Romanian Hearing Project

Concentrations lately? Cochlear Implants!!

2010-10-16T07:06:00.002+03:00

Silviu and I

Dear Ones,

Anca and I

As usual, things have not been dull and lots have been happening. I last wrote to you about the trip I took in August to Lugoj, a town 5 hours away, to advocate for two kids, Silviu and Anca, who have severe to profound hearing loss and need cochlear implants. They have been my concentration since then. Amazingly enough, both of these kids were born in 2003, the same year that I came here. Isn’t that amazing?? Did the Lord arrange all these things so that I would be here to help these kids? I believe so!!

Yesterday I heard from Silviu’s father that Silviu will be implanted with his cochlear implant NEXT WEEK and that Anca will be the next one!! These are miracles accomplished by the Lord in record time – LESS THAN two months from the start of research to getting implanted!! I am truly amazed how the Lord worked everything out for both families.

What were all the events leading up to this?

· I attended an ENT Conference on September 21-25^th in Iasi (an 8 hour train ride) and was able to meet the ENT doctors in Timisoara who perform the cochlear implant surgery.

· Brought Anca up to Cluj to have two special tests done here since the equipment in Timisoara needed repair and we did not want to wait any longer. Her parents had already been trying to get help for her for the last four years! She had to be sedated for each test so the family spent the night at my place so we could do one test per day. McDonald’s was her reward on both days – she had never eaten there before.

· Anca and Silviu’s speech therapist, Lavinia, who has been my right hand in Lugoj in communicating with and teaching Anca’s parents what they needed to know about cochlear implants through DVD’s and materials we found. She will play a major role in their rehab after implantation.

· Prayers, prayers, prayers and the Lord’s favor!!

Working on my visa again. Please be praying that the Lord would show me His favor here as well and the process would move quicker than usual since I confess I started the paperwork a little late. Oh, well!!

I would appreciate your prayers for these families as well – for His Comfort, for the surgery and the doctors performing it and for swift healing with no complications.

Attached is a missionary update from my church. It also tells of some of this story as well. Plus I have attached some pictures of Silviu and Anca.

Silviu sticking out his tongue

Enjoying our popsicles

Anca and Dad

Anca and Mom

Mom and I and "other things"!

2010-09-13T14:08:00.003+03:00

It was a wonderful summer, particularly having my mother visit from July 14 – August 3rd. She really enjoyed Rome, except for the 100 degree TROPICAL heat every day there with no air conditioning! Thankfully, we had one in our room. My sister, Paula, and brother in law, Steve, were there as well for their 28^th year Roman honeymoon!! Then, Mom was here in Cluj for two weeks where she enjoyed meeting all the good friends the Lord has blessed me with. Enjoy the pics of us at St. Peter’s Square and at the Vatican Museum.

Steve, Mom and Paula


Mom & I at St. Peter's

The clinic was closed for August so I was able to take care of “other things”. A major “other thing” was making a 10 day trip to Lugoj, a town 5 hours away from Cluj and an hour’s drive outside of Timisoara. The dedicated time was necessary in order to accumulate as much accurate information from researching and phone calls in Romania and to Europe to help TWO families to make the best decision for their children regarding cochlear implantation – for 7 ½ year old Silviu and 6 ½ year old Anca. Unfortunately the information is not out-in-the-open and the families had already received misleading advice. I get the wonderful privilege of advocating for them, disseminating the complicated, specialized information and accompanying them to the appointments as well since they will get better treatment if I am there. Sad but true! I feel like a mommy tiger doing battle for her cubs at times!

Another couple of patients materialized as well whom I have the opportunity to help. Neither is simple and both had lost hope for any improvement. Then, the Lord brings them to me (or me to them!) and the magical blessing happens – knowing why the Lord sent one, willing audiologist to a country where the field of audiology does not exist. I just find out where He is working and join Him in the fun! May He get all the glory!! Rejoice with me – October 3^rd will be 7 years since coming to Cluj!

The Various Hats of Responsibility!

2010-06-11T12:33:00.001+03:00

Summer has arrived – temps already in the 90’s! I am enjoying my balcony and flowers right now this morning, listening to the birds and sounds of the city. Someone is beating their rug right now!

What has been happening since last writing? As usual, never dull and miracles still abounding with all the various HATS of responsibility I get to wear!! It seems like I have been dealing mostly with paperwork and technology regarding my Romanian non-profit. With my BUSINESS hat – contracts had to be written, signed and stamped to transfer all the equipment from my name into the name of the non-profit and then some collaboration contracts with the three different sites had to be drawn up to be all official. My ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING hat – my accountant has been so helpful in teaching me how to receipt folks correctly in the Romanian system. A BIG deal!! Then, I get to share my new knowledge with others!! My TECHNICAL hat – miraculously, the county hospital agreed to pay for the calibration of the two pieces of equipment that I received back in 2004 and used by the doctor I collaborate with. Then, my computer elves helped me to repair the clinic computer which was not working right after the electrical surge two months ago – the video card got blitzed. The latest challenge is building a jack panel for a home-made testing booth made out of bricks (!) at one of the hospitals. Finding the right Romanian words and then hunting for the right parts are all part of the privilege I have of being here. And then, Praise the Lord, my AUDIOLOGICAL hat also gets used to come alongside patients, parents and friends in advocating, testing, caring, educating and counseling and helping some folks to hear better. The latest, sweetest privilege was being with the parents of a one-month-old sweetie born with a cleft palate during hearing testing at the pediatric hospital.

NEWSFLASH!! My mother will be coming here for a visit in July!! We will meet my sister, Paula and my bro-in-law, Steve, in Rome for 4 days and then fly back to Cluj for a two week visit.

Also, starting next week, I will be leading an inductive bible study on Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, for 6 weeks spring-boarding us into an overview of Old Testament history. Should be exciting! I could surely use your prayers!

PS: Ask me sometime about the policeman “angel” the Lord sent down to tell me that my car inspection was expired and my insurance was about to expire. He helps me in all ways!!

Enjoy your summer!

Sagas of Equipment Demons, Moths and More!

2010-04-10T12:27:00.002+03:00

As usual, things ain’t been dull! I have had some equipment demons lurking around trying to throw me off-guard as well as moths trying to drive me crazy. They have not succeeded as yet!!

At the clinic, after protecting my equipment as best I could, there was still a surge after they installed a voltage regulator for the whole building which blew out my vitally-needed programming box for my newer digital hearing aids. After thinking the worst, some guys here in Cluj familiar with the equipment were able to replace the fuses and re-install the software to get me up and running. Praise the Lord for that!! There was also a 7-week saga with my otoscope for only replacing a bulb – Hello!! Something which would have usually only taken me ONE telephone call in the States!! The moth saga led to a wool rug under my bed as their munching ground. I do not like seeing those critters!!

Regarding the non-profit, I am finally seeing my way clear and feeling like I have a handle on the book-keeping and accounting. Previous to that it felt like a huge insurmountable task but the Lord has helped me to get organized, understand the Romanian system better and to manage all these new administrative hats I get to wear.

A recent patient was 16-year-old Samuel from a family of 13, five of whom have significant hearing loss. He wanted so badly to wear an in-the-ear hearing aid because the kids made fun of the behind-the-ear models which he had which were now lost or stolen. I normally cannot accommodate this request but I was able to realize his dream because of a donated, digital, in-the-ear hearing aid from Dave DeHuff donated from his father’s estate after his father’s death. Thanks, Dave! We arranged for another digital, in-the-ear model for his other ear. Also please be praying along with me for the success of the double eardrum repair surgery of Ioan Gorgan. Appreciate it!

Happy Resurrection Season of Christ and of His Spring! Gotta get my balcony flowers out!

News from your ears in Romania!

2010-02-14T12:00:00.006+02:00

Had a lovely Christmas with Madeline here – we covered 1200 miles traveling from Budapest to interesting places of Romania, always just a little ahead of the snow.

We are now well into 2010 and progress has been made here. I found an excellent accountant who gave me the most comprehensive information I have received about what I can and can’t do financially, legally and visa-wise with my Romanian non-profit. So helpful!! The learning curve will already be great and I needed someone who would help me to learn along the way and I certainly found one.

Three weeks ago I started seeing patients again at the Petros clinic. One day a week is enough for right now since each patient can take a lot of time – some are very complicated and I get to be their patient advocate helping them put pieces of their medical puzzle together and acting a little like Sherlock Holmes investigating what the best approach would be for them. One patient, in particular, might be having the same surgery I had on my ear on BOTH of his ears and he has had the problem for 40 years! The other option for him will be to research a bone-implanted hearing aid. We will see. The interesting part is – even without advertising the patients the Lord ordains for me to help always seem to find me. My beautiful red business cards have become an advertisement!

While learning how to manage the financial aspects of the non-profit I have also been able to make sure that the audiometer at Petros is protected from the electrical irregularities that exist in the industrial area where Petros is located. This week I had an excellent electrician help me to get a dedicated line put in, as well as getting a stronger voltage regulator. With such good accounting and electrical advisors, it makes my job easier, praise the Lord for that. I am wearing enough hats as it is!

Our International ladies Bible study of about 20 ladies is also enjoying the book of Ephesians, a powerful book for all of us. Remember the hope we have in Him, the only Hope for the future.

PS. Here is a pic or two for you. For more pictures, go to Facebook.

Blessings of that Peace that came 2000 years ago!

2009-12-18T11:57:00.001+02:00

Praise the Lord with me – my visa papers are finally all in!! I will be getting a year at a 50% price reduction - the best bargain in town! I have still been “hunting and gathering” business and accounting information and advice on how best to process donations through my Romanian-style non-profit (and believe me – it is different from an American-style non-profit!!) To that end, I decided to only start seeing patients into the New Year. I am still learning what forms need to be filled out for what and the importance of the stamp in this stamp-based culture! An inventory still has to be set up along with an accounting program as well as many other things for me to be up and running, but at least progress is being made.

At the beginning of December I got a quick visit from an American audiologist, Julie Peterson. We will see what the future holds for some collaboration. For now she will be busy studying for the same clinical doctorate that I have.

