Bringing in 2013

The biggest holiday celebrated over what we call "the holidays" in the states is most definitely New Year's. Santa Claus actually comes to Moldova on New Year's, not on Christmas. (Following a tradition from Soviet times, where Santa was forbidden to come on a religious holiday, I am told) And in fact, most Moldovan's don't celebrate Christmas on December 25 but rather on January 7, following the tradition of the Orthodox Christian calendar. So what does that mean for me? I celebrate them all! I celebrated "new" Christmas with fellow volunteers. I am staying home with the host parents for New Year's Eve. (They seem to have built it up a little too much... Come to find out, it will just be the three of us!) I'm headed to the mountains of Romania for a few days later this week, and then I will be back in town for Christmas here on the 7th. (Perhaps we'll also have a small celebration of Old New Year's on the 14th.) Work essentially comes to a halt and celebrations/relaxation continues these few weeks.

As we've got a good amount of snow and then some sunshine this month, sidewalks and streets are often snow-packed and glazed over with ice. It's cold outside and in some rooms in the house that are cut off to heat, it's cold inside as well. (our bathroom for one is cold- which makes the thought of showering not near as attractive).

At the end of every year, I do think it's wise to look back, take stock, and prepare for the future. So as I look back at the last year, I think to myself, Whoa! What a year! Over the last year, I’ve moved from Washington, DC, to this little country in Eastern Europe called Moldova.  I’ve made more than a handful of new friends, who have supported me since arriving in June.  I’ve learned the basics of a whole new language and quite pleasantly settled into a new town, into a new culture, and with a new Moldovan family.  And every day, I seem a bit more grateful for where I’m from, for my family and friends back home, and for all the simple things I have often taken for granted.  I can’t help but feel so blessed for all that God has given me.  

As I look ahead, I couldn't feel more assured that where I am is exactly where I am to be and that 2013 will be a year of learning, teaching, working, relaxing, traveling, and living my dreams! Challenges from day-to-day will arise. A good attitude will be necessary. And like I said before, I already know that the support of my friends/fam will come in handy. So as we look forward to 2013, I leave you with this great new "Recipe for a Happy New Year" that I found from an anonymous cook:

"Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor."

La Multi Ani!  Happy New Year!