To be thankful....

There are so many things in life for each and everyone one of us to be thankful for. For me I am thankful everyday for the experiences I have had in my life, along with the love and support I get from my family and friends.

Being a Peace Corps Volunteer has put so many stresses on my heart and life, it has been a whirlwind to say the least. Yet, every time I am feeling down about my situation, life, or simply missing my life back home. My friends and family are always there, even when I least expect it.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving, and needless to say I was quite down about being away from my family for the first time in 24 years. As I woke up at 7:00 am Thanksgiving day, I had this urge to get on my computer to see if my family or friends had contacted me. Well that instinct was correct and my eyes instantly filled up with tears as I see on my facebook wall a picture of my face on a stick, and my best friends holding it by their side. Sarah, Ashton, Kim, Stephanie and Cassie made my day and I will never forget that morning and the love I felt. It was just the recognition from them, and how they made the effort to include Jessie Ryan and I at Scooters a local bar in New Sharon(hometown). It has been a tradition for several years for us girls(whom have all been friends since 2nd grade) to get together and enjoy each others company and to catch up the day before Thanksgiving. And once again I can truly say I am thankful that I have such wonderful friends, that I know they will be around for the rest of my life. I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!

The other thing to be thankful for is the love and support I am getting from my family and friends with my current JuneBug project here in Moldova. As we know my goal is to provide 200 children with new jackets, hats and gloves for this winter season. Currently we have raised over 1300.00 and I am more then happy with this amount! I really couldn't be successful in my community with out all the love and support I get from my loved ones. I cherish you guys so much. And to know that each person that helps out with this project will be more then acknowledged at my center. I will be printing off photos of each person who donated so the children can see the "Americans," who helped them out.  Love you guys!

Getting back to Thanksgiving and being away from family. This year was quite a different experience for me. As I woke up on the day of, I thought to myself, what feels weird about this day? I am used to going to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with the Francis's or waking up and heading to grandma's for an amazing Thanksgiving feast.

However, this year I woke up, finished packing, put on my clothes, locked my doors and rolled my suitcase up the road of Iargara, Moldova. I was off to Germany!! This was a very exciting day for me, however they day didn't start off all that great.  Every morning that I have went into the city of Chisinau I have taken a rutiera(bus). On this particular morning I recognized the bus was completely packed and there were no seats. This usually is the case and I don't think anything of it, due to the majority of people getting off at the next village and at that time I will have a seat for the remainder of the ride(which is 1h 30 min).  As you guessed, on this day I had no such luck. Found myself standing in the middle of this bus, hanging on for dear life as the rutiera driver takes off at about 80-90 miles an hour, on a bumpy road. Do I need to say more? My stomach was tossing and turning like no other, and I couldn't barely find my bearings. Not a great way to start my day.

When I did arrive at the bus stop, I met up with Alex and Tanya(friends from Chisinau). They picked me up and took me to the airport. Very thankful for their help! It is not the easiest thing to jump on another crowded bus with so much luggage, let alone be successful at it.

Tanya and I at Eli Pili Bar

Alex at the Sauna

As I arrived at the airport and was sitting around waiting for my departure to Germany I begun to think about my life... My life in Moldova and how awkward it felt to be leaving. To leave Moldova and experience another culture, and to be able to feel like my self again. At that point I wasn't sure what would happen when I arrived in Munich that day.

The plane lands, my heart rejoices!! I am in MUNICH and that's all my heart and mind kept saying over and over and over again. As I walk through customs, threw the gates, I see my cousin Dana! That was the most relieving feeling I have felt in 6 months. To see a familiar face, and not only that but family! She greeted me with a huge hug, and I can't tell you how much that made my day! Life in Moldova makes me appreciate the little things all the more.. Especially things such as hugs, because as I expressed this country is not very affectionate or loving to say the least.

As Dana and I headed out of the airport the first thing she said to me was "Guess what's over there?" STARBUCKS!!! I can't even express the joy I felt when I saw my beloved Starbucks!! I went straight there. They didn't have my normal cinnamon dulce latte, however they did have the holiday seasons out and in which I basked in a gingerbread latte! It was heaven on my lips.. The next stop from there was my second love Subway! And with this I have to share a little piece of information. The lady at the Subway counter was preparing my sandwich and she dropped my chicken into a pile of onions.. As we all know my hatred for onions and in the states I would of asked them to remake my sandwich, and she even offered too! However, I didn't even care, I told her it was fine and I would take the one she had already made. I am not sure if this has developed from Peace Corps, or overall just appreciating and indulging in the simple things. Hard to tell, but needless to say I surprised myself!