I am looking forward to my sister, Madeline, visiting me over Christmas 10 days. I hope to pick her up in Budapest on the 22nd and to show her some of Cluj and then visit Sighisoara, Sibiu and Brasov in the middle of the country. It has been snowing for 3 days straight with temperatures in the 20’s so the roads will have to be clear over the 100 km of mountains for me to drive to Budapest. Please pray along with me for good weather, health and strength to prevail for us to have a blessed time with one another. Healthwise, I have been fighting something for a while now and my sister Madeline as well.

I pray that you all are abundantly blessed this Christmas season of Christ’s birth and that He will be with you all into the New Year of 2010.

October Update - 6 years and still not dull!

2009-10-18T11:52:00.001+03:00

It has been five weeks since arriving back in Romania. We have already fast-forwarded into winter this past week with snow and some freezing temps. Getting re-adjusted to time and place, though, felt like I was going in slow motion reverse for a while, not good if you try to drive around here. By driving too early, I unfortunately dented my car going into my own garage! In my second week back I also caught a GI bug which also slowed me down a bit.

Right now I am concentrating on getting the business aspects of my non-profit up and running. Forms need to be written and translated and new protocols established. Most importantly, I am gathering information and meeting with folks with non-profit experience or bookkeeping and accounting experience. I want to process the monies accurately using some sort of accounting program and with the very different Romanian rules and regulations regarding finances, I know I cannot be too careful. The learning curve is great but little by little things are becoming clearer. I am also starting the visa process under my non-profit and will meet with the lawyer for help with that. Please pray along with me for all the decisions that need to be made – that I will rely on the Lord’s help. Thanks! At times it all feels overwhelming but He has seen me through everything so far and He is a God who does not forsake His children. We made it through the doctoral studies so anything is possible. Right?? Of course right!!

Rejoice with me that it has been six years this month since starting on this Romanian audiological and spiritual adventure. I said it would not be dull when I embarked on this journey and it certainly has been anything but dull!

Heading to the other side of the Pond!

2009-09-05T11:50:00.000+03:00

The hour of my departure is quickly approaching! I will be leaving on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 6PM. Every day here in the States has been very needful and necessary for health, vacation with family, rest, business development for the new initiative of purchasing hearing aids, personal fund-raising and equipment-raising, and last but not least, for my own new hearing aids. Ask me about my new, cool Bluetooth hearing aids. I can talk on the phone through them!!

Incredible things have been accomplished in my 4 months – I will be leaving with 23 new hearing aids (half of them were purchased through the charity concert at my church, COS, the other half through donations directly to the Romanian Hearing Project). I have also been able to develop business relationships as a 501 (c) 3 umbrella’ed under International Teams with many hearing aid manufacturers. Also, a husband and wife team has graciously offered to help me set up a website, so stay tuned for that. Which country do you think her family comes from?? You got it – Romania! Health has improved as well – my thyroid is now better balanced and my sleep has improved. Praise the Lord for both of those things. I was also blessed to be able to go to a nutritionist while here to build up my immune system.

It was great meeting with many of yous (Philly speak for the plural of “you”). For those of you considering supporting me in this ministry or increasing your present support, NOW would be a great time to start. I appreciate you all for your partnership with me in this ministry. The next time you hear from me I will be on the other side of the “pond”.

Whirlwind of summer celebrations and travel!!

2009-07-15T11:36:00.006+03:00

There has been a whirlwind of activity since arriving in the US on May 14th – graduation in Philly on May 22nd, a terrific graduation party the same day here at Linda’s. Then on May 28th, I left for 3½ weeks of travel to visit family – a week in Spokane visiting my father for his 84th birthday (he is doing well), then 5 days with my sister, Margaret, and her family in Salem, OR, and meeting my mother there, then flying with my mother for 2 weeks in Hawaii to visit my sister, Barbara, along with an aunt and uncle and a cousin and his wife who joined us there. Hawaii was beautiful – snorkeled every day and saw many fishies with wide-mouthed grins and turtles galore.

The latest scoop is that I will be staying longer in the States – until September 10th. Over the last 3 years, the Lord has wondrously provided for me since my last fund-raising in 2006, most particularly in the last 2½ years during my doctoral studies when I would not have been able to dedicate the time. Currently I have lost some support and now need to spend some time in personal support-raising AND for some equipment-raising, particularly for hearing aids.

Now that my non-profit, “Asociatia Pro Audiologie”, is fully established in Romania, I will be able to initiate a new model of dispensing hearing aids by purchasing low-cost hearing aids as well as continuing to dispense donated hearing aids. To start this new thrust, “it just so happened” that my church, Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, had a charity concert on June 26th which sponsored the Romanian Hearing Project and raised $1000!! This gift will purchase some of the first hearing aids for this new initiative.

During my time here, some lovely folks at COS have offered use of their cars. I still have need of a car for my extended time here past July 23rd. If you happen to be vacationing during July 23rd to Sept. 10th and have need of some “car-sitting” during that time, please let me know.

Hope you are having a blessed summer and look forward to seeing many of you.

Graduation Day at Salus University!!

2009-05-20T11:31:00.005+03:00

Graduation Day was May 22, 2009 in Philadelphia. Here is a look of exultation which reminded me of a picture taken when I was five years old. See if you can pick me out in the picture.

The Scoop on soon-to-be Dr. Trish!

2009-04-03T11:20:00.000+03:00

Here’s the scoop! Coming down to the final lap of the home stretch of all these studies – have already scheduled my comprehensive exam for April 24th and that is only 22 days away!! Ten more days with these last two courses and then STUDY, STUDY, STUDY for the comprehensives on April 24th and I AM DONE!!

A treat that will be happening during this time as well is that Mike Webb is coming for a visit with his wife and his two youngest kids arriving this coming Tuesday until April 16th.

A special prayer request is for health (fighting a cold, or possible sinus infection, right now!), strength, perseverance discipline and brain cells. I praise Him that He has given me great health and strength up to this point.
Looking forward to seeing many of you when I am stateside from May 14th to July 23rd.

Happy Spring Season of Christ’s Resurrection! We have power to overcome because of His Resurrection Power!

To my Cheerleaders - THANKS!!

2009-03-05T11:17:00.001+02:00

Two more courses were finished two weeks ago and now we are coming to the culmination, the final stretch of my doctoral studies – the final two courses were started this week. I have already gotten up twice this week at 3AM to attend my “virtual” classrooms online. I will surely NOT miss getting up in the middle of the night when finished! The task of doing these two challenging courses looks impossible and overwhelming at times but I know the Lord has called me to this and has given me the power and strength up to this point and He will do the same in this final stretch. I just have to stay at it and take it one baby step at a time. This session will be finished on April 12th and then I have to take a comprehensive exam before leaving to go home on May 14th for graduation on May 22nd in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Audiology which is now called Salus University. So, appreciate your prayers that I accomplish everything well before leaving in May.

I plan to be in the States for two months until July 23rd. I hope to be able to procure some more hearing aid donations while home. I have not been able to dispense as many hearing aids as before but I believe the establishment of the non-profit is the correct way of doing things so I pray some blessings will ensue once that is established. Thankfully I can say the paperwork is finally going forward. I am working with a lawyer and I would say that we are about half-way to establishing it. Isn’t that a praise!?!? Then I will be official.

At the Petros Clinic, I saw a poor fellow yesterday who has a hearing loss similar to mine all of his adult life and has never worn hearing aids. I can certainly relate to his situation. It is only by God’s sweet grace that I have good hearing from great hearing aids. We’ll give him, and his family, a new lease on life next week with one hearing aid in the hopes that I can give him another soon. And, at the pediatric hospital, I am thrilled to announce that the equipment there is now calibrated!! You don’t know what that does to an audiologist’s heart!!

Thankful to you all. You have been my cheerleaders in accomplishing all these things.

Progress & Christmas JOY!!

2008-12-21T11:16:00.000+02:00

Here is my end-of-the-year Christmas update. Finished my last course for 2008 the week before Thanksgiving and then on Wednesday, Nov. 26th, I traveled to Bucharest to be with the Dr. Carmen Mocanu, the doctor at the pediatric hospital, who was there for the only audiology course at the only Ear Institute in Romania. The course is offered by Dr. Pascu, the head-honcho of all ENT’s here in Romania. I had heard so much about him and it was great to finally meet him. A wonderful benefit to Carmen’s visit was that Dr. Pascu designated our pediatric audiology center at the pediatric hospital instead of the main hospital of Cluj as the site for neonatal hearing testing after failed hearing screenings in the nursery. This was nothing short of a miracle. Progress continues!!

Progress continues as well with the non-profit slowly but surely. I finally had to admit that I could not do this by myself, so I am incorporating help wherever possible and hope to make big strides of progress in January 2009. I am hoping as well to translate and incorporate the concept of the JOY of hearing into the Romanian name of the non-profit.

This concept of the JOY of hearing was evident this month in a particular hearing aid patient I want to tell you about. I it gave me JOY to be able to use my skills to help her to hear again and to re-confirm once again why the Lord sent me here. She has what is known as otosclerosis which is usually an operable hearing condition. Her mother had the same condition and the whole family believed there was nothing to be done. Somehow (only the Lord knows), she found her way to me. Previously, no one had diagnosed her correctly and none of her hearing tests accurately revealed her condition. Her hearing loss was profound – at the bottom of the audiogram. A dear family friend in the US, Mary Healy, had the same condition and passed away in 2006 and Jim, her husband, gave me her special headband and hearing aid. I was able to jerry-rig a bit of equipment that I had with Mary’s special headband to help Mrs. Puscariu to hear once again.

Dad's progress - Getting the doctorate done!

2008-11-12T11:11:00.000+02:00

There has been a change of plans since I last wrote. My father is doing well, stabilized, does not need chemotherapy right now and is on a wait-and-see mode with his doctors for a recheck in 3-6 months. Since he is doing well, I have decided to stay on this side of the pond for Christmas and concentrate on my courses which start up again on January 6th. PLUS, since I have really only four (yes, 4!) more required courses to take for my doctorate, I have decided to double up on them in the next two sessions from January to April, take my comps and graduate in May 2009 instead of 2010. Previously I had thought of adding more courses.

