tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61400811083483402042024-03-13T22:37:12.128+02:00RomaniaGlobal Volunteershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05153973961115698118noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-90358538785866915592013-09-27T20:06:00.000+03:002013-10-16T18:08:48.509+03:00Goodbye, Barlad<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
was our last day of working with the children. Gabi and Alexandra left in the
morning. Gabi will apparently be going to a foster family and Alexandra was
going back to the placement center. <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
the afternoon drew to a close, we said our goodbyes to the children who have
made such a special impression on my heart. It was very meaningful to receive
big hugs and kisses from the staff as we were leaving. It has been a great two
weeks that, as usual, makes a deep impression on my life. The dear children and
the staff are in my thoughts and prayers. It is at this time that I tell myself
that quote attributed to Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because
it happened.” Goodbye, Barlad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Entry submitted
by: Steve</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message
of the Day - Lorraine:</i></b> “The heart that gives, gathers.” - Marianne Moore </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-57249030492167387992013-09-26T20:00:00.000+03:002013-10-22T17:53:09.939+03:00Bringing toys to the children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
day started with breakfast and a quote from Steve about how one should never
forget a kindness bestowed upon them but one who bestows a kindness should
never remember. The day was filled with lots of activity. The children were
very active. Alina put a hoodie sweatshirt on her head and acted like it was
long hair. It was hilarious. She tossed her “hair” from side to side and it was
quite the sight. She would show me her “hair” and I would exclaim how beautiful
she looked. It is a reminder that every little girl, no matter her
circumstances, wants to feel beautiful. Emma,
Luca, Alexandra, and Ionut loved being held today. Alexandra and Alina loved
being walked up and down the halls.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At
dinner we had delicious Italian food, but the highlight
of the evening was delivering toys that we had bought earlier in the evening to
the hospital after dinner. Steve bought the children a rocking horse, an easel,
and a walker while I bought a push cart which encourages children to walk.
Bringing them to the hospital was met with squeals of delight and it felt like
Christmas morning. It was a wonderful day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Entry submitted
by: Cher</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message of the Day - Steve:</i></b> “He who
receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows a benefit should not
remember it.” - Pierre Charrin</span></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-18019651781115181482013-09-25T20:57:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:59:37.706+03:00Greeted with smiles<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
breakfast at the hotel we again headed to the hospital. We were greeted by
Delia’s smile and some other smiles but some other sounds as well. At 10 a.m. when
the bottles came, they were greeted by some – others turned their heads.
Luciana had her IV moved again and does not want to eat. Ionut also has a red
throat now but he eats anyway – his appetite over powers his sore throat. Alina
is still wearing her surgical mask and Alexandra carrying her chair to a good
place to sit. Delia was sure to let anyone know if they had a toy she thinks is
hers.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
lunch at the Hotel Moldova, Mihaela took us to the hospital and played dolls
with Alexandra, Luciana, and Delia. I spent late afternoon with sweet Emma
whose temperature was normal today. As Cher lovingly rocked Dan, I’m sure he
thought he was in heaven. As we left, we were again serenaded so we need not
wonder if they enjoy our presence. Another day is history at the Barlad
Children’s Hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Lorraine <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i> </i></b><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Message of the Day - Cher:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “I am but one
drop in the ocean, but without me the ocean would be less.” - Mother Teresa</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-91880060984830302992013-09-24T20:54:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:57:21.114+03:00In great spirits to see the children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day started out rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits to see the children. We are kind of in our routine in terms of giving the children bottles, yogurt, cereal, mashed bananas, and other food. If we get out of the routine, Ionut is there to let us know. Emma seems to be feeling better and today Cher held Dan for a while. Delia put on a show for the doctor by tapping her toy to light it up and get the music playing. Alina was playing doctor by walking around with her face mask. Sammy and Luca went for walks. Alexandra was being her usual good self. Luciana had her IV stuck in her foot, so we watched her closely. Gabby was being good and our dear Andrei again ate yogurt. We think the children were sad to see us leave at the end of the day because they seemed to almost cause a riot with their screaming after we put them back in their cribs. We ended the day with a good dinner at Alona. The executive chef, when he found out Americans were in the restaurant, introduced himself to us explaining that he worked in the States for a number of years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Steve </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message of the Day - Steve: </i></b>“To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you just might be the world.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-47893316472951991672013-09-23T20:51:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:54:06.194+03:00Keep moving or you'll get run over! <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With
