A million apologies for my inability to stay current with this blog. When I first got to Moldova I didn't understand why so many volunteers were not keeping current on their blogs, I now understand. Although, I will say that while it may seem that I have neglected this blog, it has been on my mind and I have been writing a special posting for my 1 year anniversary...coming June 11!It has been a very busy two months. In addition to moving into a new apartment, I also had to say good bye to Kyle my site mate. It was tough saying goodbye and his departure has left a void here in Floresti. April marked the first wave of volunteers leaving from the M22 group. By May they were all gone. Now volunteers from the M23 group are preparing to leave. Their departure will begin in July. I still remember them saying to us on our first day in Moldova "One year ago today we arrived!!" Now we will be saying that to the new group set to arrive on June 10.
Our M24 group is already planning the 1 year celebration for sometime in July. While its not at our one year mark, July just worked best for most everyone. I'm really looking forward to that weekend. I will have not only the 1 year celebration, but also my host sister's wedding (which will be my first Moldovan wedding). Knowing how we as volunteers celebrate and hearing how Moldovan weddings can be, I expect to get no sleep that whole weekend!
This past weekend, my friends and I had commented on how amazed we all are that we have been here for almost a year already. This first year has flown by at a blurring rate. I'm told the second year goes faster. Part of me is happy that it does go fast as I am anxious to see my friends and family again, but Moldova has become home so I want to soak up as much as I can while I am here. And my departure from here next year will definitely be bittersweet.I have found that since moving, I have been about 200% busier since now its up to me to do everything necessary for living on one's own (e.g. cooking, cleaning, shopping...). But I'm enjoying it and making friends with my neighbors.
Today marked that last day of my first school year. The 12th graders and 9th graders "graduated" and three 5th graders rang the final bell. It was a great ceremony filled with all the pomp and circumstance I've come to appreciate here in Moldova. Afterwards, there was a concert in the center of town for all of Floresti's students and graduates.
This past weekend, I invited some volunteers to my apartment for a "End of the Year" celebration. A good time was had by all and I found myself giddy like a kid in a candy store the day before everyone came. It was so great to have an apartment filled with my closest friends here. We spent part of one day at the lake and two nights at some of the bars and one of the discos. I swelled with pride as I took everyone on a tour of my town. I foresee more gatherings here throughout the summer.
With school done for the summer, I am turning my attention to preparations for Camp GLOW in August and training for the incoming M25 volunteer group. Its amazing to me that in a matter of 11 days, a new crop of volunteers will be here and I will be celebrating 1 year in Moldova. I also plan to take this time to visit other volunteers' sites as well so I can see more of Moldova. This actually begins tomorrow with a trip to Telenesti where my friend Neal lives. I had not planned on any major trips this summer other than to Odessa, Ukraine with some volunteers for two days and possibly a trip to Bucharesti, Romania to visit Jackie the girl I met in Vienna, but Dan a fellow volunteer would hear none of that. So now I have added a week in Athens, Greece to my summer agenda and I couldn't be more excited!! It will be a great way to end my summer right before the new school year begins.
