Adventure within yourself...

In life we take a new step each day.. A step of faith, disbelief, courage, love, or simply for the future. The key to each of these steps is to measure out accurately what the final out come may be and is this step hindering or improving your future.

This is how I have been approaching the past few weeks in my village. Thinking day after day of the importance of being here in Iargara, the importance of completing my current project successfully, and the importance of being a good role model for the children/teenagers in my village.

Lately, each day at my center has brought me more joy. Each day I arrive at the center and I have 3-4 children yelling "Jamie!" With each time there is always this one distinctive voice. A young woman by the name of "Olga." This precious child is 12 years old and has down syndrome. She inspires me every day and always puts a smile on my face. Just seeing her at the center, and improving her skills daily, makes the journey all the more worth it. Not to mention the center has been open for three years and she hardly remembers anyones name, but I am the lucky one and she remembers me :)

As I was saying the current project I have with Junebug clothing has really made me take a step forward. Every day I look forward to checking my email, and searching through our blog to see of any responses, donations, or inspiring thoughts... This is what gets me through each day! I am so excited for the day when the children will receive their new packets of clothing with their jackets, hats and gloves. The smile on their faces will over power all the negative that has occurred thus far.

Most recently I have had several skype conversations with my friends and family back home. These conversations help me to realize how much my friends and family think and care about me, and also how much they recognize what I am doing over here in Moldova. It really helps me to believe in myself and also to gain more strength to continue.

Many thoughts run through my head on what I really want to accomplish in my service, and I can say the idea for my next project is stirring. As we know the reason why I joined Peace Corps was to see the difference in alcoholism and drug addiction in another part of the country and be able to compare it to the United States. With the five months that I have been in Moldova, I can say that I have seen much alcoholism, hardly any drug addiction, and in reality know little about either of them here in this country.

This is what I know:
Alcoholism(in my village)- I see many men drunk by 11am and they can barely walk to the next store, I have seen people passed out by noon in the grass, people rather drank wine or beer with their meals and if you don't have either of these they won't drink anything, Moldovans allow their own children to drank alcohol(the youngest I have seen is a 10 months old baby drinking beer), I had a young woman in fifth grade beg to have alcohol at her birthday party, the majority of the children at my center have parents that are alcoholics and don't get fed most of the day due to this, if you go to the local bar the majority of people there are 15 year olds enjoying their favorite vodka or beer, and if you ever go to a celebration which is basically every day you better be ready to drink.

Drug Addiction: Marijuana grows everywhere, and the only other popular drug is heroin. Beyond that I haven't found out much more information, but will hopefully be volunteering at the only IV drug rehab center in Moldova very soon!

Therefore as a whole the idea of my next project is to do a seminar about fetal alcohol syndrome. I want to educate the women and men about this possibility and to give them the knowledge of what some of their children may have. There will be a lot of obstacles with this seminar, but I am truly ready for the challenge no matter how many people back lash at me.

I thrive off of adventure, the feeling of starting and accomplishing something that no one else has even touched or thought of in this village is amazing.. I may not be able to impact every person, or have everyone like me, but I can help people to know the truth of what they are doing to themselves and their children.

To go back to my current project. I ask whoever is reading this blog to think about what is your daily routine. Do you have water? Toliet? Clothes? Car? Cellphone?... Do you eat out? Go for a drink with your friends? Go to a concert? or all the above? If so, please think if you donate 10-15 dollars to my center, you are helping one child to have a new winter coat, gloves and a hat. There are many times we can be selfish as people and that is very normal, and most of the time healthy. But for today.. Please be selfish for one of the Moldovan children.

I am excited about my adventure, excited to help, not every day I am happy, but in the end I know I will walk away from this country with success.

October in Moldova

This past month has been full of lots of adventure, trials, joys, sadness, and every emotion possible. For starters I have been working my tail off at my center, and at the school to get things up and running for myself and my service. And I can proudly say that I am getting somewhere, and making progress.

First Project- English Clubs

5^th and 6^th Grade- 2pm-2:45pm

9^th and 10^th Grade-2pm-2:45pm

11^th and 12^th Grade-3pm-3:45pm

Second Project- Sports Club for Women

Monday-Wednesday-Friday-330pm-4:15pm

Third Project- JuneBug Meets Pentru Tine

-One of my first and yet biggest projects to come. Recently I connected with Tom’s shoes on facebook asking him to contact me about helping Moldovan children. Tom never contacted me in return, however another fan say the post and contacted me. That person was Wendy BigBie- proud owner of JuneBug clothing company for children. This woman is amazing and has a huge heart to help children.

-We started talking about helping the children in my center ages 2-10 because that is what her clothing line sells for. However, after I sent her all the information about my center, about Iargara, and overall about Moldova, she didn’t want to just do that, she wanted to help as much as she could.

