Traveling through Yerevan & Languages

What I love about this video is that I did not dub the music on top.  I believe it's Armenian music (not Russian?) that was playing in our microbus.  You'll notice that the road is very nicely paved (unlike what you might find in Chisinau).  But a local told us there was recently a political election in the city, so the roads in the last while had been repaired and improved quite a bit.

The Armenian alphabet is so different and so interesting to me.  I also enjoy listening to Armenian being spoken. To me, the sounds are raw and throaty but yet such a low, soft, rolling song with every sentence.   Languages are so interesting and beautiful to me, displaying the diversity of life and complexity of how cultures and civilizations transform the way people speak.  I found this interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about whether language influences thoughts and thus culture.  Cognitive research in the last few years suggests it does.  

One experience I had last fall (just when I thought I was getting good at Romanian!) involved simple small talk with a young gentleman.  He asked me about where I was from, what I'm doing here in Moldova, and where I live... And then, he threw me for a loop.  He asked me, "Se primește?"  I knew what it meant.  It meant, "To receive itself?"  I asked him to repeat, and he said it again.  I had no response.  I really didn't know how to respond to that, and thus he scowled and scolded, wandering how in the world I could survive in this country not knowing how to respond to the question, "to receive itself."  It turns out that it's a direct translation into Romanian from Russian, and it means something like, how do you receive it here?  How's it going here for you?  I didn't know much Russian at all then and still don't know much now.  Inevitably, there will always be things I miss from my lack of context from spoken languages here.

Skiing in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

I'm no expert in skiing and have skied less than a handful of times in my life actually.  Thus, although this video may make you dizzy, I'm pretty proud to show you my zig-zaggy view from the mountain in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.  It was truly beautiful.  Being a girl from a farm in western Nebraska, I absolutely love open spaces that leave me with plenty of fresh air to breathe in freely.  Nebraska offers perfect sunsets across a flat plain, leaving you with feelings of joy, contentment and freedom.  The top of this mountain left me with the same feelings.  The view was expansive.  I could see for miles. There were very few other skiers on the mountain, an extra plus. Our training was held in the ski resort town at the base of this mountain.

In addition to that, we decided to ski the morning of International Women's Day, highly celebrated in much of the world (but for the United States perhaps).  We women were welcomed with congratulations by the ski rental staff and told we could ski for free for the day!  We paid maybe 2 dollars to go on the second lift up to a higher point on the mountain, but the skis and the first lift for free!  I did indeed feel honored that day.

Matej from Slovakia teaching Kate from Georgia how to walk up the mountain with skis.

Beautiful place called Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

Armenian Women Making Lavosh

One tourist stop in a small village in Armenia was of these women making lavosh (which is like a big tortilla).  I have never tasted any lavosh soo good!

Volunteering is...

Volunteering is... Sexy.

This is one sample of a skit of many performed during our training in Armenia.  Topics included: volunteering, discrimination, stereotypes, intercultural dialogue, and democracy.  This week, I hope and plan to post a number of videos from Armenia.  Get excited!

Spring Has Sprung

After a few weeks back in the Republic of Moldova, I'm back into the swing of life here.  As you may remember, my primary work placement is with ACSA, the rural extension agency in Moldova more or less.  Unfortunately, they have not had any more funding since I arrived at site.  Since January, they have not even paid salaries to any ACSA employees, which includes the 3 employees in our office (plus part-time cleaning lady and part-time accountant) and all of our local consultants (paid part-time).  Thus, the situation has been pretty bleak and difficult.  The federal government must agree to fund ACSA for the next five years hopefully.  They say they will have an answer by April 22, but they've given several deadlines like this with no results.  What they seem to not understand on the national level is that some offices are closing out of necessity and may not reopen so easily.  Our office has stayed open almost every day on a volunteer basis.  Some farmers still come in to complete paperwork for grants/subsidies previously received from the federal government.  A handful of farmers every week come in to ask questions on other matters. 

As my primary work placement hasn't had much work for me to do, I continue to focus my efforts in other areas.  The biggest area is youth development.  Last week on April 3, the English teacher I've been working with implemented a GLOW workshop for ten 10th grade girls, focused on self-esteem and self-confidence.  I was really proud of her!  The girls weren't all that excited to be there at first, but by the end of the workshop, they were enjoying talking about the topic of self-esteem and doing activities that they wouldn't otherwise do.  Video below is an activity that helped to explain what GLOW Girls Leading Our World) was all about.

