The above picture is one of my favorites of winter in Sighisoara so far. It's the covered German staircase that is right around the corner from our house. I actually like climbing it just for the fun of it every now and then. What a beautiful town we live in.
On Tuesday morning I walked into elderly club expecting to help prepare a Christmas meal for later on in the day. Unbeknownst to me, all that needed to be done. We began by peeling potatoes, multe cartofi (many potatoes). As soon as we got to the bottom of the box I did a little dance in celebration, but stopped mid-dance as David brought in another sac de cartofi (figure that one out). We peeled 46 kilograms of potatoes all-in-all (for you Westerners, that's about 100 pounds). Once we had finished that, we moved on to setting the table, putting together Christmas packages, lighting candles, filling glasses full of cider, turning on the Christmas carols, and making sure that everyone had their fair share of chicken, potatoes, and pickled green tomatoes. We took ten minutes to eat ourselves and then began the process of cleaning it all up. Not only did uneaten food need to be piled, but dishes cleaned and washed, mugs and cups emptied and washed, everything brought in from the "dining room" to the kitchen (which involves a trip outdoors). Then we needed to prepare the room for a teenage group to come perform and sing. It took some convincing to get the elderly women to sit and wait for the group, but once we had they were happy to see the youngin's come. The ladies sang loudly and clapped even louder when time for applause came around. On their way out they thanked, and kissed, and blessed each one of us who had helped with the day's festivities. Next it was the teenager's turn for a snack and some tea and that took setting up and preparing as well, but luckily (as my parents have taught me) teenagers make great slaves and they joined in the cleaning process to quicken the shut down of the place for the night.
My "couple of hours" of help turned into a 10am-6pm production. An event I don't think I will ever forget. It was so much more than just "helping out". David, Mea, Magda B., and I spent much of our time singing, talking, and laughing. I learned more about the Romanian armada (army) from David as he told stories about serving as a soldier in the days of the revolution. Mea's laughter was contagious when one of us made a slip of the hand or slight mistranslation. Magda's quiet concentration and patience, along with encouragement provided a perfect mix among the group. The people we served were so gracious and thankful it almost broke my heart. It was as though we had made their year just by giving them their own Christmas party. It really didn't take much on our behalf and it meant so much to them...it was such a blessing.
So not only had I done enough potato peeling to make up for my entire childhood and washed enough dishes to make up for my lack of a collegiate food service job, but God taught me yet another lesson about serving others and using time wisely. Just a few hours can make a world of difference. Praise God.
One of the three vats of peeled potatoes.
David mashing and flavoring.
Mea cutting up some pickled tomatoes.

( I may have one of Magda B. before the week is over. =] )
Check back this weekend for an update on the "Canned food drive" and the Baragan Teen Ministry.
Thanks to everyone for their continual prayers and encouragement. Know that I love you and wish I could give you a huge hug. Consider it sent via blog. Blog-hug (kinda like bear-hug, 'cept a little less strong). =]