First Day Working on Project

We just finished eating and had a great conversation for the last couple of hours.  I can’t say it enough again that I love it here!!!  I feel as if we are part of a family…Simona, her husband Peter, mother Marianna, and step-dad Victor…along with three volunteers all staying under the same roof.  Tonight we had a delicious dinner of home-made soup, then mashed potatoes with b-b-q.  Mmmm…..  Then came a very exciting conversation on Romania and communism, when communism fell and how it affected the people, the pros and cons of communism and their way of life today, and how difficult it is for Romanians to get a Visa to visit the United States….it is nearly impossible for them!  This conversation lasted for about an hour and it was enthusiastic and sharing of many points of view in an honest and respectful way.  Some people may not have liked being part of this type of conversation, but this is exactly what I was hoping for.  A point of view from a locals of questions I have asked myself.  I must have had the biggest grin on my face the entire time. 🙂

Today we started our project and I think I can say that we are tired tonight!  Let’s just say that I haven’t enjoyed a hot shower like I did tonight.  It is worth every bit of energy exerted because Simona and her husband have a great vision and drive to the lives better for those in the community.  They have inspired me! 

So, in the morning we geared up in our work clothes, ate breakfast, and headed out.  Our first stop was to the Town Hall to see the Mayor of the town where the project is.  He gave the land to Simona and Peter for their project.

On our way out of the Town Hall a cute little horse and buggy went by.  This is common in this area…more of these than cars.  They went past the work site throughout the day and I just loved hearing the clitter-clatter of the hoofs. 

This is the work site…take notice of all of the corn stocks sticking out of the ground.  This was the first phase…pulling out all of the corn stocks covering 15,000 square feet of land!!!  And I can proudly tell you that 4 of us did it!  Peter was the host today since Simona could not come with us because she teaches kindergarten during the week, so her and Peter work together and they are both very easy-going and informative.  After we pulled the corn stocks we put them into piles and burned them. 

The Trae Voluntares = three volunteers (me, Brian, and Kathe)  We are on a well deserved water break. 🙂

After our work day was complete at the site, Peter took us to a fresh spring to get some cold water.  This spring is also where the horses can re-hydrate.  I was absolutely fascinated by the horse and buggies and how many there were.  In the village we were working in that was the main mode of transportation.

Simona and Peter also created a video about a year ago regarding their project I want to share with you.  It will give you insight into what they are creating.

Part 1

Part 2

Well, it is late and I am WAAAYYY tired and need to rest up for another work day tomorrow, but I wanted to get pictures posted for everyone while I had the chance….enjoy!  I also updated previous posts with pictures.  Napte buna (good night).