the departure of three volunteers over the weekend and the addition of myself,
the team now consists of three volunteers. The morning began with a breakfast
and the message of the day regarding the need to stay moving or you will get
run over.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
children at the hospital were a bit more fussy than usual. We believe it is
because of the fact that there are only three of us to pay attention to eleven
children. Delia was particularly fussy in the morning, but calmed in the
afternoon. She is using her partial limb to turn cardboard book pages, which is
quite impressive. Alina was accessorizing all day with costume jewelry,
scarves, and a surgical mask. She is quite the crack-up. Ionut was a speed
racer up and down the hall in his walker and quite hard to keep up with! I got
plenty of exercise keeping up with him, which illustrates the quote of the day,
to keep moving or you will get run over!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Cher</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message of the Day - Lorraine:</i></b><i> </i>"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-84877786328214234612013-09-22T20:47:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:49:51.111+03:00Each special child with unique personality<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
end of the first week has arrived…already. We are getting to know the children
and they seem to be getting to know us. The children, each with their unique
personalities, are so special and have a special place in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emma
is still in isolation, so I spent some time holding her. She still seems to
have a fever, but she still talks and gives that special Emma smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday
we said our goodbyes to Mary Ann and Sunday we said goodbye to Barbara and
Tracey. We are sad to see them leave, as are the children I am sure, but happy
to have made three new friends. Sunday evening we reunited with Cher who is
joining us for the second week. On Saturday and Sunday my mother and I went to
the hospital for the mornings to hang out with “our” kids. We had a great time
each morning, and we certainly appreciated the big job the two aides have
taking care of all the children over the weekends. On Sunday we witnessed bath
time and noticed another child in the isolation room with Emma…thinking it
might be Dan, who we met two years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first week has flown by, and I eagerly await the joys and surprises of this
upcoming second week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Steve<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message of the Day - Steve:</i></b><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">“You never stand so tall as when you
stoop to help a child.”</span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-60378296872829325402013-09-19T20:44:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:47:03.282+03:00An amazing little mimic<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
our breakfast at the hotel we headed to the hospital again. We were greeted by
eager faces and smiles. I was able to share a book with Alina after which she
grabbed my glasses and decided it was time to get started. Alexandra is new –
she was sick and recovered and is now a part of our children. She is a sweet
little blue-eyed girl. It took a bit for her to get to know us after which she
was active and happy. Sweet little Emma is still in the sick room with possibly
an infection. Luciana had to have an IV put into her foot for her cold, which
she did not like. Delia was her happy self – repeating motions and words more
than I realized she was able to do. <span style="font-size: small;">It
is just amazing all that she can do – she is a little mimic. We finished our
day there. We enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship at Dan, Mihaela,
and Delia’s home in the evening. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
wonder where these little people will be in ten to twenty years from now in
their life’s journey.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray to God that
somehow they will each have a pleasant journey.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Lorraine<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Messages of the Day - Barbara:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but
by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can
introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become
friends.” - Maya Angelou</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-10639562712260457252013-09-18T20:42:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:44:18.961+03:00Impressed by the Romanian people<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
was our third day at the clinic. I think that both the children and volunteers
have found our groove together. We have learned which children need a little
extra encouragement and those who need a little bit more discipline. I think
today, I was only pinched once by Alina! However, today Sammy did pull my hair
once or maybe three times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
am constantly impressed by the Romanian people. During one of my walks with
Sammy down the hall, a generous woman offered Sammy a bunch of grapes and
muffin. I tried to explain that the grapes were no good because of Sammy’s
developmental stage, which she seemed to understand and then brought an extra
muffin for him! It amazes me that someone with nothing could be so thoughtful
in trying to bring a smile to his face. All of the patients and families on the
floor have been very kind and the children always offer a smile and <i>buna ziua</i> every time we pass by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emma
is not feeling well. She ran a high fever and was placed in another room on our
floor. Her fever went down a little today and we hope that by tomorrow she will
rejoin our group. We miss her smiling face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
children enjoyed treats of bananas, yogurt, and cereal. Ionut especially
