My Take on all Things Moldovan: A Peace Corps Volunteer's Adventures While Living and Volunteering in Moldova

First I want to say a big ‘thank you’ those of you who follow this blog. Thanks also for being patient with me. It’s been a while, but here I am. Training continues to be grueling with language classes five hours a day and very long days as well. It is going well though, we have our first language assessment next week and our teachers are convinced that I will do very well. I, on the other hand, am really hard on myself so sometimes I think I know nothing. We have to pass our final language assessment at Intermediate-Mid based on a scoring system developed by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages. If by Swearing In we test at Int. Low we can ask to be on plan to improve. So pray that I make it.

In addition to intense training, PC organizes cultural events for us to get to know more about Moldovan culture. One such event was an exhibition of traditional Moldovan dances and also a presentation about the Roma people who live in Moldova. The Roma people are often castigated in Moldovan society and are likened to gypsies who will steal from you and do you harm. We were presented with the history of Roma people and how they are trying to get more information out on themselves. They are also trying to integrate into Moldovan society by selecting professions such as medicine to be more visible to other Moldovans as well as their own community. One thing I was reminded of after the presentation is that one should not generalize.

We were also fed the Moldovan traditional dish known as mamaliga – corn meal made with butter and other ingredients that is foarte delicios – very delicious!!!!! There was brinza –home made cheese that is very much like feta cheese, placinte – pastry that can be filled with vegetables, cheese, or cherries and is sooo very delicious. Moldovan food is very good and very tasty. My host mother also cooks all of these dishes so I get the full menu.

Life in Moldova has been really good so far. My village is absolutely beautiful and I enjoy being here very much. It’s a simple life where you breathe clean air and eat fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Where I am awakened by a good amount of roosters each morning and even attached by a rooster - yes attacked- I had to show him who was boss though and now, when he sees me he makes a speedy escape!!!

Not all Moldovans share this feeling about life in Moldova or village life though, as Moldova has a long way to go as a country. Twenty-five percent of Moldovans of working age leave in search of jobs in other countries. Most times working illegally to send money home for their families. Those of us who are here to make a difference, even if it is a small one, are grateful to be here and pledge to do the best job we can. That is why I hope to be placed where I can work with youth. I believe that change can occur and it starts with the youth of Moldova, who have so much to offer their country. They are very intelligent and creative and the more of them who see that they can make a great life here in Moldova for themselves and their families, the quicker this sentiment will spread so that they can realize the vision of a better Moldova.

That’s all, I promise to post more often.

O zi buna. Have a nice day!!!