This was a long day filled with so much that I can hardly remember it all. Our team of nine volunteers met this morning for breakfast, after which we each came up with three goals that we hoped to accomplish while we are here in Romania. Mihaela, our team leader, coordinated our individual goals, from which we developed our team goals.
Then we walked to the middle school where we met the English teacher. She talked to us, took us on a tour and answered some of our questions. I was impressed with the books the students were reading and the paintings in the hallways.
After lunch we had time for a short nap and then our trip to the hospital in Tutova. The children were excited to see us and we soon had children in our arms. As we moved from room to room there were smiles and a few tears. We were all touched by the responses of the babies as we talked to them and their body language said - pick me up too!
It was a good beginning for our stay here in Barlad.

Yesterday began with our usual breakfast and the topic of conversation seemed to revolve around a curious beeping sound from the night before. Described as similar to a police siren it went off probably every twenty minutes until the morning. Despite that everyone seemed pretty cheerful and we were ready to start our first day. We all got on the bus and made our way to Tutova. It seems that every time we drive that route we notice something new - today it was the army camp and a new dairy farm.
At the hospital we were introduced to all the aides and started off by giving the children their soup (bottles) sticlas. We played with them in the playrooms for awhile and then made our way outside to enjoy the sunshine. It took awhile for some of the babies to adjust but soon they were enthralled with all of the activity outside.
At twelve o’clock we left for lunch and ate in the beautiful gardens behind the hospital. We even got to take a walk to the farm to see the rooster, chickens, onions, pigs and piglets. We relaxed until 1:30pm and then went back to work. The afternoon went by very fast and was spent outside with the kids. Before long it was four o’clock and we had to say our goodbyes and make the trek back to the hotel. Everyone was pretty exhausted and took a much-needed break before dinner.
We met with Dan to discuss the itinerary for the weekend trips and Nancy volunteered to collect our money. After the plans were settled, we walked to a new restaurant for dinner. It was delicious with a great salad, great bread from Kathleen, chicken kabobs and potatoes, and not to mention the ice cream. After dinner we tested our computer skills again at the Internet Café and then settled in for the night.

It was our second full day at Tutova. I was full of anticipation with a schedule to follow and tasks to complete. What a surprise we found when we arrived around 8:30am. Most of the little babies were still asleep. When they finally let us know they were ready to get out of their cribs it was nearly 9:30am. We were even more surprised to discover that they had been bathed and changed out of their sleepers. Then Ramona came to report that the “Inspector of Something” was there talking to the nurses and aides. I guess we all tidy our nests when company comes to call.
After bottle time we bundled them up, put sweet little hats on their heads and headed outdoors, only to learn that the big blankets were no longer available. So we had to use small crocheted shawls and baby blankets for ground cover. The babies kept their hats on about two minutes and several promptly rolled off the little square blankets. But the weather was perfect, as were the babies.
The morning went fast however and soon we were off like Madeline marching in a straight line toward our lovely luncheon spot. We dished our soup, ham sandwiches and wonderful carrot/potato salad. Dr. Dehlia, looking stunning in a navy blue dress with a beautiful shawl draped over her shoulders, came to talk to Bob about the playground. What a charming woman, I thought, as I sat in my grubby jeans and burp-stained shirt.
After lunch, Ramona (not the least bit a pest) regaled us with stories of how she terrorized her kindergarten teachers, drowned her mother’s ducklings and destroyed her grandmother’s flower garden.
Once again it was time to feed, change and play with the beautiful babies of Tutova. Again they surprised us by sleeping longer than usual. When they finally got up it was Chi time. They all were thirsty and loved the weak tea, which was promptly followed by real food.
After another change of diapers and a roll on the floor it was time to head for the van for our lovely ride home. I think we are truly making our time count in Romania.