enjoyed his treats as well as everyone else’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
are all feeling a bit tired; however, seeing the smiling beautiful faces of the
children makes it all worthwhile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Tracey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Message of the Day - Mary Ann:</i></b> “A true friend
knows your weaknesses but shows your strengths, feels your fears but frees your
spirit, recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” - William
Arthur Ward</span></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-79986883292045437562013-09-17T20:39:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:41:46.691+03:00Children who need and deserve continual nurturing <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
was our second day at the hospital. It’s amazing how fast time is flying. I am
almost halfway through my time with the team and children. We were surprised to
see the difference in some of the children from yesterday to today. Yesterday,
they were full of energy and wore us out. Today, they seemed more subdued. I
think we wore them out as well. I spent some time with Ionut and encouraged
walking. We walked down the hall and back and I found his confidence to be
increasing. I hope that when I leave, others will continue to encourage his
walking skills. I also spent time with Alina. She is a most engaging child. Her
antics are precious and she is quite bright. Her social skills with her peers
need some improvement, but hopefully she will learn to be more cooperative.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
am sad to know that the teams are no longer as consistent as they were in the
past. These children need and deserve continual nurturing and support if they
are to thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
a lighter note, we ended our day with a wonderful Italian dinner and a culturally
informative walk home. Maryanne got to see the Gypsy King’s castle!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Barbara<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Message of the Day - Tracey:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “There is
nothing more blessed than a young Soul and we, as Humans, have a responsibility
to do what we can to help that Soul not just survive – but to thrive – with
whatever power we have.” - Misdeb</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-21912222448857535672013-09-16T20:36:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:39:14.345+03:00A day of firsts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday
was a day of “firsts”: <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1)
School was re-opened with a wonderful program featuring a number of very
talented boys and girls singing songs about school and friends – very upbeat.
It was great to see all the children dressed in their new school clothes and
carrying flowers for their teachers. Lots of proud parents accompanied them. We
were very happy to be included in this event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2)
The hospital where we met the staff and children. It was my first time here, as
everyone was new to me. Barb and Tracey had been to Romania before but not this
location. Lorraine and Steve knew everyone, including many of the
children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
found myself watching each child carefully to learn as much as possible about their
conditions and abilities. There are nine children, each with very special
needs. There was so much energy in the children’s rooms, and almost all of them
responded joyfully to the individual attention we were able to give them. It
was a wonderful and rewarding first day and we returned to the hotel exhausted
from and filled with our day with Alina, Gabby, Ionut, Luca, Luciana, Emma,
Sammy, Andrei, and Delia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted
by: Mary Ann</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Message of the Day - Dan:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Thousands of
candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will
not be shortened. Happiness never decreased
by being shared.” - Buddha</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-31069207688726123782013-09-15T20:32:00.000+03:002013-10-16T17:36:25.710+03:00Reunited with friends in Romania <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
was our first full day in Barlad. We had a pretty relaxing day, which was much
needed before we begin working with the babies at the hospital. This day was
dedicated to learning about our team, the Romanian language and customs as well
as what our routine will be for our time in Barlad. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
being my third visit to Romania, the events today were a nice refresher to what
I had learned on my previous trips. During my down time, my mother and I went
for a walk around town. We went to the local market and grocery store, but were
unable to find our beloved Cappy and Poiana!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
I have been to Romania before and had prepared myself for what I was going to
experience, I still found some of the things I saw to be emotional. Being an
animal lover, it is very hard to see so many stray dogs and cats and unable to
offer them the support I would if I were home.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
was very happy to be reunited with my friends, Mihaela and Dan. It has been
quite a few years since I have seen them. Most enjoyable was seeing Delia and
how she has grown into such a beautiful and personable young lady. She
delighted our group with her singing a version of the song “Apa”. I look
forward to tomorrow, where we will first be guests at the opening day ceremony
of the local middle school and, of course, meeting the wonderful children and
staff at the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Tracey</span></i></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-29865665575195528022013-06-07T19:29:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:31:25.838+03:00An eye-opening experience<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was
our last day and it was so much harder than either of us could have predicted.
