November 25, 2010
Today is a sad day. Sad because it is thanksgiving and I am here in Romania without my family, and without a thanksgiving dinner. The missionaries invited us to go to an American restaurant with them, but I don’t really feel like going. It’s just not the same. So, I’m going to stay home and try to finish my homework.
I had to say bye to Lily and Lenuta today. Lena is my favorite. It made me cry as I said bye to her. She said “nu plunge!” which means “Don’t cry!” but I couldn’t help it. She had been like a mother to me here – always making sure I had plenty to eat, sometimes sending food home with me, making sure my pants didn’t get dirty and were rolled up, telling me that she wants me to date her son, taking care of me when I got sick, asking me if I was getting my fruits and vegetables… she is always so sweet and kind. At first she scared me, but I have become good friends with her even though she ONLY speaks Romanian to me and sometimes communicating is hard, but we do pretty well.
Today for example, I was telling her that today in America was a celebration of thanks. I explained to her that our families have a feast with turkey, mashed potatoes, pies. I told her about pumpkin pie and how it was my favorite. A few minutes later, after we had been out on our walk with all of the kids, she told me to wait outside a little shop with the kids. She came out with some groceries. When we got back to the apartment, she told me she was going to make pumpkin pie for me tomorrow! How sweet is that! I’m definitely going to miss her.
Needless to say, I have become a big crier. I’m worried about tomorrow saying bye to the kids. I don’t want to have to say goodbye.
I have to say that as sad as I am to have to say goodbye and as sad as I am to not be home with my family for thanksgiving, I am grateful for many things. As I have spent time with these children who only have 5 workers that switch off everyday for "parents", I am grateful that I have parents. I am also grateful to have a family who loves and supports me. I am also grateful for the opportunity that I have had to come here and to serve. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to be able to learn and to have a wonderful education. I am grateful for opportunities in general. I see so many people who have no choice but to stay here and to live in difficult circumstances, because they have no other choice. I am grateful that I have a set of scriptures to read. It made me sad when I saw last week that some of the branch members didn't even have their own set of scriptures because they can't afford them. I am grateful that I have food to eat everyday and I don't have to be in the streets begging for food. I am grateful for the many wonderful creations that make this earth beautiful - for the changing leaves in the fall and the beautiful sunsets. I am grateful for the many kind and wonderful people that I have met here who have taught me so many things. There is so much to be grateful for.
This is Mario and I last night. She has been so helpful even through
dealing with a lot of family struggles.
Lenuta (Lena) and I. This is a really bad picture
because she was pinching me to see if I would laugh!
Miss you family. Have a happy thanksgiving.
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