showed me that the snow has to be pretty wet. Maybe the third time will work.
Oh yeah – I missed the kids program since we went to Fedi’s Grandma’s village but Heidi said 40 kids came. The gym they have rented might get too small. She is doing a wonderful job and several of the parents and young kids from the church are helping. I don’t know what I can do to help as the language is a problem. But we usually show up – play with the kids, help with the games and do a little English with songs or Bible verses.
If Fedi didn’t know the language, I don’t know how much good we would be doing here. He has really done a great job, (Praise to God), of making friends, witnessing and helping people, but not letting them take advantage of him. He has also been reading to the kids out of the Bible every night after they are in bed. They love it. If he gets too busy and leaves us alone too much, I let him know.
Speaking of busy, this week is looking that way. Fedi left early this morning to go help distribute more presents at other schools, he also had to go to the police since I accidentally washed his extended stay permit and his passport in the wash machine. He had a few more errands also, but I forget what they are.
There is one thing funny to me here. It’s the lack of interest in the weather forecast. No one seems to ever know when a snow is coming. Or they might hear something on the TV or radio but they never talk about it or even seem to be interested. I think it is because not very many people depend on cars for transportation to work. There are no school busses that I have ever seen. Everyone walks. People here always seem to enjoy the snow. Fedi and I are always taken by surprise because the radio reception is so bad we don’t listen to it and no one has ever called us to let us know the forecast.
Fedi and I are tossing around the idea of renting something in Certa as a logical next step. He is getting a lot of people interested in coming to church. Transportation is a problem to Csilla’s city where the church is. We can squeeze probably only 2 more people in our jeep. (More in an emergency but it is illegal.) I know they could hitch hike but right at the first, when they are just checking things out, we want to make the way as smooth as possible. It’s possible they wouldn’t come if they are expected to hitchhike, find the church, and arrive alone with only strangers there if we haven’t arrived yet. Please any readers, pray that we will have definite guidance. Fedi has looked at some buildings. He also has the idea of renting a gym more for the teenagers and young adults to have a place to meet and play sports. The problems are that the buildings he has looked at need work and also I am having trouble seeing where this will help people come to the Lord. We need more information on the cost and more prayer before we do anything.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2004
I had trouble sleeping last night thinking about the donation money. It is a responsibility. I went back about a month ago writing everything down to make sure what has been donated goes to benefit Romanians. Fedi and I have gotten a little behind, but I think we will get a Tax Return (we have every year), also Horsemeister is looking pretty good (go Judy go!) and maybe we will get sent money for the kids from George Bush again in late summer.
Judy, you sent money that you said was from Horsemeister and from you for us, we bought the kitchen cabinets for $150. Rachel the $50 in Dec. for the kids, we got the kids all a 2nd warm coat from a used clothes place as their others were too rough to wear to town. Your other $100, $50 we gave directly to Leventa & Edith. Diane you sent $200 recently, we will use $100 for donation (I’m not sure yet what and the other you said would be for us, so we are finally getting clothes cupboards made. (We still have everything in suitcases. It’s actually a good system. I put all the laundry on my bed, open up all six suitcases and start tossing. Then I close the lids J. Actually I fold Fedi’s and mine and the kids fold theirs later. Others, gave for Christmas, Thanks so much Aunt Jinnie, Mom and Irma. Again, I feel that Fedi is being a light for the Lord here in Certa and I hope that justifies us not giving anything in return for Christmas, etc. (Oh yeah, Beth we couldn’t use a check here, thanks so much for trying.
Personal Note to Joan,
Happy Birthday, thanks for the Calendar. The kids and I have strained our brains trying to find the hidden names on it. I keep reading your birthday notes and can’t believe how old everyone is getting, including me. I wish I could see your big belly.
Mom, I got your birthday card, thanks so much. You will be surprised at what I bought with the birthday money you gave me and how happy I am for it. Clothes hangers! Now I can get rid of the stick that all our church clothes have been draped over. The goofy thing has fallen down 3 or 4 times anyway.
Diane, Thanks so much for the birthday card. Happy Birthday to you, too. The money you sent was unexpected and very generous. It will pay for our clothes cupboard. I owe you back for that ($100). The other $100 we will find a need for, maybe something for the kids program. Anyway, I loved reading your news.
I miss all of you too, but I hope it’s all for a good purpose.
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