"Rainbows and Butterflies"

DREAMS DO COME TRUE:

I was placed in the section referred to as "Isolation" in the orphanage!! I will permanently work there for the rest of summer. This section is full of infants, and small toddlers. It also has a room that holds extremely sick kids. I knew the first day I walked in there, it was where I wanted to be. I look forward to waking up every morning, knowing I get to head over to the orphanage to care for the miraculous children there. If anyone knows me, they know I love babies. Infants are my happy place. (I'm not even kidding). It has been a dream to work with them everyday. (Yes, I may be a little baby hungry. But no worries, teaching the kindergarteners acts as birth control).

Some days the orphanage can be emotionally draining. Just yesterday a new child was brought from CPS (child protective services) to Isolation. Taken by strangers, brought into an unknown area, and placed into a crib with just a blanket to lie on, this two year old had to be nothing short of frightened.
As blood curdling screams filled the room, I was worried I wouldn't have enough strength to finish the day. (Sheesh I sure do feel selfish saying that out loud). We (volunteers) were told  "don't worry, she will cry it out the next couple of days, we just have to wait". (Cry it out? What? Days?...My heart started to break.) At that moment, I couldn't understand. But soon after as I looked around, I realized there were 20 other infants needing attention and care right at that very moment too.

***The workers are extremely admirable and strong, for their job cannot be a simple one. They take care of extremely challenging kids, day and night. That day I learned how hard it can be to work at an orphanage. I only hope I get stronger each day as I work to find ways to help each child feel my love as well as understand their importance in this challenging world.

ALTHOUGH EACH DAY IS AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE
.. LIVING IN ROMANIA IS NOT ALWAYS "RAINBOWS AND BUTTERFLIES":

Example A: 

For a straight week our bathroom would flood every time we turned on the water to shower. As a result, we would have about 4-6 second increments that we could turn on the water, before we had to shut it off and wait another 20 seconds. This made the task of showering very daunting and COLD. (Thank goodness for missionaries who helped us fix it). 

Example B:

I have killed more bugs on my bed than I even care to admit. 

Example C: 

Most of the streets are pretty filthy/rundown. They also carry many atrocious smells. We walk them everyday. (I think I'm going to come home with a permanent stench in my hair).

Example D: 

After caring for children at the orphanage, hospital, and trying to juggle kindergartens that speak Romanian, our weeks are exhausting. (Although I wouldn't trade it for the world).

Example E:
I ordered a salad from a salad bar at the mall. After ordering what I wanted in it, I get my salad back with no lettuce. "Um, excuse me? I don't see any lettuce in this?" ... "You didn't order lettuce, sorry. Have a good day". (HUH) Apparently you have to order lettuce to add in your SALAD. Yup. That was one dry salad. haha

Example F:
It's hot and humid, and AC is pretty much a foreign concept to Romanians. In addition, we are not allowed to open windows or doors. This creates a draft that the Romanians refer to as "Current". "Current" is literally a sickness doctors will diagnosis a patient with. Another fun superstition Romanians have is that if you sit on the bare ground, you will become infertile. (Hmmmm).

Example G:
I watched a man pick up a pigeon and caress it. He then continued to kiss it, like genuinely kiss it multiple times.... (Hilarious or horryfying?...You tell me)

Example H:
If I have to eat one more "mystery" meat, I might consider becoming a vegan. (Not even kidding a little bit).

ONE DAY IT JUST CLICKED:

As I was trying to rock a beautiful child to sleep, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the love I had for this child. I wanted nothing more than for him to understand how loved and special he was. As I began to feel almost breathless from the overwhelming thoughts of my future children, and pondering how on earth I could love them even more then I love this child in my arms, I experienced an astounding realization. One I've aways "known", but never quite understood until now.

*** "This overwhelming love I felt for this child in my arms, is but a small piece of the love our Heavenly Father have for each one of us, as we are his children."

I am loving Romania, even the tough days. I miss my family so much! I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them.

Love,
Morgs