Christmas in the valley.

There are a lot of amazing things about being here in Lupeni for Christmas this year.  One of them is that it's the first time Jack and I actually will stay in Lupeni for a week straight without having to go to work at all -- we can just see our friends!  Explore the mountains!  Make good food!  Take naps!  We always go away for our "vacations" -- either back to the US to visit long-missed beloved ones, or to other parts of Romania to explore this new beloved land, or even (very occasionally) elsewhere in Europe because flights are so incredibly cheap on this continent.  But this time we're staying put.  And look what a wonder it is!

An evening with the girls from church, including two who are home from the holidays from university.  We hadn't met for our weekly Bible studies this fall, and gathering again felt like such a homecoming!

A Christmas party with the Lupeni office staff, including good food and lots of laughter.  

So thankful for the sense of friendship among these colleagues!

A Christmas carol concert in Pestera Bolii, complete with traditional hymns, a choir of monks, and the fun local caroling traditions -- see below!

Yes, those are giant sheepskins with bells attached.  And tinsel hats.  And swords in their hands.