The day got off to a very exciting start this morning - we had the option of hard-boiled eggs for breakfast instead of just omelets! Because it rained most of last night, the ground was too soggy to bring the babies out today. We spent most of the time holed up with them in the playrooms. Even though it’s quite an ordeal to lug all the blankets, toys, babies, babies and more babies outside, today made me realize it’s worth it - if nothing else but to break up the day a little bit! It’s obvious that the babies enjoy a change of scenery, too, so hopefully tomorrow will be nicer for their sake.
Our sanity was saved by the fact we had Pampers to use today, instead of struggling with bulky cloth diapers and dull safely pins. In addition to all the diapering time saved, we saw big changes in some babies’ mobility by switching them to the less bulky Pampers.
We “big kids” were allowed to go outside for lunch. We made our way to our makeshift lunchroom under the trees. Before we knew it our feast - partly compliments of Mihaela’s mama - was set before us. There was of course the usual water, soup and rolls, and also some cheese slices. But there was an added bonus this time. A whole bowl of tomatoes! Never in my life have I seen a group of people get so excited about a bowl of tomatoes. Things got a little messy because we didn’t have a knife to cut those tomatoes. I felt that simply added to the entertainment value of the meal. As for the main course….at the time I don’t think any of us were sure exactly what we were eating. I do know that there were quite a few carrots involved, which both Ramona and I carefully avoided. And I also know that most everyone seemed to really enjoy this mystery meal, which we later discovered had soy as the main ingredient.
Back in the hospital, a highlight of the afternoon was Mihaela and Ramona playing dress-up with the babies and a batch of newly donated clothes. The little girls were looking so pretty in their new dresses, tights and shoes!
As we walked out to the bus some of us were greeted for the third day in a row by a sweet young girl named Alina. She’s so excited to try out her English and talk to real live Americans - she said she’s CRAZY about America! Today we learned that she’s also CRAZY about the Backstreet Boys!
For dinner we went out to another restaurant. Normally Kathleen is the odd man out not eating meat. Today I was the odd man out not eating seafood! While everyone else dined on Perch Pike (or was it Pike Perch?) I got to enjoy a delicious boneless, skinless….”chicken chest!”

This is the last day of our mini vacation. I had a great sleep but for others the Blue Angel Discotheque was keeping them awake. The breakfast looked great too - there was so much to choose from, except with my stomach I had to stick to tea and some yogurt. At 9:30am we left to drive to Pele's Castle, a summer residence for the first King of Romania, Carroll the First. It was beautiful inside and out, and so was the nearby castle for the Queen. We all managed to stay alive while slipping and sliding along the floors in our slippers. Next we went on the cable car above Sinaia. At 1500 meters we got out to see the view. It was a very nice day with a few clouds so we could see a lot of the town below. But as we got up to 2000 meters, the clouds swept in as well as the rain, so we just waited for the next car down. We stopped for lunch at Marlene’s, where, at is said in our itinerary, they served very good cakes. By then it was raining in town, which was perfect timing as we were getting ready to leave for Barlad. On our way we saw a funeral - different for us - the body was visible in an open casket in the back of a pick-up truck getting rained on. There were many people around, some holding pictures and other, musical instruments. By the end of the night we saw three funerals and two weddings. We got our first stroke of bad luck though when the piston broke in the van. It turned out to be quite an adventure as we putted into the train station only to find that the next train was coming at midnight, seven hours away. While Dan and our driver were in the train station, two parking officials and a soldier came onto our bus as we were illegally parked in a taxi zone. Fortunately Dan came back before they go too upset with us for not speaking Romanian and not being able to understand what they were mad about. Anyway, it was on to Plan B: Drive at 35 mph and see how far it gets us. After about an hour and a half the engine finally gave up and we pulled over beside a security man on the side of the street. We had seen a rainbow in the sky, which could have been our lucky charm as the next town was only 4 km away. We walked that distance to the McDonald’s we ate at last Sunday and Mihaela eventually met us there with a new bus. We were all relieved to be back on the road in a working bus on our way to Barlad even though it was a little crowded. We finally pulled into our hotel at 11:00pm.

