Daryll and Mary Klein arrived in Bucharest for a three-month language and cross-cultural training program in June, 1995
Daryll (59) and Mary (56) Klein
Former home: Portland, Oregon.
Moved to: Romania (as Peace Corps volunteers).
Present home: Sun River, Oregon.
When a joint business venture took a very fine turn, Daryll and Mary Klein (he's a lawyer, and she's a medical technologist) no longer needed to work for a living. Wanting to "give something back" as well as experience both challenge and adventure, the Portland, Oregon, couple joined the Peace Corps. They were willing to go wherever the Peace Corps needed them, but particularly hoped for Eastern Europe. Happily matched to Romania, they arrived in Bucharest for a three-month language and cross-cultural training program in June, 1995, then settled in a small apartment in Constana, an industrial port city on the Black Sea, for the rest of their stay.
The Kleins' efforts were focused on offering business training to local groups, which they did through a variety of projects (a favorite for Daryll was teaching economics to high-school students and the "how-to's" of having a private law practice to lawyers). Mary's work with Aid to Artisans sent her into small country villages. "The people there were farmers," says Mary. "In the winter, they did crafts and used them for barter. I worked with the local artisans (weavers, potters and leather makers) to teach them business practices, like how to come up with realistic prices for their work."
While their obvious fondness for the Romanian people continues, the terrible pollution in Romania horrified them. "You can see the pollution in the air," says Daryll. "I saw one river that was black." Says Mary, "It was painful to see the land so abused. The public places were filthy." On the upside, they applaud the superb public transportation in a country where few people have cars.
Because of a family emergency, the Kleins returned a few months before their two-year volunteer tour was up. They've relocated to Sun River, a more rural, less rain-soaked area of Oregon than Portland. With a first-hand knowledge of just how bad pollution can be, both are focusing their volunteer efforts now on hands-on environmental education. They use their cars less often, and walk and bike wherever they can. The simplicity of Romanian life has led them to a slower daily pace and an increased emphasis on relationships. Was it worth two years of their lives? "Absolutely!" both respond unhesitatingly. Their enthusiasm has been contagious; their best friends are now Peace Corps volunteers in Lithuania.
Words of Wisdom
Daryll: Take the initiative and do something on your own. There isn't anyone who will tell you to do it. If you like adventure--then go, and take advantage of the travel opportunities while you're there. I highly recommend the Peace Corps, and it's free (The Peace Corps pays all travel and living expenses for volunteers). Like any volunteer work, you'll always get back more than you give.
Mary: It is really important to investigate the possibilities if you want to make a real change. We only have one life, and we determine how we're going to live that life. What's important is not to settle for what's comfortable, but to develop an attitude that's inquiring and interested in the world.
