July 29, 2015 was a day of anticipation, emotion and new beginnings. After eight weeks of intense language, COD (Community and Organizational Development) and PC training, we were ready to take the next step from PC trainee to PC volunteer.
Early that morning we said goodbye to our initial host families and loaded all our stuff onto rutiere in our training villages for the trip to Chisinau. As befitting the occasion our attire was not the casual or even business casual we had worn since our arrival. We brought out the good clothes we had all packed more than eight weeks ago in the US for this special occasion. We were definitely dressed up. And from my perspective, we cleaned up pretty well and looked like one fine group of Americans.
As we waited for all thirty one COD and SED volunteers who were to be sworn in arrive as well as the staff and guests, a few of us went to a nearby flower stand to purchase bouquets for our Language Training Instructors (LTIs) and COD Program Manager and Program Specialist. Without them this day would not have been possible and we would not be ready to embark upon our service.
In Milesti Mici we had two LTIs who were and are excellent language teachers. They were always encouraging, patient and supportive as we struggled to comprehend much material in a limited period of time. They tirelessly worked on our pronunciation, verb conjugations and vocabulary. They were creative in their presentations and the exercises we did in class. Four hours of language class six days per week was a lot of work for us, and even more work for them because of all of the hours of preparation before and after class. Their weekly evaluations and feedback helped us to focus on our language learning. Because of their efforts we were able to understand and communicate in Romanian sufficiently enough to pass the language assessment that was a prerequisite to our being sworn in. In addition to teaching us Romanian, they answered our questions and shared with us about the culture, life and people of Moldova.
Similarly, our COD Program Manager and Program Specialist were and are the best PC program directors in Moldova. Their presentations were efficient, organized and thought provoking evidencing careful planning and preparation. The exercises in which we engaged were real learning experiences designed to both challenge us and assist us in our future work, The information and materials they provided are helpful and useful resources to have available for reference as questions and situations arise. More importantly perhaps, they quickly got to know each of us and took an interest in us as individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and skills. That interest and knowledge were certainly factors as they determined our permanent assignments. They probably spent countless hours considering and matching us with partners and assignments so as to insure our success. They remain ready and willing to provide assistance and guidance as we work with our partners and communities.
Before the ceremony began, we presented our bouquets and thanks individually to each of our LTIs and COD program managers. They seemed touched by our gesture. It was a simple offering, but represented true appreciation, gratitude and respect for the work of four very special ladies.
The ceremony was held in one of the large classrooms where we had many of our PC training classes. It was filled to capacity with PC staff, our future work partners and host families, and invited guests. PC Acting Country Director for Moldova Meredith Dalton and the Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Martha Campbell from the US Embassy in Moldova presided. Two M29 volunteers dressed in traditional Moldovan costumes served as masters of ceremony. To our surprise the local Moldovan media turned out in full force and television cameras and microphones were everywhere. The importance and significance of this day was brought home to all and definitely not lost on any of us.
At the front of the room stood the American, Peace Corps and Moldovan flags. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Moldova and the United States. As the first notes of the Star Spangled Banner played out, we Americans placed a hand over our hearts and the volunteers softly began to sing the words. Needless to say, those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that my eyes filled with tears. In that moment I was overcome with thoughts of home and all that is good and positive about America. I felt blessed to be an American and have the opportunity to share our culture while learning about and serving the people of a different culture. I am grateful for this moment in time and pray that I honor and represent the best of the US in friendship and peace.
As ceremonies go this one was well coordinated and orchestrated. Acting PC Country Director Dalton remarked that at its core PC works its magic because there is something inherently right and beneficial about people with different backgrounds and experiences coming together with open hearts and minds to learn from each other. This is the power of partnership when at least two people come together to work side by side on important causes for the common good. She reminded us of the words of PC founder President John F. Kennedy that we do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Director Campbell thanked us for our service, congratulated us and wished us well as we embark upon "the toughest job you'll ever love."
Ambassador Campbell stated that Moldova's future depends upon creating new opportunities for Moldovans especially the youth to stay, live and work in their communities. This must be done through business development, job creation and innovation. It requires both local public authorities improving the quality of life and fostering inclusion without corruption, and a vibrant civil society supporting growth and potential. She counseled that we volunteers would help empower the next generation of leaders and innovators, and advised us to help them understand that not succeeding is not failure, but learning how to do it better the next time. Wise words for us volunteers also. Ambassador Campbell wished us well in our efforts and thanked us for all that we are and will be doing in representing America as cultural ambassadors.
A Moldovan partner and founder of an NGO talked about her experience working with PC and the benefits and value of partnership. Two members of our M30 volunteer group spoke in Romanian and Russian, respectively, expressing our aspirations and hopes for the next two years.
Amidst all the speeches we did in fact accomplish the reason for the event, our oath and pledge. We promised to serve along side the people of Moldova, to share our culture with an open heart and mind, and to foster an understanding of the people of Moldova with creativity, cultural sensitivity and respect. We pledged to face the challenges of service with patience, humility and determination, and to embrace the mission of world peace and friendship for as long as we serve and beyond. We concluded that "in the proud tradition of Peace Corps's legacy and in the spirit of the Peace Corps family past, present and future, I am a Peace Corps Volunteer ."
Congratulations to all M30 COD and SED Volunteers!!
Below are links to the Moldovan media coverage of the ceremony and interviews:
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| M30 COD and SED Volunteers |
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| M30 COD Volunteers |
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| Milestii Mici M30 COD Volunteers |
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| Thank you Family and Friends for your support!! |
Congratulations Deb! You have given 100% of yourself to this endeavor. It is so obvious that you LOVE what you are doing! I continue to keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteLots of love from one proud American to another!
Deb,
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed and moved by your accomplishments to date. It is ironic that your blog entry comes at the beginning of the year long political morass (better known as election primary). It is disheartening to see and hear the invictives, slures and general negativism of the speakers. Your venture is a light in this darkness. It is gratifying to read your thoughts and the hope and positive good that you represent.
On a happier note, the Tribe took 3 games from the New York Yankees. Also, Sheila and I marked the beginning of the school season (I won't say fall yet) by having our first Szalay's sweet corn. Yummmy!!!
Keep it up
Larry