Today I was reminded of how fragile both mentally and physically the little children of the world truly are. Because of an unfortunate accident our precious Lady Di was no longer waving two hands at us. We really don’t know what happened but her tiny arm was injured. I pray that it is only a sprain or perhaps a pulled muscle. Hopefully we’ll find out tomorrow and she’ll be waving at us with both hands soon.
There were milestones and joyous moments in the day, however. Our little “Squeaky Wheel”, Madalina, turned over by herself and no longer cries to be picked up. Happy Nicu is sitting on his own, rolling around in the walker, and wolfing down yogurt. Funny Roberto, the Bear, and Florent are staging mini wrestling matches. Stefan serenades us with Da, Da, Da. Gigi and BigBoy Ionut laugh brightly and are so eager to please. Babies Vlad, Anna Maria and Little Ionut smile so brightly that it lifts your spirit. But we must all remember how fragile they are and the care they need!

We woke to the sound of church bells. Today is a religious holiday in memory of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, and his mother, Eleanor. On our way to school we noticed that the streets were crowded with people, but found out afterwards that Tuesday is market day, so we were not clear whether this was the reason for all of the activity.
As before, I had three classes on Tuesday morning. The first two consisted of seventh graders who were not very talkative. The first group was particularly shy, so I resorted to having them read a chapter from a book. The third class consisted of two eighth graders. They were very chatty and I decided that we could all benefit from a trip to the market. They identified the merchandise and told me where it originated.
For the afternoon, Mihaela had invited some high school students to meet with us at the hotel. This caused some consternation at the middle school, as they had students lined up to meet with us. It was decided that Nancy would take one group and I would take the other. We “drew straws” and I took seven eighth graders for two hours. They were very talkative and gave me detailed explanations about their impressions of America, among other topics.
After a little over an hour, we decided to go to the park. However, it was threatening to rain, so we went for ice cream first. Then we went to the park, where they identified all of the statues for me and told me about the plays at the theater. It seemed to be a productive session, and I look forward to meeting them again next week.
We finished the day with a delicious meal cooked by Mihaela’s mother. Everyone particularly appreciated the variety of vegetables and the fresh strawberries.

There’s a new dance in town and it’s called the Florenzo! Yes, following his lead, both Diana and Roberto have found their legs and there was no end to their boing, boing, boing….up and down bouncing. Trouble is, the old gals doing the holding are training new muscles long dormant, which left each of us moaning and exhausted on the bus ride home. But, it was a happy tired from seeing this new development in our little wonders, which offered one more “gold star” on the list of advancements.
More good news….Lady Di’s arm is on the mend. As the day advanced, so did her movements and we are convinced she will make a full recovery.
More and more our babies recognize each other. Florent and Madalina did some precious hand holding while Stefan and Ionuts sucked each other’s fingers and stole each other’s toys. They truly seem to be enjoying each other’s company.
Our noonday meal was a delightful surprise, another sumptuous casserole prepared by Mihaela’s Mom. And…yes, as exclaimed by Ellen…it was HOT!
Peggy reached for the cheese followed by the promise to stop tomorrow morning for bread. Enough of these noonday rocks!
After lunch, many of us tiptoed around the hospital campus in search of pictures to preserve our memories, so I tripped about the place capturing vignettes for keepsakes. Ten minutes and twenty exposures later, I headed back for the babies.
We spent a wonderful afternoon between inside and out. Trees were observed, yogurt was consumed, and before I knew it the babies were bundled in diapers, then onesies, next woolen vests and then sleepers. Each settled down and we headed for the bus.
At our evening dinner, we had the pleasure of two new guests, friends of Mihaela’s. One worked in the insurance industry and the other in a local factory. We discussed issues relating to politics, business, lay-offs and many of the social problems facing current-day Romanians. I was pleased to witness their eagerness and efforts to improve their country and the optimism they held for the future.
But as I turned in for the night, my last thoughts are always of the children. With only two days to go before I leave, I’ll strain to observe every second and sweep each moment into my head. These babies will remain forever a part of me and I feel blessed by each and every smile, or hand wrapped around my finger or head turned at the sound of my voice or cheek rested against my shoulder. To touch the life of a child is like holding onto the tail of a shooting star….it’s a joyous and brilliant ride.

