"How do I know that you're a Peace Corps volunteer, and furthermore how do I know that the money is from the U.S. gov't and will be used for the playground?" 

The mayor of the village I work in asked those questions in response to why he wasn't contributing the funds he signed off on about four months ago for a project. I’ve been working there for over a year, of course I am a PCV and why else would I be here??? This is what I was thinking in addition to some not so nice things to say but thankfully I chose a more diplomatic route. I calmly told him I'd get letters (with stamps) proving that indeed I am a PCV and the org. I work with will use the money for its intended purpose. When my colleague saw that I was a tad confused/upset when the mayor refused to give money he promised Vali simply said "But no Adrianne, this is not America… things work differently here." His comment made me laugh again and think that yes indeed things are different but hopefully we can still finish the project by its intended completion date (Sept. 15^th).

The point with this story is patience. I am not exactly the most patient person (ok that’s a huge understatement)… but I am happy to say that with experiences like the one above my level of patience has grown considerably. Even though I accidentally taught Vali a bad English phrase (sob)...oops… we are both confident that we'll find a way to raise the extra money to cover costs. This is immensely significant because it shows he is not giving up but willing to put in extra time to make things work.

There is a point for PCVs where things just begin to click be it at work, language, relationships, etc and the moment is satisfying as one realizes things do come together. These past few weeks I’ve experienced that moment which is wonderful because this past year has been difficult for me in the sense that the 'clicking point' came much later than I thought it would. That said looking back I suppose it's good because now I'm a tad more patient than before (who would have ever thought...)!

Two weeks ago my sister and her boyfriend came for a short visit. At first they were taken back by some of my negative comments. Not having a sitemate nor talking to any Americans for sometime I just had to talk...to vent...to let things go. Being able to relax after a busy summer and just speak my mind was absolutely wonderful. Waiting to take 12 hr. ride to a conference shortly after she left the country I already felt refreshed.  Such simple things as venting and relaxing with friends and family can do wonders I learn living some 3,000 odd miles away!

The mid-service conference was short—two days—too short for the amount of traveling (nearly 24 hrs.) on the Black sea.   Note to all train riders: apparently there is a class 3 implying the hallways are filled to the max. Picture this: me taking a long flexible step over others while squeezing myself as much as possible while holding my backpack above me like a weightlifting maneuver in order to pass between people. Unless you like to sit on dirty floors, drink with already drunk folks, or dance with some local village men I don't recommend Class 3.  At any rate, the weather was pleasant and food was good. PC even threw a BBQ, delicious! To top it off friends and I found a Mexican restaurant two towns down...let's just say the quesadilla I ordered would have been devoured in one minute if I had ignored table etiquette.

Last but not least the new director reminded us that we no longer have 400 days left but less (which I can't believe) and time will continue to go faster(of course). He talked about second year goals and urged us to think about what to accomplish before COS next year. Being a 'list person' I thought it was a good idea. So here's mine for the curious folks (in no particular order)...

-Work on becoming more of an assistant then manger to my orgs to promote sustainability...this will be a tough one!
-Remember my optimism (as my sister found out I've def. lost some of it)
-See to it that secondary projects can continue without me--EDAR fundraiser, Project Clean city, etc
-Help Asociatia Copiii Sperantei (the org. in the village) grow. This could be as simple as helping it maintain weekly meetings
-Make a good flour tortilla...all previous ones have failed and end up looking like pizza crusts or oddly shaped batter
-Cut in line when paying bills! If the little ole' ladies can cut in front of me all the time then so can I (maybe...)
-Enjoy myself
-Achieve at least advanced mid on my language exam by COS. I have a hard time learning language and since I work for an Eng. organization in my town this will be a challenge
-Convert one Romanian to American football...j/k