Last weekend, Moldova ATiP had an informational session on anti-human trafficking efforts in Romania.  The leaders of the marketing campaign, Not For Sale, which is a program of the Ratiu Democracy Center in Romania, shared about their efforts in mobilizing youth and adults in Romania in educating society on human trafficking, risk factors, and also preventative measures to take.  Also, a person from La Strada in Moldova, came and spoke about the organization's Hot Line (Linia Fierbinte).  The call line is available 24/7 for anyone in Moldova or abroad who suspects trafficking of persons; has missing family or friends who may have been trafficked; or is concerned that they may be trafficked themselves. 

Finally, I must share with you my "spring (almost) has sprung" evidence.  At least there are new baby animals around:

Baby puppies and a kitten at my host family's house in Cricova (family from last summer).

I'll end with a list of other things that have made my last couple weeks:

• My host dad told me the last time I visited that he started putting ginger in his tea. Okay, it's not that big of a deal, but the first time I made ginger tea and he tried ginger, he cringed and afterward would not at all go near it! 

• My host family bought a travel package to visit other countries, one week per year for the next three years, on vacation.  Since when did my host family get the urge to travel?  And since when did Misha think he could overcome his fear of flying?  Once again, I'm happy for them and slightly amused that they would do this, knowing that a few months ago they said they have everything they need and could want in Moldova.  Why would they leave?  ("Vacation, sight-seeing, cultural enjoyment, and new perspectives!" I said previously. Maybe they believed me, that it's quite fun to travel.)

• My roommate, Lindsey, is pretty much the best.  She's a good friend, a good cook, a clean roommate, one who will share her food and clothes (expanding wardrobe, woohoo!), one who allows me to bounce my crazy work ideas off her, and one who makes you go out and exercise with her.  We're a pretty good team!

• We had a fantastic Easter celebration with a few close volunteer friends, celebrating the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.  We're so blessed! 

Armenia and Italy

I've just spent three weeks away from Moldova.  Half in Armenia and half in Italy.  It was a wonderful adventure, full of memories that will last a lifetime.  Armenia was a fun learning experience and a place I never thought I'd visit perhaps in my lifetime.  I am glad I did, though.  The people were warm; the food was quite delicious; and the particular training in which I participated was like nothing I've experienced before.  If you can imagine 22 young people from 11 different countries, all with open minds ready to learn and broaden their perspective about their own societies and including all people (socially outcast groups of people, socially vulnerable and unaccepted groups) into them, it was quite the intense event.  Even being in a room with this diverse, quite social group of people was an event and a learning experience in itself.   Take for instance the Greek woman, Maria, the gem of a lady a bit older than the rest of us, who has such a warm Greek spirit, a career in counseling, and strong opinions backed by experiences about the trials of democracy or lack thereof in her home country.  Or another example, Josip, a Croatian gentleman who works with people who are hearing-impaired and nonverbal to better include them in society and improve their opportunities in life.  Or there's Maka from Georgia, who works with victims of domestic violence.  I could go through the whole list of participants with the same conclusion that leaves one in amazement because of such a diverse, engaging group of individuals, all sharing a goal to meet new people that share their common interest of making a better society in their respective countries through social inclusion. 

Presentation through dance/music of the qualities of a good volunteer.

 Social inclusion?  What's that?  It took me a while to figure out exactly what that meant, but it's about including into society all types of discriminated, excluded members or groups of societies.  We did a number of activities that allowed for discussion, active participation, and role playing.  For one activity, an adjective/subject was attached to our forehead that we could not see ourselves (for example, Lady Gaga, gay, homeless, rich, Muslim, bisexual, just-released prisoner).  Everyone treated each other as society would generally treat that person with that stereotype, according to the description on the person's forehead.  After ten minutes of treating others as society (or we ourselves) might treat them, we talked about how we felt due to the way we were treated.  I was treated like a rockstar. I was Lady Gaga.  Others felt shamed, isolated, or not understood.  It was obvious that all of us discriminated in many ways against certain populations (during the activity and in reality as well), even without knowing them personally or verifying that any of the stereotypes we construct in our minds are true. 

We created a video of Super Volunteers, doing good work even on a mountain top.

We did a host of different activities like this, and the training should be helpful for both Svetlana and me back in Moldova.  We hope to facilitate workshops raising awareness about accepting all people into society in which we live and also to utilize some of the activities and methods we used during the training.  My time in Armenia was well spent, fascinating, educational, and applicable.  I feel so lucky to have visited!