-Right now we are working on two projects: 1 was getting the dresses and pants for the children ages 2-10, so they have nice new clothes for the holidays. And the 2^nd project is a jacket, hat and glove drive for children ages 2-18 in my center.

-We are hoping to have all these supplies by the end of December. It’s not to far away, however we are working quickly and efficiently. You should really check out our blog and facebook page. And just recognize the wonderful people in this world that are willing to help others.

Blog: www.alongcameajunebugpentrutine.blogspot.com

Email: helpingiargara@gmail.com

Facebook page: Pentru Tine Meets June Bug

Fourth Project: Meeting with Tony Hawk

-No not the famous skateboarder, the famous author and comedian.

-This meeting is to discuss partnerships in Moldova and how to find and raise funding for my center. As well all know my center is possibly closing in March 2012 and is in dire need of some strategic planning and resources.

-Tony has agreed to meet with me around December 8,2011 to discuss all these issues and to discuss possible solutions.

-Tony started an organization in Chisinau Moldova bye the name of Hippocrates Children’s Center.

-Check it out: http://www.tony-hawks.com/about.php

Fifth Project- Halloween Parties

Currently I am planning three different Halloween parties. What can you say when the American is in the village, everyone gets crazy excited about this wonderful time. J

-The first party is with a 5^th grader which will take place on October 28^th. This is also Erina’s birthday. We are planning lots of games, food, and overall the works that goes along with Halloween.

-It has been pretty awesome to plan a party with this young motivated girl, whom speeks English better then anyone in my village. She has a private tutor, and has really excelled.

-The downfall about this party is this young girl approached me saying “My friends want to have alcohol at my party.” As everyone who knows me can already guess my response, NO! Yet, I didn’t say it that way, simply I expressed to her that I don’t believe that having alcohol at her party was a good idea, and let her know that if she choose that I would not be attending the party. She did ask questions on “why,” and I simply let her know the culture in America and what I did for my job in the states. She understand and respected my thoughts, and said she would rather have me at the party.. “That was nice to hear.”

Sixth Project- Soccer Tournamet- Completed

-On October 22^nd Peace Corps had ten volunteers play in a soccer tournament. How this applies to me is the mere fact that I put this team together and helped raised 100 Euro for charity.

-This charity is called Hospice Angelus which is for children and elderly whom are sick and dying. This organization allows people to go into the homes of the people whom are sick and help take care of them.

-It was a really awesome turn out. We did lose all three games, but to side note we were the only team that has never practiced soccer, let alone knew how to play. All the other teams were quite professional and were on leagues.

-The upside is Peace Corps was able to go against the Uk and US Embassy, and played against the ambassador of the US Embassy.

-Overall all we raised 1600 Euro for this organization, and walked away with a big smile on our face and recognized that we all had a great time!

Overall that is the projects I have going, enough to keep me busy to say the least.

Host Family Situation

-As most know I was blessed with a wonderful family in the village of Stauceni and was able to make some great bonds with them. I have to say I am very lucky to have them here in Moldova with knowing that whenever I am said and need to be cheered up, I can go spend a weekend with them and feel refreshed!

-On the other note I wasn’t so blessed with my permanent site host family. The three months that I have been living here it truly has been a nightmare, and has begun to weigh on me emotionally and physically. I would have to say I have never met a person who genuially doesn’t care about me as a person, she only cares about the money. This has really begun to hurt my feelings due to my host mom constantly throwing comments in my face such as: 1. No person in Moldova gets sick. 2. Your host family in Stauceni has life so easy and they don’t do anything to earn their keep. 3. You need to start paying your center if you want to have lunch there. 4. Your life in American is so easy, you don’t even know. 5. I won’t make you a fire because you wore a dress today (granted it was a winter dress) .. And many many more….

-Overall I can not take this abuse any more and want to move out. The Peace Corps director and doctors all agree that would be the best thing for my sanity and my health.

-November 1^st is the big day. I will be moving into a “Casa Mica,” which is a small house in the yard of a bigger house. My new host mom seems great, and will give me all the privacy in the world.

-The luxury of living in a “casa mica,” is that its my own home, I will make my own food, have privacy, be able to have quests, and decorate the home how I would like it. Very excited about this!

Things that are different today in my life:

1. I have to distill all my water before I drank it (takes 5-6 hours for 4 liters)
2. Im use to being unclean most of the day due to the muddy roads and dirty water.
3. On a daily basis I have to ask “what is this,” about the food because most of the time its internal organs or pieces of meat that I am not supposed to eat.
4. There are worms in my food, and my host mom thinks that’s ok.
5. I can’t remember Spanish, mess up on my English, and recognize that most of the time I am speaking in Romanian.
6. Every day I am pushed out of my comfort zone into a new situation that requires patience and determination to get through it.
7. I am noticed by everyone as “the American.”
8. The things I look forward to the most are my skype dates with friends and family.
9. Overall my whole life has changed in Moldova.

