...and, we're back! (sorry for the delay)

Buna Ziua from the train to Targu Mures! It's Jenna and Taylor, and we'd like to start out this blog entry by apologizing for the long wait. We had no Internet at the retreat.. or running water for that matter... But that didn't seem to matter. The retreat has been deemed a great success.

Though all of the students at the retreat lacked earthly parents, we got the chance to tell them that they are passionately loved by their heavenly father. Each night we had sessions that focused on parent-child relationships in the Bible. We studied Abraham's relationship with his son Isaac, Naomi and her adopted daughter Ruth, and the parable of the prodigal son. These talks led to some really great small group discussions that went until at least 1am every night!

For the majority of the day on Saturday and Sunday, we took "field trips" to a nearby palace called Peles and on a hike up a mountain. Saturday's trip to Peles was quite a cultural adventure for us and for the students that had never before visited the area. We had to wear slippers over our shoes... it kind of reminded some of us of the skirts from the 2010 trip to the monastery at Voronet. Yesterday we hiked up to 2000 meters on a beautiful ski run mountain. The hike, though challenging, was full of great conversation and a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains. The best part was the trip down-- we got to ride in a gondola instead of killing our knees.

Throughout the retreat, we had an ongoing, friendly food-making competition (that would be part of our "Life Skills" component of camp - allowing teenage & young adult orphans - and us - learn things they never had the chance to learn in the orphanage). On our way to the retreat on Friday, we stopped at a grocery store to plan and shop for our meals. Dinner was an extravagant affair every night as we worked on the life skills of planning, shopping, cooking, budgeting, serving, teamwork and presentation. An offhand idea born out of our brainstorming session Thursday, the meal competition turned out to be one of the best parts of the retreat. No disgusting camp food this year! We had spaghetti, homemade sarmale (Lavina's recipe), apple pie, grilled "carne si cola" and fruit salad served in melon halves. In the end, everyone won (though Daniel still insists that his was the best..); we all worked well in our team and had three delicious dinners.

Last night after some pretty special small group meetings, we had a two-hour long worship jam session and a mafia tournament. The worship was incredible. It would have lasted longer, but 4am was a little to late to keep up the neighbors.

After a tearful goodbye (even though we'll see everyone in less than a week when we return to Craiova), we left the campers in the care of Cata and Claudia for their journey back home while we barely made our train northwest to Targu Mures.

...annnd it's time for a much needed nap after a long might of mafia. Noapte buna!!


Shoutouts:
Jenna to Catie: Lavi insisted on sitting next to me on the bus again just so he could keep me from sleeping. He misses his partner in crime.
Jenna to Hailey: I miss you!!! It's soooo weird being here without you!:( also: the palm tree pants man has been with us all trip. Just thought that you might want to know.
Jenna to family: I miss you all!!
Taylor to family: Hope Wyoming was fun! Have a great time with Z!
Taylor to Z: I hope the remaining time in WV was fantastic! I bet you are happy to be back home. Love you!
Taylor to momma: please don't forget to check my work schedule for those specific dates. Thanks!
Michaela to Hannah Smith; Brindusa keeps calling me Hannah!
Michaela to Charles: I miss you! And yes, we should buy matching sweaters.
Michaela to Thomas: Have fun at archeology camp!
Michaela to Meagan Smiley: I'm getting some viva for you! I miss you and I should tell you about our trip while kayaking.
Michaela to mom and dad: I miss y'all and I love your comments mom. I have been checking to see if I got into the sociology class, and I still haven't recieved an email, so I don't know.
Team to Emily Quandt: It was Hunter's fault. But seriously, we're really sad about it too!
Jeremy to Dad: The Romanians taught me how to arm wrestle. Prepare to lose.
Big Baby Koesh to *Da fanman swag on deck*: Good luck at Madison Missions! I was looking through my notes from Romania last year and in the note you addressed me as "Hunty Hunt Bar". Wish you were here, bro. We good. (twirling motion)
Hunker to T-Pop: Without you here, everyone tickles me. It sucks... #TickleTolly
Hunter to Caite and Hailey: I miss you guys a lot. Everyone keeps asking about you two. Camp doesn't feel the same without you here:/
Hunter to the Koeshall Clan: Hope all is good there!
Hunter (The Woug) to Kenzie: It's exciting to me that every time a Romanian asks about you I have great news to tell them! Stay strong and keep moving in the right direction. Love you!
Pat and Larry to April, Audra, Anna, Daniel, and Chisa: Hi! We love you and miss you. Sorry we haven't had Internet access at all. Remember you can text us at no charge. (hint, hint)
Jimmy to all the other Blackhawk interns: I miss you guys-- My family!
Jimmy to Lindy: I miss you.
Team to Madison Missions leaders: You guys rock! Good luck this week!
???? to Paul Staats: you're tall and dreamy.

ASO:
Team to Brendon: Where are your daily blog comments??? We're disappointed in you.