There were tears as we had to put the kids in their cribs for the final time,
from both the kids and us! Sara and I are wishing we could just adopt all nine
children and bring them home with us. But our last day was nothing short of
amazing just like the other hospital days. We took lots of pictures and made
the kids giggle extra amounts! I can speak for the both of us when I say how
hard it is to leave them. We are feeling so blessed to be able to meet such
amazing kids and it is reassuring to know there is another round of volunteers
coming right after us. This experience has been so eye-opening and has really
made my future goals more clear! All nine of the kids will forever hold a
special place in our hearts. We will miss everything about R<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6140081108348340204" name="_GoBack"></a>omania!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-79989763974073490952013-06-06T19:27:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:29:26.108+03:00Feeling blessed in Romania<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, we
had another fun day at the hospital and starting realizing tomorrow is our last
day. The kids were very attached to us today, especially when a tour group came
in and viewed the hospital. It was awesome that the kids felt comfortable with
us when strangers were around yet heartbreaking because we know it will quickly
be coming to an end. We are not excited for our last day, but we are feeling
blessed to have met such amazing kids in the first place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-60322353637387676892013-06-05T19:25:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:27:17.513+03:00Teaching Romanian children English<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The past two
days have been fun as usual, just a little more tiring without our third team
member. On Tuesday Gabi's possible foster mom came to visit and we were excited
she might have a home but reluctant to say goodbye. The kids have been sick for
a little while but most seem to be getting better and it's showing in their
moods! On Wednesday we had a normal morning, then went with Mihaela to the
hospital for the first time. Alina got to go outside and run off some of her
energy before it rained, but we wished we could have taken all the kids
outside. As the week is winding down, we are beginning to think about saying
goodbye and wishing it wasn't so soon. These two days, Jamie and I also went to
the middle schools and worked on English skills with a variety of different
aged children. It was so cool to see how their schools operate and to hear the
questions they had for us about English and our American culture in general.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Sara</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-5078729440534306712013-06-03T19:23:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:27:04.896+03:00Another fun day with the children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we
lost a team member so it was just us two girls against the nine kids! Iontz
went back to the placement center and even though he was very quiet to begin
with, the hospital atmosphere felt much emptier without him. This was the first
day either of us interacted with Alina because our teammate was usually with
her and she didn't like the lack of attention to say the least! (She was put
into time-out quite often). Even though most kids were sick (including
ourselves), it was yet another fun day with the kids!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-87666949567158770722013-06-02T19:20:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:22:37.827+03:00Visiting beautiful castles<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday – Sunday Free Time <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The past
three days we stepped aside from the hospital and visited some of the most
beautiful places in Romania. On Friday afternoon, we traveled to our Bed and
Breakfast or “pension” with our driver, Durrell. It is located in Bran right by
the mountains. The family we stayed with was extremely friendly and welcoming.
On Saturday, we went to Dracula’s Castle in Bran and explored the beautiful
castle and learned the history of it along the way. Then, Durrell took us to
Sinai to see the Pele’s Castle, which was much more extravagantly decorated
compared to Dracula’s castle. By the end of the day, we were exhausted so we
went back to the pension. On Sunday, we went to Brasov where there were many
stores to shop at and we bought many souvenirs. Unfortunately, the
uncooperative weather came in the way of our shopping so we got an early start
home. We loved seeing all the pretty places in Romania, but it was also very
nice to be back to Barlad!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-792191209379918312013-05-30T19:18:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:19:21.141+03:00Learning about each child<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The kids
were a little bit crankier today, Luca and Luchianna especially, but there
might be a cold going around causing all the crankiness. It’s still great to
come to the hospital. The novelty hasn’t worn off. Every day is a little bit
different and we learning more about each child and what we can do to make them
happy. For Luca if you shake his belly and shoulders I can usually get him to
laugh. Luchianna just wants someone to hold her all the time to be happy. Today
we did a lot of “teaching” with sign language with Gabby and Alina and then
went to the middle school. I’m a little nervous about what we will be doing and
how to open the students up to us. But at night, we were able to be Mihaela’s
guests at the high school prom where we met some very nice and welcoming
students and learned some Romanian dance traditions. It was definitely an
experience we will never forget!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Sara </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-22402740630165708302013-05-28T19:16:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:17:30.801+03:00Children warming up to us<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was
our second day at the hospital and we felt as if we have been at the hospital
forever. We all kind of strayed to certain kids and started developing a daily
pattern. The kids started to warm up to us and cry when we leave. It was a
pretty average day, but it was a great day to learn the routines of the
hospital!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-60815097115365339072013-05-27T19:14:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:14:58.145+03:00Screams of happiness on our first day<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was
our first at the hospital! We went in a little nervous but were welcomed by
Alina’s scream of what I hope was excited happiness. Most of the morning we