New Experiences:

1. Wine Festival
2. Playing Uno with my 4 new Moldovan friends(2 sets of couples)
3. Looking for Grant money
4. Starting my own Projects and Clubs
5. Soccer Tournament
6. Latin Music Concert- attended for charity
7. First COD(my group) and ARBD(ag-group) seminar.
8. Picking Grapes and making wine with host family in Stauceni.

Upcoming Adventures

1. House change November 1st.

2. IST-language and experience training November 4th and 5th

3. Germany Trip to see Dana(cousin) November 24-27th- Ansbach, Munich andNuremberg.

4. Spain Trip with another PCV- December 20-27th

5. Possibly Paris Trip- New Years Eve to see my friend Mandi from Iowa

There are many approaches I could of taken to summarize what is going on in my life, but I hope this does the job. In reality I can say I am happy and things are getting better with my service in Moldova. Never did I think it would be this hard being here, and never did I think it would be such a challenge. Yet this experience is making me stronger and I really feel as if I am benefiting out of being a Peace Corps Volunteer.

How would you define Challenge?

Most painful walk.. away from my friends and family in Iowa..

How would you define a challenge?

There are many definitions of a challenge, and I truly believe for each person it will be different. We all may have the same concept in mind, but the areas of struggles are what make each of us very unique.

I have came across many of my own challenges here in Moldova.. A challenge to me is something that makes me take a step back, take a breath, get energy, and drive forward harder then ever.  To begin describing some of those challenges I want to remind myself and others that I am living, breathing, and awaking in another country every day. This helps my mindset every day, with knowing that each new challenge I endure there is a chance to conquer!

My first challenge was integration into a Moldovan community. From the time I took my first step off the plane in Chisinau, Moldova- I knew my life would be different in every way. I would have to adjust to  new food, houses, attitudes, stares, language, and everything in between. Do I need to say more? Exciting and overwhelming mixed into one... However here are some of the ways I have integrated thus far!
- I can say that I found a love for some of the moldovan foods such as: stuffed peppers(with rice and meat), bosteneii(zucchini with garlic), koldsenash(dough with meat, cheese or potatoes), and many others.
-As for the language I have never been more proud of myself. I recently took my language proficiency test on October 5th and received an Intermediate-mid on this :) Never in my dreams did I believe I could learn a language in 4 short months! Granted I am far from perfect, but I can get by quite well. In which here is the email I received in regards to this!


Dear Jamie,

Thank you for your hard work and dedication proved during PST and PST Phase III language classes. Keep on doing the same great job to achieve even better results in your Romanian language learning.

I want to congratulate you for getting Intermediate Mid during the Language Proficiency Interview you had on October 5^th.

If you will need any support or advice, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to support you with any language, cross-culture or integration issues you may face.

Thank you and have a great service in Moldova.

-As for attitudes, stares, houses and all in between I am still adjusting.. However, I have to admit I have started calling the house in "Stauceni, Moldova with the Titco family "my home." In which I give myself credit in that sense with feeling adjusted!

Next challenge was adjusting to a whole new group of friends and people. As all my friends and family back home know, I have always been a very sociable person, and in reality I never thought it would be hard to integrate into a group of new people.. I can say I was wrong in this area, and it has been more difficult then I have ever imagined. There are many things I have had to dumb down about my personality while being in Moldova, such as my joking around. It takes a certain type of person to understand my attitude and humor, and if they don't pick up on it, many things can go wrong... In which these are something of things I have been trying to do...
-Never judge people before you know who they are.
-Accept peoples attitudes for what they are and try to go with the flow.
-Only say things in return if they are necessary, some arguments on beliefs aren't worth the stress.
-Respect each persons dreams and desires, and try to grow from them.
-Understand what brought each INDIVIDUAL to Peace Corps, with knowing that none of us will be the same.
All and all the things I have mentioned above, have helped me to get a better understanding about people, and their dreams, beliefs and desires. We won't always get along with each person, but I can say for sure we can learn something from each person. Never throw anyone to the side based on first impressions.

Following with the challenge of Moldovan life as a whole. The culture that sits in front of me each day is a challenge to overcome every minute. Some of which are the following:
-Young children drinking alcohol and their parents reinforcing it.
-Lack of sanitary conditions and beliefs about them (lack of use of soap)
-The "foarte tare," way of speaking, which essentially means VERY LOUD!
-Lack of structure, and waiting until the last minute to complete much needed tasks.
-Untimely schedule, and knowing people will never be on time.
-And lastly the burning of the trash!

These are just a few examples of the different ways of life that moldovan culture lives. Not saying that these are all wrong or horrible, they are just challenges for me to overcome. And I will emphasize on this that I have to try every minute I am in Moldovan to adjust to these new ways. As a whole I can say that I am slowly adjusting to these, with the example of people talking very loudly at each other.. I have slowly begun to not even look twice, or second guess on what is going on between people, because the majority of the time its just natural conversation that is held in a very loud tone.

