My Church Choir in Bucuresti at our Christmas Concert

I am not able to directly share the songs on my blog, but you can click on the links below to go directly to the youtube site to hear our choir. Click any of the links below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7scfzPnRvc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32BHiDY1EG0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClHhNNn4Snc&feature=related

Scenes of Christmas

What does God have to say about it?

You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things(Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Doar prin iubire

Many of you ask me to share some Romanian Christian music. Here is one of the pieces from my friend Cat's band "Profides." The title in English is "Only through love"

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I took these photos at the park behind where I live. I love the Christmas lights in Bucureşti--they certainly add color and needed cheer to life in the big city. Christmas is such a special time. Some kids have been in our bloc caroling already!

La Mulţi Ani România!

Today, the first of December, is Romania's National Day, which of course, is celebrated with much fanfare: huge parades, fireworks, music, free-food, etc. As a national holiday, it is also an opportunity for many to get out of the city and up to the mountains. This year I went skiing up in the mountains. One of the best things about Romania is taking the train. The mountains are only two hours to the north of Bucureşti, and as such, many students hop on the early morning train (rather cheap here: only about $6-7), ski for the day, and return with one of the hourly trains returning to the capital. I love it! Getting around Romania on the train is fast and easy. It is also a TRULY Romanian cultural experience. Students are known to sing on the train, gyspsy children often hop on at various stops to sell goods, and it is a great way to strike up a conversation with others. We often play games on the train too. On the way back from skiing, the train was quite crowded, so there were no more seats. No problem, this is Romania! You can still buy a ticket and stand in the hallway, which is what we did. Three hours standing in a tight walkway--with blasting heat. Ahh, it's a great experience. Seeing as it is Romanian National Day, everyone collaborated in singing the Romanian National Anthem. It was crowded, it was hot, and it was a long ride. But you know what? I LOVE it. Why? Simply put? It's simply Romanian--I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. So God Bless Romania! I sure hope you celebrated :)))) Hai Romania!

The parade through the northern part of Bucureşti

Skiing at Predeal, a city just a few hours to the north

The Gara at Predeal. While waiting for the train, we played chirades among the students waiting for the train. This is also a purely Romanian experience. Chirades (called "Mima" in Romanian) is often played by students while waiting in line. Keep in mind that us Romanians are Latin: loud and passionate. Hence, imagine what Chirades is like:)))