Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I HATE TRAFFIC!

Some of these I have posted before, but bear repeating. I just have to vent about the traffic in Bucureşti--it is terrible. The above picture is taken at the square near where I live. In the picture below, please notice the cars to the left of the tram, they should all be to the RIGHT of the tram. I live about 13 kilometers to the main airport, and unless I am driving there at 4 in the morning it takes me at least an hour-and-a-half to two hours. My family lives 55 miles from the Minneapolis airport and can get their faster--that should tell you just how bad traffic is in Bucureşti. Just tonight I did 5 kilometers in an hour, an hour, can you believe it? There are over 1.2 million more cars registered in the city since '95--and the infrastucture of the city was NEVER designed for that many cars. I guess living here is a lesson in patience, that's for sure.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Romania: Land of Caves


Romania is known for its thousands of caves. This particular cave is called Pestera Muierilor - the cave was called this because of the women hidding in it during the many wars we had with the Ottomans and even during the two World Wars. I can't imagine how it was for them to improvise a living in here, as it is very cold and dark. They for sure had no electric light. Well, i hope none of us will have such experiences for the future.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Traditions and the Baptism of Jesus

One of the most important days for Christians is the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. In Romania, this is celebrated on the 6th of January by the Eastern Orthodox Church when the priests throw a cross into the river or lake. Immediatedly, many people jump into the frigid waters to get the cross. The one who finds it is said to receive many blessings and "luck" in the new year. The water is considered to be holy. Interesting.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

A Dusting of Snow


It has been snowing off and on in Bucureşti. Here are some pics, notice how we park the cars on the sidewalks :)

Monday, January 12, 2009

Peppers Anyone?

Seen around Bucureşti

Thursday, January 08, 2009

The Big Bully of Europe

Perhaps you have heard of what we in Europe like to call the "big bully". His name is Vladimir Putin, and Russia is his "mafioasa". Take a look at the following article in the Associated Press:

RUSSIA cut off all gas supplies to Europe today in a dispute with its neighbour.
Russian gas giant Gazprom stopped sending any gas to European consumers at 5.44am GMT today, Ukrainian state gas company Naftogaz said.Russia confirmed the cut-off, but said it was Ukraine's fault because it had shut down the last pipeline carrying Russian gas.Early today, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Turkey all reported a halt in gas shipments, while France, Germany, Austria, Poland and Hungary reported substantial drops in supplies.Tens of thousands of people have been left without heat in the bitter winter cold as governments scramble to find alternatives.Romania's president called Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin aftergas supplies were halted.Traian Basescu called Mr Putin after a second pipe bringing Russian gas to Romania through Ukraine was turned off this morning.Romanian economy minister Adriean Videanu held an emergency meeting with producers and distributors to assess the situation. The pipe coming from Ukraine to northern Romania pumped 30% of Russian gas imports.Mr Videanu said Romania has sufficient gas reserves for the winter. He said electricity and heating plants will use coal and heating oil instead of gas. Yesterday a pipe bringing 70% of Russian gas to Romania through Ukraine was turned off.
The good news is that Romania is rich in natural resources and has lots of reserves. The bad news is that countries like Bulgaria, Bosnia, Croatia, and Poland receive almost 100 percent of their gas from Russia and currently temperatures in Europe are well below freezing.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

NEW YEARS IN THE MOUNTAINS

We just returned from our winter retreat with our youth group up in the mountains near Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. It was a great time of building relationships, looking into God's word, deep discussions, and lots of fun in the beauty of God's creation in the Carpathian mountains. I got to go skiing and am proud to say that I am making improvement.
We looked at what it means to be a Christian who makes a difference in the world, breaking down each session to look at specific characteristics a Christian should have: forgiveness, wisdom, humility, faithfulness, etc. One of the talks that left everyone talking and chewing on was the fact that for a Christian, forgiveness is not an option, it's obligatory. But man is it hard to put into daily practice. Deep stuff. We praise God for a great weekend.

Sledding accident

Take a look at what Alex in our youth group did when he went sledding....aoleu!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

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

Monday, December 15, 2008

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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)

Monday, December 08, 2008

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"

Friday, December 05, 2008

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!


Monday, December 01, 2008

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:)))

Monday, November 24, 2008

Youth Retreat in Târgu Mureş

I had a great weekend working with youth in my favorite city, Târgu Mureş (in north central Romania/Transylvania), as one of the main presentors at their fall youth retreat. The theme was "light in the darkness," and I shared about how Christian youth can have an impact in such a fallen world, through their actions, relationships, etc. I walked them through discussions of Biblical leaders who brought lightness into the darkness through their character. We had lively disscussions, great fellowship, and a nice time jamming out. The muscial band Decean, one of my favorite groups, led off the retreat with a concert on Friday night. I also got to spend time with some very dear friends and eat amazing food. But most of all, I am thankful for these youth and the passion they are showing to get involved in outreach in their city. They are already planning many activities for Christmas with orphans and the elderly.
Some of the WONDERFUL food I ate prepared by Cristina Florea: crepes stuffed with a chicken salad and served with a garlic, mushroom sauce...yummy!It's been snowing up in the Carpathian mountains :) The view on the drive back!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Conference with Dr. Samuel Kamaleson