Difference in sanitary conditions...

The hardest challenge yet is living with out my friends, family and my cat Ellie. Not going to lie writing that sentence just brought tears to my eyes.. And all I can say in return to this specific challenge is thank you to all the wonderful people in my life that I have back home. God blessed with with the most amazing friends and family that I could ever ask for. Moldova has made me realize this even more day after day!

Mother! Days before I left..

Saying goodbye to my best friend!

In conclusion to this blog I want each person who read this to think about something that challenges you the most. Think about the way it makes you feel, and go into depth with each emotion. Such thoughts can be overwhelming, but I have always found that when you concentrate on the challenge, and want to conquer it, you always come out on top!

Go for everything you can, and everything you are!

Here are some words from some of my fellow volunteers and friends with the question of "What does a challenge mean to you?"

Marlene Lopez( PCV)- I would say something that stands in the way of you fulfilling your true potential and dreams.

Laura Hinspeter(Fellow FXB)- I would define Challenge as something that takes hard work, determination and perseverance to achieve the end goal or result... Example: it is a challenge to keep my patience when dealing with my kids sometimes.. and completing FXB was a challenge... 

Rachel Gleason(PCV)- testing your limits and going beyond your comfort zone. 

Krysten Pierce(Friend)- This question.. something that pushes you outside your comfort zone, that pushes you mentally and physically to overcome it...

James Tiger(PCV)- Challenge is a task or situation that tests someone's abilities. 


Justin Ringer (Uncle)- A challenge once conquered, is a tool we can use to validate our personal greatness! 

The most important people in my life!! Knowing the next picture like this will all be tears of joy!

Catching up about my life here in Moldova

As you discover life can be different each day. A day of happiness, sadness, holidays, deaths, and everything in between. We really never know how to predict our life ahead of us, all we can do is live in the now and hope for the best in the future. This is the mindset that I have been trying to keep with each day I am in Moldova.

Today I have lived in Moldova for four months, and have been sworn in as a volunteer for two months.. Its really quite breath taking if I think about it... To live, sleep, wake up, breath and eat in another country every day for four months is an accomplishment in itself... But not only that its recognizing and looking back on the successes and challenges I have had along the way.. When I left America I really had no idea what to expect from Peace Corps, and to tell you the truth I still dont know what to expect with my service or my time here in Moldova, I can only go off of what has happened thus far. That is the joy and also the fright about being here.

There are many things that have happened to me over the past week that I have enjoyed to the fullest. One of those was the accomplishment with my romanian language. What I mean by this is four months ago I was not able to have a conversation with my host mom, and today I am able to have an in depth conversation. Three days ago my host mother and I got into a conversation about my mother, my father, and all the wonderful people in my life. She wanted to know why I had several sets of parents in my life. Well the truth was finally revealed about my past to my host mom, as hard as it is to talk about these areas of my life, it was also so fulfilling with being able to let her know a little about who I am and what I am about..

There are many stereotypes that Americans have about Moldovans and they have about us.. I was able to break some of those during this conversation... An example of this is the daily life of my host father here in Stauceni... His day consists of waking up, eating, working, eating and sleeping again. He really doesnt have time for anything else because he needs to work alot to provide for his family... During our conversation I was able to explain to my host mother that I had three jobs while I was back home and that I would also work all day and night to make and save money to be a volunteer.. We have the stereotype alot of the time that life is easy in America.. well it is in some ways, but is also very hard in others...

Another topic that we discussed during this time was the idea of vacations.. I let my host mother know that I am going to Germany in November to see my cousin and Spain in December with a friend. I shared this with her because she truly means something to me and I just like to share the joyful aspects of my life. Well this conversation brought up the differences in American then Moldova. Caroline explained to me that they dont have enough money to go on a lot of vacations that is why they have so many guests over at their houses so often. She went on to say that having guests over was their time to have fun and just relax away from work. This really made since to me, because when I think about it in America I really never had guests over that often, it really was only for special occasions like my birthday. This conversation really allowed me to step back and think... going on vacations in America is our time to relax and get away, when thats not possible you have to improvise and still make positive fun moments in your life.. Knowing that fun can be wherever you want it to be.

These examples are only a few of the many conversations I have had with my host mother, along with other moldovan people. There is so many thoughts and feelings to share with one another.. I know one of my main goals while I am here in Moldova is to allow myself to open up and be apart of a family, well that goal is already well on its way, I can truly say that Caroline, Peter, Katya and Nichole are my family, and will forever be in my heart..