Enjoying my Starbucks in Nuremberg!

Starbucks in Munich!

Dana and I headed into Munich and started off our adventures at the Olympic Stadium. As we were walking around this park a little bit of our childhood came into play as both of our eyes centered on a huge leaf pile! We walked past the first one, however as we approached the second, the temptation set in and we had to partake in the jumping in and throwing the leaves! Felt great to be a kid again and what can I say Munich is such a beautiful place and got the best of me!

Never too old to play with leaves!

Hanging in the leaf pile!

From there we enjoyed the sites of the impressive BMW cars at their museum. I have never been to museum quite like this before. And I always amaze myself when I visit a new country and the little things that really impress me. The museum and its structure was definitely one of them.

Testing out the speed at BMW museum!

The best part of the day I would say would be the Hofbrauhaus. We walk into the crowded place and instantly I felt at home! People were enjoying themselves all over the place in about every language you could think of. And the best part was we could talk as loud as we wanted and people wouldn't think anything of it, because everyone was doing it! This night I enjoyed a "Radler" which is a white beer with lemonade, and I can say it was tasty!! Also that evening I ended up partaking in an amazing sausage dish served with some of the best sauerkraut. A perfect evening! I even got hit on by a man from Italy(he wasn't the best looking and didn't speak English that well). Yet, it was great to be recognized again!

Radler beer!! White beer with lemonade. Foarte delicious! 

2nd day(Nuremberg)
I woke up around 8:00 in the morning. Was feeling a little sluggish, but overall great. Most of all because I knew I was going to have an amazing breakfast and a hot shower, along with a Starbucks later on in the day! Like I said the small things in life that I now cherish and enjoy. Toliet, Shower, oh and a glass of milk!! As I told my father I was able to drink my first glass of milk in 6 months while I was visiting Dana!! WHAT GLORY!!

At around 9:30 am, we took off for Nuremberg to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Germany is known for really going all out during the Christmas Season. And I can speak clearly of that, they do more then go all out!! In all my travels I have never been able to experience Christmas decorations, ornaments, lights, trees, basically the whole works.. Well I can now check that off my list...

Yummy bratwurst!!

Aren't I adorable!

During this day we walked around enjoying all the little booths full of cute ornaments, delicious chocolates, hot wine, and the most amazing bratwurst sandwiches I have ever had in my life! I was in HEAVEN!! While that evening we went to one of the local restaurants and I was able to get a taste of wiener schnitzel.  As for the end of the evening, we decided to go to Dana's friends going away party at a place called Alex's cafe. This evening we really enjoyed conversation with her friends, and was able to sit back and relax.

3rd Day- Ansbach- Thanksgiving FEAST

Slept in until 10:00 am and headed straight to the kitchen to start making biscuits and gravy! If you don't know me this is by far my FAVORITE breakfast food. I can admit I ate ALOT this day... After we finished breakfast and showered, we took off for the Army base. This is where Dana is currently working as a biology teacher. Never in my life have I seen a base before, and just another thing I enjoyed fully and can check off my list. Dana also stopped by the commissary and I was able to pick out some American foods that I had been missing. My cousin was so great to me all weekend and paid for my goodies, along with several other things. I appreciate and am so thankful for this! I will enjoy my goodies to the fullest.

As we returned from the base we begun to make our Thanksgiving feast!! This was quite exciting for both of us, due to never doing this before. We decided to make Turkey, Sweet Potatoes Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Corn, Applesauce Jello, and had some Moldovan and Italian wine! It was wonderful!!

Sugar Cookies!

Our Feast!

Around 7:30pm we took off for Rothenberg for the Night Watchmen's Tour. We arrived a little late, but soon caught up with the group. The leader of this tour was quite the comedian and Lasco, Dana and I really got a good laugh! After the tour we headed to a local Irish bar where alot of the soldiers hung out at. To my surprise one of them decided to buy Dana and I a German Flag shot. Was quite tasty. Lasco ended up buying us a second round of the shot as well. And of course I enjoyed my last lemonade beer!

Castle in Rothenberg!

YAY!!

German Flag shot that a soldier bought for me!