This past week, our church welcomed Dr. Samuel Kamaleson from India (a pastor, director of World Vision India, missions mobilizer) to hold both a conference for church leaders, as well as speak to university students in Bucharest about the good news of God's Kingdom in a world in crisis. Dr. Kamaleson has served as somewhat of a mentor for my pastor here in Bucharest and has been to Romania many times (even in the Communist years). I have heard a lot of Christian speakers, and can tell you that never have I met a Christian leader as genuine and humble as this man. He took the time to talk with everyone and every time he stepped-up to the podium, he took off his shoes. He considers the pulpit, Holy Ground, and does this out of respect. He doesn't draw attention to it, he just does it. Dr. Kamaleson reminded us that more Christians are persecuted today than in all the previous centuries combined!! Dr. Kamaleson works diligently as an advocate and voice for the persecuted church in India. Just this past week, hundreds of Christians in India were burned alive for professing their faith in Christ Jesus. I bet you heard nothing about it! Why? Unfortunately in our world of political correctness, you can say any inflammatory thing you want about Jesus or Christians, but when you say something about Islam or Mohammed, it's a different standard. Dr. Samuel Kamaleson reminded us of the MILLIONS of Christians facing daily persecution for their faith. The least we can do is to pray for them. To find out more information, I highly recommend www.voiceofthemartyrs.com.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Spotlight on Iaşi

Iaşi or Jassy, is a city and municipality in north-eastern Romania. The city was the capital of Moldavia from the 16th century until 1861 and of Romania (Romanian Kingdom) between 1916–1918 during World War I. The second largest Romanian city, Iaşi is the economic, cultural and academic centre of the Romanian region of Moldavia. The city has the oldest Romanian university and accommodates an annual count of over 60,000 students in 5 public and 3 private universities. It is home to more than 50 churches and hosts 5 cultural centres: British. French., German, Latin American, & Caribbean and Hellenic. Cultural life gravitates around the National Theater (the oldest in Romania), the Opera House, the Iaşi State Philarmonic, the Tătăraşi Atheneum, a famous Botanical Garden (the oldest and largest in Romania), the Central University Library (the oldest in Romania), an array of museums and memorial houses, an independent theater and several student organizations.

National Theater
The city of Iaşi lies on the Bahlui River, a tributary of the Jijia (tributary of the Prut). The surrounding country is one of uplands and woods, featuring the monasteries of Cetăţuia, Frumoasa, Galata (with nearby mineral springs), and the dendrologic park of Repedea. Iaşi itself stands amid vineyards and gardens, partly on two hills, partly in the in-between valley. It is a common belief that Iaşi is built on seven hills (coline in Romanian): Cetăţuia, Galata, Copou-Aurora, Bucium-Păun, Şorogari, Repedea and Breazu, thus triggering comparisons with Rome, la città dei sette colli (The city of the seven hills). The city is about to become a metropolitan area, expanding its territory with 10 other communities surrounding the city. Iaşi (specifically the Metropolitan Cathedral) is the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of Moldavia, and of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Iaşi. There are currently almost 10,000 Roman Catholics living in Iaşi. There is a debate between historians as to whether or not the Catholics are originally of Romanian or Hungarian descent. The city houses more than 40 churches. The oldest one is Saint Nicholas, dating from the reign of Stephen the Great (1457–1504); perhaps the finest, however, are the 17th century older metropolitan church, Saint Spiridion and Trei Ierarhi, the last a curious example of Byzantine art, erected in 1635–1639 by Vasile Lupu, and adorned with countless gilded carvings on its outer walls and twin towers. Other beautiful churches, some surrounded by big walls, are: Galata (1581), Golia, St. Sava, Barnovschi, Bărboi (17th century), Cetăţuia (the end of the 17th century) and Frumoasa (18th century).Catholic Church

One of the most important cultural center, Iaşi has many theaters, museums, and the like.
The "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theater, opened in 1837 is the oldest National Theatre in Romania. The building, designed according to the plans of the Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner was built between 1894–1896, and also hosts starting 1956 the National Romanian Opera Iaşi.

Iasi is home to:

  • Iaşi State Philarmonic
  • "Luceafărul" Theater for children and youth

  • Tătăraşi Atheneum

Four museums are located in the Palace of Culture, one of the largest buildings of Romania. Construction was carried out between the years 1906–1925 on the old ruins of the Royal Court of Moldavia and it is designed in flamboyant neo-Gothic style. The palace counts 298 rooms and has a total room surface of about 36 000 m²
Iasi is an important economic centre in Romania. It has an active trade in metals, medical drugs (antibiotics), textiles and clothing, banking, wine, preserved meat. The city has also become an important IT sector centre, with many software companies and two universities that provide high quality graduate engineers. Iasi is also an important regional commercial centre.

Moldova Mall

Iaşi is home to the oldest Romanian university (University of Iaşi), opened by (and nowadays named after) Domnitor Alexandru Ioan Cuzain 1860. The city is host to five universities, and is widely regarded as the cultural "heart" of the Old Kingdom (that is Moldavia, Wallachia, and Dobruja - the three regions comprising Romania until 1918). University Square
City trams

City park

Metropolitan Cathedral

Grand Hotel

International Airport