Romanian Culture Lesson #2

Friday afternoon the Ruth School administration team took a trip to the country just outside of Budapest. Imelia, our secretary and PE teacher, invited us for a Romanian grill at her parents' place. It was peaceful and relaxing. Romanians certainly know how to do a backyard bar-b-que!  We had 4 kinds of meat along with red peppers, mushrooms, egg plant, and tomatoes.  We are grateful for the opportunity to get to know the staff better and to learn first hand about Romanian culture.  I know Ralph really likes this part! :)



Learning to skin a red pepper

One Year Mark

One year ago today we moved to Romania.  Thank you for praying for us during this time of transition.  The year has been one of learning - language, culture, making new friends, discerning what direction God would have us go, enjoying the beautiful children at the Ruth School, getting to know the Roma leaders, and so much more.  We feel blessed and are looking forward to the future.

New Wheels - Answered Prayer

Prayer Supporters - Thanks for praying with us about our car situation. As you know when we moved from Hungary last year we brought our little Skoda car. We thought it would be easy to transfer the Hungarian plates to Romanian plates. After all both countries are members of the European Union and that's suppose to make those sorts of things easier, right? Wrong! After several visits to different government offices and speaking to various "officials" the word finally came that it would cost nearly as much as the car was worth to transfer it.  So we made the decision to return the car to Hungary, sell it, and use the money to buy a used car in Romania.  It worked out great.  We got nearly the same style of car, a Skoda, with a darker color.  The added bonus is we could request what we wanted the license plate letters to be.  Ralph chose "Rut" which is Ruth in Romanian.  So we are now driving the Ruth-mobile while working in partnership with Project Ruth.  Thank you for praying with us through these decisions.  Come serve with us - we'll take you for a ride!

1st Day of School 2011-2012

Patiently waiting to enter

 The 2011-2012 Ruth School year has begun!  The students and their parents began to arrive around 8AM to await the opening ceremony on the soccer court.  They excitedly lined up by grade with flowers for their teacher in hand.  Giggles and shouts of greeting were heard over and over.  Our former director, now art teacher, Ms Tita, introduced our new director and 1st grade teacher, Ms Virginia.  Each class and their teacher were recognized with applause.

4th grade made an arch of flowers - very festive!

The 4th grade formed an arch way on the front steps of the school. Each class paraded down the sidewalk and into the building through the waving flowers.  It was very festive!

In the 1st grade room there were a few tears as parents left their young ones in "big" school for the first time.  Ms Virginia reassured them their children would be OK.  I was struck by the thought that parents are the same the world over -

Our 2nd Preschool class!

that first day of 1st grade is traumatic no matter what culture you live in!

Ms Angela, our preschool teacher and social worker, lined up her little ducklings to see the "big building" they all have the goal of attending in the future.  Then they prepared to go to their class room in the smaller building a few blocks away.

It was a wonderful start to a new year. Join us in praying for a great year for all!

Ruth School Teachers Are Back!

Teachers' Meeting

"Are you ready for the new school year?"  The Ruth School teachers have reported back to work and today we held a meeting to welcome them.  We started with snacks, drinks, and fellowship.  Then Oti Bunaciu and Mishi Ciopasiu, administrative leaders, gave a brief overview of Project Ruth and plans for the new year.  Virginia, our new school principal, was formally introduced and Angela, our school social worker, gave a report on the families of the students.

Project Admin speaks to the teachers

We're looking forward to a new year and exciting things to happen among the Roma children of Ferentari!

Happy 24th to Amy Lee.

Our grown up daughter

 Our daughter turns 24 today.  For the two of us it seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and wondering, "What do we do now?"  Since both our children are grown and doing pretty good, I guess we did OK.

We are thankful for God's blessing on our family.

Bringing Amy Lee home

And we wish Amy Lee Stocks Gallaher a very happy birthday!

It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Ralph!  Here he is acting goofy - a rare sight - that's usually me (Tammy).  Two of his favorite things are Duke basketball and Crunchie candy bars (a childhood memory from Zambia).