Frozen ovary syndrome

March 19 2017- Okay, I just have to write on some of the traditions- medical - of Moldova. As an outsider, one should be tolerant and patient, but as a doctor , some of these drive me crazy, and the drive is much too short. One of our sister missionaries went to the piața this week without socks or tights, just a dress. She said at least 27 people told her to go get some clothes as she would freeze her ovaries and be infertile. I always wondered why the Inuit in Canada were childless. Really? Also , sit on a bench in the cold and you will also freeze those ovaries. Who knew birth control was so easy? One day this week was +15, all the children were in hats and heavy coats- curănd or the wind will make you sick, and if those ears are uncovered, then an ear infection will ensue. Oh, and ice cream in winter, might as well book your plot in the cemetery. Cold water, cause of all throat infections. And the list goes on. This country really has a mild climate compared to Canada, but the population believes the weather causes everything. If wind caused disease, southern Alberta would have no people. It is interesting. The other thing that is frustrating is that doctors here believe that every illness deserves at least 4 medicines, even if viral. Saw an infant this week, rhinitis or runny nose. The doctor prescribed clavulin, a strong antibiotic, a funny form of interferon, a probiotic and then a cough syrup. My advice- time and patience. The doctor even told them she thought it was viral, but you just never know when your baby will get ill and die. Scaring patients is common. We certainly have docs in Canada who believe that every illness deserves a few meds, but it is bad for patients. I remember when Beth was in Croatia, all the things she was told  that made her infertile. I guess those 4 kids were a miracle with damaged ovaries. Some days one just has to laugh. By the way, no one wants to hear that the old traditions just might be a little crazy, luckily I am full of tact and decorum- whatever that means. Okay, only on a mission would you drive 2 hours to a service all  in Russian you do not understand, then turn around and drive back to prepare a dinner for 7 people with in the hour of return. And yes, it was a good day. I taught one lesson 4 times this week, a record, I almost got it by the 4th time. We had a police encounter again, one of these days we will meet a cop who  speaks English, until then, we will continue to enjoy ourselves being seemingly unknowing of the Romanian. This guy even pled with people on the street if anyone spoke English. No bribe for you today, sir. We do love the people here and we do enjoy the odd funny time with the law. Deb and I began volunteering at a school this week, she taught keyboarding, I did an English club. They were enthralled with knowledge of Canada. I think, at least those who were awake.

Last week I showed a house with extreme poverty. Here is the other extreme. I thought it was a church, but is a private residence, absolutely monstrous and out of place in this country.

the front building looks like a party pavilion

Nicole Bright, our USA student here to learn Russian,, was in charge of our FHE. The next few pictures are all of line dancing she taught. Line dancing, there is no touching for the missionaries present.

Elder Sarsyan was trying to show an Armenian dance, badly I might add

Front and center is Elder Welling from Finland. For 2 months, his Romanian is amazing.

In the middle is Dasha Zelenski, probably spelled wrong, with Sasha on her right and Olga on the Left

From our left, Elder Morgan, Elder Vashchenko, Dasha, Elder Rybyskyy, Elder Griffeth

It is so rare to see wild life, had to take a picture of about the third squirrel we have ever seen. Boy, will I get thrilled by gophers.
So we hope the weather continues to improve so the nations fertility rate will not plummet. Traditions are interesting, but not necessarily useful.