Although Women's Day is an international holiday, it isn't celebrated much in the United States. In the former Soviet states, however, it is a huge holiday. Here in Moldova, there is no school and most businesses are closed. There are celebrations the day before at schools and other places of work, and on March 8th, … Continue reading March 8th, International Women’s Day
Last week, Moldovans celebrated one of my favorite holidays, which is called Marțişor (pronounced mar-tsee-shore). This holiday is celebrated every year on March 1st and is an ancient tradition that celebrates the coming of spring. In ancient times, the marțişor (amulets) were created using small pebbles painted white and red and arranged on a string. The … Continue reading Martisor
Each year on the anniversary of the foundation of Peace Corps, Peace Corps volunteers, communities, and returned Peace Corps volunteers celebrate the Peace Corps. Peace Corps was founded on March 1, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. Since then, over 220,000 volunteers have served in 140 countries. Each year, Peace Corps Week celebrates the work, … Continue reading Peace Corps Week Celebrations
Two weeks ago, I was invited by one of my partner teachers to go to her daughter's 1st grade class's 100 Days Celebration. Each year, the 1st grade classes celebrate the first 100 days of school with a big performance and party. They dressed up and each girl wore a big yellow bow in her … Continue reading 100 Zile | 100 Days Celebration
Lately I've been feeling like teaching in Moldova is draining me. I love teaching and I love my students, but I've been frustrated by classes that don't listen, students that are noisy, and the lack of motivation of many of my students. The truth is, teaching is hard. But then sometimes your students absolutely surprise … Continue reading Bright Moments
The Oke Den 