Back Home, But Thinking of Moldova

I've been home for a few months now. Life is moving much faster it seems, and I find myself missing the quiet village life. The school where I taught has finished its construction on the new kitchen we fund-raised for. The kitchen staff and students are now able to use the equipment our project budget bought, and the students are eating full healthy meals everyday. I am so proud of my school and the progress it has made and look forward to the day when I can go back and visit to see all the progress my students will have made in their lives. Here are some pictures of the new kitchen sent to me by my friend and site mate Adam Troy:

Miss. Domniţa Contest

There was a kind of talent contest at our school for the girls. They showed off their skills at hair braiding, origami, setting a beautiful table, dancing, singing, and poetry. Bravo young ladies!

Hramul Satului

Each village, town and city has its Hram. This is the celebration of the village on its saints day. There are lots of events all day for the kids. Wrestling matches with prizes including a turkey, a sheep, and the 1st place prize of a ram. Then at night it's time to party and there is a concert and room for a lot of dancing. I got to do my share of the traditional Moldovan dance, the Hora. First we had the Sfintul Gheorghe (Saint George) celebration at home. A lot of good food and wine.

It seems as though the kids couldn't wait for their turn to get on that mat and wrestle themselves.

I didn't get to film once they really started wrestling, this is just the beginning. The 1st place winner got a Ram.
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Concert

Field Trip Days With My Students

Here is my host mama Olga on the swing. This was a fun day. We took the kids to two museums, the zoo, and an amusement park.

Here are some pictures of our day visiting some of the most beautiful monasteries in Moldova.