Truly this is a fact of life, especially of Peace Corps life. I will try to condense all that has happened in the last three weeks. The good, the bad, the ugly, the tragic, and the sublime: Settling in allowance is gone and have shopped around here and there, mostly there, for overpriced trinkets to stock a modest minimalist kitchen. Taking daily walks along the dirt roads admiring the wildflowers, dodging animals, and thinking about everything over here and over there. Loving working with the children, cooking, learning, enjoying new foods and new friendships. Meeting everyone who lives in this commune of villages and having no trouble being the token American. Teaching everything I know and everything I ever wanted to know to anyone who will listen. Learning how to harvest again and spending time with the dirt, the sun, and the plants. Being invited over to have sarmale and some more sarmale with a big bowl of happiness for dessert. Meeting three great people "from off" in Holland and Cornwall and sharing ideas. Getting a huge classroom for extra curricular projects with a whole slew of windows that look to the south. Finding that we have four new and six old sewing machines in the utility room not being used yet. Having two cups of great coffee in between four or five classes a day. Going to the center of town to schmooze with the dignitaries, the old ones, and the very important persons...my students...as the train whistles by overhead and the smell of smokey myce fills the air. Watching everyone having a great time even though it's freezing cold (at least for me!). Going to the magazin for the third time today to ask for something to cook for dinner besides poi with a brewski. Writing the umpteenth millionth page in my journal now four months old. Discussing projects with select groups of people interested in preserving the environment and conserving energy. Attending the St. Mary's Day festival and seeing some really special traditions happening right before my eyes. Listening to the dogs howl at night and the roosters crow in the morning. Having no time all day, but much time at night to contemplate my future, the impact of my service, and the affect all this is having on my relationships and myself. Being heartbroken at walking in and seeing the children in the procession of a small nine year old classmate's funeral who died instantly after being struck by a car outside of her home here. Feeling sadness while teaching in front of her empty desk in grade 3 that is adorned with a perpetual daily tea light, a vase of flowers, and a soft black ribbon tied in a bow. Congregating on the crowded microbus for the weekly five hour round trip trek to the only supermarket and bank in the city closest to here. Relying on the kindness of strangers, who aren't strangers any more. Feeling so honored at having the opportunity to take these children under my wing, if only for a time, and to share experiences, language, and culture from far, far away. Wondering where the boxes are with some more of my clothes and personal things that were mailed to me over a month ago. Waiting for the day that all my studying and networking and active searching for talking partners will pay off and I will become fluent in Romanian. Feeling joy at the sight of the ducks that are growing up faster than ever right before my eyes. Taking the time to write to everyone whenever I can and sending off my second letter to WWS along with a huge DVD loaded with pictures and video. Finishing two knitting projects late in the evening while watching Euronews, CNN International, and assorted old movies on TCM. Understanding that I was blessed to be chosen for this job to be here now and in this time and place. Having the time of my life and seeing things that will stay with me forever. Crying myself to sleep more than once missing the love of my life something awful. Finding something to do every single minute even if I don't have to. Exploring any new road I can find. Having the respect of mature colleagues and enjoying exchanges and smiles. Getting immersed in Romanian culture every day of the week. Wishing that I could bottle the good times, the talking together, the views, the tastes, the smells, the air and take it out whenever I want. Hoping for a good night's sleep with some heat and a soft bed. Having some lavender tea, contemplating new things and enjoying the sunsets. Looking to the future, reminiscing about the past, and living in the moment with both anxiety and a trusting heart. And dreaming of you, my Wonderwall...
