Chisinau Zoo

"BUS! ZOO!" Josiah shouted to the elderly lady we sat next to on the crowded bus. She had a big smile for him.

We decided to welcome the warm weather by meeting up with Logan and Rosbie at the Chisinau Zoo. For only paying 50 lei (about $4), the Chisniau Zoo isn't too shabby. But I do think the bears would agree with me that they are cramped in their cages. We got to see Bengal tigers, lions ('Mufasa' according to Josiah), lynxes, monkeys, wolves, camels, sheep and to Josiah's delight zebras. You just can't go wrong when you take a toddler to the zoo!

  

      

  

Welcoming a Little Sunshine

Growing up in Southern California,  I had no need to complain about the lack of sunshine. Maybe this is why I think large windows and natural light are a must. It wasn't until we got a few days of sunshine and 50 degree weather that I realized the nourishment the sun provides. I even braved the motherly comments of the babushkas when I took Josiah's cap off so he could get some vitamin D on his noggin.

Once the snow melted, the unshoveled walkways revealed themselves, and with the return of some sunshine, a shedding of winter seemed to peel itself from my mood. I didn't realize how much the lack of sunshine had affected me. I am rejuvenated, even though I struggle to keep up being 31 weeks pregnant.

The Moldovans put me to shame. They have their little ones bundled and out in the fresh air, no matter what the temperature or how deep the snow. I'm going to blame my lack of winter exercise on my Southern California upbringing.

But Spring is upon us and our trips to the park have returned and Josiah is trying to make up for the lack of exercise he has missed these past months.

When Spring Bled

Many years ago, Spring came to the edge of the forest where it saw a little snowdrop flower covered in snow. Spring felt bad for the weak snowdrop and tried to help the flower by brushing away the cold snow. Winter watched in anger as Spring showed kindness to the little flower. Winter sent bitter winds against Spring and the flower, but having compassion for the little flower Spring wrapped its hands around the defenseless snowdrop, pricking it's finger on a nearby thorn bush. A little bit of blood fell from Spring onto the white snow and the flower. The flower was strengthened, bloomed, thus defeating Winter. This is the story told on Martisor, March 1st, when Spring spilt it's red blood on the white snow, ending Winter.

A few days before Martisor, the streets of downtown are lined with people selling little broaches made of red and white. Usually one buys a broach to give to another in celebration of the beginning of Spring. Men and women pin them to their jackets or sweaters and wear them throughout the week. Many of the broaches are made of red and white thread but can also be elaborately made with flowers and charms.

Next weekend is the celebration of International Women's Day. It is kind of how we celebrate Mother's Day in the States, but it recognizes all women. The church I attend combined the two holidays for the women where we had a fun time playing games, eating homemade sweets and being encouraged that women are not a mistake but designed especially by God in the mother's womb to do great things. Women can have a tough role in Moldova, so I know many were encouraged, as I too was encouraged. Each woman received a Martisor pin as they symbolized Christ's blood and our purity because of his redemptive act.