My wife emailed me yesterday that it was ok to come home. The Securities and Exchange Commission has lifted my probation and the police are no longer looking for me. However, as far as she was concerned I should feel free to spend another six months. Since I left she feels like she has been born again. She is the same woman who, when I retired, bought me an unlimited mileage pass on Metro-North, the commuter RR, and suggested I might like taking the train to Boston and back every day. I think there was a message but I’m not sure.
I had hoped to avoid the Journal this time around but the mouth that roared whined so much about having to do it twice and me not at all that I will do it today to shut her up.
Since this will be the end of my stay I thought I would reflect a little on the group. I feel the need to point out that it upsets me a great deal that Global Volunteers feels that they need to pair me up with eight women. I don’t think it takes that many to fix what I break. After all I’ve made great progress this year vs last. I have only dropped eight kids and just two of them landed on their heads.
Actually it is time for me to leave because I am out of compassion. I do much better on Wall Street where I excel at lying, cheating and plundering. Plundering in particular is my strong suit. However, I learned a lesson on manipulating markets from Peggy, Kathleen and Candy, who cornered the market in diapers causing the price to rise fourfold. Such a crisis occurred that GB had to send in a humanitarian van with relief supplies.
Bridget has provided me with great inside information. As soon as I get back I will buy Coca-Cola stock. When the world finds out that Romanian sales have tripled it is bound to jump a few points.
Karen, who raised half her cost of the trip before she came had decided that, rather than raise the balance when she gets home through promoting awareness, it would be much easier to promote awareness here. The last three nights I’ve seen her outside on the corner and at the Internet Café selling honeymoon trips to Niagara Falls.
I don’t understand Judith. She complains that her kids don’t understand English well enough. She doesn’t realize that she is teaching them a new course, Profanity I & II. When I watched those girls come out of class tonight I realized I am in the wrong place. Next year I’m teaching, that is unless my wife comes with me.
Nancy is a sore point. She lasted one day working with me and the toddlers. I would have understood if she had told Mihaela that she couldn’t handle the kids. But no - she tells her she can’t stand the klutz she was paired with. I mean, what’s the big deal, all I asked was how do you open a safety pin. I may not be a mechanical engineer but I know my mother never called me a klutz. Over the years “learning challenged” has been used as a description from time to time but we are not all perfect.
In truth, I can honestly say it has been a pleasure working with you. I emphasize the “with” because that was the case with seven of you. In Ellen’s case I worked “for”, not “with”. From Day One I was what we call in the east her “go for”. Out there in Eucalyptusville or Margaritaville (I can never remember the name but I know it’s a drink or a shrub) they probably call them houseboys or manservants. She thinks she comes from such a sophisticated place but the highlight of the past decade was a two-screen movie theatre. And both had talkies. The town fathers are hoping to get an ATM machine this year. What they don’t realize is they need a bank first.
I don’t know if you have noticed the fenced off area on our right with a monument as we turn off the main road. That is the tomb of the unknown Global Volunteer. He or she, as the case may be, was murdered by Luci last year. Actually I’ve signed a long-term agreement with Luci. There is no question that in a few years he will be one of the most successful at corruption in Romania, and I want a piece of the action. As I leave tomorrow it is with mixed emotions. I’m anxious to get home to my family in the US but it is hard to leave what has become my Romanian family. When I see my grandchildren who have everything I can only think of the kids here and what the future holds for them. Some will make it and go to families who will love and care for them but many will not. I find the thought very discomforting.