I did not make this decision lightly. The Lord has impressed upon me a sense of urgency in getting this off my plate so that I can concentrate on other things. Two and half years of study will be long enough, I think. The Lord never gives us something to do unless He provides the power and there is power in prayer. Appreciate your prayer partnership with me in this for endurance and continued health to accomplish this.

Still moving forward slowly but surely with the non-profit paperwork. Hope to be able to concentrate on it fully when my current course is over in 2 weeks. Am seeing some patients at Petros tomorrow and the doctor I have been working with at the pediatric hospital has been making wonderful progress. I am very proud of her.

This month is my birthday month (the 25th) and I will be 55. Yup, it is true! Thanksgiving is a few days after that. This Thanksgiving 2008 may we remember to acknowledge all of the God-given things around us and be thankful for them all. He is still actively working in our midst.

Summer done - more courses and non-profit paperwork!

2008-09-29T11:06:00.002+03:00

Praise the Lord, another course finished!! I have a two week break before starting up my final one for the year. Then only 5 more courses to go in 2009 and then I graduate in 2010!

Fall is already here – weather is already in the 60’s and 40’s at night. I was able to have a lovely, two week, summer vacation in England in August. The first week, my sister, Cynthia, and my mother met me for some touring in Southern England in a rented car (Yup, I did it and we all survived!!) to Worthing, Winchester, Stonehenge, Bath and Oxford. The second week I attended a single ladies’ missionary retreat. Heavenly!! It felt like two vacations in one and I felt like a queen.

Now my next priority will be concentrating on setting up this non-profit. One source says it takes 6 months and only 16 million pieces of paper and another source said for them it took only 2 weeks and only 16 million pieces of paper! I have learned that I have to dedicate myself 100% in doing things like this or it will never get done. Please pray that we get it done closer to the 2 week estimate! I will keep you informed. At least the other paperwork is done – I have my audiometer (Thanks again Missoula Rotary) and my visa in hand! Setting up this non-profit and studying will be my main concentrations for now.

I have a surprise visit coming from my church in Wayne, PA. Stephanie Korb will be visiting me for 5 days in October. What a treat! Then plans are for a trip home over Christmas for 6 weeks or so. I will be able to visit my dad and see how he is doing in Spokane, WA. Hope to see some of you when I am home over that time (which will be here before we know it!).

Chasing the paper trails!

2008-07-19T11:03:00.000+03:00

Just a quick update – wanted to let you all know that we found out two weeks ago that my dad really does have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His wife, Imelda, is now with him in Spokane. Some sisters have already been there helping out. Please continue to pray with me that his house will sell in the Philippines and for his healing. Thanks!

What's new here in Romania?? Still chasing the paper trails of getting my visa (one more document to go), working on setting up the non-profit foundation (which they say takes 6 months) and NO, the audiometer is still not out of customs after 8 weeks (sorry to say!). Patience and endurance seem to be the most-needed character traits for me right now interspersed with a loads of understanding and a sense of humor. Otherwise, it would not look pretty!

Things have been going forward nicely at the pediatric hospital, for which I am very grateful. For now I will be concentrating on the pediatric hospital and my doctoral studies until I have the non-profit in place and can accept donations correctly under the foundation. I believe that I need to have this set up before dispensing any more hearing aids. Hopefully I will be able to procure some sources by then. I also believe that the Lord is working on my behalf in that regard.

Two more weeks with this latest course, then two glorious weeks off before starting up another one. I hope you are enjoying your summer!

Studies continue - received new audiometer!

2008-05-28T10:55:00.002+03:00

Of course, always loads to share. This month I have not been seeing hearing aid patients since I do not have any more hearing aids! It is giving me an opportunity to seek out some other, new sources of hearing aids, to research starting a non-profit foundation and possibly to switch my model of dispensing donated hearing aids to purchasing low-cost, hearing aids and extending the price to the patients. We will see. I move forward only as the Lord shows me – ‘cos He knows I tread where I hath not gone before! Plus freeing up time has given me more time to study – less than 2 weeks left for this course! A little road trip with the new Baby will be in order immediately following! Suceava here I come!

A wonderful praise – the Missoula Rotary Club donated a wonderful, NEW audiometer to me and the project. Thanks Missoula Rotary! I am chomping at the bit to get it out of customs. After 2 weeks it is still there and I know we are almost over the bureaucratic hump! One day I will tell you how many papers I had to prepare in order to get it out of customs! I am sure I will be able to apply in the future what I am learning about Romanian paperwork. Just pray that there are no costs and I get it VERY SOON in the next day or two! Thanks!

Please be praying with me for my father’s comfort and care as he undergoes chemotherapy there in the Philippines for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, that the uncomfortable reactions to the chemotherapy drugs will dissipate quickly and that he can get through the courses of chemotherapy with few side effects, as well as for the comfort of the hearts of all my sisters, his wife, Imelda, and myself during this time. I just found out he is not covered under Philippine health insurance.

IT IS DONE!! PASSED COMPS!!

2008-04-26T11:22:00.001+03:00

Just heard that I PASSED the comprehensive exam and I just wanted you to
rejoice with me!!!

Now, on to celebrating!! Blessings and thanks for the prayers!

Dr. Tricia Towle
Doctor of Audiology

A New Arrival!

2008-04-25T10:37:00.002+03:00

Greetings from the land of the two Easters separated by a month. Yes, this weekend is the Orthodox Easter. The evangelical churches celebrate it now as well. They relate Christ’s Resurrection to lights and next week is called the Week of Lights. I will try and get a video of the people in the neighborhood who go en masse around the Orthodox Church across the street at midnight on Saturday. A sight to behold! It looks like a conveyor belt of people. I always wondered where all the melted wax on the street came around Easter. Well, last year I stayed up long enough to find out.

Many things have occurred since last I wrote. I finished another course (I love these two week breaks!), returned from Dubrovnik on the Croatian coastline (a great trip where we were treated lavishly and royally – it was worth the 36 hours underway!), I got my new crown (on my tooth that is!), and, started meeting with the new doctor, Dr. Carmen Mocanu, in the hospital. I also have a new arrival (a 2004 Opel Agila)! It feels like I have sprouted wings and I am thoroughly enjoying tooting around town and the countryside. I know the taxi drivers will miss me.

Here’s a picture – it’s a microvan (small on the outside but roomy on the inside) and rides higher than most sedans and also uses diesel. Engine checked out great and I’m thrilled and having a blast with it.

This week I got some news regarding my dad’s health. He lives in the Philippines and has just been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He is pleased with the care there and is pursuing his options. Please be in prayer for him and his wife, Imelda, as well as my sisters since he is so far away.

Christus a inviat! (He has Risen!)

First course of doctorate completed!

2008-02-29T10:34:00.001+02:00

Here I am lying on a piece of new real estate I recently purchased – yes, you got it, a new mattress!! Much needed and delightful.

Just a short update to fill you in that after 5-6 weeks I feel that body, soul and spirit are more oriented and grounded here. Health is good! PTL! Our weather right now is in the 50’s. Currently seeing patients in the Petros clinic two days a week. Arrived home yesterday exhausted after speaking Romanian all day with patients. At least the language is coming along. At the pediatric hospital, I will be meeting the new doctor next week.

I finished my course and am still enjoying a few days of my two-week break before another course starts up this Monday. This weekend I will be renting a car and going to Lugoj, 5 hours away, to see the little boy, Silviu, in his familiar surroundings. If I can get a full audiogram from him, then his family will not have to come to Cluj for the special testing with sedation. Pray with me for success and safe travel. Thanks!

Then next week on March 5th, I leave for Dubrovnik, Croatia with two other missionary ladies to attend a FREE woman's conference/retreat for American missionary ladies. They pamper us, so it will definitely be worth the 24 hours by train (with no sleeper) and 4 ½ hours by bus to get there. Right?!?!? Of course, right!! Yes, it will be a fun adventure as long as we are traveling together. Our travel will take us through Budapest, then Zagreb, then Split on the Adriatic and then on to Dubrovnik and returning on March 10th. So, please pray for travel mercies for Kitty, Laura and I.

Those are all the delights for now. Hope this update is finding you all well.

Back in Cluj - purpose accomplished!

2008-01-23T10:22:00.001+02:00

Just wanted to inform you quickly that I arrived intact in Cluj on January 14th. Praise the Lord with me – I did not have to pay anything for the overweight and extra luggage! And I had 4 bags! Getting used to things here slowly but surely – using my time to rest and get my apartment re-organized. Sleep is still a bit crazy!

The weekend before leaving I had the opportunity to visit Mike Webb and his family in Arizona, as well as the Shiloh Christian Center, his church family which supports me. It was a quick trip but a delightful one.

I have now returned with a healed ear and greater health than when I arrived in the States last October. The Lord has accomplished mighty things in the last three months. I was thrilled to be able to be there for the home-going of my dear friend, Pam May, who is now running and jumping with Jesus after being in a wheelchair for so long with MD. I was also truly blessed by being able to meet with many of you, sharing a meal or a cup of coffee or tea. I also had opportunity to spend lots of time with my family.

It won't be dull here – another doctoral course has already begun. But don't worry, I will take only one course at a time!!

Thank you for your love and care and support of me! It is because of you and your prayers that I am able to do this at all. Let's all make it great in 2008!

The ear an issue once again - in US til January 2008

2007-10-30T23:28:00.000+02:00

This is just a quick communiqué to all of you on my email list including those who have not known the events of the past month. The main thing to communicate is that my ear has once again become an issue. A week before returning home to the States for my “proposed” month’s stay, I developed a bad ear infection. At least during that final week in Romania, I managed to complete my two courses, take my finals, get started on antibiotics and get on the plane for home. I arrived back on October 2^nd.