Italy

After Armenia came Italy, which was most definitely a vacation.  An amazing one with my best friend, Karla, who flew  from Iowa to meet me!  Whenever we're together, we never cease to keep life spicy, warm, and delightful. (for those of you that know us, is that accurate??)  Italy, of course, was no exception.  We were in Rome for 5 days, at an Agroturismo for a day, Florence for 3 nights, Siena for a day, and Milano for an evening.  Along the way, we had amazing espresso and pastries, pasta, pizza, wine, olives, cheese, bread, gelato, and everything we could possibly handle to eat in a week's time on the Italian cuisine menu!  We made some new Italian acquaintances almost everywhere we went.  Our favorite in Rome was Gelato Man as we affectionately called him (real name, not important/unknown).  He showed us the best gelato in Rome, the best takeaway pizza, fried risotto balls (I couldn't stop thinking of H Street's Taylor Gourmet!), the hidden old garden patio unknown even to most Romans, and so on… Thanks, CouchSurfing for the meet up in Rome, where we met Mr. Gelato Man!

Roman Forum on a rainy day

The Agroturismo was enchanting and beautiful.  I could have stayed there a couple months I think.  Sor Giulio, the name of the place, sits on top of a beautiful big hill, overlooking miles of Italian countryside and towns.  The owner, Francesco, was so kind to us and even showed us around a couple Medieval-aged monasteries.  He cooked us some Italian pasta, while we sipped on his house wine (something worked out right compared to white house wine in Moldova, that's for sure).  We spent a morning, doing nothing but enjoying the sunshine on the roof of the century-old farmhouse, reading and pondering the good life (and good God) we have.   Couchsurfing, once again, did not lead us astray on this fun, off-the-beaten track adventure.

Agroturismo Sor Giulio at Fara in Sabina.

In Florence, we stayed through AirBnB in the apartment studio home of an artist.  We had our own room but were so lucky to have our host give us tips of what to do and see and to grasp what life might be like for native Florentine's, particularly those who are in the art scene.  Please recall that Florence is the heart of where the Renaissance movement began in the 14th century.   Artists like Michel Angelo and Leonardo di Vinci sipped their coffee there, drank their Tuscan wine, and sculpted and created masterpieces for the world to see and remember for centuries.  We also took in some of the art at the Uffizi Gallery, the sculpture of David by Michel Angelo at the Acadamia, and let's not forget the artwork in the apartment where we stayed.  Although I am admittedly not the artsy type and lack the mind and creativity of an artist, I agree that there's something to learn from what we saw there.  We did talk to a handful of aspiring artists, though, which Karla and I found amusing but sometimes could barely stand.  "So what do you do?" I asked to one named Alberto.  He responded seriously and honestly, "I create."  In which after some hesitation, I apologized for my American heritage (which demands a more direct, informative response) but told him that I didn't know what that really meant for him.  So could he explain a bit more for me?  In which he responded in his British Albanian accent, "Well we all create or are creating something at all times…."  (Exactly!  So please!  Tell me what YOU create!)  … It turns out he was a gallerist, one that helps "create" the experience and design of the artwork in the gallery.  So although the people and the food and the slow tradition were all lovely, we struggled to be so empathetic to understand the life of an artist in Florence.  I'm sure if you'd give me a few weeks living there though, I'd have a handful of friends and a much better understanding and appreciation for those characters.

We took a day trip from Florence to Siena.  This is in the city square.

 Our last stop was Milan, our least favorite part of the trip.  Big city, too much graffiti, too difficult to get to our housing…  But we survived and made the most of it.  We had a lovely dinner and had to leave hours later back to our respective homes.  It was refreshing to spend over a week with my bestie, who is the ideal travel companion and who I hadn't seen in 10 months.  She's a huge blessing to me!

Moldova greeted me with a biting cold wind and snow flurries.  I was less than impressed.  Since arriving, more snow has fallen and the cold has remained.  Sorry, everyone in Moldova, that I came back and winter came with it!  Oh, no!  Soon enough, spring will come and STAY.

To all my friends and family back home, have a joyful Easter holiday!  Jesus is risen!  We'll be celebrating here in Causeni in our still new apartment.  (and then celebrate with the Orthodox Christian here in May!)

Adventures in Armenia

Բարի գալուստ Հայաստան! Greetings from Armenia! After a long travel- a rutiera ride to Buchuresti, a 4 hour wait in the airport beginning at 3am, a flight to Paris, a 4 hour wait there, and a 4 1/2 hour flight to Armenia, we arrived!  We stayed with a host Armenian and were welcomed at 10 at night with a traditional Armenian snack and wine.  After some lovely conversation in English (and of course a bit of Russian with Svetlana, my Moldovan counterpart), we fell fast asleep.  

