Christmas

This first Christmas in Romania was spent with friends, Bela's family, and the kids at the center. On Christmas Eve several of us slept-over at the boy's home AFTER we'd gone caroling 2 nights in a row with the kids. Christmas morning we ate homemade cinnamon rolls by Rachel, mimosas by me, and eggs by John. We opened little gifts we'd bought for one another (Anka made most her gifts and now Lau and Rachel have matching pj's!!!). We also put up socks as stockings for Santa to fill...and he showed up! That night we did an all-nighter with the kids from the center. (I've officially decided I am too old to do all-nighters any more!!)
At the all-nighter we watched the movie 'The Nativity Story.' If you haven't seen it, you should.
It was a sweet, simple Christmas...and once again I welcome this tiny Baby, the Word made flesh, into my life, my world...our world. Even so, come again soon...

Cornbread

For the first time I made homemade cornbread. Cornmeal is used a lot here in a dish called mamaliga (I know I didn't spell that correctly)and I decided to try it in an old American way. I forgot to put in the salt, but it was good.:) We ate it with some yummy Cincinati chile that John made.

I was sick...

and Bela brought me oranges...

Thanksgiving...belated

Several weeks ago we had a "Thankful" feast at the drop-in center for the staff and some friends. The food was amazing...we even had turkey and stuffing and gravy. I bet Rachel 10lei that she wouldn't be able to get Vali to dress up as the Thanksgiving Fairy...as you can see, I lost that bet. However, I have yet to pay up! Robin and I 'decorated' the room...it turned out cute, complete with little pinecone turkeys.
So, here are some pics...

A Photo Shoot

Wish we were more photogenic...or even liked having our picture taken. Hope you enjoy this shoot from our Thanksgiving Dinner at the center.