So close...

We met up with our third team member today, Beth, who lives in PA and works in publishing. We all appear to be about the same age and I'm sure we will work well together.

Dan and the driver Dorel made it to Bucharest at noon today. The roads were fairly clear until we got closer to Barlad. At the marker that said 31 km to Barlad, traffic was stopped. Two trucks were entangled as the cleared road wasn't wide enough for them. We were told we might have a 1-2 hour delay but it ended up being only about 20 min. Some men cleared more snow so the trucks were somehow able to maneuver around each other. Hallelujah!

Dinner at the hotel Moldova and an early night. None of us slept well last night so I acted as the drug connection and shared my melatonin stash. Hoping for at least 6 hours of sleep. Need our energy for the children tomorrow. Can't wait.

Roadblock

Stuck in Bucharest

Looks like our arrival in Barlad will be delayed until tomorrow, assuming the roads are cleared by then. Robin, my team mate from last winter, and I picked up where we left off chatting away at breakfast. Went for a short walk around our hotel out by the airport where the area is a combination of light industry, residential and a cemetery. Not too exciting. We decided against going into the city center given that it is freezing cold and snowing. A good day for reading and a nap. And I found a Grey's Anatomy re-run in English and CNN on the tv. Hopefully Monday this blog will have pictures of the children!

Arrival in Bucharest

My luggage and I arrived at the same time in Bucharest at 1:00 a.m. Something I've learned not to take for granted having had bags delayed on two prior trips. I also arrived to emails from Mihaela and Dan, our fearless leaders, saying that heavy snow has closed the road and the railway between Bucharest and Barlad. Usually we meet them at the airport mid-afternoon on Sat., but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Robin, a volunteer who was on my last trip, is at the same hotel and we will connect with Mihaela and Dan tomorrow and sort it out.

I don't want to miss any time with the children!

Testing...

Getting ready to leave tomorrow for two weeks in Romania and a week in Berlin. Hope to see some of the children I know and meet some new ones. We are staying in a different hotel as the former one went into foreclosure. With any luck the Internet will work and you will see posts and pictures on this site soon!

Another trip

Yes, I'm off again to Romania leaving Jan. 24th for the 2 week team starting Jan. 26.  Plan to sneak a week in after the GV program to go to Berlin.

I hear that Gabi is walking and that there is another little girl with hydrocephalus like Cleo. Am never quite sure what to expect but probably no expectations is best. The one thing I can guarantee is it will be cold.  

I hope to post on this blog while I'm in Romania, my technical skills and IPad willing.  Wish me luck! 

Pictures!

Luisa and Delia

Kristin and Gabita

Reni teaching Gabi to eat

Gabi loved the flowers on this dress

The gang

Reni and Cleo

Kristen and Alina

Andrei

Miruna

Delia is a star

Gabi

Walking

Kristin and Gabi

Don't you love Delia's expression?

Delia

Kristin and Alina

Miruna

Alina carrying on a conversation

He was so funny playing with the tunnel

Friends

Ionut and his dimples

Kristin and Alina

Delia

Cleo and her friend Winnie the Pooh

Ionut

An attempt at a group portrait

Alina in her Easter clothes from Kristin

Delia in her Easter dress

BFFs

Robin and her BFF Miruna

Classic Delia expression

Miruna in a pocket

Kristin and Andrei

Cleo and Mickey

Gabi likes the rocking chair

Loved this light on Cleo

I had such trouble posting pictures on this blog with my IPad while traveling.  Instead I posted some pictures on my Facebook page but if you didn't see them, here are some of the best ones.