All and all my trip to Germany was amazing!! When I woke up on the 4th day at 5:00 am and realized I had to go back to Moldova I was a little sad. Realizing I wouldn't be with my cousin anymore, wouldn't get to feel like myself anymore, and most of all just going back to my Moldovan reality. I can openly say that my life in Moldova is far different then I had ever expected and when I got a little taste of my life back home it made me long for it even more. But, reality is, I am in Moldova, this is my new life and home and will continue to do great things here, no matter how different it may be.

As darkness begins to fall in Moldova...

Moving into the last few weeks of November, I have begun to feel what winter is going to be like in Moldova... Depressing to say the least, but I am trying to make the best of it.

Living in Moldova during the winter time has its advantages and many disadvantages. I can say the only advantage I see so far is all the quiet time I have to think. The disadvantages are: I have no life after 5pm every evening due to the fact that I need to be in my home before it gets dark out, never have any friends or family to talk to and I get very lonely, I have resorted to peeing in a bottle in the middle of the night due to the cold temperatures and not wanting to go to the out-house(laugh at me, you should!), I am a 24 year old young woman who basically isolates herself 5 out of 7 days a week!

WINTER IN MOLDOVA PLEASE DON'T KILL ME :)

Daily life continues...

I head to my center each day with the anticipation that I will conquer the world, but by the end of the day reality sets in and I realize that it's not merely possible. However, progress is being made and I can feel/see that with every movement I make.

Some of the differences I have begun to experience the longer I am here in Iargara are the relationships and the respect I am building. In my center I have a wonderful Moldovan partner Valeria. If you didn't know better most would think we are best friends.. This young woman speaks a few words of english, yet understands almost everything I say to her. Our communication is quite funny, and if you ever were to be around us you may think we're crazy... Just imagine a dialect between hand gestures, english, broken romanian, real romanian, and spanish... All and All that is our communication style, and I can proudly say IT WORKS! :)

Beyond the relationship I have with my partner, I can say I am starting to be included in the "team," at the center which is a wonderful feeling. The women really turned to me for advice with just about everything: clothes, make-up, computers, food, design... I may not know the answer, but they feel confident enough that I will find it for them. Which really puts a smile on my face and helps me get through each day.

This past week really was one of the best/productive since I have been in Moldova. The director of the center "Pentru Tine," was in from Greece. Argi is a very out going, direct and fun loving person. She really helped me to get a better understanding of the center and what "I" as a volunteer can do for them.

Finding out that my center "Pentru Tine," was created due to the high risk of human trafficking in the area of Iargara, Moldova. The organization "Children on the Edge," which was created by the people of "The Body Shop,"had assessed five different villages in Moldova. And in conclusion found that Iargara was in the most need. They based this on the following: number of children in the village, abandonment, poverty, trafficked women(that have been taken, fled, or returned), and risk for trafficking in the future.  This really opened my eyes. Recognizing that the center was created to provide a safe place for the children of the village and to show them there are other opportunities that can help them to be happy and to advance in life. Since the center has opened three years ago the trafficking risk has decreased, more children are attending school and overall they are receiving the help they need.

With the new information of the center it gave me a whole new set of ideas for myself on how to help. Argi talked with me about conducting seminars on awareness of alcohol, drugs, trafficking, etc. Along with helping the women in the center to learn on how to deal with children who have grown up in socially vulnerable homes and overall to provide a more motivating/inspiring community setting. Each one of these areas I believe I can help with, and not only that but do it with a smile on my face.

Which brings me to the exciting news that "Children on the Edge," has agreed to sponsor the center for the next year as long as we meet half of the budget on our own. We are trying to obtain this by convincing the local raion of Leova to help us out. In conclusion to this, today my director and I worked for 6 hours on a powerpoint presentation to present to the council. December 15th will be the big day in which we find out whether or not the center will remain open after March 2012. "No big deal right?"I only need to convince 33 members on the council with our powerpoint, no pressure at all!! haha... But, with the meetings I recently had with the partners, I believe we have a great shot at this money! The one thing I can say is if I don't do anything in Iargara beyond helping the center remain open, I will walk away with a smile on my face.

The women who work at the center, along with the directors and partners!