Since being home I enjoyed traveling with my mother and visiting family in California and Oregon from the 9^th – 20^th. (FYI - flying is not an issue since I have a hole in my ear drum anyway.) I have been under the care of my ear doctor for this infection during this time and since the ear is not healing as swiftly as expected, I will be extending my stay here in the States. I expect that I will stay here till after Christmas and return in January.

So now I will have a little more leisurely time to visit with many of you and to rest and get this ear healed, not to mention to be here to enjoy the holidays.

Looking forward to what the Lord has in store during this time.

Article about the Romanian Hearing Project

2007-10-04T00:33:00.000+03:00

The Hearing Journal published an article about the Romanian Hearing Project entitled "Good Samaritans of hearing care cover the world to help those who cannot hear". It appeared in their August 2007 edition.

You can go to this link to read it (you may need to copy and paste it onto the web address field):

http://www.audiologyonline.com/theHearingJournal/pdfs/hj2007_08_p21-29.pdf

Trip to Poland with a Rental Car

2007-09-04T00:23:00.000+03:00

Forget summer, fall is here and my down comforter is already back on the bed!

This is just a quick update to let you know that after finishing two courses in August I took off for the IT Conference in Poland. The opportunity to drive there with Kinga, a Romanian missionary in Turkey, in a rental car made it a great, sight-seeing adventure. Along the way, we visited northern Romania called Maramures, where you can find bride’s dowry trees which have colorful pots hanging on them (an old tradition) and a “merry” cemetery where all the tombstones have pictures painted on them in colors and tell a story of the person’s life. Spent a night in Debrecen, Hungary and then drove through Slovakia and on to Ustron, Poland just over the Czech and Slovak borders. The trip was like going from the Appalachian Mountains (Maramures), across the plains (Hungary is totally flat) and on to the Rocky Mountains (Slovakia has tall mountains like the Alps), within the span of only a day and a half. Beautiful vistas! The only thing different is the roads – it is like going across the US on back roads, like the old Rt. 66 or the Skyline Drive. No highways as yet in Romania or Slovakia and in parts of Hungary, so it makes for a little slower driving (don’t tell them that, they drive fast!).

While in Poland, we were able to visit Auschwitz and Cracow. It was my first time visiting a concentration camp – something I had always wanted to experience, but nothing can ever prepare you.

Got back to Cluj August 21^st and was catapulted into two more courses (about 200 pages of reading a week and that is only for one course!) and seeing patients at Petros. There are 3 more weeks left in these courses and then I will be heading home on October 2^nd for a month in the States. Please pray with me for endurance and discipline to “stay the course” with these studies. Thanks! Hoping to see many of you when I am home.

Homestretch of Two Courses and Travel to Poland Planned

2007-07-29T00:18:00.000+03:00

Here is a quick update with a new email address. Hard to get used to new electronic things for those of us born before 1980!

In the homestretch now for these two courses – only another week to go with a boatload of assignments. Glad that the Petros Clinic is closed for summer vacation so that I can dedicate my time to finishing well.

Afterwards, I have two weeks off and will be heading up to Poland for an IT conference. I hope to be able to rent a car to drive there and finally get used to driving in Eastern Europe. Pray for traveling mercies. Will also be fun to explore some of the countryside.

Mike Webb is over here with his daughter, Anna, for a week as well. As most of you know, he was the fellow who started the Romanian Hearing Project in 1993 for three years. Pray I don’t talk his ear off – no one here in Romania really to talk “audiology” with over here. And, he understands in ways few do. I promise a picture that he really exists.

In September, back to seeing patients and will take two more courses. Then will be home in the States in October for a month. Hope to see some of you then.

Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

At the Rear Window!

2007-06-01T19:10:00.000+03:00

Anyone who knows me well knows I love old movies. Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, Rear Window, oftentimes comes to mind as I work at my computer studying and writing (sometimes all day!) in front of my rear window hearing all the activities surrounding me in the nearby apartment buildings. No, no one is getting murdered! In the discipline of studying, the hardest thing for me is keeping my fanny in the chair! The writing and processing take loads of time which has consumed all my free time! Only one more week left in my second 6-week course! Just 14 more to go with two week pauses in between!

I have been busy as well organizing at the Petros Christian Free Clinic and seeing patients there on Wednesdays and now Fridays. After seeing patients all day and speaking only Romanian with them, I arrive home pretty much brain-dead. For now, the pediatric hospital is on hold until autumn when the docs expect another doctor to arrive who will specialize only in audiology and in developing the new department there. I will then be able to share my knowledge with her. Please be in prayer with me – the $20,000, specialized piece of equipment that was donated to the project in 2004 is broken. Please pray with me that my computer guy, Attila, can fix it. Thanks!

Also, since Easter much has progressed in regards to my Mom’s transition from her home of 51 years into retirement living. Her house sold last month and the closing will be on June 20^th. She moved yesterday to an apartment in Annapolis in walking distance to my sister Cynthia and her husband Dave and I heard that everything went very smoothly. A wonderful praise! Plus the house is even cleared out. Miracles! Please pray with me for her adjustment and comfort in this new stage of her life. Grateful to you all!

Some big WOW's!

2007-03-30T22:50:00.000+03:00

It is two months TODAY since I arrived back in Romania. Amazingly, it has taken me all of 6 weeks+ just to get myself re-acclimated to time (there are some stories re: different daylight savings times in two continents!), place (we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!), language (what was that word?), different faces, foods and things from what I had left. During that time I had a lovely visit from the Greenhalgh’s, a trip to Bucharest, two weeks of illness for a sinus infection and started my first on-line course for my doctoral work which meant a mandatory online chat at 3AM once a week (hence the disorientation to time – missed a couple of chats due to the time change!)

Some really big WOW’s have been happening. By WOW’s I mean answers to prayer re: future direction on how to proceed with this project. As I mentioned to many of you before leaving, the second chapter of this project had to proceed differently from the first chapter. The Lord has been answering those prayers! First, after Easter I will start seeing patients at a Christian Free Clinic called Petros. No longer will I use my apartment and wear all the hats of answering the phone and making all the appointments. The ladies at Petros Clinic will gladly answer the phone and make the appointments for me. I am moving things over there and getting organized as we speak. And second, the docs at the pediatric hospital are making some wonderful plans of getting another doctor to specialize only in audiology and to learn from me. These are some MAJOR breakthroughs, believe me!

May you experience His resurrection power during this Easter season!

Your ears back in Romania!

2007-02-08T22:44:00.000+02:00

I hath arrived back in Cluj and am here now a week+ adjusting to things, getting internet set-up and contracts renewed for apartment, phone, cable etc. Everything was expired - but, Praise the Lord I still have the same addresses and phone numbers for people to contact. I believe that is a praise.

Getting adjusted slowly but surely - sleep is still affected with wakefulness for a couple of hours in the middle of the night which means I sleep in a little later. Oh, well. They say a day for each time zone to get re-acclimated (that's 7 for me), but I think they need to factor in age and season of life! I am trying to pace myself and get things in order here at home and then will start up again with the project slowly. I returned to the old familiar stuff of the city and familiar faces in neighbors and friends. Have already had several invitations - at least I walk more to work off the feasting!

I'm expecting Dave and Ellie Greenhalgh from church this weekend which will be very exciting indeed.I will keep you informed as things go forward. The weather here is very mild - in the 40's. It is colder in the States.

Chapter 2 unfolding soon!

2007-01-14T01:42:00.000+02:00

The New Year 2007 is already starting off with a bang! On January 3th, the Lord spoke through my advisor at International Teams and said that I NEED to get going, and THIS MONTH! So I booked my return flight this week and I will be departing on Monday, January 29th arriving in Cluj on January 30th. I know there have been some false starts and some of you may think that I have already left!! This, I believe, is the real thing! So, hold onto your seats cos’ Chapter 2 in 2007 will be beginning shortly!

What has been accomplished in the year that I have been home? I am certainly healthier physically! I had a health check-up this past Monday and found many more improvements – the bugs are still gone, the Lyme’s is gone, candida is gone and my thyroid is healthy! Praise the Lord with me! I will take some medicines and supplements with me for continued healing and strengthening of my immune system. I have also grown in wisdom to help me make more informed decisions as this ministry unfolds. I return more financially fit as well – there is still a little bit to raise in monthly support and I am certain the Lord will be providing it.

In my final couple of weeks stateside, could you please pray along with me concerning all the details of organizing, packing and good-bye saying. Thanks for all your love, care and concern! I will keep you informed.

Christmas Power to you!

2006-12-07T01:25:00.000+02:00

Yes, folks, I am still right here in cold PA. Three projected dates of departure have come and gone – they have not been the Lord’s timing as yet. The bulk of my time in recent months has been spent in meeting with folks to raise the final support needed to sustain me in Romania. By remaining here, I have been able to be here not only for the home-going of a dear friend and supporter, but also for my Mom’s 80th birthday, for Thanksgiving and now for Christmas. I am thankful for all these opportunities. My health has also been getting better and better. It has also been a time of growth – learning new things about myself in this path the Lord has me on as a missionary – needed and necessary if I am to minister effectively in Romania.

Could you please stand with me in prayer that the next date assigned (hopefully in January) as my departure will be His will and timing for me? Some additional monthly support needs to come in before I leave. So, if you have been prayerfully considering supporting me, now would be the time to start. Thanks!

"No ocean can hold it back. No river can overtake it. No whirlwind can go faster. No army can defeat it. No law can stop it. No distance can slow it. No disease can cripple it. No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the power of PRAYER."

That power comes from the child born in a manger.

May you experience that power this Christmas season!

A quick health report!

2006-10-07T01:40:00.000+03:00

A quick praise report - NO MORE PARASITES!!! Praise the Lord with me!! I found out this past Monday! The natural stuff worked after 3 months (1 TBSP/day). Going forward with further healing and power and stength.

And ... it seems like my return is imminent!! A friend has frequent flyer miles for me and October 30th is looking like the date to book. Please pray with me for His confirmation on this because it will be a whirlwind frenzy of getting everything done and the rest of the support in.

August update - Getting fit!!

2006-08-16T18:34:00.000+03:00

What have I been doing since I last wrote??!!

