Monday, December 28, 2009

THE Birthday!

It started out slowly, not like the huge wave that hits you in the States.
Sure, there was a little red and green in the stores, but Christmas in
Romania was patient.

Orchestra and choir practice started in December, and the craft party the girls planned happened just weeks ago.As the holiday drew nearer, we weren't sure how the Orthodox would celebrate,



(This is the church in the neighboring village, Potcoava.)

but, for the "repenters" plenty of time in church was a given.


(The church in Bircii is heated with older space heaters. Coats and hats are often necessary!)


On the 23rd, activities began. Almost every block held villagers celebrating around burning tires,


and at 5:30 the youth group gathered to carol.



We stopped at various homes to sing God's news, and in the streets we were greeted by food, smiles and firecrackers. The biggest chuckle came from the youth group, however, when Ron was offered wine!



We had way more than we could eat, and soon our pockets were full. The youth sang until 11 p.m. (Ron and I left early to catch a skype call.)

(The live tree at church. It cost about $50.)



The next day Santa went to work, and our Christmas tree appeared.



(Anna is patient with Mom's photo shoot. Actually she picked out her gifts, but she didn't know the biggest gift wouldn't come wrapped!)



Christmas Eve brought the children's program at church. Little angles, and itchy collars seem part of the celebration in all cultures.


The villagers open their gifts on Christmas Eve,


(Andrei is the one holding the star.)

but we still had Orthodox carollers outside our door.


What else did we have outside our door?




MATT!


Ohhh, what a surprise, and what a Merry Christmas!


Thank you.




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