Other News:


On November 15th I had the pleasure of helping another volunteer Michael Houdyshell, with a "Critical Thinking," seminar. This was quite a different experience. We conducted this seminar to the english teachers of the village/raion. It was to provide them with knew knowledge on how to help students. We focused on what critical thinking is, and to recognize where it should be applied in the future. At the end of the seminar the women had the chance to do a debate with the topic of "Should all the people of Moldova be required to speak the native language?"

This debate brought on a lot of steam from the ladies which was quite exciting. Even more for me due to earlier in the seminar I made the comment to the ladies to think about what they want to say to their students and not to say "NO," right away. The majority of the teachers said "I never do this." However, it really came out in the debate on how human instinct makes us put up our guards right away and we can't help to express our own opinions with out thinking. By the end of the seminar the women were able to recognize what I was trying to express.. Was a success to say the least..

Next, the executive director of my center, is also the director of the school in my village. Her and I were talking about a young boy recently and his troubles at home and most recently his behaviors at the center. This young boy has been acting out in many different ways: hitting, taking his shoes off and throwing a fit, yelling, drinking, smoking, and overall being a bully. I expressed to the director about ways to talk with this young child and how to appropriately handle a situation such as this. Reasons why I expressed this is because this boy is constantly being yelled at by his parents, teachers, and basically every one, and he continues to feel like it's all his fault and feels all alone.

After the director took my approach she came up to me and thanked me for informing her on this method. She expressed that this young boy had never opened up to her like he did that day, and she truly recognized how approaching him in another way really allowed him to feel protected and more comfortable. I as a person feel so grateful that I was able to help in this situation and will look forward to giving seminars to the teachers in the future.

As a whole I can say things are getting better.. I am starting to see the light of success... And I am starting to understand Moldovan ways.... Nothing in life is perfect or easy. I recognize this every day. But knowing within myself that I need to make the most out of each day that I am in Moldova, because before I know it the time will of passed and it will be time to go back to the USA.

Lastly I want to express the difference I feel within myself as the holiday seasons approach. For any of you that are reading this blog and have a positive relationship with your family and friends you will understand what I mean... It truly is AWFUL to be away from my loved ones, and often I find myself wanting to jump on a plane and just be with them for the holidays. To every person I am close to I want to say I LOVE YOU MORE THEN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD AND I AM THE LUCKIEST PERSON TO HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

This holiday season I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all that he has provided me, the opportunity to help others, for my family in the states and the love they provide me each day, my new friends in Moldova and their gracious and giving ways, and myself for being able to take on and endure new exciting adventures each day.

Life continues in Moldova in the middle of November...

As the middle of November approaches I find myself becoming more content with my life in Moldova. Day to day it's tough, and in all reality I recognize that my heart will always be in the United States of America. However, with the commitment that I made here I realize I need to make the best of each day.

With bringing the picture of my life back to this blog I wanted to refresh everyone on what it is that I do every day.

10:30 am- Wake Up
12:00 pm-3:30pm- Work at my center
2:00-2:45 pm- English Club (M, W, TH)
3:30-4:30 pm- Sports Club for Women(M-W-F)
4:30 pm-1:00 am- Computer, cook, and lounge around.

As you can see my schedule is limited and I don't really accomplish a whole lot through out my days. Yet I will say the four hours I do work every day I make the best of it and try to inquire as many projects as I possibly can.

In December of this year, which will make the 6 month mark of my service I will be having 200 children provided for. I don't compare nor do I ever want to with other volunteers, but I can say that is one heck of an accomplishment that I am proud of especially for only living in my village for four months.

And when I say I am proud of myself I truly mean that, but I also want to include in that statement that giving to young children is not something I normally do, or have ever wanted to do, and in all reality feels quite awkward. I am a drug counselor, and forever will work in the area of corrections. I like living in a tough world, and like working with people who challenge me. The majority of time the children in Moldova don't challenge me, it's more the environment that makes me take a second look. This is what makes this specific projects more awkward for me, but I can say it's a good thing. And I have truly recognized that I will never be completely happy with my life in Moldova, but when I arrive into the US, I will be forever satisfied with knowing that I have/had the willingness to help others before myself.

The inconsistent schedules drive me up the wall, and with knowing my personality, most of you can only assume on how I respond... Well assume all you want.. :) I can openly state that I don't respond the way that the "Jamie," did in the US. I simply keep my mouth shut, and learn how to be patient and effective around all the schedule changes. If I don't learn anything else during my service, I can at least say I learned patience...

