This first month has gone by quickly. There have been so many different and new experiences that my head is sometimes spinning as I try to assimilate and learn about Moldova and her people. I thought I would share some initial impressions and thoughts. It will be interesting to see if my views change over time as my knowledge and understanding increase. PC has emphasized that our observations are mostly on the surface, and we should not evaluate or judge because there is so much more that we do not now know. So here are some random descriptions of what I have experienced.
We Americans are readily noticeable and do not really blend in with our Moldovan neighbors. Whether it is our dress, backpacks, accents, newness or whatever, we stick out!! We are a source of conversation and curiosity in the village. If someone speaks a little English they may try to engage us in conversation which is comfortable and welcomed. Or they may speak in Romanian which is a humbling experience at this point as I try to understand and respond. I do know the words for "I do not understand." Nonetheless I try although it can be frustrating for both of us. Hopefully, the effort, a smile and "da" (yes) make up for limited language skills!!
During my second week, an older gentleman sat near me at the rutiera stop (large van akin to a small bus) and began naming the US presidents beginning with Roosevelt and continuing through Obama. He even mentioned a few former Secretaries of State! I do not think he knew or spoke any other English, but his attempt to converse was charming and delightful. Unfortunately I could not respond in Romanian because I did not know the words which may have made sense or been appropriate. We simply smiled at each other and in that way made a connection.
The children in the village are friendly and like to say "Hello". They actually pronounce it better than I pronounce "Buna Ziua"!! When you try to engage them in conversation, however, many do not know enough English to do so. They are probably just beginning to learn the basics. The children are actually a good resource for us as we learn Romanian. They speak more simply and slowly.
One day a woman approached me and another volunteer while we were out walking and asked if one of us could tutor her daughter in English. We had to apologize and tell her that we had classes all day and would only be in the village for a few weeks before moving on. There is a desire and interest in learning English. Many volunteers have secondary projects which involve English classes and clubs for both adults and children. I am not sure if I will be doing any teaching or tutoring in my future assignment and/or off work hours, but beware as I may need some English language materials!!
It is fascinating to see all the T-shirts, shirts, handbags, hats and other items with American brands, logos or words. Be it the name of a city, state, university, sport, sports team or whatever, all things American seem quite popular. Many do seem different or not imported from the US. This is something I will explore when I have a chance to do some shopping at the piata or market.
We have walked through the Central Market in Chisinau a few times on our way to classes or the rutiera back to the village. It is a fascinating collection of open air stalls and sidewalk vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing to household items to products of every description and kind. It is a place where you negotiate and shop around as prices for the same items can and do vary. We actually had a lesson and practiced in Romanian language class on how to negotiate at the piata!! I'll let you know how I do when I give it a try.
Today we had our first language test. It was an oral exam where we were given four scenarios where we had to converse with an instructor. Mine involved describing my family in America to a new host family and asking questions about them; introducing myself to my new director or work partner, describing my experience, and asking questions about the work assignment; giving directions to the shop where I had bought a dress which my colleague admired and wanted to go to the same shop; and going to the store and piata to purchase and negotiate for food items to prepare for dinner. I was able to converse although I know that not all my noun and verb endings and tenses were correct. I think I was able to show some knowledge of vocabulary and hopefully more pronunciations were correct than not. Bottom line, I got through it and they did not hand me an airline ticket home at the end!!
In all seriousness, our LTIs (language training instructors) are great and very patient. We will be given the results of the exam tomorrow or Saturday when we have class. They actually give us feedback each Saturday and are helpful. I know that my Romanian is a continuing work in progress.
Tomorrow is a big day for all the M30s as we will learn our permanent assignments. That is, we will be told where we will live and work for the next two years. We will learn the nature of our work and the identity of our Moldovan work partners. This Sunday we will travel to our permanent sites to meet our new host families and work partners. We will be at the permanent site through Monday returning for a conference on Tuesday afternoon. This is an anxious and exciting time. I am eager to learn and remaining open to the next phase of my journey here in Moldova.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the upcoming holiday. We have no classes on Friday, July 3rd, as it is a US government holiday for all PC staff and employees. We actually have Romanian language class on the Fourth of July!! In some ways it will be good for us to be together as Americans learning what we need to do to be ambassadors of goodwill and peace, and of service.
I wish you all a wonderful Fourth of July and hope you celebrate our independence day with family and friends. I can honestly say that I treasure and value the freedom and life we enjoy in America now more than ever. God has truly blessed the USA.
Peace and prayers,
Debbie
Tomorrow is the 4th and I will dig out my American flag T-shirt and light up the Barbie. I also set out small flags in the front lawn.
ReplyDeleteSheila, was in Charleston during the funerals. She said it was a soul shaking experience.
On a happier note, the tribe seem to have new energy in their bats resulting in a three game sweep. Whoopie!!
Your attitude and approach is just what I would expect from you. Up for the challenge. Thanks for the update.
Peace
Larry
Debbie, Thanks for your updates. It sounds like you are adjusting but not as fast as you would like. I am sure you will catch on and be fine before you know it. Look forward to your next installment.
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