Balabanesti Kindergarten School

Most every village we visit has a kindergarten school (daycare), and they are in need of the most basic classroom materials. This kindergarten is in the village of Balabanesti, Criuleni County. The school is about 40 years old. It was closed for 10 years before reopening again in 2003. There are a total of three buildings (not including a separate kitchen), in which two are in fair condition to be utilized. The school currently has 80 children between the ages of two and seven that attend. This kindergarten can not meet the needs of the village as many children are being turned away due to a lack of accommodations. The Mayor has replaced a few windows and doors, and a current project is underway to provide the school with running water. You will see in the pictures a silver container above the sinks. That is where they bring the water from the wells and put in these containers to wash their hands with. Used tables have been donated from the community, but many are broken and not able to be repaired. Each child is also required to bring a chair from home, many of which are big, old, or not suitable for school work. LDS Charities has been asked to help with table and chairs for this school. We were able to make a visit, and took Elder Cantlon and Elder Vandermark with us soon they could see village life. It was very touching for them to see the circumstances these children live in every day. Elder Cantlon was able to place a Book of Mormon with the librarian Lidia Zatic who will partner with us on this project. We are always amazed at the dedication of these special women in these schools. The Lord will bless them for watching over his children

Centru Maternal Ariadua-Drochia

Elder Hinson and I are always getting requests for help here in Moldova. We try to filter out projects that are suitable for LDS Charities to pursue. There are many Peace Corp volunteers here in Moldova, and they are one way we find projects. We had a volunteer contact us about a shelter for mothers who were either involved in human trafficking, or abuse situations. Moldova has a big problem with both. It is very easy for young girls to be picked up in villages thinking they are going to work in the states, when in reality they are put into a human trafficking situation. This shelter helps to rehabilitate mothers and children, and incorporate them back into society. We were asked to help with their beds that are broken, mattresses that are moldy and broken cupboards in the kitchen. When we visited this center we were impressed by the staff and their dedication to see that mothers and children receive the help they need.

Container Ceremony in Balti

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints sends containers of goods to all parts of the world. The containers usually have bundles of used clothing, quilts, school kits, hygiene kits, newborn kits, medical supplies, bedding, and shoes. Moldova does not allow some of these items to be brought in. We just had 2 containers arrive in Moldova the 1st of April. One container went to NGO’s in Balti to distribute, and the other went to NGO’s in Chisinau. Last week we were able to go to a distribution ceremony for the city of Balti and see how many people’s lives are blessed by this contribution. The NGO (Valentina) helps those who suffer from cancer or who have had cancer. These people were so grateful for the donated items. Many lack basic items such as hygiene supplies. These items are quite expensive here in Moldova so this was a real blessing! There are never enough handmade quilts to go around (donate by the Relief Society). Sisters your efforts really do bless many lives around the world. We are always touched by our experiences here.

Bran Castle

Surrounded by mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker’s Dracula.
Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212, the castle was first documented in an act issued by Louis I of Hungary on November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Braşov) the privilege to build the Citadel.
Although Stoker never visited Transylvania, the Irish author relied on research and his vivid imagination to create the dark and intimidating stomping ground of Count Dracula, leading to persistent myths that it was once the home of Vlad Tepes, ruler of Walachia. While the association with Dracula is sketchy at best, the castle continues to hold a strong attraction for all fans of the Count.
From 1920 to 1957 Bran served as royal residence, a gift of the people of Brasov to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle is now a museum open to tourists.
Narrow winding stairways lead through some 60 timbered rooms, many connected by underground passages, and the castle overlooks the picturesque village of Bran. While we were there Sister Hinson and Telford looked for Edward of the famed Twilight series, but he was nowhere to be found! We had a great time looking!!!! We also had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant high on top of a mountain with a view of Bran Castle. The restaurant had a reindeer that loved to have his head scratched.

Peles Castle, Sinaia Romania

One our way back to Moldova we were able to tour some beautiful places. Peles Castle was probably the most beautiful castle I have every seen. Our tour guide was Elder Banu (he served in the Romania Bucharest mission) and he did a wonderful job of showing us everything and making our stay in Brasov memorable.
Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe.
Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls.
The furniture in the Music Room is carved of teak, a gift to King Carol I from the Maharajah of Kapurtala in India, while handmade silk embroideries adorn the ceiling and walls of the Turkish Salon. The ceiling paintings and decorative frescoes in the Theater Hall were designed by the renowned Austrian artists Gustav Klimt and Frantz Matsch. Over 4,000 European and Oriental pieces dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries are on display in the armories.