Opinions about myself and others...

This is something that hurts my feelings a lot... The constant perception of who I am and who my family members are... Well some of the Moldovans that I have came across haven't always said the nicest thing about Americans, and specifically about myself and my family. With out even knowing me they automatically assume I have money and I have selfish family back home... This is where I want to get defensive and say "You have known me for less then 1 minute," and you already assume all the wrong things... However, in turn I find little tactics here and there to let these specific people they are wrong, and need to get an attitude adjustment. I am here to spread Peace and Friendship, and to let people know who Americans are, and what we are all about....

Here is an example:
Rutiera ride on 11-13-11
-I was on my way to the Gara de Sud and found myself sitting by a young man in his early twenties. I simply asked him if the rutiera was going to the South Station. He seemed to not understand me at first, but as the conversation went on he noticed my American accent and assured me that I was on the right rutiera. However, when it was revealed that I was an American he wouldn't stop asking me for my phone number, and kept saying how much he wanted to go to the US, and that I could take him if I wanted to. I kept insisting to this man that I didn't have a cell phone(which I do have one), and that I couldn't receive any phone numbers. He continued to ask if he could write his phone number down and give it to me so I could call him. I kept saying NO... As he continues to talk to me asking me about my family, how much money they have, if I will take him to America, and how he can't go because he doesn't have enough money. I ended the conversation by telling him that a lot of Moldovan's want to go the US and that I do not live there any more. I simply expressed to him that I live in Moldova, work with out pay, that I don't plan on going back to the US any time soon, and that I couldn't help him with his problem.

I found myself handling this uncomfortable situation very well. Yet as I am writing this blog it still bothers me on how insistent people are, and how they automatically jump into Americans taking them to the US.. Why don't we get accepted as people instead of "the rich Americans."

As I relate this topic to the conversation I recently had with my friend Alex who lives in Moldova with his girlfriend Tanya. Alex and Tanya are both Moldovan and give me a good perspective on life. As I was saying Alex and I were talking about American's being noticed where ever we go. He was expressing to me how easy it is to pick and target Americans.. My defense to this is in America we have so many people of different cultures, races, etc and that a foreign person to us is normal and natural. Myself as an America don't sit back and judge a different race or culture every time I see them. However, here in Moldova "we as americans get judge everyday for simply speaking english."  And with this I have been responded to in several different ways.

And here are some examples:

1. A lady screaming at another volunteer and I for speaking english and saying "you are in Moldova so respect us and speak our language." Funny part is Tom and I were on our way to a charity event to help out their country.
2. Moldovans walking out of the same restaurants that we are in because they don't want to here us talking or speaking in English when they are having dinner.
3. A random man grabbing me while I was at a bar and tried to kiss me just because I was American.
4. An older lady telling me how crazy I was for carrying a backpackers bag and said I shouldn't carry that on the bus. Simply because it touched her leg.
5. People constantly making fun of me because I speak romanian with an english accent.
6. Walking through the local Piata as men are screaming "AMERICAN!!"
7. Young children running out of the local magazine(store) in my village screaming "Mom I just saw Jamie!!"
8. Walking into the local store and buying supplies for my new home, as the lady says pick out what you want and you can have it for free. This lady is amazingly respectful and grateful of volunteers.
9. Buying a bottle of wine at wine festival as the vender gives me another bottle for free just for being American and visiting their stand.

I could go on and on about my experiences, but that gives you a feel of the negative and positive that happens in my daily life... Most of it comes out of no where and throws me off balance..

With living in Moldova I really don't know what to expect from day to day. This is very strange for me with always have the same schedule in America and feeling very content with it. Yet sometimes it's enjoyable to live with out knowing...

I have had some great things happen to me lately. The biggest one is my new friendship with Alex and Tanya. I met these two wonderful people at the Moldovan Wine Festival.  They invited myself and a couple of other volunteers to the Eli Pili Bar. We ended up staying there most of the night and had some great conversations.. From there Alex, Tanya and I have stayed in contact with one another and have hung out numerous times since Wine Fest.