played and began to learn names (we knew them all at the end of the day!) No
one was really crying or causing trouble yet. Just lots of big ones from Emma
and Luca! After lunch we had another snack and I had my first baby spit up ever
from Luchianna and spent the rest of the afternoon making sure everyone was
comfortable. It feels great to have started the work we came here to do and I’m
excited to get to know the kids here and see what we can do for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Sara </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-65018127989236084182013-05-26T19:12:00.000+03:002013-10-16T07:12:54.056+03:00Our first full day in Barlad<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was
our first full day in Barlad! Sara, our teammate, and I met our team leader,
Mihaela, for the first time as well as her and Dan’s daughter, Delea. It was
Delea’s tenth birthday so we were invited to her party at one of their favorite
restaurants. It was a very cool experience to be able to compare their birthday
traditions to ours. After that, there was a cultural festival right next to our
hotel where a famous Romanian singer named Smiley was performing and all the
girls were so excited. Even though we were too exhausted to go, we opened our
window and got to hear the concert. It was overall a successful first day but
we are excited for our first day at the hospital tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry submitted by: Jamie </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-40544372819588897792013-03-23T23:47:00.000+02:002013-10-15T23:48:19.866+03:00Departing from Romania<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
At 7 a.m. we were at the breakfast
table. Around 7:30 Dan arrived and arranged our transportation to the Bârlad
train station. Around 8:10 we boarded the train to Bucharest. We elected to
travel this way because Corey had never before ridden on a train. The five
hours passed rather quickly and then we were at Bucharest Nord. Laura and Corey
got a taxi to the hotel for which they had a reservation and Lori got a taxi to
the Bucharest airport. And thus our team experience came to an end. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Entry submitted by: Lori</i></div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-75712100763902156672013-03-22T20:45:00.000+02:002013-10-15T23:46:07.803+03:00Getting more than we give<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Two of us were up early. September is off to Bucharest and Lori got up to
tag along and try to help. Dan arrived at the planned time of 6:20 a.m. and we
were off to the train station in the rain, which of course created big puddles
to avoid, both in the car and by foot. Dan bought September’s ticket and then we
waited about ten minutes. The announcement came for which <i>peron</i> (“platform” in English, but <i>peron</i> is also shared in Polish and maybe a few other languages, for
this is one word used also by the Netherlands railroad) the train would arrive
and we went outside. Dan helped
September get her luggage up into the train and then he and Lori went back to
car and then the hotel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Our team of three joined for breakfast and then held our morning meeting
with Dan was usual. We made plans for our trip to Bucharest tomorrow morning. Corey and Laura were then quickly off to the
hospital for their morning work there. Lori was off to the school as usual. Today
she had the students do “What do you hear?” She created this exercise,
listening for numbers given orally, after some students the day before had
expressed astonishment when they thought she was asking them to find fifty
objects within an I Spy puzzle, whereas she was really asking for fifteen. Then
she also used the homophones “ate/eight” and “to/too/two” and asked them to
identify the number word. Neither the morning nor afternoon students could do
the “to/too/two” group with accuracy. Perhaps they have not been exposed to the
numbers as written words. They could easily do “ate/eight” correctly because
they knew “ate” had something to do with “eat.” As usual the second hour
consisted of games such as Jingo and Hangman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Corey and Laura reported they had another good day at the hospital with
the children. Again, there were not a lot at the tears when leaving for these
two volunteers are determined also to come back and work with these precious
children. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Mihaela and Delia joined us for our evening meal. Mihaela graciously
thanked us for our service. Most often, as will with this group of volunteers,
we feel we get more than we give. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Entry submitted by: Lori <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-91429485664013393392013-03-21T20:42:00.000+02:002013-10-15T23:44:13.833+03:00A few tears<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
This
morning our team was in sync we all had the same meal for breakfast. Lori brought to the breakfast room the
beautiful knitted hats she made for the kids asking us to take them to the
hospital. Off we went in our separate directions: Lori, teaching English and
the rest of us at the hospital. Our days
all went smoothly, Lori in a routine at school and going with the flow of
things even when one of the students did not want to participate. We at the
hospital are really getting a routine down with the kids, and our last day is
almost here. September did well at the hospital as I only saw her wipe a few
tears for she knows she will return soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
At dinner we decided we all made a great team and that we had reached our goals
that we spoke about on the first day we arrived. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Tomorrow we will be one less but still a team and a great one at that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Entry submitted by: Laura<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>Message
of the Day - Lori:</i></b><b> </b>“Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it that
you can.”<b><i> - </i></b>Danny Kaye <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-78858225074240746962013-03-20T20:39:00.000+02:002013-10-15T23:41:13.258+03:00A birthday celebration<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This morning
we met for breakfast at 8:15 and then had our usual morning meeting with Dan at
8:30. After breakfast, Corey, Laura, and September left with Dan for the
hospital. The children greeted us with happy faces. Coca had all the children
dressed and ready for the day. Coca takes such good care of the kids. They are
lucky to have her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
This morning Alina was ready to dance, dance, and dance! More hokey-pokey
and chicken dance .Gabi joined in, too. Luca was in a good mood this morning.
