I can't believe an entire month has already come to pass. I feel like my time here in Moldova was just beginning, but now it is time to say goodbye. It has been quite the experience, one that I can't even put into words. Here's some tidbits I'll take away from my time in Moldova:
- The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world! There's hills everywhere with patches of sunflower fields, vineyards, and lush greenery.
- The toilet paper is pink and about the consistency of party streamers.
- At the local market, they like to give you change in candy.
- I will always remember my chicken killing day.
- I was able to master the squatty potty.
- I have never been surrounded by so much fruit! Everywhere you go people are giving you fruit from their garden and walks through the village always involve picking fruit off the trees.
- Due to the above, I have also mastered finding discreet places to have an emergency on morning runs.
- Macaroni noodles in warm, sweetened milk isn't all that bad of a breakfast.
- They LOVE their bread here.
- I have become skilled in clearing fields with a hoe, axe, shovel, and sickle.
- I have learned that with language barriers, a smile goes a long way.
- I have discovered the joy of living in community.
- The delicacy here is beaver meat, and it's actually pretty tasty.
- 20 people can fit into an 8 passenger van.
- After having to hand wash and hang dry my clothes, I will forever appreciate a washer and dryer. Seriously.
- My proper English is quickly going to crap after communicating as simply as possible with the locals. Phrases like "I go store, da" and "I sit there" with wild hand gestures have taken over.
- I have been overwhelmed with the hospitality. I continually felt blessed by the people in Moldova. They have so little and yet give so much.
- I am going to miss all the random livestock roaming around…except for the angry geese.
It wasn't until leaving Moldova that I discovered what the most important thing I will take away from my month here is. I have discovered a spirit of thankfulness that goes beyond what I've ever had before. Being stripped of all the comforts of home has given me such an appreciation for even the smallest of things – things that I once took for granted. I love this new feeling of thankfulness. It brings that much more joy into my everyday.
Farewell Moldova!