With thinking about family and mentioning all the joys, I also look at how hard it is to be away from my family in America. I have always been close to each family member that I have, and have tried my whole life to build positive long lasting relationships with each of them. With this being said its very difficult to be in Moldova on different occassions when great events happen in my friends and families lives.. However maybe it also makes me appreciate them alot more. An example of this is my best friend in the whole world is pregnant and I wasnt able to be there for her to give her a hug and congratulate her on such exciting news.. Yet I know when I do see her and this wonderful child it will be such an amazing celebration and I cant look forward to anything more! Friendships.. families.. relationships.. and everything in between can be there for a lifetime if your willing to work at them and put in the effort..

This past week has been a great week, many lessons learned, many skills obtained, and a growth in my heart that no one can ever take away. This week I am sending out a thanks to my host mother Caroline, and my friends and family back home!

A little bit of everything... My Peace Corps project

The information that I am providing here is something I had to collect for Peace Corps III phase of pre-service training..  It will conclude information on my center, the community, cultural beliefs and personal aspects. If your interested read further...

Community Entry and Integration Assignment

Jamie Frits

Description of the Center “Pentru Tine”- The Purpose

Distractive Activities and Recreation

1.     Mobile games and teams

2.     Soccer

3.     Basketball

4.     Volleyball

5.     Relay Races

6.     Ping Pong

7.     Badminton.

8.     Frisbee.

Activity Information.

1. Activities on the computer
2. Meditation
3. School Work
4. Round table dispute
5. Contests, Quizzes
6. Editing the magazine “Your chance.”

Community Activities: Intellectual and Emotional

1.     Picture

2.     Drawing

3.     Application

4.     Popular Dance

5.     Puppet Theater

6.     Pantomime

7.     Karaoke.

8.     Cartoons

9.     Film for adolescents

10.  Photovoice.

           

Professional Orientation

1.     Cooking in small circle

2.     Crocheting

3.     Knitting

4.     Embrodiery

5.     Modeling of different crafts

6.     Gypsum works and dough

Training for organizers, volunteers and specialists

1.     Play Scheme ( Once a year)

 Mission Statement

The mission statement is not written any where in the center it is only in a document labeled Plan Project. However it was recognized that all people who work in the center know the mission statement, and can speak it with out looking into the documents. My partner also expressed that she believes everyone follows and respects this mission statement.

Mission

Qualities and skills development of children and young people with the need to effectively integrate and adapt into a changing dynamic society.

Vision

Promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities.

Staff and Responsibities

Valeria Macovei- Partner at the center- sports (soccer, basketball), activities on the computer, painting, karaoke, film for adults, crochet, sewing, and making bracelets.

Zina Balmus- Works in the kitchen and makes food for all the children every day after school. Will also help the children with demonstrations on how to make food and provides them with information on what is in certain foods.

Raisa Ivanov- Executive Direction of the center. She responds to all the documents that need to be handled, along with the funding requirements and obiligations for the center.

 Alexandra Danaila- To help the children with their homework. Also helps with meditation. On occasion she will help with reading books from the library. Along with other activities such as dance, theater, and helps to make clay activities.

Gallina Bostan- Art, reading, helps the children with their homework, pantomime, and sport activities.

Volunteers

Dana Danaila- Helps where is needed.

Ana Bordea- Helps where is needed.

Simon Marin- Helps with sports, but is not in the center very often, he only helps out when he is back at home for the weekend. I have never met him before, but it was recognized he helps out a lot in the summer.

4. Partners

• Body Shop
1. They are located Europe, they are a cosmetic shop. However wants to help other people, and helps to collect and give away money for children.
• Center De Zi Speranta
1. Center for children with disabilities. The director is Lucia Gavreliza.
• Children on the Edge
1. Organization that is located in Europe. Organization for the government for children of all types. Located in Anglia, Britain.
• Liceul Teoretic(School in Iargara)
1. Domna Raisa is the director of the school and the executive director of the center, and helps out where is needed with documents and money.

***The Body Shop, Center De Zi Speranta, and Children on the Edge all work together as one unit to provide money for different centers.**

Founders:

Lucia Gavrilita (President)- Argyroula Ramaki (Founder)- Nicolae Cicoan (Worked in Speranta)- Raisa Ivanoa (Director of School and Executive Director of Center)- Alexandra Danaila (Professor in Iargara)

How did they decided on this center-

They all work together, and they look at a variety of aspect to decide to get the money. It all depends on how many children, the need and so forth.  However the actuality on why the center in Iargara is very unclear. The information that I was able to collect was from Exectuive Director Raisa Ivanoa and she was very unclear on this. She stated that she saw a need in the community and when she was already connected with the other founders and she decided to mention it to them. And before time the center was developed.

Long term outlook-

In 2008 was when “Pentru Tine,” was developed. With the three partners decided to join in this center was the beginning of a great few years for this center. However the commitment for money was only for 4 years. The money will run out in March 2012.

It was said by the executive direction that if they aren’t able to get further funding that the center would be closing in March 2012. At this point there are no leads for further funding, however she is hoping that her current partners will renew their contracts.

6.Where do you see your role within the organization?