Luciana also appeared to be feeling better. For the morning snack Coca mashed
bananas and put them into strawberry yogurt. The kids loved it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At lunch time we celebrated Gabi’s fifth birthday. Oh what a special day!
Coca put all the girls in frilly dresses. Dan picked up a special birthday
cake. He also provided special little
cakes and soda. We sang “Happy Birthday” in English and the staff sang in
Romanian. Everyone had fun, especially the kids. We took many photos of the
kids dressed up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lori joined us for Gabi’s
birthday, too. She had a nice visit to
the Children’s Hospital. At 1 p.m. we all met in the restaurant for lunch.
Everyone ate chicken snitzel one last time! Yummy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 3 p.m. we returned to the hospital with Dan. Some of the kids were
still asleep. The afternoon went well. We put a blanket on the floor and played
with the kids. At 5:30 it was time to leave. This is still the hardest part of
our day. It is hard to say goodbye to our new-found angels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lori had a lovely afternoon with the sixth graders. They had a bit of trouble with the numbers
while playing Multiplication Bingo, but really knew worldwide landmarks when
playing Landmark Bingo. Lori mentioned they must have a very good geography
teacher. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At 6:30 we met in the hotel restaurant for the evening meal. We spoke
about how our trip is coming to an end.
We will never forget our time with these little sweet souls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Entry submitted by: September <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Message of the Day -
Laura: </b>“I slept, and I dreamt that life was all joy. I woke, and saw
that life was service. I served, and discovered that service was joy.” -
Rabindranath Tagore </div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Yes, it’s a repeat from last
week, but it’s such a good idea that it deserves to be repeated as it provides
a foundation for our day.</span><br />
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140081108348340204.post-19110735691554064772013-03-19T23:36:00.000+02:002013-10-15T23:38:24.814+03:00A yogurt treat for the children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The day began just as most have, we all
met up in the hotel restaurant downstairs at around 8:15 a.m. It was a quiet
morning due to some of us being tired. September was having a little trouble
sleeping from thinking so much about the children at the hospital. After
breakfast, Corey, Laura, and September departed for the hospital with Dan, who
would also be transporting Lori to and from the school for the day<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The morning at the hospital was one of
the easier that we have encountered, mostly due to the fact that we are so used
to the schedule now! Corey sat with Andrei and Clio for much of the morning because
Andrei was fussy and Clio just needed some well-deserved attention. Laura and
September spent a lot of the morning dancing with the children to the “Chicken
Dance” and the “Hokey Pokey.” The kids just love hearing those songs over and
over and over<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bananas and yogurt were had by all,
which the kids really enjoy. The morning also brought about the first of a few
diaper changes Corey finally did! Overall the morning went well with a less
than tearful goodbye until the afternoon. Back to the hotel for lunch!<o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch, we headed back to a very
quick passing afternoon. Filled with laughter from all the kids, even from
Luca! It was wonderful to see him laugh even while sick. Today was probably the
easiest goodbye yet. Very few baby tears! Only two/three days left with the
little ones though. We're all dreading leaving!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For dinner, Mihaela took us to the
delicious Italian restaurant where we probably all ended up overeating, but it
was too good to pass up! At dinner we heard about Lori's good morning with her
students and then her afternoon with the older kids. As it was a different
group from the day before, they were not quite as advanced. It was a good day,
and night, had by all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Entry
submitted by: Corey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Message of the Day - Lori: </b>“Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a
long time ago." - Warren Buffett <o:p></o:p></div>
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Special Note: Dan said this message of the day made him think of a
Romanian proverb, “To have a meaningful life – plant a tree, dig a well, build
a house, and have a child.” The tree is for bringing comfort to others, the
well is for bringing needed water and nourishment to others, the house is all about
family, and the child is about the future.</div>
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M Bjorklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655158329111563615noreply@blogger.com0