DEZINFECTED

Living in a different culture, life is always a little out of the ordinary. To be understood and to understand is a work in progress. It is one reason the life as a missionary is a full one. There is always something to learn or be taught. Always the next challenge to tackle. Just trying to use the bathroom calls for a little DEZcernment.

We had the privilege to attend a meeting with other Romanians who are working and ministering to people with disabilities. Joni and Friends has had contact with many of them through the years. This meeting brought them together to discuss how an alliance of everyones ideas could strengthen and empower each other to do ministry.

We met in Bucuresti, which was our first time in the capital city of Romania. It was a 9 hour train ride from Timisoara. We enjoyed our time there and have been asked to go back and present a workshop/training at a Rehab Center for children with disabilities.

My American Dishwasher

I had forgotten about dishwashers.  You can find them in the appliance stores here, but they are extremely overpriced in comparison with the States.  Also, taking into account that the kitchen space is much smaller it is rare to find one in a Romanian home.

Fortunately for me I have Steve!  While I cook he enjoys washing the dishes afterward.  Hey, check out cabinet above him.   It has a built in drying rack for the plates and glasses which is very  useful.

Holiday Seasonings!

The spice of Christmas this year was flavorful!  

On the 18th of December we were invited out to the village of Recas for a children's program. The choral director from our church also works there teaching the children within the orphanage to sing.  The event was also supported by a team from England with Samaritan's Purse.  The place was packed with the children from the facility as well as the children and families from the village.  Check out more pictures from the program.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day following all had church services.  The messages and music all celebrated the birth of Christ.  From the children's program on Monday evening, to the brass band Christmas morning, to the choir and orchestra at the evening service, all were wonderful presentations. 

Christmas Eve, Steve and I enjoyed the evening at our Pastor's home in front of a warm fire as we waited for carolers to stop.  I loved the brass players in their courtyard playing Christmas hymns and then again in the house after partaking in hot tea and food.

Christmas Day we ate at our GEM - Romania director's home along with seven international medical students from India.   The following day was also filled with more good food as we were invited into a Romania home and ate traditional sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mamaligia (cornmeal mush or grits).  The meal had three courses all excellent and leaving us bursting from our seams.  Diets are in our future!

The past few days we have enjoyed house guests playing card games and relaxing.  See more pictures of our guests.

Christmas Sounds

OK... we have been back in Romania for two weeks now, and it is cold.  For the last two days we have woke up to snow on the ground.  Our Christmas tree is up, and I'm playing Christmas CD's. An American missionary showed me this link to an a-cappella group from Bloomington, Indiana.  I enjoyed it and wanted to share it with you.  A little fun way to get more into the spirit of Christmas.

Kristi

Still Hangin' Out in the USA

Worship at the West Coast Summit Conference

I thought I would write a quick update since we have neglected our blog while being in the United States.

Five weeks in the states has been a joy as we have visited many family members, friends, and supporting churches. We also visited doctors for general check ups, and the dentist as well. All is set for us to return.

After attending a wonderful Joni and Friends conference in California some family met us at Disneyland for some fun. Playtime for any age.

Getting wet at Disneyland

We were also able to travel to Minnesota and spend some time with Kristi's family. However, our time is at an end, and we are ready to get back to our second home. Tomorrow we began our 24+ hour journey back.

We are currently attempting to pack. It seems we have far more we want to take back than we brought here. Packing will be an adventure.

Thank You's to all we were able to visit and have meals with. We love you and look forward to our next visit.
The Carnazzo's

Love and Kisses

A family wedding brought us back to the States for a visit. The above picture is Steve with his brother Dave. It is nice to be with family again. Jetlag slowed us down some, yet we were able to stay awake for all the wedding events. Aleen (Steve’s niece) was a beautiful bride and the wedding was fabulous.

It is amazing how quickly one forgets driving directions and standard routines, such as the questions at the supermarket check out. “Do you want paper or plastic?” “Do you need ice or stamps today?” “Ok, just slide your card through.” Hummm, what was our pin code again? We survived; however, our brains had much slower processing speed.

Arizona weather is wonderful, and we are looking forward to our visit next week to California. We will visit Joni and Friends International Disability Center as well as participate in a conference.

Right now we are staying with Kristi’s brother and able to see our dog Lucy who lives with him.