Well 3 weeks have quickly gone past in our new acasa (home) in the N, I started language lessons and found I am too confused yet to retain what I learn so I am on vacation from learning but not from speaking. So it is forced language learning but eventually I get it across or the person walks way cause I have taken up too much of their time....

Grapes are starting to come in season at the market

I have not started to cook yet because gramma makes the most wonderful vegetable dishes for lunch and supper with fresh fruit in between that there has been no point in learning how to cook in the outdoor kitchen or getting in her way as she cooks.  Breakfast I do not want to get up earlier to cook so for $3.50/per person/day we eat fresh organic food which is not much. Unless your budget is $128/month and rent and utilities have to come out of that too.  Which here, they do, no free housing. So economically I have to start to cook next week,,,,

More of the selection at the market in Sorocca

I have traveled to the nearest town Sorocca, for supplies so I thought I could tell you about travel
 It still is van transport with 20 seats and space in the isle for 5 more but 15 get put in. The people believe that disease is carried in the current (air) so the windows do not open and the roof has a hatch but the people only want it 1/2 open so you have 35 hot bodies riding together in a small space sharing all sorts of germs that the current could carry away but no, the current carries the disease so no open windows... It is still 85-90 everyday here so the ride is not pleasant even if you have a seat, Like Africa but it beats walking or riding your bike in the hot sun...                     
We went to a festival yesterday in Sorocca.  It was Independence Day in Moldova. The pictures are of the dignitary's laying flowers at the foot of the Stephen Cel Mare (Steven the Great) statues throughout the country. A loud intercom announces that people should pray for wisdom and guidance and health for themselves, neighbors and country.
       Then after everyone that wants to leaves flowers the dancing and singing started with the band.  They even had a parade    

                                                                           





Sorocco has a fort that the Polish people, who once were the rulers in the area  defended and this year they were invited to come.  They wear traditional costumes, brought weapons, did sword fights, cooked, gave samples, and did a mini renaissance festival, (no horses or critters).

So those are my pics. I will take one of the (taxi) ruteriara when I decide I want to go somewhere again.  Mostly I just go down to the river to walk and talk to God... It is lovely! Marcy
Next week first bell or SCHOOL STARTS! All prayers appreciated!

                                 

A place called home in Moldova.  I have been staying in Liuba and Vasile Cherchevan home for 10 weeks and leave tomorrow. Luba had cooked for me hugged me when I cried ( I find I’m doing that more here) scolded me for taking a nap with the door downstairs unlocked on Sunday, shared her swimsuit and listened and corrected my bad Romanian when her 1st language is Russian. Vasile is a trucker from Turkey to Moscow so hasn’t been home much.  Just me and Luba.  She works at a post office shop for the newspaper and magazine sales 8-5 then cooks for us, goes to the garden and digs around. She doesn’t really have any vegs except pumpkins and fruit trees.  We pick fruit, I climb the tree or ladder. She canned for winter in her basement kitchen. ( I helped with tomatoes). 

The goat herder I meet in the field.  We have a conversation about his goats. 

He speaks Russian.

 It has been nice staying here with the quite and some beautiful fields I take a walk in after supper, before I go back to my Romanian studies. We have an indoor toilet, hot water, screens on the windows (no bugs indoors) and a fan for my room,  so I did well on my homestay. So, Thursday I go my own way with Tom who is in Chisinau having dental work done.  We’re ready to live together again, cook some food and figure out our new town and life. 

My breaks or our vacations will only be when school is out so when planning a visit (600 round trip) plan school break time.  The country is small but in the middle of some other inexpensive country's. We have some language skills and could help if you think you may want to see this part of the world.... Will write from our new home.... Love from Moldova where the pears are now ripening . IN HIM,  Marcy

How some of the other health volunteers methods of destress

http://www.canal2.md/tcnews/vor-ajuta-moldova-sa-devina-mai-receptiva-50-de-noi-voluntari-de-la-corpul-pacii-au-depus-juramantul_49382.html
We made the news in West Africa if you want to watch.  We were interviewed and it remains in English so you  can understand it. Just 5 more days of training and then I am off to join Tom and take some more language lessons.....  Love from Moldova where the sunflowers are blooming.