Friday, July 17, 2009

First day in Craiova - by Zack

Hello All!

Zack here, how is it going? Today is our first real, full day in Craiova, Romania! Last night, we arrived by bus, and almost right away went to our host families. Matt, Malachi, Charlie and I are staying in Craiova with George at his families house. He is one of the Romanians who came to pick us up when we arrived at the airport. George is a nice, energetic guy who makes staying in Craiova very enjoyable. Falling asleep last night was difficult. Whether it was the heat, the stress about being in a new place, or the excitement, I had a hard time. But once I fell asleep, it was completely fine.

Today, George came into the room and woke me and Malachi up around 8:30 am, and we just talked. We talked about sports, his life, and how life works in the US. Breakfast was really nice and informal. As people trickled in, it really started to feel like we were here to do something really amazing.

We had group games in a fun, “get to know you” style such as musical chairs and a competition about who knew someone else’s name faster. Then, lunch came. Wow, I had the best pizza I have ever tasted, and that’s coming from someone who works at Papa Murphy’s! haha! There was just so many random toppings that were so good together (like fried eggs, olives with pits in them, corn, and real sausage). Now, we are off to the inner city to see all of the sights of old Craiova, and later, we will be playing games at the park with tons of Romanian teens in order to promote our camp and fill the remaining 10-20 spots left in the camp. Well, thanks for reading, and I hope to post again!

Love you all, especially the fam,
Zack

{even though this was posted around 11:30pm Romanian time, it was written around 3pm when we did not have internet connection}
















13 comments:

Leigh said...

Sounds like a great day so far. Thanks for all the pictures posted, it's great to see all your smiling faces.
Leigh

craigins said...

Hey Team -
This is an answer to prayer - you've arrived in one piece, are healthly, having a great time together and with your Host Families, eating, making new friends, working together toward a common goal!! Thanks Zack for sharing today's happenings! I am wondering how you got up at 8:30 there when it takes forever to get you out of bed on this side of the pond! :)

Much love -
Zacks Dad

kell said...

dani
not sure how you made it up at 830am either~ never get you up here.ha
Today is freezing, I think we just set a record from the 1900's..wish I was with yall there experiencing new things. Dani, make sure you try something local..and then tell me what it is..take pictures.I need to see your sweet face......I miss you. Kaegan said he would post later. love love yall...kel

Sarah said...

Hi everyone!!
I am so glad to hear that you all arrived safely, got some sleep and are having fun together!
I had the same thought as your dad did Zack! 8:30?! Seriously?
We miss your face so it is nice to see the picture of it. So glad to see you are smiling! :)
I can't wait to see the new pizza of the month at the W-kee Papa Murphy's....Craiovan Craze!

Blessings to you all...would someone give Z a big hug from his mom??

Love,
Zack's Mom

Jill T said...

Hello All
I was excited to read your post, the highlight of my day! Sounds like your experience is off to a great start. I noticed everyone in all the pics have a smile ear to ear..even with little sleep:) I am praying for all of you each day and spreading the word about the great things you are doing. Keep us updated!! Love ya Matt...Jill T (Mom)

Tante Kelly said...

Been waiting patiently for an update, and who wrote today... ZACK! Oh how my heart smiled. We are so glad that the first day has been great. Everyone looks like they are happy and having fun. Zack the pizza sounded interesting. Prayers that the spots will be filled, food will continue to be great, and you all feel the hand of God giving you a fist bump!
You can give Z a hug from his Tante in Ohio!
In His love,
Zack's Tante Kelly

Derek said...

cute picture Makenzie,
miss you tons. hope your having funnn

Grmapat said...

Hi Zack,
Great hearing from the group via Zack...You all have been in our hearts and prayers. Today sounded like a great day...playing in the park and getting to know each other. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow as you go to the coffee house..Don't be nervous Zack...you will be playing for the Lord and spreading his word through music...It can't get any better... Hugs and blessings from Minnesota..
Grpa Scott and GrmaPat

Anonymous said...

dani!
whats up, im glad you made it up there safely! ha take some sweet pictures up there. have fun mang!
and alex says whats up.. haha

~kaegan

Don said...

Tell Matt we want a photo of him. I know he does not cameras, but mom is asking for one.

Love you, Dad

Anonymous said...

Hey Gang......
Great reading the posts from Larry and Zack.....and love all the pics (a very photogenic group!).
Glad all went well today and you succeeded in filling the open slots for camp. Lucky kids!
Good luck tomorrow, Zack. Sing strong! Love to all. Pat Sweeney

Thieleane Raecker said...

Blessings from Iowa. How wonderful to read the
information of this amazing chapter in all your lives.
You are making a difference in many lives by your lives as you spread God's Word. We will keep you in
our prayers. Zach, just a year ago you were playing music for family in Decorah Iowa. Now in Romania.
Keep The Faith. Uncle Jim Aunt Thieleane

Anonymous said...

Charlie - What's happening, sounds like your days are very busy. Cardinals won last night 6-1. Pujols had 2 home runs. You could have gotten me big time in the All Star game when Prince Fielder won but you were a nice guy. Prayers will continue for your successful mission, have fun.

MA AND PA KETTLE