So I spent my first night with my host family in a large village called Costesti (Co-shte-sht). My host family is Efim (Ye-feem) and Elena (Yel-lain-a). They were incredibly welcoming and patient with my lack of ability to speak Romanian. I can say a few things, but having long conversations is difficult right now. They have two grand-daughters Liliana and Ina (Ee-na). I have not met Ina yet, but Liliana was at the house to greet me and she speaks a little English she is learning in school so we were all able to bump along on my first night. We got to the house a little late so I only spent a few hours with them. Elena liked the photobook I made for her and the flowers I brought to them as a thank you for allowing me to live in their home for the next 10 weeks. I have two rooms to myself, one is the bedroom and the other, an adjoining sitting area. It is really nice!!
The house is quite big with another sitting area and bedroom next to mine and a guest area (like a living room). The kitchen and Elena and Efim’s bedroom is downstairs. The house is not a two story in the traditional American way, more like two levels. They also have several gardens, chickens, turkeys and one dog who is not quite sure what to make of me yet.
The village is very nice. Up on a hillside overlooking a valley that is beautiful and lush! I will hopefully get pictures later.
I do not have internet access, so I am typing these blogs on my computer and uploading when I can so you will see several in one day, but they are really from different days. For now, I’m just happy to be settled in one place. It’s been a bit rough living out of a suitcase and feeling like we were constantly on the move. I am definitely experiencing some culture shock but so far it has not been difficult to maneuver. I had a moment of home sickness last night, but I think it’s because I finally had a few minutes alone (no roommate in a hotel room, no running from place to place with the big group of volunteers, and no training). But it passed for the most part. I do miss the creature comforts of home, but fortunately, I have a host family who is very welcoming.More to come later.
