moldova

peace corps volunteer in the republic of moldova. this blog is mine alone and does not reflect the views of the peace corps, the american government, or the people of moldova.

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at Kromlau, Sachsen, Germany

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Last week we began our "English for Adults" course in Cimișeni! This is the first ever English course specifically for adults in our village. Thank you so much to my mini-teachers @inagolovei, Mariana, and @kazac.md! We're meeting twice a week for 8 weeks and it's a lot of fun so far! The class is growing... this week 14 women participated. #howiseepc

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When you plan an activity thinking it's pretty simple but quickly realize that your students have never worked with a compass rose or cardinal directions before but it still goes okay and they're precious angels #howiseepc (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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🎉🎉🎉 (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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I've always loved how the blue milk jars line up on the fence on Sundays. My host mom uses these jars for her weeklong process of making brînza (moldovan cheese). Throughout the week the jars are filled with fresh milk, which is transformed into cheese, before being strained and bagged. She and my host dad take the brînza to the capital every Saturday, where they sell it. So, on Sundays, the jars are clean and line up to be filled once more. . . #howiseepc @peacecorpsmoldova (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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(Older post but worth sharing...) Pen friend letter success! Today some of my 7th form students received letters from American students in Iowa and Texas. They loved to compare handwriting and names. This project has been so fun, and I hope it continues! Special thanks to @mandychenn for your collaboration and time. 💖 #peacecorpsmoldova #howiseepc (at Moldova)

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Today at English Club we played Heads Up with the older girls, and drew monsters with the younger girls. Oh, and we ate lots of ice cream. #howiseepc @peacecorpsmoldova (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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Sărbătorim 🎉🎉🎉 (at Parcul Dendrarium)

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Wrestling champ gets a ram. Happy Hram. #howiseepc @peacecorpsmoldova (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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Care a fost primul? #howiseepc #peacecorpsmoldova

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After a long day of butchering our 200 kg pig, my host mom is finishing the job by sealing up jars of "jumari"- pork fat. Some jars will go to friends and neighbors but most we'll use for cooking throughout the next 6 months. While I have my suspicions, she insists that this is significantly more healthy to consume than anything from the supermarket, because it is all natural, with no chemicals. These jars can last 2 years on the shelf if sealed properly. #howiseepc @peacecorpsmoldova

[moldoovis]

After a long day of butchering our 200 kg pig, my host mom is finishing the job by sealing up jars of "jumari"- pork fat. Some jars will go to friends and neighbors but most we'll use for cooking throughout the next 6 months. While I have my suspicions, she insists that this is significantly more healthy to consume than anything from the supermarket, because it is all natural, with no chemicals. These jars can last 2 years on the shelf if sealed properly. #howiseepc @peacecorpsmoldova

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Cireșele sunt aici! Cherries are here! #howiseepc #peacecorpsmoldova (at Cimişeni, Chişinău, Moldova)

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Hello world,

I haven’t blogged in awhile but I promise things have been happening. I was talking recently with some volunteers and staff about Peace Corps “Third Goal” and some of the challenges of being a successful third goal volunteer. The Peace Corps Third Goal states: “To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”  What I’ve realized is that as my life here in Moldova has become more normal, it’s become more difficult to see as anything but that. I’m not a writer. My blog started as a way to keep my friends and family at home up to date, and as a cathartic release of information on my experiences. But, perhaps because I’m not a writer, I’ve ceased to see much as exceptional enough to write about.  Oh, and I’ve been pretty busy. While I haven’t been blogging, I have written down a few topics I would like to blog about. Hopefully I get to them soon. 

1. GLOW TOBE

2. Spring in Moldova/Martisor

3. Delivering a baby cow

4. My trip to Georgia

Soon, I promise!

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O floare frumoasa și o găina gustoasa... o primăvara cu multe bucurii, zâmbete, și voie buna! Today is the first day of spring, or in Moldova, a holiday called "Mărțișor." Today (and for the rest of the month of march), friends, family, classmates, and colleagues will exchange mărțișori like this, which they wear pinned close to the heart. All mărțișori feature a red and white string tied in a bow. Some more extravagant ones (like these) also include other symbols of health and prosperity. The red and white pennants symbolize spring and life. It is believed that the wearer of the mărțișor amulet will have a healthy and prosperous year. #howiseepc #peacecorpsweek #mărțișor #1martie #moldova (at Moldova)

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We celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early at our village’s English Club! Students from grades 5th and 9th gathered to listen to some classic American ballads, play word games, and make beautiful Valentines. We celebrated love and friendship together.