Birthday BBQ

BBQ & Washing Machine both at work

Today's timetable eased a little as our hosts took time to plan a (surprise) lunchtime birthday BBQ for Gilbert, who celebrated a post retirement birthday a couple of days ago without telling any of us.  The weather - sunny, mid-teens temperature – was ideal, so half of us set out early for Simpetru, via the supermarket to pick up the supplies, while the others went shopping for some small gifts for Gilbert.

Used for ploughing & pulling cart

It was great to enjoy the home/smallholding and company of one of the church families as about a dozen of us joined together.

Many of the families keep a few animals, and here Florin, Rodi and their family keep 3 pigs, several rabbits, numerous chickens, bees, two dogs, and a horse.  As you can imagine, some are for eating, others valued for their productivity, and the dogs advise of any visitors.

 While the food was being prepared, Florin took me over to the village school to look at a board I may borrow when I'm teaching pastors next week.  In his schooldays there were 300 students; now only 16, with two teachers.  Most younger families have migrated to the cities or overseas in search of work.

Gilbert (& Jess)

Nelu, Rodi, Maria & Joan

 Gilbert was suitably surprised when he we sat down to eat and was informed that the occasion was in honour of him.