This past weekend Alex and Tanya invited me to the sauna with two of their friends and Alex's mom and sister. I really can't even express how grateful I am that I met Alex and Tanya, and their family and friends. Every time I am with them I can feel like myself and really allow myself to relax. They all speak english which helps alot, however it's their personalities and character that make all the difference. Alex's mom made the comment that they are my family in Chisinau and I am welcome any time. So now I have a family in Stauceni and Chisinau. Couldn't be any luckier then that. I really have came across some of the best people in Moldova!
Take a look at the awesome place they took me!
http://saunapremier.md/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=55&lang=en

The other thing I have appreciated this past week is my new host mom Domana Catea. She is so kind to me every day and is always considerate of my needs. She really understands that I like my privacy and is more then welcome to give it to me(which I love). Just a shout out to her. :)

SOMETHING I AM PROUD OF:

With a little change of pace I wanted to mention my new desire. As most of you know "Jamie is never satisfied and always needs a new challenge." Finally I have submitted my application for graduate school. I decided on the University of Cincinnati Criminal Justice Program. I will begin on January 3, 2012 and end December 10, 2012. It's less then a year program. I will be taking two classes every 5-6 weeks and completing a demonstration project at the end of the year. I am very excited about my new adventure, and most of all having my time occupied on the long winter nights when I have nothing to do from 4:30 pm and on...
Website: http://cjonline.uc.edu/


ENDING WITH A LITTLE BIT OF FUN :)


10 Reasons Why Outhouses are better then toliets
1. You never have to flush
2. Always have a constant draft to blow away the smell.
3. Never have to live in the same house where you shit.. :)
4. When you have company they don't have to embarrass themselves by leaving a stink...
5. Never gets clogged and you won't have to worry about water running all over your bathroom floor.
6. You never have to look what came out of your body when your stomach starts turning, because once it's in the whole you can't distinguish which shit is yours.
7. Don't have to sit on the same seat as everyone else, because most of the time there is NO seat.
8. Your legs get a work out from squatting.
9. Surprising your balance gets better after realizing you better keep it or you will be falling into a pile of pooo..
10. Overall, Outhouses are better then indoor toliets because that's all I have for now...

For your enjoyment check out this video. It is made by Peace Corps Volunteers and is very similar to life in Moldova.
website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUWaAr-itY

As one paths ends.. another begins to appear

Through out the month of October my heart has been filled with darkness, sorrow, happiness and joy. The extremes of what my life contains are more then I have ever imagined.

In the beginning of this last month the connections I made with Junebug aka Wendy Bigbie was one of the most rewarding feelings I have had in the past five months. Actually a sense of worth and freedom, and most of all the beginning feeling of accomplishment. I believe these feelings are very vital to life, existence and happiness. Especially for me as a human being, I am very difficult to understand, and even more difficult to please in a work setting. With reality I have always been such a hard worker, needing to do everything my way- not to be selfish.. but so I know it’s done right, and to know and see that there are results at the end of the day.. even if it’s just a smile..

With the Junebug project it allows me to see long term happiness, connection, and a better life. This plan with Junebug and Pentru Tine is to provide around 200 children with new jackets, clothes and hats. Not only that but Wendy has generously took on the mission of 1 for 1. For every dress or clothing item that Junebug sells she will be donating one item to the children in my center. This project not only will put smiles on these children’s faces, it will bring them more opportunities within themselves and in their communities.. “As for my last statement I am sure many of you are thinking why would a jacket and a few items help change Moldovan children’s lives…  I can’t explain the heart aching feelings that I see and feel every day…. But I do know what the truth is, which is this 1) Moldovan children don’t always go to school because of not having adequate clothing to wear such as jackets, hats and gloves. They make the decision to not go to school with knowing that their classrooms with be just as cold as the tempatures outside. 2) Many of the children’s parents don’t work due to alcoholism, unavailability of jobs, poverty, or illness. 3) Many children will never own a new clothing item in their lives due to their social situation. 4) Overall these children do not, and will not always have materials in their lives to always make them successful. However, as a person with a strong heart, I want to help provide these children with the opportunity of a good education and to advance within themselves to develop a driven mindset.

Here is the information about this projects! PLEASE DONATE!!

Email: helpingiargara@gmail.com

Blog: www.alongcameajunebugpentrutine.blogspot.com

Facebook: Pentru Tine Meets June Bug

Wendy and her family!

As for the beginning of my sports club I have really found myself becoming more comfortable with my village and the relationships I have with the young women. With being a kickboxing instructor at Farrell’s for the past couple of years I have really developed a strong desire to accomplish great things, along with a motivation to encourage others to go beyond a level ten. With the language barrier I have with the women in my club I find myself struggling sometimes with being able to give proper instructions, but have also recognized a lot of encouragement is universal. Clapping my hands, yelling, or simply doing each exercise with them has really helped the women progress. I would have to say starting my sports club was the best decision thus far.