I have been preparing to get back to Romania both financially and physically fit! To that end, I was able to attend a fund-raising seminar last month which gave me a lot of ideas, biblical foundations and practical how-to's. Right now, I am concentrating full-time on raising ministry partners who might catch the vision to invest in this ministry. News Flash!! I just received news of a wonderful gift from an anonymous donor to pay a good portion of my doctoral costs!! Thank you whoever you are!! As the Lord brings everything together, hopefully I will be heading back to Romania by October. I will keep you informed.

Health is also getting better. By June I knew I was still experiencing symptoms that the buggers were still present - even after all the treatments! So, last month it was an answer to prayer to be able to start on some natural products which seem to be working to rid this body of pathogens and to strengthen my immune system.

I also had an opportunity to attend a ladies' seminar with Kay Arthur last month. Here is the pic of some beautiful ladies! I have benefited greatly from her bible teaching through Precept Ministries and would not be doing what I am doing in Romania without the biblical principles I have learned to apply through their inductive Bible studies.

Vicki, Pam, Gail & I with Kay Arthur (sitting)

Hope you are having a fabulous summer.

Body Building Boot Camp!

2006-07-24T16:20:00.000+03:00

Went to a great fund-raising seminar on July 17th-18th to help me with some practical how-to's on how to raise funds to sustain me long-term in Romania. It was liberating and enlightening! It is sponsored by The Body Builders and their website is www.thebodybuilders.net. I recommend it for anyone raising personal support for ministry.

All for now!

Puzzle coming together!

2006-06-03T18:28:00.000+03:00

It has been a long time since I last wrote. Finally, some big puzzle pieces for future goals have been coming together – not only regarding health but for ministry plans in Romania as well. As I mentioned before, I was investigating possible partnerships with other ministries serving in Romania so that I could have more ministry support in the country since there are no fellow audiologists. I believe I have found that with Renee and Luke McDannel of Broken Heart Ministries. Their foundation has a partnership with World Vision Romania. She is doing similar ministry in child development projects as a occupational therapist and he is a lawyer. They are willing to partner with me so that I can have more ministry, legal and emotional support while doing this pioneer medical ministry. My sending organization remains International Teams and Broken Heart Ministries will provide some additional support in the country.

My Health? The parasites showed up again and I had to go on another course of medicine. I hope and pray the last one! Investigations with an infectious disease guy, my thyroid gal and my gastro guy for an endoscopy are helping me to get to the bottom of all these things (no pun intended!). So far results are all coming back negative. Praise the Lord!! I await some final results next week. I have been feeling better, a very good sign!

My Return? Plans are to return in September, Lord willing. Additional monthly support still needs to be raised to get me back over there. To accomplish that, will you consider how you might help get me back to the field by hosting a tea or dessert inviting some other folks who might be introduced in this ministry. Please pray with me as well for those 30 additional people who may be able to contribute monthly with $100, $50 or $25 or by special one-time gifts. All gifts are tax-deductible and can be sent directly to International Teams at 411 W. River Rd., Elgin, IL 60123. Credit card giving and electronic funds transfers are available.

My Doctoral program? I have an interview this week to determine the number of courses I will have to take – I hope it will be no more than 15. Then, in the fall I hope to start my first on-line course on the web when back in Romania. The on-line courses will each be $250. Would you like to sponsor me for a course?

A Day at the Shore!

2006-05-12T17:05:00.000+03:00

Had an opportunity to spend a day at the shore with these lovely Precept bible study ladies on May 6th. Always nice to share fun, food and fellowship with friends! (Pam G was there taking the picture)

A blog is like a website!!

2006-04-12T18:18:00.000+03:00

Some of you may not already know, but I will be staying a little longer in the States – I will not be returning in April to Romania and do not know exactly when I will be returning. I need to work on three things before I can return: first, my health – I need to be “fighting fit”; second, more organizational and ministry support for long-range plans – a partnership with World Vision is being investigated, and thirdly, the raising of more monthly support for me. It feels like the Lord has me in a holding pattern right now. Health? Praise the Lord with me – yesterday I found out that a preliminary test showed that the medicine was effective for the buggies! Stay tuned for the final test results in the next couple of weeks.

The trips to West Virginia and then to Chicago to visit my mission organization have helped me with these decisions. It was in West Virginia that we began to see the possibility of a partnership with World Vision – their philosophy of working on developmental projects for the well-being of children seemed to fit right in with what I am doing in Romania. We will see! Please continue to pray for His guidance and wisdom.

The family skiing vacation in Montreal last month was a lot of fun. Then we had missions’ week, called COSMOS, at my church, which was a wonderfully nurturing, mountain-top experience. This past weekend I returned from the annual audiology convention in Minneapolis which was also very beneficial and educational.

I will hope to be contacting some of you soon to see how you might participate with me by either contributing financially, or hosting a tea or a dinner where some other folks might be introduced to this ministry in Romania. Please pray with me for those 35 additional people who may be able to contribute $100, $50 or $25 monthly in order to get me back on the field. These gifts or one-time gifts for the special project of my doctoral studies are all tax-deductible and can be sent directly to International Teams at 411 W. River Rd., Elgin, IL 60123.

Have a wonderful season of His Resurrection! He is alive!

Blog set up - PICS OF THE CENTER!!

2006-04-01T03:42:00.000+03:00

I am using this venue as a "website" for pictures and news of the Project the Lord and I embarked upon starting in October 2003.

Right now I am in the United States in Malvern, PA for furlough/home leave. Originally my furlough was scheduled for only 4 months but it is now extending longer for three reasons: Getting health up to par, establishing long-range goals to include partnerships, and, for raising more support.

While in Cluj for the past 2 1/2 years:

100+ hearing aids were dispensed to the hearing-impaired poor (avg. pension=$100/mo.)
The Center for Early Detection of Hearing Loss was launched for testing infants and children.

Here are some pictures of the The Center for Early Detection of Hearing Loss at the Pediatric Hospital on Motilor Street:

On the Go!

2006-02-23T17:39:00.000+02:00

Another month gone by….now travel is on the horizon. Here's my schedule for the next three weeks.

Feb. 25th-28th - Philippi, WV to visit Peoples' Chapel
Feb 28th- Vienna, VA to visit Mom
Mar. 1st- 2nd - fly to Chicago from DC, visit International Teams
Mar. 2nd - back to Vienna, VA
Mar. 3rd - return to Malvern, PA
Mar 4th-10th - family vacation to Montreal, Canada via Schenectady, NY
March 11th-19th - Missions week at my church in PA

How is my health for all this travel? I found out that I am still dealing with parasites and their problems, but I can still travel. The first course of treatment was not completely effective, and now I have to use an even stronger medicine. Please pray with me that this medicine will kill the bugs before it kills me!!

As I mentioned in my last email, this time home is a time to re-assess my finances and make more informed decisions. I have to tell you that I went out under-funded, which caused me to be in the red. The costs of going out as a professional were not factored in and I had to go on a bare-bones budget absorbing many of the professional expenses myself and deleting items such as retirement and savings. Please let me know how you might participate with me by either contributing financially or by informing me of any churches, foundations, friends or acquaintances who would like to hear of this ministry to Romania. I appreciate you and need your help.

You recall I mentioned that I will be starting on-line doctoral studies. A great benefit of these studies will be to update my skills and to network with other audiologists around the globe. The cost over the next two years will be $6000-$8000. One-time gifts to this special project can be sent directly to International Teams at 411 W. River Rd., Elgin, IL 60123, and are tax-deductible, as are all contributions.

Look forward to seeing how the Lord will provide!

Christmas Greetings Stateside!

2006-01-16T17:34:00.000+02:00

Finally…Christmas and New Year greetings to all of you from Stateside! I pray that you all had an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. I spent two weeks in VA with my mom, two sisters and a brother-in-law and it truly was a lovely time to be together, to have some fun and get plenty of rest.

I am now back in PA at Linda’s and have a car thanks to Andy Ford (it’s a Honda!). Unbelievably, a month has already passed. I realize now that this time here is to recupe, rest, re-charge and to re-assess, not to mention travel to meet with some of you folks.

First of all, please excuse my lag in communication – even though I felt well for travel home, I am recuping from some persistent, colitis-like symptoms from the massive antibiotics I took for the pneumonia in November. Please pray that the medicines work and that it clears up soon. Thanks!

To re-charge for the time ahead, continuing education is important since I am working in Romania as a professional. I am currently in the application process for my professional doctorate – done in 6-week courses on the web. After 2007, I would not be able to “grandfather” in, so I need to start the process now. I would have 2 years to finish it. A credentialing exam will let me know how many courses I would have to take – I pray only 10-12. Total cost would be around $6000. It would make for a busy schedule in Romania but it would also allow me to stay abreast in the field of audiology and be ready to teach and train others.

Now, with two years behind me, I need to re-assess my financial support that I went out with two years ago – prices have gone up from my first budget estimates and the professional costs, such as conferences were never accounted for. In April I will be attending the annual international convention and in September I hope to go to a European conference. Attending a European conference would let others know about this dynamic project the Lord has embarked upon and sent little ol’ me to do it! The World Health Organization is very interested in the status of pediatric hearing testing around the world and I am sure they would love to know about this pioneer project. Please let me know if you would like to partner with me in any of these needs.

Looking forward to meeting with many of you to tell you of what the Lord is doing in Romania.

Where did November go? Preparing for home leave!

2005-11-26T19:01:00.000+02:00

October was terrific with Mike’s 10-day visit here, as well as Pastor Tom’s visit and my trip to Spain. Where has November gone? Happy Thanksgiving, by the way! During this month I have been unable to write because of illness and feeling extremely tired because of it. It turns out that I had a double-whammy of a sinus infection that started 3 weeks ago, and then pneumonia. The pneumonia was not going away, so yesterday they started me on my 3rd antibiotic – this time by IV complete with an IV port – I have had to go to the hospital twice a day as an outpatient. The doctor said it was his birthday gift to me! Yes, 52nd birthday yesterday. Thanks a lot, buddy!

