Plan B

Last Friday was a planned trip to the weekend, with a picnic lunch and everything. Unfortunately the beautiful sunshine at 9am disappeared by 10 when we were supposed to leave. Thankfully the kids at Ana had great attitudes and played monopoly or helped make strawberry jam all morning. I helped also in the making and the tasting and it was yummy!

Schoooooool's out for summer

Not sure where I ever heard that song, but rings true here in Targu Mures, Romania. Last week was the first of summer vacation for the kids. The sun has been shining (with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm) and it has been HOT, close to 90 every day. We've been cooling off and passing time at the local outdoor swimming pools--known as The Weekend.

Rush hour traffic

Watch out! The cows have the right of way.

I didn't think I was a missionary stationed close to the equator

However, I think I might need to get a mosquito net for when I sleep, as that is apparently when my blood is the sweetest and that is when they most enjoy the attack.

Girl time

Another trip to the forest (with the camera this time) resulted in decent pictures and more fun memories. Such beauties!

I rolled down the hill

I apologize for not having much photo proof for yesterday's events, but it's just not convenient to take the camera to the forest up the hill. Maria, Simona, Catalina, Claudia and I set off about 4:30 and had a good hour and a half of exploration and play time. There were definitely a few minutes of cops and robbers, lots of collecting and eating of unripe and very sour fruits (not on my part), gathering of flowers, and good talking about memories and stories of home. And yes, Simona and I rolled down a very large hill. We escaped ant bites, but were very itchy from the grass and other growing things. The other excitement was when we were walking home and a frog jumped up and scared Catalina, which made me scream, which made Simona and Claudia scream also, as it jumped between my legs. Girl time is good.

The bouquet

Driving Lessons

In Romania, much like in the States, it is not uncommon for children to learn to drive on the family farm truck (or horse and buggy). Alas, we do not have a farm or a truck or a horse and buggy, so the kids from Casa Ana took their first driving lessons in the bumper cars and the Children's Day festival on June 1st.

Zorro taking a Sunday drive.Daniel taking Catalina out for a spin.

David giving Cornel a little lesson.

a happy morning

It's 10 am and it's almost like a "i just moved into a new place and i'm getting the phone, water, electric, gas and cable turned on and they're delivering my stuff" day. Almost.

Our couch will be delivered in a matter of minutes, as well as the repairman for the washing machine is showing up. Now if they would just turn our hot water back on everything would be fine and dandy.

kid update: they've been asking more questions about God the last couple days, and I had a lovely conversation with Simona about the end times. She's definitely set against taking the mark of the beast.