There's a New Game In Town

I had a great time today!  I was able to attend an American Football game here in Timisoara.  The 89ers played Bucharest.  I knew going in to the game, American Football isn't popular, yet, in most Eastern European countries.  And today confirmed that fact.  There was no food or promotional items for sale, no cheerleaders, no programs and no admission.  The bleachers were small and run

The Bleachers

down (but they were covered!) The field was 10 yards short.  The game was a bit slow and the crowd was silent.  The guy recording video doubled as the announcer. I only saw one coach on either side. There were no benches for the players.  The field was covered in dandelions an they handed out pamphlets with explanation of the rules.  Yes, it isn't a popular sport here, yet.

But I LOVED being there.  Good or bad, I enjoy the game.  These guys were playing a game that wasn't played in this city 6 years ago!  They had 18 guys who were playing this year for the first time!  Even the lone American playing hadn't played football in the U.S.  But, everyone was doing their best!  As the saying goes, "Rome was't built in a day."  And, American football will take some time to catch on.  But, they are playing it.  And I hope to go and watch again.

I was able to talk with a few players at halftime and they were excited, also, to be playing.  They told me this team was started in one of the parks with 5 guys from Timisoara.  They have come a long way from then and I salute them for their efforts.  Go 89ers!!!

Here are a few pictures from the game today!

For the Love of the Game!

Halftime

89ers & Nittany Lions Fan!!

Ella enjoying the game!

Cameraman and Announcer
I wouldn't want to stand there!?!

The Lone American - From Allentown, PA

The goal posts!  

TBT - CRUX 5 Years Ago

The Pounding Outside. . .

Have you ever lived close to an Orthodox church? I hadn't either until we move to Romania for three months. It is Easter week here. A couple of days ago I noticed some pounding that I thought was some construction workers until I started hearing the same rhythm over, and over, and over again. Obviously there is some reason for it, but I haven't been able to figure it out yet. Maybe somebody here knows. Video below shows the short snapshot of what they are doing. Let me know if you can give me the reason for this.  

A Fond Farewell

Our family is on a three month trip to visit and work with missionaries in Timisoara, Romania.  As we traveled to Romania, we flew into Budapest, Hungary and stayed there until we were picked up by our friends.  But, to my surprise, the city of Budapest wanted to send me out in class and sent this . . .