One word. "Squatters".
Yes. It is exactly like it sounds. A toilet, which is essentially just a hole in the ground. I've never craved our countries bathrooms so much! I still can't wrap my head around how they can charge you money to use their "hole". (fun fact: they give you one slice of toilet paper to use.)
Yikes. It was also kind of devastating how poor the area was. I think I had my first real experience with a third world country. Romania has many areas and qualities that could be considered third world, but it also has very well kept, plentiful places.
In addition, 18 Moldovan lei = 1 US $. Holy cow I felt like a millionaire when I was there. Everything was so cheap. We were able to enjoy nice meals out, under 5$.
Sunday we were able to go to the branch in Moldova. One of my favorite parts of traveling around is attending our church. It is amazing to see the influence of the church all around the world. I love seeing all the dedicated branch members, leaders, and missionaries. Their work is incredibly uplifting and inspiring!
STORY TIME: As we were passing through the border of Moldova into Romania, our driver turns around and asks us if we have any cigarettes. Obviously we all shake our head "No". He replies.. "Oh good, I give you 2, and you 2, etc and you will give them back to me in Romania." He then exits the bus. Ten minutes later he returns with a huge garbage bag full of cigarette packs and starts passing them out. It was probably one of the funniest, most confusing moments we have had. We all look at each other like, can we go to jail for this as we put them in our backpacks? Hahaha
**Sorry mom. (I think I helped smuggled cigarettes into Romania.)
All in all, Moldova was an exciting experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel and see more than I could have ever imagined seeing at my age.
STORY #2:
A man hopped out of his moving car and chased my roommate and I down the street. Why? My roommate had a flag shirt on, and he wanted a picture for his Facebook event. (hahahah NO words for this one.)
This week I have felt overwhelmed with gratitude toward generous people. On multiple occasions I have seen mothers and fathers of children staying in the hospital, give what they can to the orphaned or abandoned children there. Whether it's food, toys, diapers, or even just attention and love, they are generous with what they have. These small acts make all the difference. I hope I can learn to become the person that gives to other's without thought. "Charity" truly is the pure love of christ.
Something I have also come to know, (instead of just believing), is that serving really is HAPPINESS. These children have brought more into my life than I could ever have imagined. I've probably looked up every way to adopt a Romanian child. I have come up with two options:
1. I need to find a Romanian man, marry him, and live in Romania for 5 years. or 2. I need to officially live in Romania for 10 years. I'm still working on deciding which option I like better.
Food for thought: “The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley.
I'm a worry wart (Yes, I admit it)... There's no getting around it. But as I've been able to spend my time and energy focused on others, my fears, doubts, and challenges have felt significantly smaller.
Well.... Now I need to stop procrastinating and go pack for my week long trip. I am leaving tonight!!! AH. I can't wait. Greece and Austria, here I come!
Love,
Morgs
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