Somehow, with the Lord’s power, I will get everything done before leaving December 14th for home leave/furlough. 2+ weeks is not a long time. I will be staying at Linda Bonsall’s house (number at the bottom of this email). Christmas and New Year’s will be spent in Virginia with my mom and sisters. Email address will remain the same. I will keep you informed as things progress.

So what is the purpose of my trip home?? Besides recovering my health, seeing your faces and going to doctors to get some answers regarding my thyroid nodules and thyroid condition, I believe the Lord wants me to use the time for continuing education. Please pray along with me that I am being sensible – I will need strength and energy to do this. So, health permitting I hope to not only travel to my annual audiology convention in April but also start the first course of my professional doctorate. The professional doctorate in my field is obtained by completing approximately 10 web-based, six-week courses. Yes, everything is on the web. Only until 2007 can we, as audiologists, have the opportunity to “grandfather” into this doctorate. After 2007 I would have to go to the university. In my two years here, I needed to assess whether this was a necessary step. I can now say that the caliber of the program at the hospital that we want to maintain requires me to be up-to-date with diagnostic skills and abilities to teach and pass on knowledge to others. Freshening up my skills can only help.

So, asking you to pray along with me for rapid health recovery and decisions regarding time spent over furlough.

More as things progress.

Moving forward into the hospital!

2005-10-08T18:59:00.000+03:00

I am now writing to ALL of you the events of this past month. First, after advice from Dr. Bob Snyder from my church in PA, it was recommended that I get a biopsy done of my thyroid nodules. So, on the 19th of Sept., I headed for Budapest, a 7 hour train ride, to get it done. PTL – just received the results back this week and everything is fine. I am still feeling well and energetic even after being off thyroid medicine for 6 weeks. Go figure! Still on the heart and sleep med, though.

Moving forward now.... when it is the Lord’s timing, it is the Lord’s timing. Transferred all the equipment to the hospital 2 weeks ago and in the last 2 weeks, we have been busy arranging, organizing and setting things up in the room. Have even tested some patients already! The testing is so new for everyone that I have a roomful every time we do it!

The specialized ABR equipment for testing children

October is full of happenings – first of all, it has been two years this month since coming here! I am also expecting my missions pastor, Tom Walsh, this week from the 13-15th. Looking forward to that. Then, on the 17th-22nd, I will be heading to Spain for a little holiday, meeting my good friend, Gail Smith, in Pamplona where her daughter lives and the first grandson just arrived! Then at the end of October, Mike Webb will be arriving with his daughter, Rebekah, for a 2-week visit here in Romania. He had news this week that he is bringing two fantastic pieces of equipment with him. My cup overfloweth!

Also, a little techie advance. I now have a American phone line in Virginia (where my mom lives). If you would like to make a phone call to Romania…all it would cost you is the cost to Virginia. The number is (703) 879-4893 and comes through my computer. Pretty neat, huh?

Plans are still in place for furlough starting in December, sometime before Christmas.

A conference in Holland!

2005-08-29T18:56:00.000+03:00

Well, as usual, much has happened since I wrote you last at the beginning of July. In July, I had a nice weekend away to Sighisoara, an old German town 3 hours away from here. Definitely worth a visit! At the beginning of August, I went to Holland for an IT conference with 12 other people in a van and 2 cars. We drove for 24 hours straight across Europe! An adventure, to say the least. Holland is very beautiful and the conference was very beneficial – was able to meet with my American and European IT leadership, which was very nice. A relaxing and refreshing time. I was also able to pick up my replacement laptop in Holland as well, brought over by my IT advisor (Thanks, Jim!). And, have still been seeing patients in my apartment.

The saga regarding the thyroid is definitely not over! Just after returning from Holland, I went through a week of palpitations and increased heart rate. I was able to get in to see another endocrinologist and she performed an EKG (my heart is fine, PTL!) and an echogram/sonogram of the thyroid as well. The echogram showed a slight enlargement of the left side of the thyroid with some nodules. Not what I wanted to hear. So, for right now she has me off my thyroid medication and she has put me on heart medication to calm the heart down. She also said that 80% of ladies in my “season of life” get nodules on their thyroids. This aging process ain’t for sissies! We are now in a “wait and see” hold pattern and I am due to see her again in a month. It is one day at a time right now with the Lord’s grace and power and your prayers.

So, health and energy withstanding, I still hope to move forward gradually with things at the hospital in September. We will see how that goes. The Lord knows! Also, in December, I have plans for a 3-month furlough in the States. I will keep you informed.

No more yo-yo please!

2005-07-01T18:53:00.000+03:00

21 months already in Romania!! Over the past year, regarding the regulation of my thyroid, I say, “Enough with the yo-yo already!!” That is what it has felt like! Since I last wrote, I NEVER believed that I could get worse!! But, yes, I did! I went down on the medication, as advised, and I was unable to do anything! Finally, I had enough of going up and down on the medicine and I decided to take charge. I did my own research on the web and found out that when a thyroid condition like mine combines with my season of life, things go whacko! Well, they sure did! I decided to switch my brand of medication and, amazingly, started feeling better in 6 days! Some sleep medication helped as well! I am continuing to get my energy back every day, with symptoms decreasing, and am now catching up and organizing things here at home to get ready for the hospital. There’s nothing like being able to THINK! I hope you don’t hear anything further on this subject of my thyroid!

While I was unable to do much of anything, the Lord was working miracles for me! In this period of time I received two (2!) terrific pieces of fantastic, top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art equipment AT COST – one from a company in the States and the other from England. The rep in England even contributed some of his own money for the purchase! I now have a hearing aid programming box, which I needed, and a pediatric visual conditioning unit to use in the booth at the hospital! I am overwhelmed at His goodness! And, there was money there to cover them!

So, we will see what the month of July brings as I continue to feel strong and am sleeping better. Stay tuned…..!!!

The month of August has an IT conference in the Netherlands planned. I will be traveling by car with the Timisoara team. The trip there and back will encompass a week or so. Never been to Holland before, so I’m looking forward to it!

I will most likely be replacing my laptop soon. Portability will be key, as well as being able to program hearing aids with it. Will continue to seek what the Lord has in mind as things unfold!

I will keep you informed.

Like a roller coaster - exciting and never dull!

2005-05-13T18:52:00.000+03:00

What a roller-coaster ride it has been in the last 6 weeks! It began with those hills and valleys of hoping and praying that I would have my laptop back, but, alas, it was not to be, I am sorry to have to tell you. It was apparently not “a bird in the hand”. It took a while to adjust to the assault against my privacy and property, but the Lord has been teaching me loads regarding better security and backing up of information. My new desktop really is an upgrade with loads of storage capacity – have spent much time reconstructing files and accounts lost. We will see when the laptop should be replaced – it would still be handy for programming hearing aids and travel etc. Two of those weeks were in sickness (so, what’s new?) – a cold and then a sinus infection (no fun!). Added to all the other fun, thyroid situation returned - it is still not in balance and I am again waking up every 2 hours. I’m hoping that with another blood test this week we will be further along in solving this once and for all!

After catching up with patients, I have been concentrating on preparing for things in the hospital – studying and setting up testing protocols for 4 unique tests that we will be performing. The fancy equipment was giving me some trouble, but I think we have the bugs out of it thanks to some good technical support from Denmark. I will be practicing the tests on whomever I can get to lay down quietly for a half-hour! Any takers? The timing for starting in the hospital is obviously in the Lord’s hands.

Anyone ever experienced 2 Easters in one year? My first was in Austria during my family vacation and then 6 weeks later here in Romania on May 1st. Everyone was out beating their rugs in preparation beforehand (a familiar sound around here)! Received about 7 dozen in eggs and some lamb and baked goods from all my generous patients!

Weather has still been pretty cold – spring takes a while to get here once and for all. Romania has received quite a bit of rain with flooding occurring in many areas. Many people have lost their homes. A sad situation in a country that is already so poor.

Appreciate your prayers for health and strength and His timing for ALL things, as well as prayer for those Romanians in the flooded areas.

US, Austria and a challenge in Hungary!

2005-04-08T18:47:00.001+03:00

Had a wonderful time back at the US for our missions conference in February and then had an equally wonderful time with my Mom, 3 sisters, a brother-in-law and a friend of his in Austria over Easter week. We met in Vienna, Austria and the 7 of us had time in Vienna, traveled to Salzburg, then Tirol, skied, then returned to Vienna and spent Easter Sunday there. We all departed on Easter Monday. A fantastic time! Happy Resurrection Day to you! (Cultural tidbit: Romania celebrates Easter on May 1st this year!)

As we all knew, my life here in Eastern Europe was never going to be dull. Well, the latest thing is …. my laptop was stolen from me on my way back to Romania on the train from Budapest! Nothing happened to me, PTL! I purchased a replacement desktop computer last Saturday with loads of memory on it to take me into the future. My computer guy, Ottila, had reported the computer stolen over the web to other computer people and last Monday he received a call from another computer person here in Romania that they had my computer!! Someone was trying to sell it and he will be returning it to me! The miracle is that the laptop showed up in Romania and not another country, and that they did not erase the hard-drive! I am now waiting to receive it - I was told it would take a week. Someone told me the Lord must have wanted me to upgrade!! Please pray that the Lord continues to protect it until I have it back and that this miracle will speak to the heart of Ottila, my computer guy. Thanks!!

Yes, thanks for asking - health has been good - feeling much better.

I have a little visitor at my home for the next 10 weeks - I agreed to look after a friend's Pekingese dog while they are away in the States. I am getting a few more walks in than usual and he is nice to have around!

Things are now gearing up for starting at the hospital this month! Loads to organize and do as we go forward in this next phase!

Piggy Day - Christmas 2004

2005-01-01T00:15:00.000+02:00

A true cultural experience! Just before Christmas they kill their pigs with neighbors and family to help! Of course I had to experience that!

Happy Turkey Day 2004!

