My trip home Part 3

Out of all the days I had time to finish up my recent trip's story. When my husband's cousin called a couple of hours ago announcing their approach I totally forgot about the special day that it was today. But it wasn't a prank. For a visit they did come. It is a hoot to see family members grow old and mature. There is just something about seeing other people's kids get older (clear throat here and themselves too, of course). It just reminds me how young I still am and that independent kids with driver's licenses and separate living quarters are still couple of years ahead of me :)
So, while my company was sleeping and I thoroughly hoola hooped myself in the hot first day of April sun I decided it's today or just about lose all my anxious bloggie friends.
So, in Moldova it is customary to remember the dead. The 3rd, 7th, 9th an whatever year after the person has passed away are supposed to be celebrate a little more festive. So, this year was 7th year since my Mom went to be with her maker. Dad didn't really expect me to make it this year, as I haven't made it home in the last 5 years so he didn't really prepare for the crowd I was hoping to invite. SO, it was really low key. The day before I met with my classmates and stayed up till 4 am and was useless till about noon, which is close to the time we had to have guests. So, I tried to help my cousin, Oxana prepare the food ahead of time. I helped her get the veggies cut up for the salads (beet salad and a mayo based salad Olivie are staples at any table) and get the sarmale (stuffed cabbage leaves, fresh and/or pickled) started. I had to leave around 7pm so she was left to finish wrapping the sarmale herself. The next day my relatives showed up and we sat around remembering mom and visiting. One of my cousins didn't show up and I was a bit disappointed since we changed the meeting because of him for Sunday instead of Saturday. I was really hoping to take dad to a fellowship :( Dad bought enough braided breads, candy, towels and small gifts to give to people who come. It is a custom I don't really care for but that it is how it is done there. Dad went to the Orthodox church to do something called Ridicare (raising up) which doesn't make sense to me at all (I will blog about it separately). Dad was not too happy about going by himself but I graciously got out of it since I did get in at 4 am after visiting with my classmate and I really didn't care to mess with the Orthodox custom I didn't agree with either.
But God is in charge, I have to trust Him. I wish more family and friends were invited but dad has become very private since mom passed away and didn't want many people. My company is stirring. So, I better get the slideshow posted. Hopefully, the comments will explain a bit more of what is what. More to come: my school and my teacher coming up in Part 4. Stay tuned. Subscribe by em so you don't have to guess when I post :)