First Christmas (Cracuin in Romanian) away from home is a completely new experience; traditions, family, entertaining and friendships renewed through cards and greetings are thousands of miles away. However the birth of Christ is the focus and we have been able to feel of that spirit in our humble home and with our branch members.
Dec. 1 in Romania is big celebration as it is their Revolution Day. Three days of entertainment in Centru----parades of tanks and military and 40 shops set up selling all kinds of food and goods celebrating over 20 years of freedom. We had quite a day of it as we were invited to attend a "pig celebration" at the home of our proprietor. This time we got to see the entire pig in all parts and pieces they had cut up, ground, and were making sausage and other delicacies not wasting a single part. The "celebration" comes when all it done and each item is cooked, fried and "sampled". We "sampled" it all! What an experience! Elder McFadden got to chew some pig skin and we both had a hard time with the 4 inch thick slab of jowl and throat fat. This is their meat for the entire winter and they really have the process down. When we returned home later that evening the live entertainment was still going and we were excited to see Romanian dancers, musicians and singing. We also got to sample our first "Kurtockalacs" which were soooooo yummy. As we walked by it reminded us of the aroma you sense when you walk thru the Mall and smell the roasting nuts they sell at ChristTimisoara Nordmastime. Kurtockalacs are a type of bread dough wound around a 3" in diameter wooden skewer then roasted over coals until brown then coated with a coating of sugar and nuts. When you pull it off to eat it, it comes off like a slinky. Elder McFadden was so taken by this new and exciting food product that he had to research it and then search Arad until he found and purchased 2 skewers. Look out St. George as you are in for a super treat when we get home. The events go on as the Day of Revolution ended with fireworks and WA LA the next day they had a gigantic Christmas tree and were putting lights and decos everywhere. Each night English Christmas Carols are being played over the loud speaker and the entertainment and food booths with traditional food and goodies are there for our sampling which we have enjoyed very much. There are Christmas tree lots, lights in windows, live creche, and stenciled fake snow images sprayed on windows. They seem to know how to celebrate.
Christmas Zone parties are going on for the missionaries through the country and we hosted 1 of 3 in the mission covering 2 zones. Elder McFadden was in his element as we prepared food and party for 38 at the church. The Elders and Sisters came from 4 cities by train, maxi taxi and bus arriving at the party at 3:00 and going until 9:30 that evening. Our Mission President and his wife came as well. We spent DAYS gathering product and cooking. Sora McFadden made goodie bags for each one; it was very fun to see the Elders and Sisters gathered and having so much fun together. The Mission van arrived filled with packages that came in from Bucharest. There was even some for the McFadden's!! Thank you all so much for the packages and letters, we can't wait to open them on Christmas.
Our branch Cracuin Saratori will be this week featuring a nativity narration and singing--we are building a stable this week---sounds complicated, but we have limited resources so we will improvise and make it work. Can't wait to sample the Saramalies that the sorias in the branch make for the party!
Saturday the city sponsored a Santa Run; which was 3 km around downtown and the first 200 to be there got santa suits to wear. The 2 elders, 2 sisters and 2 YSA all ran while we watched over their belongings and took pictures. It was a hoot to see all these "Santas" running, last year one of the Elders won a 1200 lei prize and donated it back to the shelter. Our elders didn't do as well this year...it was SOOO cold.
We just returned from a concert put on in the Cultural Palace behind the Pri Maria which is that beautiful white building you keep seeing, it is the City Hall and all things revolve around it in the heart of the city. The concert was very impressive especially for a high school. They had a full chorus, orchestra and brass ensemble. One of our YSA girls was performing so it was fun to see her as well. I kept pinching myself saying, "Can you beleive you really are sitting here in Romania at this moment enjoying this beautiful music?" No, still can't quite comprehend it all as each day brings new adventures and experiences and closer to our Father in Heaven as we see the need for more converts and strength in members; it is still all so new to them, but we are making progress and they are sweet people.
We love hearing from you.... and LOVE you............ emails are great!
Fericite Cracuin....tu iubim
Elder and Sora McFadden
P. S. Don't know how that print got on top of the pics, but I don't know how to fix it!!!! Sorry