-       At this point it’s very difficult for me to see where my role will be in this organization. My partner and the director have not had time to sit down with me and talk about plans for the future, and how I can assist them in the areas of need. My center was on vacation from August 25^th- September 15^th. And my partner started her vacation on the 22^nd of August. Therefore there has been a little amount of communication with the people who work at the center. In the few short weeks that I have been able to work, I was able to accumulate the information that is provided on this document.

-        My hope is that I will be able to assist in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse, and being able to provide knowledge to the center on how to work with children who are in socially vulnerable homes. There is a need in the center due to the poverty, along with the troublesome homes that these children come from.  Yet my experience is the few times I have tried to provide such information on behavior, I have been rejected and pushed away, as if I don’t know anything.

-       The activities that I have assisted with thus far are all related to sports activities and just being around the children. At this time I am not sure what the center provides to children when they are in a difficult emotional state.

-       My objective is this center is a place for children to come after school to stay out of trouble, and not have to go home to an empty house. It has been recognized that in the past the children were getting involved into troublesome areas, because of the lack of supervision and lack of after school activities that were healthy and productive.

-       During my first few weeks at my center I addressed the areas of need that were acknowledged at the partner conference, and to my surprise my partner had let me know that they did not need help in those areas, and their main concern at this time was finding money for the center. It was said that in March 2012 the center would be out of grant money, and the center would close. At this time they wanted me to find money for them, and be able to provide information on grants. I let them know I had no experience in this area, but I would try. However it is almost impossible for me to complete this task with out help, and I have not been able to get any where.  The director expressed that she would make phone calls with me and try to find out information, however that was over 4 weeks ago, and nothing has been done and no effort for help has been acknowledged.

-       Overall, I believe it will take several more months for me to be able to require a solid foundation of knowledge on how I can help this center. It will take effective communication and the willingness to work on all parties, along with all parties being flexible and finding time to have such discussions. I can truly say I don’t believe this is a priority of theirs at this moment.

Community Integration

Demographics

1.     Religion (Christian Orthodox)

-       Two churches (One for Sundays which is under construction and one for Saturdays)

2.     Age

-       Children- 1-18

-       Adults- 19-29 in University or in the City for work.

-       Adults- 30-67

-       Normal death age- 60

3.     Ethnicity

-       Caucasian

-       Nationality: Bulgaria, Gagauzi, Russian, Ukraine, Romanian, Cazahi, Belarus, Romi (Tigani)

2. Areas in Iargara

Health Center

-       Heart problems- its transmitted with genetics

-       Tubercolosis- from the water and from dirty money

-       Bronchitis- Drink from same cup, and not good health practice

-       AIDS- Sexually

-       Hepatitis A,B,C

-       Gastritis- From oil, and eating small amounts of food.

-       Stomach, liver, lung and Kidney problems- water, air, smoking, alcohol

-       Dental- smoking, alcohol, and no proper care for teeth

-       Eyes- Cataracts, and people do not have money for care.

-       Herniated Disc- From very heavy objects or sitting in a car for long period of time.

-       Cancer- Pulmonary, Genital, Organ, Leukemia

** Many people have these problems for long periods of time, and transfer them because they don’t go to the hospital for proper health care due to financial problems. It is more likely they will use home remedies instead.**

Police Station

-       There is a number of criminal and sexual offenders in my community.

-       There is also a small number of murders in the community that have paid of their debt with the police to stay out of prison.

-       There is a decent problem in the village for theft, the people in the village who don’t work will usually steal things, and turn around and sell it to others so they can make food for themselves.

Leaders in the Community

-       Mayor (Claudia Ivanov)

-       School Director (Raisa Ivanoa)

Respected Community Members

-       Vera Belecci (Director of Elevator)

-       Valentina Toolerici- Very popular, and crochets for many children and does not ask for money.

-       Sergio Jurcov (Director of Cultural House)

Businessmen

-       Andrei Sestacovschi- owner of two magazines

-       Mihov Galina- owner of three magazines

-       Ivanov Claudia- owner of three magazines

-       Magla Serghei- owner of one magazine.

-       Saulenco Nadejola- owner of one magazine

-       Vesteman Tatiana- owner of one magazine

-       Botez Serghei- owner of one magazine

-       Panchev Liola- owner of one magazine

-       Cernenchi Iacov- owner of one magazine

Organizations in the Community

-       NGO- none

-       School (Romanian and Russian)

-       Hospital

-       Kindergarden(2)

-       Mayors Office      

-       Winery

-       Police Office          

-       Pharmacy

-       Post Office     

-       Elevator(Corn, Wheat, Sun Flowers)

-       Shops(20)

-       Train Station

-       Piazza on Sundays

-       Window Manufacturing

-       Cultural Center

-       Library for Adults and Children

-       Club

-       Bar(2)

-       Meat Producer

Main Income Sources:

-       Agriculture- Farming

-       Elevator

-       Winery

-       Forest

**Many people work in the fields, along with the three businesses indicated above**

Seasons change

Fall-

-       People work a lot during this period with the need of picking their crops, and the majority of this is done by hand or tractor.