Official Members Of the First Sports Club In Iargara, Moldova!

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3:30-4:30pm

Ultimately I have began to look at my life as a Peace Corps Volunteer and really examine my thoughts and believes about my current life. The position I put myself in to be here is something I question every day. Which I don’t believe is a bad thing, and in reality I know and believe that each volunteer does the same thing. Living in Moldova may be fun sometimes, but also can be heart aching at other times.. Which brings me to the experience with my past host mother and the adventure of moving out…

On October 25, 2011 is when I had decided to tell my host mother Doama Vera about my wanting to live in a house by myself, and that I would be leaving one week from this date. As these words come out of my mouth my host mother’s eyes become fierce, with showing nothing but anger.. My heart begins to race, my body begins to feel tense as I realize that nothing good is going to come out of this situation… I find myself heading back to my room, locking my door, and afraid of what will happen that evening or simply in the week ahead.. As I awake the next morning to my host mother screaming at her family and her husband(about what, really I have no clue), was the beginning of what my week would look like ahead. Every day since Tuesday the 25^th I would hear screaming in the morning, music blaring, and noticing that these actions had a lot of do with me, or as I thought(due to them not happening much before the talk). As I venture off to work each day I am constantly bombarded by several people asking me “did you tell Doamna Vera about moving, and contionously asking me to not mention any ones names that helped me with this move.” These actions and instances made me realize the reputation my host mother has in her village, and how many people are afraid of her, including myself. Also recognizing the power she has with her friends in the community. I had two older ladies that would greet me every day on my walk to work, and would ask how I am doing. These two women were very close to my host mother. On Wednesday the 26th I was heading to work as normal, and recognized that the two ladies whom I thought liked me, wouldn't even acknowledge my presence. Not a positive feeling to say the least.

In which that week continued with my host mom avoiding me at all costs, refusing to make dinner for me, having her daughter associate with me verses herself, talking bad about me to her friends, yelling and being rude to my language tutor, bringing issues to my director and colleague at my center, and most of making me feel like I am nothing, and the most unwanted person in her home. As I described this instance to many of my friends and family at home, I expressed that I have never in my life felt so hurt, betrayed, belittled and disgusted with not understanding how any woman would want to treat a person (me) in such horrible way. I guess the saying of "what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger," is how I will approach this time in my life.

As for my position and feeling right now, I can say that my life feels 100% better. I am living in a casa mica and the only person in my home is ME. I do have a new host mom that lives in another house in the same yard. However, this woman “Doamna Catea,” is the most kind and giving woman. She has gone out of her way to make me feel comfortable and is never over bearing. It really has helped my attitude and heart feel more at ease with Moldova. I thank her for that.

My New Home

Describing my new living situations.

My old-fashioned stove

1. I have a fridge and a stove
2. My stove has a gas tank that I need to turn on and off every time I use it. 
3. I have to wash all my dishes in a bucket.
4. To bathe I need to use a bucket, or go to my center and shower there, because I have no running water, or a place to take a bath.
5. If I want water I need to walk to the nearest well and fill my bucket up to bring back home.
6. To keep warm I have a soba- in which my host mom puts wood in every evening, and in turn will heat the wall to my room. In reality it works great!! Beside the carbon monoxide scares that I have had.
7. I have a queen size bed for once and it is comfortable!!
8. Internet all to my self, and even have WI-FI.
9. All my dishes are clean, because I CLEAN them with soap.
10. If I want to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I better be ready for the cold temperatures, because we only have an out-house.
11.  My outhouse actually has a built in seat, so no more aiming for a whole in the ground, and I have to say this is quite a luxury!!
12. I live 7 minutes or so away from my center, 2 minutes away from the market, 3 minutes away from my Moldovan work partners home and 4 minutes away from the school and my sports club!
13.  And overall I am very happy with my new home!

Kitchen

Bedroom

Plans For The Future

With being followers of my blog you may remember me mentioning that my center “Pentru Tine,” has a good chance of closing in March 2012 due to financial struggles.  Due to this news I have been working my tail off to try and find different ways to save my center and make it a more stable foundation. Currently what I am working on with my partner is putting together information to participate in the Peace Corps Partnership program. I have attached a link to this blog so you can better understand on what exactly this is.