We had a lovely day in the capital city, Yereven.  In the morning, I met with two PCVs that lead the GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) initiative in Armenia.  They had a lot of good ideas that I hope to take back to Moldova.  We met at this coffeeshop called the Green Bean, which felt like any coffeeshop at home in the U.S. (or Moldova friends, think the Tucano of Yereven).  After a great discussion with the PCVs here, we took a walking tour of the city center guided by our kind, new Armenian friends, Armen and Narek.  The sun was out and the weather not all too cold.  We had the requisite shaurma, which was delicious and filling.  We walked by the opera house, Swan lake, the cascade steps, Republican Square, and more.  We sat at a cafe for quite a while, talking about Armenia, the U.S., and Moldova and all types of subjects, my favorites being music; social habits, differences, and similarities in our countries; and the many things that brought us laughter.  We ended with a traditional Armenian dinner, which was delicious and filling.

Republican Square, Yereven

Since Monday, I have been in a little ski resort town an hour outside of Yereven.  The sun finally came out today to display the glistening icicles shining outside our conference room window.  The reason I'm in Armenia is to attend a training course called, "Best Practices for Inclusive Growth", sponsored primarily by the European Commision's Youth in Action Program.  Over 20 participants are here representing 11 countries.  So far, through non-formal education techniques, we've gotten to know one another; discussed the benefits, problems, and qualities related to volunteerism; role played the effects of discrimination of certain groups of society; and also had an inter-cultural evening.  

I feel so lucky to be here and I'm already learning a lot from the training, mostly through informal dialogue with other participants.  I'm learning a lot about all these respective countries represented (Greece, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, Italy, Spain, Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey, Armenia, and Moldova) and their economic/political/social situations.  I'm also learning about attitudes of Europeans about volunteering, which is really interesting to me.  I find one of the greatest challenges I see in Moldova and particularly within my town is that individuals lack the inspiration, initiative, knowledge, and drive for volunteering and serving their community.  Youth, in particular, think it's crazy for me to come here for two years and only on a volunteer basis.  "Why?", they ask.  So as we discuss the motivations for volunteering or lack thereof during this training, it gives me some perspective.

Presentation on getting to know each other and the town and country

In a small group today, we were asked to brainstorm the qualities of a volunteer.  Already, three groups had written their responses, and initially my group saw no new adjectives to add.  But there was one quality that I thought was missing, which was a "humble attitude toward service."  I introduced the group to the idea of Servant Leadership, which I described as the type of natural leader that leads first and foremost through humble service to others.  Regardless of the type of service, one will be learning and growing and helping meet the needs of people/organization/company (as leaders should do) as they are focused on serving them in that manner.  Robert Greenleaf in his 1970 essay, The Servant as Leader, said, "The servant-leader is servant first... It begins with the natural feeling that one want to serve, to serve first."   I haven't read the essay, but I'm curious and skeptical about this comment.  I'm actually quite a selfish person.  Sometimes, I don't naturally feel the desire to serve. Not my community, not my roommate, not my host family, not anyone but myself. However, I have learned and have relearned the idea that giving of yourself to others (your gifts, time, skills, positive attitude) will be given back to you at least 100% and usually double or triple fold what you gave in some way (personal growth, satisfaction, new friends, new life lessons, etc).  Also, I've learned about and now believe wholeheartedly in the idea of leadership being best when it's done with a servant's heart.  These lessons were discovered through experiences through organizations such as FFA or the Nebraska Human Resources Institute, in combination with my Christian faith and values.

Bringing it back to my question of motivating Moldovan's to serve their community, I'm not so sure that individuals in my town have a natural feeling that they want to serve members of their community who aren't in their tight-knit circle of family and friends.  Certainly they care deeply for their loved ones and wish to serve in that way, but when it comes to a larger community service event, people are not so willing to volunteer.  Some say it's due to how, during Soviet times, they were forced unwillingly to participate in community events.  As I've mentioned in past posts, they were told what to do and how to think in some ways, and they were not inspired by personal motivation or discovery.  Secondly, after the break-up of the Soviet Union and the fallback in the economy of Moldova as well as political dissension in the last 20 years, many Moldovan's have quite a negative attitude toward their country's future.  I'm casting wide brush strokes, but it's evident that their past has had large effects on their attitudes toward volunteering and service to their community.

As I enjoy my time in Armenia with 20 new friends from all over, I ponder answers to questions like the one above.  Hopefully, through conversation and activities, I'll find at least more context to set me in the right direction toward answers.