-       Average work hours during this time 6am-8pm.

-       For the people who are not working in the fields it’s normal to work around seven hours.

Winter-

-       People make any changes to their tractors and such during this time.

-       Very little amount of people work during this time due to the cold tempatures and little to no heating systems in the work buildings.

-        People who work in the stores, hospital, etc, work during this time and will work their normal seven hours day.

Spring- 

-       During this time people are busy planting crops.

Summer-

-       Many people are on vacation.

-       On another side note: if the person works in a institution they usually have a salary and will get paid time off. If they don’t have a salary people will help others with their crops, or find side work to do for money during this time.

Cultural Adaptation and Home Stay

Gender Roles:

Men: Dominant, powerful and hardworking. However when it comes to work in the house, men are the first people that will walk away from the job. They don’t clean up any of their messes or do any of the cooking They rely on women to do all that type of work for them. I have also recognized that the majority of days men are usually drinking from early in the morning until late evening, and are drunk many days of the week.

For as how they treat others, I can only say my experience as an American young woman. I would say they are very forceful, and say whatever comes to their mind. They don’t have any reservations on what they think or feel, if they want something they go for it, even if it’s inappropriate.

Women: Hardworking and loud. These are the two words that I really believe can sum up woman in my village or in Moldova. All day women are working either in the house, cooking, working outside, in the fields, or at their regular jobs. It is required of women to get everything done for the day, while also working a full time job. I believe most women get up quite early in the morning, and then work tell late in the evening with their daily tasks.

With the idea of being loud, the way women express themselves to men or other women, its in a way as if they were yelling at one another. This is one of the hardest things I have had to adjust to.

Youth: There is a big difference with females and males in the youth spectrum. The girls will participate in as much work as their mothers, and often take on that role when their mothers are out of the home. For instance my host sister can cook, clean, take care of all the animals and do outside work with the crops and she is only 15 years old.

My host brother is another story, he will do outside work with the crops, and a few other around the house tasks, but he is just like the men in the house and he would never clean, do laundry, wash dishes or cook.

Respect: I have noticed a lot of respect with the youth and the adults in my community. When I work in the school the children will always stand when an adult enters the room, and will always address them with respect. In the center I work at it is the same way, and the children are very courteous and thoughtful of the adults.

Signs of disrespect: With youth its the normality of talking about each other behind each others backs, fighting, and thinking others are below them because of poverty reasons.

Losing respect: I believe how people have lost respect in my community is by not having money, doing drugs, having disabilities, or being a criminal and committing crimes against others.

Public Meetings, Cultural, Religious Events:

• Attended a school meeting for children, parents and teachers before school had started to address the needs of the community, and to make a more efficient school environment, while also seeing the differences in thinking patterns between the three groups.
• Moldovan Day
• Baby Shower
• Rise Boot Drop
• Four birthday events (Host Dad, Host Sister, Partner, and Host Dad’s Sister in another village)
• First day of school
• Danced the Hora

Tutor: Ina Porubin

-       We have been working together at least one to two times a week for Romanian lessons.

-       The fortunate part of Ina being my tutor is she was my Language Instructor during Pre-Service Training.

Local Market Prices and Seasons Change:

Winter time:

-       carrots, cabbage, onions and meat.

-       In the winter time most fruits and vegetables are available in the stores and not in the piazza.

-       These fruits and vegetables are available in stores: banana, tomatoes, cucumbers, kiwi, watermelon, orange, berries.

-       Prices go up quite a bit in the winter time. An example with tomatoes- in the summer time they are 14 lei per kilogram, and in the winter time they are 22 lei per kilogram.

Summer time:

-       Meat(chicken, pork, beef), cheese, vegetables, fruits, wheat, corn, cereal, milk, eggs, mere, clothes, sour cream, Tvorog, c

-       Clothes, shoes, slippers, sandles, electronics, rugs, furniture,

Family Tree (Host Family):

http://www.familyecho.com/?p=START&c=xvp89bhrec&f=642744771984753559

-       Above is a link I created of my current host family and their family tree.

-       I have not meet most of these people, only a few of them. They do not come visit, the only time I have met anyone is when we go to visit them in other villages.

Contract:

-       I have not sat down and actually revised the contract with my host family. This is planned for when I return to the home after Phase III. The reasoning for this is I was very sick and was not able to eat with my host family so we had to come to compromise about the money situation.

-       I can calculate all my expenses and I have done so. I will be paying on average 2100 lei per month to my host family.