2004-12-03T00:03:00.000+02:00

Got to go to a turkey farm to get a fresh, live turkey and see that whole process from start to finish. First experience! It was a 24 Kilo turkey which weighs in at about 48 pounds! The drumstick was the size of my forearm and the thigh fed 10 people!

Here are some shots from the farm on that day.

Got pretty grossed out about the actual process!

The Center is guaranteed!

2004-07-08T18:42:00.000+03:00

The time is drawing near very quickly when I will be on US soil for a while. As usual, much has happened since I last wrote - the room for The Center for Early Detection of Hearing Loss in Children (yes, we now have a name!) has finally been guaranteed by the hospital administrator so that we can proceed! PTL! After the first feeling of paralysis, many creative design ideas came to me for the room and Winnie the Pooh still reigns supreme in my mind as the resident mascot. The goals are to make the place bright and cheerful for people to come with their kiddies. Believe it or not, that is a different concept here!

The Lord has blessed my contacts here. He put me in contact with a lovely woman (daughter of a hearing aid recipient) who works at city hall and has caught the vision of this center for the city of Cluj and for Transylvania. She has been advocating for me and has already gotten me a donation of a desk and some building supplies and possibly volunteers for the constructing and painting etc. She even arranged for me to meet the new mayor! I have also met the American consul already! You know me - hobnobbing with the rich and famous!

Health? Ho-hum?? Hello!! Health has been anything but ho-hum since arriving here! Contracted a dry cough from a teammate (we like to share things!) and was coughing so hard that I "popped a cork". Please ask me if you would like to know what I mean! Taking antibiotics now and am under a doctor's care. Please pray with me that my energy and strength would come back very soon. Needless to say it will be nice to be home to rest, relax and recuperate and eat shrimp!

My friend, Maureen, arrived here for a delightful 4 days from Strasbourg, France. She has been a missionary there for 12 years. Another wonderfully exciting arrival just happened TODAY - the 2 NEW pieces of equipment!!! What fun to have these new goodies!

Hope to see some of you this summer - Home from July 16th to Sept. 3rd, in AZ for sis' wedding July 22nd - Aug. 3rd.

Showers of Blessings - Miracles of Two's!

2004-06-10T18:38:00.000+03:00

Gotta get this out before the next miracle happens!! First of all, since last writing, it seems that the Lord is directing me to work primarily with children where the needs seem to be the greatest. Hearing aids are more accessible than I previously thought for those who can afford them. I will continue helping those who cannot afford them with the donated hearing aids and looking for low-cost alternatives for the future.

I was put in contact with two pediatric ENT doctors who had just moved to a new site at a children’s hospital/clinic. They are all moved in and seeing patients and performing surgeries and need someone to DESIGN the available room for a pediatric hearing testing room! Have I ever done that before?? Nope! Thinking of Winnie-the-Pooh characters for the walls! More on that as I proceed!

Many miracles have been occurring! I got a surprise telephone call two weeks ago from Denmark from a manufacturer who accepted the monies that I got from MPF for TWO (yes, TWO!) pieces of NEW, portable testing equipment for the price of ONE!! They even said they wanted to make sure I had NEW equipment and not used or demo models! “Oh, OK, I stuttered!” Is anything too hard for the Lord? I should be getting them in the middle of this month. Then…last week I found out that Mike Webb in Arizona (who started the project 11 years ago) has somehow arranged to get the much-needed, state-of-the-art neurological testing equipment, called ABR/OAE, needed for testing the babies and children and valued at $25-$30,000! Although Cluj is one of Romania’s largest cities with one of the largest and best medical schools in the country, they do not have this much-needed equipment for children, or adults. They have to send people two hours away to have this test done and some patients have traveled 2 hours already just to get here. The doctors desperately need these higher diagnostic capabilities.

So, in less than two weeks I received promises of over $35,000 worth of equipment!! Incredible!! Praise the Lord with me.

Hope to see some of you this summer – Home from July 16th to Sept. 3rd, in AZ for sis’ wedding July 22nd – Aug. 3rd.

It has not been dull!

2004-05-24T18:35:00.000+03:00

Well, much has been happening in the month since I last wrote from this Transylvanian land where it is still light until 9:30PM but we can’t seem to get out of the 50’s, the LOW 50’s, that is! As you can imagine, it has not been dull!

First of all, I may not have shared with you the great news of a $5196 donation from Mission Projects Fellowship for the Romanian Hearing Project. They accepted me as a project in the fall and raised the monies for equipment in record-breaking time. Thank You, Father! It will give me the opportunity to get some portable equipment so that I can test people in various locales.

I have been meeting with professionals and doctors in the area and it appears that the Lord is directing my steps to primarily work with children at a children’s clinic, as well as continuing to work with those who need hearing aids and cannot afford them. More places than I previously realized already sell hearing aids but at prices that not everyone can afford. This week I dispense my fourth hearing aid and I have already made my first business contract ordering an earmold from an earmold manufacturer in a city 1 hr. away from here. I will be meeting with the two pediatric ENT doctors this weekend for further plans for the future. I may have the opportunity to help them design their new testing area for kids. Exciting how the Lord has me doing so many things that I have never done before! Definitely stretches me and takes me outside of my comfort zone!

My team has been busy this past month – Tracey from New Zealand has been here since March for a 6 months’ term, 2 nursing students were here from England for a month, as well as a 2-week short-term team of 14 Canadians and a Frenchman. Whew! My apt. was full for a while with Tracey and the nursing students staying here. We all visited a special-needs kindergarten and “it just so happened” that one of the kids in the group I visited had a cochlear implant (a surgically-implanted hearing device for the deaf). She is in great need of further training and therapy for her speech development and I believe the Lord will be using me to empower the parents with greater skills to help their little 5 year old named Stefi. Further stretching outside of my comfort zone!

My friend, Rachel, was also here for 4 days and I had an opportunity to help her go across the Hungarian border to get her passport stamped for a longer stay. Sure, I “helped” her a lot by forgetting my own passport! It was an adventure to say the least and we did accomplish it, even though Rachel had to walk across the border by herself while I waited on this side.

Plans are already moving ahead for a 6 week trip home this summer. I will be arriving home in Philadelphia on July 16th and plan to travel to Arizona to attend my sister’s wedding from July 22nd to August 3rd, visiting Mike Webb in AZ as well, then visiting, meeting with folks and returning to Cluj on the 3rd of Sept. These travel plans were not put in my original budget, so if you have any frequent flyer miles which can be transferred and/or sense the Lord’s prompting to contribute for my travel while in the US and for my stay home, the costs will probably come to around $1000. Checks can be sent to International Teams. Thanks!

Re: never-dull health issues! Recently sustained a corneal scratch and I need patience in the healing process with the power of your continued prayers. Thank you!

Blessings to you all!

The Fun has Begun!

2004-04-22T18:27:00.000+03:00

The fun has indeed begun!

Spent Easter in Suceava with my friend, Rachel, at the Mennonite farm/orphanage and dispensed my first hearing aid of the Romanian Hearing Project to the father of one of the workers at the orphanage (see pic). He is 85 years old and has waited for 4 years for a hearing aid from the national health insurance program. We went to his house in a village outside of Suceava and I knew I was in for an experience when I asked to wash my hands and I had to follow his daughter outside! It is common that the villages of Romania have no running water. I now have first-hand experience! I made his earmold in 10 minutes and was able to fit him with a hearing aid in a ½ hour or so (of course, explanations took a little longer through translation!) All in all, a very gratifying experience!

Had a lovely invitation for Easter to another village - very quaint. Feels like you go back in time due to the simplicity of how they live.

This was my week to start things moving ahead into the next stratosphere of this ministry! I started going into the hospital for a few hours each day to get used to things and to see what my role might be. I have also started visiting other businesses and ministries in the area to see what resources are available at present and how we might collaborate with one another. Contacts will also be made with the people who can benefit from the hearing aids that I have with me. I covet your prayers, especially for patience in learning more specialized language in the medical and audiological areas and for discernment in the Lord's guidance on how He wants this project to be run.

Health has been good. No problems with the infamous ear - PTL! I will check with a "buggy" doctor next month to make sure all is well there. Thanks for the prayers!

Here's hoping you are well and enjoying the season of Resurrection (Spring!)!

Alive and Well!

2004-03-27T18:10:00.000+02:00

I can’t believe it! It’s been two months since you have heard from me! I wrote in Jan. that I thought I was “on the mend” regarding a health issue. Well, that “mending” took all of the last 2 months to get completely cleared up – two parasites! Took a bit to discover what was causing all the distress and symptoms. Those buggies were taking away my energy and my ability to think or study. PTL that this latest adventure appears over!

It’s been two months now in my new apartment. I’ve also enjoyed fixing it up and decorating it to make things bright and cheery.

The kitchen is decorated in a Granny Smith Apple green color all around and I bought a lovely corner table with wrap-around bench (thanks to Christmas monies!) that seats six comfortably. You will have to come for tea!

Last weekend took a 6 hr. train trip by myself to Suceava (sue-chah-vah), northeast from here, and visited my friend, Rachel – my first “mini-vacation” since coming to Cluj 6 months ago. Got to experience a bit of America there – a Mennonite-run orphanage for 60 orphans which produces all its own milk, ice cream, eggs, baked goods, meats and farm produce for themselves and for other orphanages in the area.

The language is coming along, slowly but surely. Regarding the start-up of the project in the hospital, after speaking with the ENT chief, it was decided to start things up in the hospital after Easter, probably around April 19th. I covet your prayers for the next stage of my life here.
Have a team retreat this week for three days outside of the city. Should be fun. Please note new mailing address on the front of this card. I had to change to a PO Box for practical reasons. Here’s hoping you are all well as well.

Apartment found!