With not knowing who my partner will be for sure, I rather not mention any names until things are well on it’s way. However I can say that my partner, colleagues, and the children in the center have all been participating in this adventure with me. I am very hopeful to succeed in this partnership, and teach the Moldovan’s in my community about long standing partnerships and good financial states.

Here is the website:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMR17JPXQDA

To end this blog I wanted to share a story with you that recently broke my heart and really put me in a tough position. I came across this information while discussing with my partner about the necessary needs for the troubled children in my center to have a counselor to turn to.. I am sure it will hurt your heart as much as it hurts mine.

The 12 year old woman that is lost…..

Three years ago the Center of Pentru Tine opened up to the village of Iargara, Moldova. Around two hundred children would soon be provided for and have a chance to have enjoy themselves and fell like kids again. There was one special young woman that came to the center at this time, she was around nine years old. Many of the workers at the center noticed this young woman was very shy and distance from other children. Yet there was something particular about this young woman, it was her distance from her family, her home, and her self.

 Every night when the center would close around 5pm the workers would ask the children if they were going home for the night, the majority of them would say yes and would be on their way. This young woman would often say No she wasn’t going home, and most likely wouldn't that evening. As the days passed this trend kept happening. The workers in the center could no longer tolerate this and decided to take a walk to the home of this young woman. To their surprise they find the mother of this child so drunk that she couldn’t even tell the workers who she was or who her boyfriend was at that time. The mother of this young woman has severe alcoholism and continues to drink every evening. Not only does this woman drink all day and evening, she will invite several different men to her home and the majority of the time can’t even tell others who they are. As we would say this woman has a bouquet of boyfriends, one for each day of the week. This made everything more clear for the workers in the center on why the young woman never wanted to go home, with finding out that there is no place for her to sleep, there is no electricity, no water, no place to bathe, and most of all no one to love her or make her feel wanted.

 The workers of the center would offer their homes to this young woman, and even offer the shower and facilities at the center to her. Day to day she would deny these offerings and would stick by her mother. Never once did this young woman reveal what is going on at home, and will not speak a word about it until this day. It is only until the workers of the center went to her house that they realized the situation in which this woman has every day of her life.

As days and years pass, the situation for this woman continues to get worse. As she continues to come to the center each year, new disasters and troubles have arisen in her home. One day this young woman came to the center with a severly beat up wrist. This action was from one of her mothers boyfriends, and with knowing that she could never report this to anyone, she refused to go the hospital, knowing that what awaited for her at home would be much worse if she ever spoke a word of this instance. On another day she came to the center and was hunched over, barely walking and was holding her pelvic area. I don’t believe anyone needs to say more then this child was being raped in her own home from her mothers boyfriends…

Three years passed and now this young woman is 12 years old, she has contiously lived in the same house, seeing her mother drink her self to death every day, seeing new men in her home all the time, seeing these men beat her mother up every time her mother would get pregnant- to the point that one man took a chair and beat her mothers stomach so hard until the baby had died, and worst of all this young woman has now turned herself into a prostitute.

Every day this young woman will come to the center of Pentru Tine to enjoy her day as child, but when the sun goes down, this young twelve year old child turns herself into a shameful, lost young woman seeking attention from older men, due to the situational factors her mother and home has provided her the last years.

This twelve year old woman is lost, forgotten, broken, and most of all tortured within herself every day. My heart goes out to her as I truly recognize the damage that her lifestyle has done to her. The emotional damage her mother and the boyfriends have placed on her mind, the mental damage of being raped and forgotten, the sexual damange of wanting and providing sex at such a young age with the hopes of feeling loved or normal, and the physical damage that this young woman will internally bare the rest of her life.

A twelve year old children living in Moldova has experienced more in three years then most of us will in our whole lives. With knowing that this is something I can relate to, and knowing whole heartedly that I have dedicated my life to helping others, especially in circumstances such as this. I ask you think every day on how you can help others in need, and ways you can help provide a better life for someone else. We as people may not have money to give to others, but we do have love and general positive affection that we can provide. I am asking you today to please do this for at least one person.

This young woman deserves more then life has dealt her, and I hope in my service in my Moldova I will help her find this light.

Just a reflection on the feelings this story brings to my heart..