The weather in Bucharest has been absolutely wonderful for the past week or so. Moving forward, it seems we will get a taste for what the winter really is like here.

Traffic has worsened considerably after the holidays, with long lines of cars inching along major roads in Bucharest. Yesterday we came really close to scraping with another vehicle as the driver pulled out in front of us. For all the traffic in this city, we've seen almost no accidents so far.

We're continually amazed by the high contrasts in the city. There are very large, fancy supermarkets, with countless isles (generally very busy) and yet there is also an overwhelming amount of poverty in certain areas. I guess all major cities have this.

What is more eyecatching is the large number of street children weaving between cars at stop lights asking for money. They usually carry signs saying "dying of hunger, please help." I pray that we never become so used to this scene that we stop caring. Overall, many of those asking for money receive donations from passers-by. Last night, as we passed the grocery store downstairs, a young man approached us asking for money for bread. After I gave him some, he asked if we have an old blanket to give him, as he was sleeping on the street. Unfortunately, we didn't find him when we returned with a blanket we happen to have. This morning, as we left for school, Lexi brought her money savings in a bag, saying that she wants to give money to poor children if she sees any outside.

- C