Personal

Values

• Good heart
• Driven
• Hardworking
• Smart and applies oneself
• Caring
• Ability to listen to others thoughts and feelings
• Ready for change
• Willingness to work together
• Respect

Aspirations

• Learning about the alcoholism and drug abuse in Moldova
• Understanding the needs of my center
• Teach my partner about treatment planning and effectively evaluating children’s needs, along with the idea of confidenality.
• Spead peace and friendship to my community and give them a better understanding of who I am as an American.
• Fight the compelling thoughts of thinking that Americans are lazy, and worthless.
• Start and be successful at an English and debate club.

** I don’t believe people can have the same aspirations as each other, however to find a person that has the same values as me is another story. To do this I believe the people will come to you, because they will see what you are doing in the community and are will to discuss with you, give you a chance and take a step forward in recognizing your wants and needs. I believe my partner can be one of these people, she has a very kind heart, and is a very driven young woman.

Language

• Participating in 12 hours of tutoring per month that is allowed by Peace Corps.
• I set personal goals for myself to practice on my struggling areas.
• Talking daily with my host family and partner in Romanian to practice and keep the words stuck in head.
• Interacting with children in my center and talking with them in Romanian to practice on speed.
• Learning slang that is used by other languages to understand simplicity.

Health

• My health has not been the best since I have arrived in my village. I have went to the doctor on three different occasions. Had trouble with my gal bladder, Giarida, and a number of other things.
• I have been on medication for around two months now to try and subside everything.
• To keep myself healthy I make sure to wash all my fruits and vegetables in my distilled water.
• I distill water twice a week for a total of eight liters of water. On top of distilling I filter my water again, and it’s always reboiled when I have coffee.
• I don’t eat anything that Peace Corps tells me not to, and I am very strict with my host mother about a good healthy diet.
• Oil is not allowed in my foods, and if it is necessary then I place the oil myself and its only is small portions.
• Being a huge advocate for myself, for instance letting my host mother that washing the dishes with soap is a must. I have now gotten to the point of washing everything myself, so I know its clean and soap has been used.

Challenges:

• Adjusting to a new community and people.
• Being and outcast and criticized.
• Learning a new language.
• Being on every ones radar and talked about.
• Rumors in the village causing problems in my host family.
• Struggles with my hosts families way of living and being yelled at.
• Not working in my center for over a month and when I am working there my director is to busy to visit the center to get any work accomplished.
• Being treated like a child that doesn’t know anything, and also being underminded.
• Being depressed on the lack of work and effectiveness in my community

Overcoming Challenges(Going in order from challenges)

• Talking with everyone and being respectful when I cross paths with people. Also every time I go into a store I make sure to tell them good afternoon and talk to them about their day. Also with my center I am very interactive with everyone that works there, along with the children. I have been complimented by many people in my center and in my village on being so talkative with others and they respect that.
• I tried to ignore when people talk about me, but I have now taking the iniative to talk with people about how it makes me feel when they criticize me and how that’s not respectful.
• Practicing Romanian is very important to me, and I have been trying very hard to get it down perfect. Using my tutor is a huge success.
• I try not to do anything that will draw attention to myself, I go and do my job, interact with people, and not allow the small things bother me, and if they do I talk with my friends and family about it.
• With the rumors in my host family I literally had to sit down and have a three hours conversation with my host mom explaining to her the importance of talking to me first when she hears rumors, and how important it is that she doesn’t talk about me. I need to be treated the same in the family.
• When I was being yelled at by my host mom for a variety of reasons, one was because I wasn’t walking fast enough for her. I explained to her that it wasn’t my fault she was late, and I don’t want to be yelled at. I am very vocal about my needs as a human being.
• When my center was on vacation, I tried to interact in my community as much as  I could. Which wasn’t hard because many kids were back home on vacation. I hung out with many of them along with my host sister, she would take me to the lake and the local disco. Finally when school started on September 1^st, it gave me something to do for 15 days while I was waiting for the center to open. I was able to observe English classes and get ideas on how to start my English clubs and what would be beneficial.
• Being treated like a child has been very difficult to overcome. Really I haven’t figured this one out quite yet and I am not sure I really ever will.
• The lack of work and the effectiveness really bothers me. I try to keep myself busy but I am not very motivated at this point until I see some of my partners wanting to get some work done. Its impossible to do it on my own. This also will take much time to conquer.

Progress

• Advances in Romanian
• Relationships Developed
• Understanding my family and their culture
• Cooking with my host family and being successful
• Knowing my village and how to get around
• Having a daily conversation with my partner at the center
• Seeing a child smile when they are around me
• My host sister telling me how much she admires me
• Kids at the school asking about me when I am not around and how they wish I was there
• 5^th grade class begging me to watch them dance
• Getting invited over to other peoples houses for dinner
• Simply making it another day in Moldova

Skills

• Alcohol and Drug Related Problems
• Socially vulnerable difficulties
• Treatment Planning
• Groups: Domestic Violence, Self-Esteem
• Surveys-Sociological

Skills Needed:

• Grant writing
• Accounting
• Assessing needs of community