Targoviste and "Dracula's Castle"

This past weekend, a group of us went to visit Targoviste to see what is supposedly the real Dracula's (Vlad Tepes) castle and a beautiful monastery. And an added bonus for me was getting to see a WWII bunker as we hiked down from the monastery. It was a fun day trip. This was part of the reason I chose Eastern Europe. This region of the world runs deep with history and interesting sites. It also doesn't hurt that I've always loved the Medieval period. Yeah Yeah...I can hear all my family and friends right now! What a nerd!! Eww history! But you all are missing out! I'm posting some of my favorite pictures from the trip. I hope you all enjoy them because I'm definately enjoying all the new and exciting things I've been experiencing over here in Romania!

In order: 1) Entrance to the dungeon of Vlad Tepes (Dracula); 2) Ruins left from the castle
3) Tower; 4) Looking down at the ruins and church of Vlad Tepes; 5) Group pic at the monastary; 6) Me inside a WWII bunker; 7) WWII bunker--ignore the trash

Tarnaveni!!

I just wanted to share with all of you how God works in mysterious ways. So if you know me, you know that my journey with the Peace Corps has taken quite a bit of time up until now...it is fairly difficult to become a Peace Corps volunteer and definately takes commitment. Anyway, when I met my counterpart the second question she asked me was where I was from. It just so happens that she has a daughter living in Indianapolis, and out of the 40 volunteers she got me; the only volunteer from Indiana! Now I don't know about you, but I think that there is a purpose for me being placed in Tarnaveni...I've been told that this was going to be a significant experience for my spiritual self and it certainly has been that so far. Just think what I will be like two years from now!? Wow!

So far the town and people at the school have been wonderful, welcoming, and very accomodating. It's a small town and everyone knows everyone...I like that! Kind of like Bluffton if you think about it! I saw my apartment, and it is definately adequate...I did join the Peace Corps after all; NOT the posh corps as some seem to think. I do have a few fears though! I hope I don't let all the people of Tarnaveni down!! I want to be an effective volunteer, teacher, and community member; but I suppose that's in God's hands! If I trust Him then what do I have to fear?

So long for now! I'm just in Tarnaveni for a few days, and then I'm heading back to Ploiesti for a couple weeks! Love you all (whether you are family, friends, or a brother or sister in Christ) and I hope this post finds you all doing well and enjoying your summers! Peace and God Bless!

A little update to appease you

Hey all!!
Things are going great, and I'm having fun!! This weekend I get to meet my counterpart and then we are taking off to Tarnaveni for a few days! I can't wait to see it! I will put some pictures and another update on here when I get back for sure! PST is quickly coming to an end, and soon I'll be off on my own. That is scary and exciting all at the same time. My parents sent me copies of the family pictures we had taken before I left!! They are awesome, and it's nice to be able to show my gazda my whole family at home!! I won't be available to respond to email or anything over the next 6 days...so don't be upset if you don't get a response! I appreciate all of your messages, letters, and emails! They always brighten my day! I've had some rough days and something that Kent Ringger told me keeps popping into my head... He said that this would be a significant season in my life, and there will be plenty of opportunities to see God working in and through me. It's definately true and I'm trying to be disciplined and focused on the Lord.

Oh and before I forget, on a totally unrelated topic to God, I finally bought a cell phone! So feel free to email me or whatever if you want the number. Calling cards do work, but they can get pricey so I'm not expecting a lot of calls!

Anyway...I've been playing basketball in the park with some Romanian kids and playing Ultimate Frisbee in the park lately. It's been really fun! But those things don't compare to the fun I've had playing 4-Square lately!! During lunch and pauza's we all play 4-Square...we've stopped using our hands...I've become obsessed! I just thought I'd share my new found passion in life!! This month has been full of birthday's in our PST Group so we all have been frequenting the bars in Ploiesti much more!!! I'm really interested in Rroma Affairs right now...and I want to join the council some Peace Corps volunteers are starting up. I'll spare you all the details...but this is one of the reasons I was interesting in coming to Romania in the first place. Welp...I really don't have a lot of specifics to share so I'll cut it short! Peace and God Bless!!

Site Placement!!!

I'm going to Tarnaveni! It's a city of about 26,000 people in Transilvania near Sighisoara! I'll be teaching 4-6 grades intensive English classes. It's not exactly the age group I wanted, but I think I'm going to like it! Someone I love once told me before a track meet in high school that 99% of life is about the attitude you have! Happy Birthday to Kay and Kelli by the way!! I'll tell you more about Tarnaveni after next weekend when I get to visit there! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers! They are very much appreciated!