2004-01-24T18:04:00.000+02:00

Within a week of sending out the last e-mail asking for prayer for an apartment, I found the apartment for me which I like and has all the things I need - 2 bedrooms, nice furniture, cable TV (for language, silly, and only about $5/month!), telephone, nice quiet location close to the bus and other team members, good price, a second bathroom (alright - a luxury!) with a bidette (ask someone!), 2 balconies, a washing machine (a real blessing!) and a garage! I have already started moving things over there, as well as cleaning it to my satisfaction and have started purchasing the things that are needed. Just going to buy the needed things is a language and culture lesson in itself and I sure am glad for the wisdom of others not to have put me through this right after I arrived! Shopping for a sheet made me realize that not only did I not have the word for it, but I did not understand how to buy a sheet based on metric measurements for a single bed opposed to a double! Language lessons everywhere! I'm due to be all moved in and sleeping over there after the 1st of Feb. The new address and phone are at the bottom of this e-mail.

I've already started building good relations with my new neighbors. The first time I went over there by myself, I mistakenly mistook (yes, that is good English!) my downstairs' neighbors' door for my own door and tried to open his door with my key. All of a sudden the door opened and a rather irritated-looking big guy was saying rather angry things to me that I did not understand, I believe implying that I was trying to break into his apartment! The nerve of the man!! I just stood there speechless and open-mouthed and couldn't even squeak out "I'm sorry!". Nothing like trying to make a favorable first impression with the neighbors!!!

Another blessing - the World Vision shipment arrived on the 19th January! Continuing on with language and culture acquisition - in all ways that He sees fit to use - even got to visit another doctor in my short time over here - as the patient! What joy, what rapture!! Another story and adventure, of course, but suffice it to say at least that I am on the mend! PTL! Thanks for the prayers! Please let me know how I can pray for you!

With His Love,

Christmas greetings 2003

2004-01-09T17:59:00.000+02:00

It has been a while since writing….Yes, the adventures continue! I wrote just before Thanksgiving, so I will catch you up on things. Succeeded having a Thanksgiving celebration with 11, making my first turkey with stuffing and pumpkin pies over here – seems so long ago already! Shortly afterward the beginning of December was filled with sleeplessness and night sweats (50 years old plus – I’ll let you guess!). Turned out to be caused by a switch in my thyroid medicine. I thought I had to change from my American version to a Romanian version but with such reactions, I am thankful to finally have a source for my American version. (Thank God things are back to normal and I am sleeping wonderfully again!)

Then winter came on rapidly with the combination of ice, and mud from the thawing snows. Since they do not clear off the sidewalks and I do a lot of walking, I have managed to fall down 5 times in the ice and mud! Not a pretty sight! I’ll wear brown from now on! A healthy reverence for ice is turning into a reverent fear of breaking something! So far only my pride has been damaged! Have purchased boots for every occasion to be ready (who says one doesn’t need 4 pairs??!!) Thank God for padding in the right places! I hope they do the trick! Am learning new ways of staying warm in this damp cold which goes right to your bones!

Had a nice Christmas here – spent 3 days in an orphanage with our team and a fabulous Canadian team of 6 who were here for their 5th time and brought 25 hockey bags full of stuff for about 80-100 kids to have a wonderful Christmas. We stayed in apartments which were quite comfortable and available for spending nights at the orphanage. Unfortunately, while there the whole team contracted a stomach virus on Christmas Day, of which I was also a recipient! Oh well, the thrills of sharing Christmas joys!

2004 was ushered in and I am now back to language study four times a week with my tutor, Alina, after a little holiday break. She makes it fun to learn and she is so extroverted and enthusiastic, like me, that she makes it so easy to have conversation with her! Slowly but surely the language is proceeding. I have decided to keep language as my primary thrust for another 3 months and will not attempt to start up anything in the hospital until after a full 6 months of language. Please continue to pray for continued improvement in the language.

I have thoroughly enjoyed living with the Madly family for the last 3 months. In my time here they have grown in size by the births of 3 guinea pigs and 4 collie pups. No, it has not been dull here and they have been very gracious in accepting me as part of the family. But now the time has come for the next step in my life here in Romania - I must start looking for my own apartment. Please join with me in prayer that the Lord will direct me to the apartment He has for me. There are countless things to consider – which section of town, proximity to bus lines and/or hospital, furnished/unfurnished, private or general heating and the list goes on.

A funny story – I went out the other night for a few things at the corner grocery story with Lisa, the family collie, and there was a gypsy selling a rug. Somehow, I allowed a conversation to start (my first mistake - but speaking the language is everything!!). “$50!” “No, thanks!” “$35!” “I don’t want it!” “$25!”, “I don’t need it!” “$20!” and, by then it seemed like a deal, so I bought my first purchase for my apartment. Once they found out I was from “AMERICA!” (why wouldn’t I tell them??!! – but, I’m learning!! I’m learning!!), it was as if others appeared out of nowhere wanting to sell me their wares! So, maybe no more sidewalk purchases! I’m sure they did not see “sucker” emblazoned on my forehead! I hope you agree.

The Lord’s blessings to you in the New Year!

Thanksgiving Msg: Many Firsts - 50th Birthday, too!

2003-11-22T17:54:00.000+02:00

Yes, it is unbelievable! A wise guy, George Glover, said many years ago that we wanted to get me over here before my 50th! Well, we accomplished it, George! At least, the Lord did! PTL! The 25th is the big day and we made it by 8 weeks! Just squeaked in to make it!

So, what’s happening??? I have experienced many “firsts” since I wrote last. Got my first sickness over here – was laid low for a while with a sinus infection. Had to visit the doc and get some antibiotics. No prescription is even needed for them in the pharmacies! Different! Am feeling much better and have my energy back. Had my first visit from the States of Mike Webb and his daughter, Rachel – it was great to see them, to catch up on things and to have them here for awhile. Of course, he brought some goodies with him. Thanks, Mike! Received my first package in the mail – a lovely gift of some long underwear – and the postal service wanted to know if it was for personal use. Hello! I even had to write them a letter stating that – “this underwear is for personal use”!! What else do you do with it?? Go figure!! Made my first batch of American cornbread and my first Romanian prajitura (cake). Don’t worry, folks – it has no lapte (milk) or faina (wheat)! The recipe is in Romanian (language, language, language!) and I’ll have to share it with you sometime! First vocabulary words to master always need to be foods! Remember that! May even make my first turkey over here to celebrate an American Thanksgiving. We will see!

Progress is being made with the language. PTL! I am so thankful to have a private tutor. Alina is terrific and she even understands me when I string all those words together! So, I understand more each day and it is coming along and for that I am eternally grateful. There’s a long way to go, but at least I sense progress. Regarding ministry in the hospital, I have no plans of doing anything there until after the New Year. I want to have a solid 3 months of language under my belt before starting anything and hope to continue the tutoring even after that. I heard from World Vision that the equipment will be arriving in Romania on December 17th, so that’s just perfect and will be real Christmas gift!

So, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Thanks for all your love and prayers.

Language, language, language!

2003-11-01T17:47:00.000+02:00

Here I am – it has been a month since I came here. What am I doing? Language, language, language. I have private lessons for 1 ½ hours four times a week and conversation for 2 hours 5 days a week and the rest of the time I spend studying, reviewing the words and going on new adventures every day which means I just go out the door. As you may imagine in another country EVERYTHING can be used for language and culture learning and EVERYTHING becomes an adventure - like going into a pastry shop and ordering something on my own (“Yes, pastries are very important for language!”), asking for the bathroom in the university library (“Hey??!! How come I don’t understand your answer!!”), trying to exchange some money into dollars (“You won’t let me have dollars?? Hey, I’m American, those are MY dollars!”), or buying a Walkman on my own (I got my point across!) or buying a placinta (Romanian filled doughnut) at the same place everyday (OK!, maybe not everyday!) so that they get used to me (“O placinta, va rog, cu varza. 8000 Lei? Da! Multzumesc!”). Yes, eating the different foods is very important for language development! Then, explaining my adventures afterwards in conversation. Well, there you have it….where life imitates art or is it the other way around?

My tutor complimented me on the number of new words I invent every day trying to remember the real ones! One needs to keep the tongue wagging!!! I also received two (yes, two!) other wonderful compliments since being here. Two people, on separate occasions, actually walked up to me (Yes, me!) and asked ME for directions!! They must think I am a Romanian! What do you think of that?? I was thrilled and you can be impressed!

It got cold this week. 20’s during the night and 30’s during the day. I don’t know if that says anything about what the winter will be like. We will see! Layers, girl, layers! Got a down jacket to help things out!

Mike Webb will be here this week for 2 weeks. It will be fun to have him here. He made this journey with his wife and 4 kids 10 years ago and things were VERY different back then which I can’t even imagine. I don’t think they had e-mail. Perish the thought!

The rooster? Still at it every morning!! “Koo-kur-ee-goo” is his way of saying “Bu-na Dim-ne-ah-tza” or “Good morning!”

Thanks for all your love and prayers.

Arrival in Romania!

2003-10-13T17:42:00.000+03:00

13th day in Romania! Yes, I made it here and I am still alive! Took me at least 10 days to accept that I was really here and wasn’t going to be flying out of here any time soon! It is beginning to feel familiar, I’m settling in and thanking the Lord for bringing me here. I am able to keep my e-mail address of Compuserve so I am finally writing you all with my new address and phone numbers (yes, I now have a cell phone!) I’ve started language lessons – had 4 lessons last week already. I have a fantastic tutor who explains things in a way that makes sense to me and is memorable. Loads of work still ahead.

Had an experience with the police already – got a ticket and a fine for not stamping my bus ticket (I misunderstood how a transfer worked and paid 200,000 lei (about $6)). A monthly pass was quickly purchased the next day so that won't happen again!

Moved in with a family who has a large house with loads of activity from a 5, 7 and 9 year old and 3 university students living upstairs. 4 languages spoken here! I am definitely in Europe! So, what we can't say in English, we can say in German. One of these days I’ll say it in Romanian. Had fun on Saturday taking Naomi, the 5 year, with me into the city for a little shopping and sight-seeing.

Thanks for the prayers in getting me over here! Please don’t stop now! The language learning is going to take much brain-breaking and tongue twisting work. Pray that I have His patience for the process which can be very humbling!

Oh, guess what treat I have here in the morning?? A rooster!! He’s Romanian and says “Koo-kur-ee-goo” over here! Isn’t that fun!